| About Puerto Barrios
Long Guatemala's only access to the Carribean and Atlantic, Puerto Barrios continues to be a shipping center. Dole and Chiquita have large banana export facilities and their large ships are usually seen arriving or departing the port.
Located on the Bay of Amatique (an arm of the Caribbean Sea), Puerto Barrios is the leading port of Guatemala and the northern terminus of the railroad from the capital, Puerto Barrios lies near an area of extensive banana plantations, and bananas, coffee, chicle, fruits, and tropical woods are exported. It is known for its beaches and fishing facilities. The city developed in the early 1900s and became departmental capital in 1920.
Puerto Barrios includes people of many cultural backgrounds, including Ladinos, Jamaicans who came to work in the banana industry, Ladinos and the indigenous Garífuna culture scattered along the Carribean coasts of Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.
The tourism industry is developing resorts and upscale hotels outside the city.
Population: 39,379 (1995 estimate)
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