Things To Do
in La Unión

Corn masa filled with chicken, pork or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaf or corn husk—available at markets and bakeries in the morning.

Must-Try!

Small tamale‑like bundles of masa with a savory filling and tomato sauce—popular snack sold at market stalls.

A rich, spiced meat and vegetable stew with a toasted seed sauce—served at traditional restaurants and during local festivities.

Warm corn‑based drink (often sweet) available from street vendors—ideal on cool mornings or evenings.

The town market is the best place to sample breakfasts, tamales, fresh fruit, and informal lunch dishes while observing local life; try the chuchitos and fresh juices.

Evening and weekend stalls sell grilled meats, tortillas, fried snacks and sweets—great for casual dining and people‑watching.

Always greet shopkeepers and neighbours with a polite 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes'—a friendly handshake is common.

Show respect at religious sites: dress modestly, speak quietly inside churches and ask permission before taking photos during ceremonies.

Many locals prefer to be asked before being photographed—use a polite phrase like '¿Le puedo tomar una foto?'

Haggling is accepted in markets for crafts and souvenirs but do it respectfully and with a smile; fixed‑price food stalls are not usually bargained.

Tipping is appreciated but modest: 10% at formal restaurants if service is good; small cash tips (Q5–Q10) for helpful guides, drivers or porters. In small family eateries and market stalls tipping is not expected but rounding up is welcome.

Cash (Guatemalan quetzal) is king in small towns—carry small bills and coins. Credit/debit cards are accepted only at larger businesses; ATMs may be limited, so withdraw cash in the nearest larger town or city.

Expect sunny days, low rainfall and dusty roads—ideal for hiking, photography and market visits; mornings and nights can be pleasantly cool especially in higher areas.

Frequent afternoon storms with heavy rain and occasional flash flooding on rural roads—some dirt tracks can become impassable; morning activities are still often possible and landscapes are lush.

Temperatures can rise noticeably in lower elevations—stay hydrated, avoid mid‑day heat for strenuous activities and wear sun protection.

Religious and civic festivals occur throughout the year—these are great for cultural immersion, but expect busy streets, temporary food stalls and altered transport schedules.

The main international airport serving Guatemala City—most travelers fly into GUA and then take road transport (bus, shuttle or private car) to reach La Unión; travel time varies from 2–4+ hours depending on location and traffic.

A smaller Caribbean port airport with limited regional flights; useful if approaching from the Atlantic side, but ground connections to inland towns can be long.