Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

On the Pacific Coast, Puerto Quetzal is a cruiser’s entryway to Guatemala, with seemingly endless ways to explore the country. Just to the north is the small colonial town of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with museums, churches, art galleries and cafes and situated between three volcanos. Explore the quaint town and take in the Spanish Baroque architecture and see the Jacaranda trees in bloom in Parque Central. Travelers looking for a challenge are in for a treat on a guided tour up the smoky Pacaya Volcano. Coffee lovers can take a tour of one of the many coffee plantations for an inside look at how this cash crop is grown, harvested and prepared, as well as a dive into its history. For those looking to stay close to port, the open-air market is a great place to mingle with locals and shop for souvenirs and local crafts.