Puerto Barrios, Port city in Izabal, Guatemala
Puerto Barrios sits on the Caribbean coast and serves as Guatemala's main Atlantic port with two major harbor facilities at the end of Highway CA9. The city spreads along the shore, connecting inland transportation routes with direct ocean access.
The city was founded in 1895 following a decision by José María Reina Barrios and received a railroad connection between Guatemala City and the Atlantic coast. This link made the place a key trading hub for the country's commerce and economy.
The city reflects a mix of Garifuna, Maya, and Afro-Caribbean traditions visible in music, food, and street life. People here blend different cultural backgrounds into how they celebrate and live together every day.
The local airport offers scheduled flights, while ferry services regularly travel to nearby islands and coastal spots in the Caribbean. The best time to visit is outside the rainy season, when weather conditions are better for travel and coastal activities.
Torre Manatí, under construction since 2019, will be one of Central America's tallest buildings and signals a shift toward modern urban development. The project shows how the city is moving beyond its role as a simple trading port.
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