We’re getting closer to the biggest continental surfing event of the year!
From July 3rd to 13th, 2025, Playa Rosario in Santa Rosa, Guatemala, will become the epicenter of Pan American surfing, hosting the PASA Games Guatemala 2025 Pan American Surf Festival. Beyond the thrilling competition, this event is the perfect excuse to dive into Guatemala’s rich culture and stunning landscapes.
Playa El Rosario: Get to Know the Wave
According to Elmer Ruiz, coach of the Guatemalan team and a local expert, Playa El Rosario is a sand-bottom beach break that promises an authentic and challenging experience for all PASA Games 2025 participants:
- Best Tide: The wave shows its best face at mid-tide, both rising and falling. While there are waves at low tide, the bottom can be shallow, so mid-tide is key for the action.
- Ideal Size: With waves from 3 to 4 feet (medium size), El Rosario offers excellent left and right-hand waves. You’ll find perfect ramps for aerial maneuvers and closing sections to showcase your power surfing.
- Barrels and Offshore Winds: Watch out for barrels! When the offshore wind (blowing from land to sea) hits correctly, El Rosario can deliver incredible barrels.
- Best Season: The months from June to November, which coincide with the Guatemalan “winter,” are ideal. Waves remain a consistent size, and best of all, the wind calms down for most of the day.
- The Local’s Secret: The key to mastering El Rosario is to look for rip currents. It’s in these areas where the waves tend to open up and connect more efficiently to the shore, giving you more time to plan and execute your maneuvers.
Get ready to challenge this gem of the Guatemalan Pacific and be part of Pan American surfing history!
Beyond the Waves: Explore Guatemala
While you enjoy the PASA Games, take time to discover why Guatemala is known as the “Heart of the Mayan World” and a booming destination.
- Currency: Guatemala’s official currency is the Quetzal (GTQ). One U.S. dollar is approximately equivalent to 7.6 Quetzales. It’s advisable to exchange currency at banks or authorized exchange houses, though U.S. dollars are accepted in many tourist establishments.
- Culinary Delights: Guatemalan cuisine is an explosion of flavors. You can’t leave without trying:
- Pepián: A delicious meat stew (chicken, beef, or pork) with vegetables, thickened with toasted seeds and spices. It’s considered the national dish!
- Kaq’ik: A traditional turkey broth or soup with a blend of spices and herbs.
- Tamales: Wrapped in plantain or corn husks, filled with meat, sauce, and other ingredients. This tradition is enjoyed in various variations.
- Rellenitos de Plátano: A unique sweet dessert, plantain fritters filled with black beans and covered with sugar. Delicious!
- And, of course, a typical breakfast with beans, eggs, fried plantains, cheese, and freshly made tortillas.
- The Monterrico Area and Its Attractions: Playa Rosario is part of the vibrant Monterrico region, famous for its volcanic sand beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Here are some activities you won’t want to miss:
- Sea Turtle Release: Monterrico is an important sea turtle conservation center. If you visit during the right season, you can participate in the exciting release of baby turtles into the ocean.
- Mangrove Tours: Explore the intricate mangrove channels that characterize the area, home to rich biodiversity of birds and aquatic life. You can take boat tours for a unique experience.
- Monterrico Nature Reserve: Part of this area is a nature reserve, ideal for birdwatching and enjoying tranquility.
- Museo del Mar: If you’re interested in marine life and local history, this museum offers an interesting perspective.
- Beach Relaxation: Simply enjoying the extensive dark sand beach, its sunsets, and the sea breeze is an attraction in itself.
Guatemala: A Rising Destination for Surf Tourism
Guatemala hosting the PASA Games is no coincidence. Countries like El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama have successfully demonstrated how surfing can become a driver for tourism development, attracting a global community of travelers seeking quality waves and cultural experiences. Guatemala joins this trend, opening its doors to show the world not only its potential for elite surfing but also its incredible cultural, natural, and human richness.
Don’t miss out! Come to the PASA Games Guatemala 2025 Pan American Surf Festival, support your favorite athletes, surf memorable waves, and let yourself be captivated by the magic of Guatemala.
For official lodging options, visit: https://pasasurf.org/en/lodging-pasagames-2025/