The main attraction here is the Puerto Quetzal Cruise Ship Terminal, where an increasing number of boats calling on Guatemala’s Pacific Coast make landfall. Within the larger terminal area is the Marina Pez Vela, harboring boats for sailfishing adventures. Cruise-ship passengers will find several amenities, including Internet access, telephone communications, and stands selling a variety of local handicrafts.

You can also book sailfishing trips from here. Guatemala Sport Fishing (tel. 5709-8697) has a charter desk that operates out of the marina. There’s also an excellent restaurant, 7 Caldos del Mar (Seven Soups of the Sea, tel. 2361-8176), run by the amiable Dimitris Moliviatis. You’ll find more than seven soups on the menu—including tapado, sancocho, and kakik—as well as a variety of meat and seafood dishes and a fully stocked bar. Order a Cuba Libre (rum and coke) with Guatemala’s famous Zacapa Centenario rum.