Champerico

34km from Reu, and the closest beach to Xela, Champerico is one of the most popular beaches on the northern end of Guatemala’s Pacific Coast although hardly the most attractive one. Many visitors choose to stay at better quality hotels in and around Reu, but there are a couple of good ones at the beach too. At the end of the central road leading to the beach, Hotel Maza has clean comfortable rooms with TV, private bathroom and awesome views from the terrace for $25. Opposite it, actually on the beach, Hotel Sub-marino has cramped, basic rooms for $10 (1 person) or $14 (2 people).

Both hotels are in the thick of the action and for most visitors that’s what this place is all about: getting down and partying, at least on the weekends. During the week, the scene is much quieter, but the existence of some beachgoers means that not all of the comedores close. They line the beachfront serving similar seafood dishes from $5 a plate.

Champerico feels like a seedy, pick-up joint and there are enough nightclubs for those indulgences if you so wish. The beach is broad with little rubbish and a long ugly pier. A stone wall has been built so the area immediately in front of Champerico is safe to swim in and there are lifeguards most of the time. The beach is prettier though the further you walk away from town. At the end of the day, unless an all night party is what you are looking for, it’s probably better to head to one of the other coastal towns for that welcome beach break.

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Other places nearby Champerico: Taxisco, Sipacate & La Paredón, Las Lisas, Iztapa, Guatemala's Pacific Coast, Retalhuleu, Chiquimulilla, Coatepeque, La Democracia and Puerto San Jose.