In the heart of America, in the heart of Central America is Guatemala, a country where not many cruise ships make a stopover, however I will tell you that it is worth it. The Norwegian Cruise Line company is one of those that does take into account the port of Quetzal, in the municipality of San José, as one of its stopovers.
Following the page of this shipping company, we give you some tips and excursions that are proposed from this point of the Pacific.
As you know The quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, this port is in the municipality of San José, just 95 kilometers from the city of Antigua, which they say is the best preserved colonial city in Central America, and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
This is one of the excursions that they will propose during your stopover day, it lasts approximately 8 hours from the port terminal, and returning to the ship and it usually includes a panoramic view of the coast, a visit on foot to the central square and colonial monuments, such as the Church of La Merced and the Cathedral of Antigua. There is a tradition of passing under the Arch of Santa Catalina, from the XNUMXth century.
Only 100 kilometers away and connected to the panamerian highway you have the capital of the republic Guatemala, another city worth visiting. Although If you prefer to enjoy nature, you have the option of an excursion to the El Paredón area, where you can live with the local communities that still continue to fish in a traditional way.
Be that as it may, I recommend that If your boat stops in Quetzal, and as it usually does only one day, do not miss the opportunity to know a little about the variety and beauty of Guatemala, a country sometimes forgotten.
I told you that NCL is one of the companies that reach Quetzal, but both MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises have incorporated this port on their trips around the world. And Hollland America has very good prices for its cruises of 8 days, 7 nights, with stopovers in Guatemala ... yes, you have to include the plane ticket, but sometimes it is worth it.