Plizio Visual Lab
Iztapa
Iztapa has a long history, once being the first port founded by the Spanish on Guatemala's Pacific coast. Today, the town is a paradise for sport fishermen, as the offshore waters are among the world's richest for sailfish. Anglers from all over the world come here annually to participate in international competitions. Besides fishing, Iztapa gives a beautiful natural landscape, shaped by the Maria Linda River and the Chiquimulilla Canal. Boat tours through the mangroves allow visitors to observe a diverse birdlife and reptiles. The black sand beaches are convenient for long walks and relaxing away from the major tourist hubs. Gastronomy is heavily focused on seafood, with fresh ceviche being an absolute must-try. Iztapa is easily accessible from Escuintla and is located near Puerto San José. The best time for anglers is from November to May, when the sea is calm and sailfish catch rates are at their highest.
- Location: Guatemala
- Nearby: Cubulco (8 km)
- Population: ~4.020 (2020)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 7 | 8 | 40 | 181 | 239 | 192 | 241 | 250 | 206 | 49 | 6 |
Geography
Facts
- First Spanish port on the Pacific
- World capital of sailfish fishing
- Located on the Chiquimulilla Canal
- Famous for sport fishing tournaments
- Black volcanic sand beaches
- Boat tours through mangrove forests
- Rich birdlife in the wetlands
- Excellent ceviche specialties
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Iztapa (1)
Frequently asked questions
Iztapa: where is it located?
Iztapa: when is the best time to visit?
Iztapa: why is it worth visiting?












