White sand beach in Guatemala: Playa Blanca
Most of the beach in Central America has dark sand as result of volcanic eruptions in the region. Few places have white sand like Playa Blanca (White Beach) and Punta de Palma, both places located in Izabal.The water is calm and the level is not too deep, in fact you can get 100 meters into the ocean with the water level at your chest.
There are no accommodations at the place so bring your own food and camping gear if you want to stay the night.
Playa Blanca is a protected area (and a paradise) its been like this for long time.
Sure, after visiting it everybody ask why there are no hotels and restaurants but things are this way because of its beauty. More beach and white sand is better :) it helps to keep the peace around.
What to expect at Playa Blanca?
- White sand and a paradise-like scenario.
- There are NO hotels or restaurants at Playa Blanca.
- Expect to be far from anywhere. You get to Playa blanca by boat only.
How to get to Playa Blanca?
From Guatemala City take the CA9 until you reach "La Ruidosa", here you'll find a fork, take a turn to your left and you'll get to Rio Duce. If you want you can go straight to Puerto Barrios (all the way to the end via the CA9). From both places, Rio Dulce and Puerto Barrios you have to take a boat.The prices vary depending on how much passengers are on the boat. You'll be passing by Punta de Palma before reaching Playa Blanca. Its about 5 hours driving from Guatemala to Rio Dulce and Puerto Barrios, the boat takes about 40 minutes to get to Playa Blanca from Rio Dulce or Puerto Barrios. Remember to be arrange the pickup before saying goodby to the boat. Some might wait for you and some come back to pick you up.
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Come and walk on a beach covered with little rocks of a yellow-orange color. The rocks are small and soft to your feet touch. There are restaurants nearby. If you come to the summer you'll find food all around. The water is warm and the view amazing. Playa Dorada is located in Izabal half the way to Tikal.
Imagine hot steamy water coming down from a waterfall, yes, it exist. Want cold water? no problem, the river offers fresh water and the mixture with the how water lets you choose the right spot with the temperature you like. Come and swim, enjoy Izabal.
Lake Izabal has an aquatic entrance-exit to the sea via Rio Dulce (Sweet River). The Castle of San Felipe was built around 1560 on an strategic spot of Izabal as a security measure against the Caribbean pirates. Its cannons are mute witnesses of the history of Izabal where the economic activity was at the highest point on the region.