Retalhuleu (often shortened to Reu) is in the Pacific Lowlands of Guatemala.

Understand

Retalhuleu is the capital of the department of the same name, and is the main hub for travel in the area.

Get in

Buses from Quetzaltenango, Mazatenango and Coatepeque.

See

• Champerico. Pacific beach. Direct bus from Retalhuleu. (updated Feb 2016)
• Takalik Abaj. Ancient ruins with some interesting sculpture of the Olmec and Maya cultures. Take a microbus to El Asintal, and either find further transport there, or walk along the road to the ruins (about 2 miles/3 km). There is a site museum and small zoo. (updated Feb 2016)
• Tulate. Pacific beach. Take the bus from Retalhuleu to Mazatenango and get off at Cuyotenango junction - then take a bus from there to Tulate. (updated Feb 2016)

Do

• IRTRA (Xetulul + Xocomil). Twin theme parks consisting of Xocomil (the water park) and Xetulul (theme park with rides). There are on-site rooms, cabins and restaurants. If staying overnight, it is much cheaper to leave the parks and eat in one of the restaurants along the highway. Buses between Retalhuleu and Quetzaltenango pass the entrances to the parks. (updated Feb 2016)

Go next

• Quetzaltenango - the principal city in the Western Highlands)
• Tapachula - across the Mexican border in Chiapas