Santo Tomás de
Castilla, also known as Mátías de Gálvez, is a port
city in the Izabal Department of Guatemala, originally settled by Belgians in the 19th
century. It's now one of the busiest ports in Central America. Shopping
opportunities are found along the main promenade, offering traditional
handicrafts, colorful embroidery, beadwork, and handwoven textiles, providing
unique souvenirs and gifts to take home. Attractions include Sendero Las
Escobas for a nature walk with waterfalls amidst lush rainforest, the Belgian Cemetery for
historical insight into the city's colonial past, and nearby Mayan ruins at
Quirigua, featuring intricately carved stelae and pyramids. Nightlife
options are available in surrounding cities like Puerto Barrios and Livingston, while Puerto Barrios itself boasts
a bustling port with a shopping mall and gaming area, offering entertainment
for visitors during their stay.