Xetulul, Theme park in Retalhuleu Department, Guatemala
Xetulul is a theme park in San Martín Zapotitlán, Retalhuleu, divided into plazas such as Plaza Maya, Plaza España, Plaza Italia, Plaza Francia, Plaza Alemania/Suiza and Plaza Pueblo Guatemalteco. Its grounds hold reproductions of landmarks including the Trevi Fountain, the Moulin Rouge and the Tikal Temple of the Great Jaguar, alongside 25 rides.
Xetulul opened in 2002 in San Martín Zapotitlán, Retalhuleu, operated by IRTRA, the recreation institute for Guatemala's private-industry workers. It was the first Latin American theme park to win the Applause Award, in 2008, and ranks as the third-largest amusement park in Latin America after Beto Carrero World and Six Flags México. Plans call for adding a golf course and a convention center.
The name Xetulul comes from K'iche' and means "under the sapotes", referring to the sapote trees of the region. The park is laid out in plazas, each built in the architectural style of a different country: France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. Among the replicas are the Trevi Fountain, the Moulin Rouge and the Tikal Temple of the Great Jaguar.
Xetulul sits beside the Xocomil water park in San Martín Zapotitlán, Retalhuleu Department, and the two are run together by IRTRA, which also operates nearby hotels and restaurants. The grounds hold 25 rides across nine themed plazas, with a capacity of 12,500 visitors, so allow several hours to walk between the plazas and the Transcostero narrow-gauge train.
The park is home to Central America's only double-decker carousel, a rare vintage ride. Additionally, the Avalancha roller coaster features eight inversions, making it one of the most thrilling attractions in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,683 contributors worldwide.