A weekend trip to Monterrico Beach in Guatemala.
After three and a half weeks taking Spanish lessons in Antigua, with over a week left to go before leaving on our separate ways, we needed a break from all of that intense studying. We needed to relax. We needed to have some fun. We needed a vacation from our vacation. And, so, my friends and classmates and I squeezed into a shuttle bus and headed to Montericco Beach.
Monterrico is a volcanic black-sand beach on Guatemala’s Pacific coast in the Santa Rosa Department. It’s considered to be the best beach in Guatemala…though Guatemala isn’t as known for it’s beaches as some of the other Central American countries (like Belize or Costa Rica) so take that title with a grain of black sand. Still, though, it’s a popular weekend and holiday destination for local families and has become more and more popular for backpackers looking for a getaway from Antigua or Guatemala City.
My friends and I spent a weekend at Playa Monterrico lying in the hammocks that line the coastline, wading in the water and letting the giant waves beat down our backs, muddying ourselves playing in the sand, strolling around the town, drinking cuba libres by the hotel swimming pool and having conversation en Español with the hotel’s talking parrot.
Monterrico Beach may not have been the greatest beach in the world, but it was the greatest beach within a short drive of “home.” And, sometimes, that is all that matters.
Photos from our weekend trip to Monterrico Beach in Guatemala:
Things to do at Guatemala’s Monterrico Beach:
Relax on the Black Sand Beach
If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend beach getaway that doesn’t involve crossing the border into El Salvador, Monterrico Beach is the place to go. You don’t have to do anything but grab a drink and soak up the sun if you don’t want to.
Sea Turtle Conservation
Annually, around August to November season, Monterrico serves as a breeding ground for sea turtles. “Tortugarios” (sea turtle hatcheries, like Tortugario Monterrico Wildlife Reserve) look after the eggs and tourists can visit to help release a baby turtles out into the wild.
Mangrove Swamp Tour
Taking a tour mangroves is a great way to watch for birds and other animals in the tranquil, natural setting of the area. Float through the water, among the tule grasses that grow alongside the banks of the mangroves, and enjoy views of the volcano in the distance.
