Things To Do
in Pasaco
Pasaco is a quiet Guatemalan town in the Jutiapa department, perched in fertile valleys and surrounded by small coffee farms. Its atmosphere blends rural charm with traditional Guatemalan warmth, showcased in colorful markets and welcoming locals. The town sits in a warm, tropical belt near the Pacific lowlands, where agriculture drives daily life.
Visitors get a relaxed glimpse of rural Guatemala, with river views, coffee-finada scenery, and authentic local hospitality as the backdrop.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your exploration at the Parque Central, where the vibrant atmosphere brings you face to face with the stunning architecture of the Catedral Metropolitana. Don’t miss out on enjoying local coffee from a nearby café while savoring the views of the colorful buildings. As the sun rises higher, local artisans begin setting up their stalls, adding a lively charm to the streets.
After visiting the National Palace, take a leisurely stroll to the local market where you can indulge in traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Sample fresh tamales and pupusas while mingling with the friendly locals who are eager to share their culinary customs. This is a perfect time to pick up unique handicrafts and souvenirs to remember your trip.
As the sun sets, head to one of the rooftop restaurants for a panoramic view of the cityscape and the illuminated buildings. Enjoy an authentic dinner accompanied by lively music that captures the essence of Guatemalan culture. The night wraps up perfectly with a relaxing walk through the lit-up streets, where the history of the city is palpable.
Early in the morning, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Atitlán, surrounded by majestic volcanoes and quaint villages. Upon arrival, take a boat ride to enjoy the stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the lake's clear waters. Stop by San Juan La Laguna to see local art and perhaps join a weaving workshop.
Spend your afternoon exploring the charming village of Santiago Atitlán, where you'll find rich history and vibrant local culture. Visit the Maximon shrine, where the unique traditions of the local Mayan community come to life. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a lakeside restaurant, offering stunning views as you taste local flavors.
As you return to Pasaco, take time to reflect on the day’s adventures with the beautiful sunset illuminating the lake. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your accommodation, perhaps sharing stories with fellow travelers. This peaceful night will leave you feeling connected to the stunning natural beauty of Guatemala.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧋Coffee or tea at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🧺Groceries (basic staples) | $3-8 |
| 🚎Local bus or colectivos | $0.50-1 |
| 💧Bottle of water | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Guatemalan experience
- Friendly locals and strong sense of community
- Beautiful river and valley landscapes with coffee farms nearby
- Affordable costs and simple, relaxed pace
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities
- Some roads can be rough and services intermittent
- Healthcare options are basic locally; longer trips needed for advanced care
- Weather can be hot and humid with seasonal rains
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "Me gustaría una mesa para dos" - I'd like a table for two
Places to Visit in Pasaco
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively core of Pasaco with colonial-style church architecture and daily street scenes perfect for candid photography.
Points along the river and valley give sweeping views of fields, small plots, and local life in motion.
A vantage point above the town offering sunset silhouettes of terraced hills and distant ranges.
Terraced coffee plantations nearby provide photo opportunities of mature plants, picking season, and farm laborers at work.
Food in Pasaco
Pasaco Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Lightly fried river fish served with crisp fried plantains and a lime-cilantro finishing sauce.
Must-Try!
Corn dough filled with a savory mix, steamed in leaves and enjoyed with salsa or hot sauce.
A rich, thick Guatemalan stew made with roasted chiles, seeds, and meat, often served with rice.
Crispy fried pork served with boiled cassava and a tangy dipping sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A colorful local market offering fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, tortillas, tamales, and quick bites.
Elotes (grilled corn), chuchitos, fresh fruit cups, and small fish fritters commonly available around market hours.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a simple 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes.' Direct eye contact and a handshake are common.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural settings or private homes.
Dress modestly in village areas; modest shoulders and knees are appreciated. Be considerate of elders and communal norms during conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Pasaco
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service isn’t included. Guides, drivers, and hotel staff commonly receive small tips reflective of the service provided.
Local transactions are often cash-based in Guatemalan quetzales (GTQ). Some larger restaurants and hotels may accept USD or credit cards; ATMs are available in town for card withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November through April brings sunny days, little rain, and clear, vibrant landscapes. Excellent for outdoor exploration, river walks, and photography, but expect warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
May through October features regular tropical showers and high humidity. Trails can be muddy; mornings are often pleasant, with late-day downpours likely. Pack a rain jacket and quick-dry layers.
April and October shoulder months can vary; be prepared for sporadic rain and warm temperatures—great for lush green scenery following rain.
Pasaco at Night
Hiking in Pasaco
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate trails along riverbanks and hillside viewpoints offering rural scenery and panoramas of the valley.
A scenic route through nearby coffee fincas with crop terraces and opportunities to learn about cultivation and processing.
A short hike to a nearby waterfall for a refreshing break and photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Pasaco by plane.
Guatemala City’s main international airport; the primary gateway for international travelers visiting Pasaco, with ground transport options to the region.
Small domestic airport serving the Alta Verapaz region; can be a convenient but longer drive to Pasaco depending on routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of non-indigenous Guatemalans and indigenous groups living in and around Pasaco, contributing to a diverse cultural and culinary scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Guatemala, widely played in towns and parks.
Common in schools and community centers, with local matches and informal courts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pasaco.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose plates based on beans, corn, fresh vegetables, and rice; ask for veggie gorditas or tamales without meat, and request salt or lime for flavor enhancement.
Many dishes rely on corn masa; check for tamales or tortillas made with pure masa and avoid cross-contamination with soy sauce or wheat-based toppings.