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 is chiefly a commercial loading area, with a large building selling local handicrafts, jewelry and t-shirts.
Santo Tomás de Castilla is a port town without a large downtown area. Its port sits a few kilometers from the small town center.
Expect a representative from INGUAT, the guatemalan tourism commission, to give tourism information and ensure tour operators are not trying to rip off tourists.
You will be greeted by lively Marimba music.
Getting around
Regular taxis and watertaxi services reach destinations across the area. Santo Tomás de Castilla proper costs $3 and Puerto Barrios $5. Boats carry cruise visitors to Livingston for about $6, on a 20-minute trip.
Most passengers choose a cruise-organised excursion.
Some arrange tours that include a school visit and interaction with the children. As poverty continues to dominate the region, many people bring school supplies and other gifts for children at these schools.
Nearby places
About 30 to 45 minutes from the port, Quirigua is an interesting archeological site for its stone mayan carvings.
Nearby choices also include Rio Dulce, Lake Izabal, Puerto Barrios, Livingston and San Felipe, plus Quirigua’s Mayan ruins.
Money
The currency is the Quetzal (GTQ).
An ATM is at the terminal.
The most widely accepted foreign currency is the US dollar. Many city hotels, shops and restaurants accept Credit cards.
Staying connected
The terminal provides Internet access.