Major city · Guatemala
Puerto Barrios
Spend 1–2 days in Puerto Barrios, using it as a gateway to river tours, boat trips to Livingston and beach stops; stay near the central market.
Puerto Barrios is the main seaport on Guatemala's Caribbean coast, offering boat links to Livingston, Punta de Palma and Belize, plus easy bus/taxi transport to nearby attractions. A short stay lets you explore the waterfront, local markets and take a day trip to Las Escobas river or a boat to Río Dulce.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GTQ
- Best months
- Mar–May, Nov–Feb
- avoid Jul–Aug (rainy season, reduced boat service)
- Airport
- PBR
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Guatemala ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Guatemala's Migration Institute or a Guatemalan consulate. Guatemala shares a Central America border agreement (CA-4) with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, so your permitted stay may count across all four.
- Guatemala ↗Hike volcanoes (Acatenango, Pacaya) only with registered guides and check eruption alerts; Fuego is highly active.
- Guatemala ↗Avoid public chicken buses between cities: they are frequent targets of robbery. Use tourist shuttles or private transport.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Puerto Barrios110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Puerto Barrios, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, Q).Guatemala-wide
- SIM or eSIMTigo and Claro sell SIMs at the airport and shops; bring your passport.Guatemala-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations in Antigua and lake hotels.Guatemala-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10% — check if 'propina' is already on the bill.Guatemala-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Guatemala-wide
- SafetyPuerto Barrios is relatively safe for daytime activities, but exercise caution with taxis at night and keep an eye on belongings in markets.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; public toilets charge Q1–5.Guatemala-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 122 fire and ambulance · 1500 Tourist assistance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysAntigua's streets close for processions on Lenten Sundays and Semana Santa; museums may close on Mondays.Guatemala-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPBR Puerto Barrios Airport (Domestic flights from Guatemala City (Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos).).
- Getting aroundBuses cost Q3, taxis Q5–Q20 depending on distance; negotiate fares and ensure taxi has ID plates.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi short trip (≤5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi short trip (≤3.1 mi (5 km))Q20–Q30
- Metro or bus rideBus ride within townQ3–Q5
- Budget bedMid‑range hotel double room, a night, per roomGTQ 350
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel double room, a night, per roomGTQ 500
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel double room, a night, per roomGTQ 750
A day, not counting the bed: Budget GTQ 250 · Mid GTQ 400 · High GTQ 650
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PBR Puerto Barrios Airport (Domestic flights from Guatemala City (Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Mar
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Best: Nov–May. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Dec (13 rain days), driest Jun (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Puerto Barrios: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Feb
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
8 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
6 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
5 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
7 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
8 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
9 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Dec
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Buses cost Q3, taxis Q5–Q20 depending on distance; negotiate fares and ensure taxi has ID plates. Boats run from the dock to Livingston (30 min) and Punta Gorda (≈1 h).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Livingston
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Boat from Puerto Barrios dock, 30 min; tickets bought at dock.
Garífuna culture, beach and nightlife.
Las Escobas river
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Local taxi or organized tour, 20 min drive to trailhead.
Hiking and swimming; check recent rain for water clarity.
Punta de Palma beach
cautionDoor to door: ≈1 h 30 min
Boat from dock, 1 h; may be crowded with debris after holidays.
Seasonal cleanliness varies.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Hotel y Restaurante MarBrissa
Central location, larger hotel, safer for tourists.
Hotel Puerto Libre
Near Ruta al Atlántico, mid‑range price.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Q250–Q350 excl. bed
- Mid
- Q400–Q550 excl. bed
- High
- Q650+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel double room1 × 1 night × GTQ 500 | GTQ 500 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × GTQ 400 | GTQ 400 |
| Litegua bus Guatemala City → Puerto Barrios, first class1 × GTQ 80 · check | GTQ 80 |
| Boat ticket to Livingston (round‑trip)1 × GTQ 120 · check | GTQ 120 |
| eSIM data (7 days)1 × GTQ 180 · check | GTQ 180 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | GTQ 128 |
| Trip total≈ GTQ 1,408 per person per day, bed included | GTQ 1,408 |
2026 estimate in GTQ; flights and international transport excluded.
Prices of common things
| Bus ride within town | Q3–Q5 |
| Taxi short trip (≤5 km) | Q20–Q30 |
| Boat to Livingston (one‑way) | Q120 |
| Meal at local seafood restaurant | Q30–Q70 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Taxis at night may overcharge; request a fixed price or use a reputable hotel‑arranged service.
- Boat schedules can be reduced in July/August; confirm times in advance.
- Pickpocketing reported in crowded markets; keep valuables secure.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 122
- Tourist assistance
- 1500
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Puerto BarriosPuerto Barrios
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance122
- Tourist assistance1500
Embassy
US consulate in Guatemala City; nearest Guatemalan embassy for other nationals in Guatemala City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Litegua bus Guatemala City → Puerto Barrios, first class: Q80, about 5–6 h (check)
- Taxi from dock to city centre: Q20–Q30, 5–10 min
- Boat to Livingston: Q120, 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (graˈθjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwanˈto ˈkwes.ta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (ˈdon.de esˈta el ˈba.ɲo)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Puerto Barrios. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Nov–Feb · avoid Jul–Aug (rainy season, reduced boat service) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Use bus from Guatemala City (Litegua) – 5–6 h, Q80 first class, Q50 second class.
- Fly to PBR for faster arrival if time limited.
- Arrange boat tickets at the dock or via hotel for Livingston trips.
Sources
Ask about Puerto Barrios
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