Considered to be Guatemala’s best beach (which is not really saying much), Monterico is located on the south-western coast. It is undeveloped as a tourist location, without any fancy resorts or pricy hotels. But it does have a certain rustic, authentic charm, and is very popular with both Guatemala nationals and foreign backpackers.
Things to See & Do
To reach Monterico, get to La Avellana and take a boat through a mangrove swamp, about a half-hour trip. Not far from the small town is the Monterico Reserva and Hawaii park, a protected mangrove habitat. It is home to numerous species of birds as well as the green iguana. The reserve also shelters stretches of beach where the Pacific Ridley and Leatherback sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs between the months of May and September. Visitors may even be allowed to release baby turtles from the animal sanctuary back into the ocean!