Making the most of Santo Tomas de Castilla
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The dock area is mostly a commercial loading area. There is a large building with local handicrafts, jewelry and t-shirts.
Santo Tomás de Castilla is a port town, and there isn’t a large downtown area. The port is located a few kilometers from the small town center.
You can also expect to see a representative from the INGUAT, the guatemalan tourism commission to provide tourism information and oversee that tour operators are not trying to rip off tourists.
Lively Marimba music will greet you.
Getting around
Taxis, both regular and watertaxi, will take you to various destinations in the area. $3 to Santo Tomás de Castilla proper, and $5 to Puerto Barrios. Boats transport cruise visitors to Livingston, charging about $6. a 20-minute trip.
Most passengers opt for a cruise organized excursion.
Some tours can be arranged that allow you to visit a school where you can interact with the children. Many people bring school supplies and other gifts for the children at these schools, as poverty continues to dominate throughout the region.
Nearby places
Quirigua an interesting archeological site because of its stone mayan carvings is about 30 to 45 minutes from the port.
Other nearby options include the Rio Dulce, Lake Izabal, the towns of Puerto Barrios, Livingston and San Felipe, and the Mayan ruins of Quirigua.
Money
Quetzal (GTQ)
ATM at the terminal.
The US dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency. Credit cards are accepted at many city hotels, restaurants and shops.
Staying connected
Internet access at the terminal.