Some say it seems a million miles away, yet the vast Pacific coast is less than an hour and a half from La Antigua. With spectacular views of the constantly erupting Fuego Volcano as you travel along the highway, down to the steamy coastal plain, then miles and miles of sugar cane plantations until you reach the coast, it’s a photographer’s delight!
The first town you get to is called Puerto San José. It’s a major fishing port. By the old pier you can buy fresh tuna – like the one in the photo – mahi- mahi, mackerel, crabs and many more. Very close to this town you’ll find Hotel Soleil Pacífico, which is an excellent all-inclusive resort.
On the road towards Iztapa you pass close to Pacific Fins Resort and Marina which is a world leader in sail fishing. 600-pound marlin are regularly caught, as well as yellowfin tuna and Mahi-Mahi. If you’re into fishing – and Guatemala is the number two world leader – then this is the place!
Past Iztapa you cross over a canal on route towards Monterrico which is a laid back, sleepy village of around 1500 people. It’s a great place to just to chill out, catch up on your tan and go for a gentle swim. Or for the more adventurous, learn to surf, take a boat trip through the mangroves swamps or learn about the hatching and release of sea turtles at El Tortugario; which is a home to endangered animals and does a good job at protecting them. During the hatching season – which is from September to January – with the support of some of the local hotels, baby turtles are released into the sea at sunrise or sunset. It’s a sight not to be missed!
Hotels in Monterrico can be a bit hit and miss. Both Johnny’s Place and El Delfin are by far the most popular with the younger crowd both situated on the beach, with dorms as well as air-conditioned rooms. Both have live bands or discos at the weekends and are really popular.
Also in Monterrico is the high end Hotel Dos Mundos which features individual air conditioned bungalows. It’s also on the beach, has swimming pools and an excellent restaurant.
It’s not all volcanic sand beaches and ceviches on the Pacific. If you want to visit a Mayan archaeological site without having to fly off to Tikal, then there are a number of sites than can be visited on a day trip, like El Baúl and Bilbao.
How to get there
The easiest way to travel to Monterrico is the daily shuttle that leaves from Antigua at 8 AM operated by Monja Blanca and costs Q160 return (roundtrip?). Monja Blanca is located at 4a Calle Poniente #26 and you can contact them at 7832-8797.
