Monterrico:
Monterrico is located on Guatemala’s Pacific coast, in the department of Santa Rosa. It’s one of the most famous beaches in the country because it’s really accessible. There are many options for accommodation and food, and of course; the natural beauty.
Getting to Monterrico from La Antigua on a shuttle will take you a little over two hours, and certainly – in addition to feeling the change in temperature when you leave the vehicle – you’ll notice that the color of the beach’s sand is dark brown as it’s volcanic.
Things to Do:
Once you get settled, you’ll want to work on your tan in the sun, venture out to the ocean to swim, or just rest. During the season that runs from September to January, there are other activities that you might want to consider while you spend time in Monterrico.
The Monterrico turtle hatchery (El Tortugario), near the town’s main street, is home to various endangered animals and does a great job protecting them. As far as the turtles are concerned, the hatchery organizes daily events – with the help of some of the area’s hotels and restaurants, like El Delfín, that let guests know the times and places – to release baby turtles into the sea at sunset. For a small donation, you can “adopt” a small turtle that you’ll set free from on the beach to the ocean during the event, and the money collected helps to buy turtle eggs (which some locals find on the beach) in order to bury them again and guard them until the baby turtles hatch.
If you’re looking for an activity where you can get close to nature – and its tiny wonders – while you rest and make new friends and enjoy the sun and sea, you definitely have to visit Monterrico and be part of the conservation efforts there.
