Puerto Quetzal

The Spanish expeditions to Guatemala started in 1519. However, it was only in 1524 when Spain conquered the land when Spanish soldiers led by Pedro de Alvarado defeated the Mayans. Guatemala declared independence from Spain in 1821. In 1960, the Guatemalan Civil War broke out and continued until 1996, when a peace accord between the guerrillas and the government was signed. Since then, it has been a democratic country. Guatemala has tourism as its increasing source of revenue. 

Puerto Quetzal is Guatemala's largest Pacific Ocean port which serves a cruise passenger's gateway to its tourist attractions. However, offers little options for attractions near the port for cruise passengers. To see its tourist attractions, one has to sign up for a tour offered by the tour vans in the port or rent their own private taxi. As with most Central American countries, the population centers are located in the more temperate central highlands, rather than along the humid, tropical coasts; thus, are at least an 30mins to an hour ride from the port.

However, a craft market is just right at the pier where some very good priced woven goods (placemats, table runners, napkins) and other stuff. For those not into much sightseeing, the craft market in the pier might do. Peruse hand-crafted delights, ranging from traditional toys and costumes to ceramics, wooden sculptures and silver and jade jewelry. Everytime I had a good walk around the pier, I bring back a bag full of souvenirs for my family.

Twice have I visited Puerto Quetzal. During the first visit, Jen and I just walked around the Pier and admired the cultural crafts. A cultural show was held in the plaza nearby which occupied our afternoon visit. It was about courtship and a little history of Guatemala. The patterns of their native wear has many similiraties to Banaue's woven fabrics. 

I read that Guatemala is the Land of the Maya with food as hot as their volcanoes. However, I wasn't able to have a Guatemalan cuisine experience on both occasions that I was in Puerto Quetzal, hence, I can not agree or refute this claim.

Quetzal is the currency of Guatemala which is also the name of their national bird (the resplendent quetzal). In ancient Mayan culture, the quetzal bird's tail feathers were used as currency. At present, 1 USD is equivalent to 7.78 Quetzals.  A 5USD taxi ride will be able to get one into the nearest catholic church  which is in San Jose. Tours cost from  45USD for a tour of La Antigua Guatemala and 25USD for a 2-3 hour tour in the Iztapa area.

The 45USD tour consist of an hour ride to the old city and a 2-3 hour tour of the city. Antigua, previously referred as Santiago de los Caballeros, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site retains many historic edifices which includes the Cathedral of Santiago, the Church and Convent de Nuestra Senora de la Merced and the church and convent of Santo Domingo, Plaza Mayor and Museum of Santiago. The old city is one of the oldest and best-preserved Latin American cities with church ruins and baroque-style Spanish architecture. For over 200 years it served as  the military governor's seat. However, the city being prone to earthquakes, floods and fires, lost its capital status in 1776. It was renamed to La Antigua Guatemala which means "The Old Guatemala". Strolling Antigua's cobblestone streets reveals picturesque gems majestically set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

The Iztapa tour, on the other hand, consist of a visit to downtown Iztapa, a local tortilla maker, a shark factory, El Capitan Restaurant, a mini private zoo and Chiquimalia Canal. A buko drinking stop and tortilla making and eating station were also included in the tour.cThe tour guide gave us tidbits of Guatemalan facts such as maize (corn) is their staple crop. In early days, according to him, the Mayans ate Amaranth, a breakfast cereal similar to modern day cereals. In addition, Guatemala has a consistent temperate climate which gave it the name the "Land of Eternal Springs". Crops such as coffee, sugar, bananas and cocoa are grown abundantly in the country. The country together with Mexico and Honduras occupies the Yucatan peninsula. The lowland forest of Peten is the home of the Mayans. Interesting informations enveloped in the tour. Definitely, a tour worth your while.