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| IRTRA Xocomil Water Park |
Auto Safari Chapin, located between Escuintla and Taxisco, is a drive through zoo which hosts native animals as well as exotic animals from all over the world. It began in 1975 when Roberto Berger and Ricardo Mata had the idea to create a wildlife reserve, with the intention of conserving and reproducing endangered Guatemala Fauna. Mr. Rafael Herrera donated the first animals to the reserve: 15 white-tailed deer. Auto Safari continued adding local and international species to its collection, many of them donations from different entities. The park hosts more than 96 different animal species and over 70 plant species.
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Auto Safari Chapin has several vans that can be used to fit large parties while driving through. This park is more than just a zoo, however. There's a children's petting zoo, a lagoon where you can take a boat ride around some small islands and watch monkeys putting on a show, a big swimming pool with a water slide to cool off, and a restaurant. The only negative thing I can say about Auto Safari Chapin is that there is only 1 restaurant in the park which means you end up waiting at least 2 hours for your food- and food is not allowed into the park (they check your bags). Other than that, it is a beautiful drive to get there & you can spend the whole day having a wonderful time with your kids. Auto Safari Chapin is open from 9:30am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday (closed on Mondays) and these are their fees.
IRTRA. There is so much to tell you about this amazing company and its 5 different amusement parks and glorious hotels. IRTRA is a Guatemalan institution dedicated to providing leisure and recreation service with excellence. The IRTRA was created by Decree 1528 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala in 1962. It aims to provide an excellent service to the community, especially for private company employees and their families, as well as to contribute to domestic and foreign tourism. Until the late 1950s in Guatemala, there were no suitable places for specialized and organized recreation for workers and their families. In 1960, the idea among some businessmen from Guatemala to create an institution to fill the gap in the recreation dedicated especially to employees of private companies giving them the opportunity to positively use their time off work to share with their family, came to life. Entrepreneurs presented the proposal to the central government to form a committee which would study, present and promote a law that would give life to an institution that would provide healthy recreation to workers in suitable places.
An IRTRA member has the right, with their ID membership card known as the "Carnet" or "Carne," to a free entrance into the various parks with up to five family members. Those who are not members and foreign tourists can also use the facilities of IRTRA by paying the non-affiliate admission fee. The non-affiliate admission fee is quite reasonable, as is the food inside the parks. It is unlike Disneyland or Six Flags where you expect to pay double for a soda and a churro. They also keep the parks extremely clean. IRTRA is very affordable. If you happen to have a friend or family member who is an affiliate, you're in luck. Some IRTRA parks lets them bring visitors in for free. Now to introduce to you the 5 different parks.
Xetulul-pronounced [sheh-tool-lool]
is an amusement park located in Retalhuleu and is the third largest park in Latin America. Here you will find magic and fun for the whole family. You will discover the wide range of activities you can do, with breathtaking attractions, exciting electromechanical games for all ages, spectacular shows, the fantastic magic show in The Great Theatre of France, extraordinary gift shops, and a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes in the different buildings that provide architectural scenery showing the origin and history of Guatemala and European countries that have influenced the Guatemalan culture. Xetulul is capable of receiving 12,000 visitors simultaneously and consists of 7 plazas. Open 10am-4pm on Fridays, 10am-6pm Saturdays and Sundays. Friday-Sunday only. For non-affiliate fee information go here.
Xocomil [shocoh-meel] is Guatemala's famous waterpark located right next to Xetulul, also located in Retalhuleu. It is one of my favorite places to go. Xocomil waterpark is an amazing water-playground amidst lush vegetation and an environment that showcases impressive Mayan architecture yet also includes the latest in equipment, facilities and amenities in a water park that is world class. In 1998 the World Waterpark Association (WWA) granted Xocomil the recognition as the world's best water park in the Innovation category. Xocomil has received over 4 million visitors, thanks to its spectacular and exciting attractions. It has the capacity to serve 8,500 attendees simultaneously. IRTRA offers joint admission for those who want to visit Xetulul & Xocomil in one day. They are open 9am-5pm, Thursday-Sunday only. For non-affiliate fee information go here. Xetulul, Xocomil, and the IRTRA Hostels are on 180.5 km CITO-180 road that leads to the Quetzaltenango department of Guatemala's southern coast.
IRTRA Hostels. Since Xocomil & Xetulul are about 3 hours from Guatemala City, IRTRA has created a home away from home for both affiliates and non-affiliates called Hostales de IRTRA, so that families can have a weekend getaway enjoying not only the parks, but the amenities the hostels have such as several pools, mini-golf, a jacuzzi, several restaurants, bars, an emergency clinic, laundromat, office amenities such as faxing and photocopying, international phone calling, transportation by air or bus for groups of 30 or more, lost and found, plenty of parking, and a choice of different room types on grounds. This is a fantastic luxury resort located in San Martín Zapotitlán, Retalhuleu 180 kilometers from Guatemala City on the road to Quetzaltenango Retalhuleu by the South Coast. It has 669 rooms, making it the largest hotel in Guatemala and one of the largest and most beautiful in Central America. You can choose from four different concepts:
Hostal San Martin / Colonial style
Hostal Santa Cruz / Mediterranean style
Hostal La Rancheria / Bungalow style
Hostal Palajunoj / Forest style
They have facilities and high quality service, offering different rates to suit your taste, budget and lifestyle. It is a gorgeous community. I say 'community' because you must pass through gated security similar to entering a gated community. Plenty of grass, trees, walkways, and peacocks everywhere! They have a shuttle service that takes guests from the hotels to the parks and back. A map of the grounds is needed to get around. The hotels are reasonably priced as well. If you are an affiliate, they are even better! For reservations you can contact Hostels Offices +502- 7722-9100.
Mundo Petapa. A surprisingly great theme park located in Guatemala City. This park was inaugurated on March 26, 1976, is located on Avenida Petapa and 42 Street in Zone 12. The capacity of the park is 12,000 visitors. The park was designed to give recreation to private sector workers without leaving the city. Mundo Petapa not only has rides for all ages, but there is also a petting zoo, picnic grounds, restaurants, the coolest dinosaur playground I've ever seen, and swimming pools. Parents can choose to buy a 'passport' booklet which buys 12 rides and the passport can be shared among the family or buy a wristband per person that gives an unlimited number of rides. Open Thursday-Sunday, 9am-5pm. For non-affiliate fee information go here.
Agua Caliente (in Spanish it means 'Hot Water'). IRTRA Agua Caliente is the second park that was opened. Its doors opened on May 16, 1967 and as a capacity of 3,000 visitors. It was named Agua Caliente due to it being a natural site of sulfur baths, desirable for pleasure and health. You will love this park because you can take enjoy the baths (natural jacuzzi) and then have an outstanding picnic outdoors, since it has a reserve of vegetation intended for recreation and enjoyment for visitors looking for wholesome family entertainment. There are restaurants, picnic areas, sulfur pools, regular swimming pools, sports fields, electromechanical rides, kiddie rides, souvenir store, ample parking, a first aid clinic, and recreation games for the whole family. Open Thursday-Sunday, 8:30am-4:30pm. For non-affiliate admission fee and ride fee click here.
IRTRA Amatitlan is located at Lake Amatitlan. It was the first park established by IRTRA being inaugurated on September 3, 1963. It has a capacity for 2,500 visitors. This park does not have rides although there is a boat ride on the lake. It has 2 swimming pools, restaurants, playgrounds, lots of BBQ pits and picnic tables, and a recreational salon with games. It is a place to go with family and have a picnic and go for a nice swim. It is very inexpensive for non-affiliates. The great thing about the location of this park, is that it is next to the Santa Teresita spa & thermal water pools where you can have some luxury in a bath of rose petals or natural hot springs. IRTRA Amatitlan is also near the famous Pacaya Volcano where many tourists spend an adventurous day hiking this grand volcano.
Auto Safari Chapin & IRTRA parks are just a few of the many activities that bring family fun in Guatemala while you're on vacation. These businesses are specifically designed to bring a full day of adventure to your family with great quality, great service, & professionalism. As an American I was impressed at the high quality of service, the modern equipement used, how inexpensive the cost of food is, & the cleanliness of each park. So when you decide to visit Guatemala with your family, throw in a trip to IRTRA or Auto Safari Chapin. These parks are off-the-beaten-path and travel agencies don't include them in packages.
