Monterrico is a cozy beach town with vulcanic beaches on Guatemala’s laidback west coast. It’s a town loved by locals, I didn’t see many other backpackers here. Guatemala is famous for its mountains and culture, not so much the beach, but Monterico is worth a visit. After a challenging hike up Acatenango, I was eager to unwind and soak up some beach vibes. That’s when I stumbled upon Monterrico, a quieter alternative to bustling beach towns like El Paradon.
What makes it even more special is the chance to witness turtle hatchings. Just make sure you are here in the turtle hatching season. You can see baby turtles making their first steps towards the big ocean. It\s a magical sight and a highlight in Monterico.
What to do in Monterico
I will be honest with you, Monterrico doesn’t offer a ton of activities. But, you know what? That’s okay. Some of us dig the laid-back beach life, and if you’re one of those, Monterrico is a great place for you. I sure had a great time staying here.
Enjoy the beach
Feel the sand between your toes as you take a stroll along the shore or soak up the sun with a good book. Need to cool down? Go for a swim in the Pacific Ocean, but be careful of strong waves and undercurrent.
Visit the mangroves
Discover the Monterrico’s mangrove swamps by taking a boat tour with a local guide. Experience the rich biodiversity, observing various animals and birds in their natural habitat.
Turtle Watching
Planning to visit Monterico between June and December?
Witness as sea turtles make their way to the black-sanded shore at night to lay their eggs. It’s the go-to nesting spot for leatherback, olive ridley, and green sea turtles.
Now, the real highlight in Monterrico is the baby sea turtle experience. In the hatching season (August-November), workers and volunteers release cute baby turtles into the sea almost daily, right before the sun dips below the horizon at around 5:30 PM. You can join in on the action by contributing GTQ 10 (which directly supports the sanctuary) to release your little turtle. Holding a day-old turtle in your hands and setting it free. It’s truly a magical scene as hundreds of adorable baby turtles make their way to the big ocean during sunset.
Before you go, be sure to check with Tortugario Monterrico (CECON) to see if they’ll be releasing turtles on the day of your visit.
How to get to Monterico?
The easiest option to get to Monterico is by arranging transport through your hostel or a travel agency. Daily shuttles are leaving from Antigua at 8 am and leaving from Monterrico to Antigua at 4 pm, making it an ideal option for a day trip.
If you’re up for taking the chicken bus, here are two route options to reach Monterrico:
Antigua-Escuintla-Taxisco-Avellana: Hop on the chicken bus from Antigua to Escuintla, then transfer to another bus heading to Taxisco, and finally, catch the last bus to Avellana. From there, a 20-minute boat journey (lancha) through the mangroves will bring you to Monterrico.
Antigua-Escuintla-Puerto Quetzal-Puerto Viejo-Monterrico: Another route involves taking the chicken bus from Antigua to Escuintla, then proceeding to Puerto Quetzal and Puerto Viejo before making your way to Monterrico.
I would recommend taking the Taxisco route. It is not only more enjoyable but also takes you through countryside scenes and the mangroves. It is a beautiful route.
Where to stay in Monterico?
Monterico is still a bit under the radar. You won’t find big luxury hotels here. What you get are places that strike a good balance between cost and service, offering something for those who prefer not to break the bank on accommodation.
Here are some options to stay at in Monterico:
Budget – Hotel El Delfin: This is a low-budget hotel perfect for backpackers. It sits right on the beach and has a swimming pool and friendly staff. Although it might not be the most luxurious, it offers great value for your money.
Mid-range – Johnny\’s Place Hotel: This hotel has an outdoor pool, a garden, and a restaurant. Situated just steps away from Monterrico Beach, the hotel includes a bar and a private beach.:
Luxury – Hotel Cayman Suites: If you’re after clean rooms, an outdoor pool, free parking, and your very own slice of private beach, look no further. Then this is the spot for you.
Consider checking Hostelworld or booking.com for more options.
Tips & Advice
ATM
Bring enough cash to Monterico. Most hostels & hotels accept credit cards. But you will need cash for food and other activities. There is only one ATM in town and it doesn’t always work.
When to go to Monterico?
I recommend planning your trip on a weekday. Monterico is a popular beach destination amongst the locals, it can get quite busy, especially during the weekends.
Interested in more guides?
- A Backpacker Travel Guide To Semuc Champey & Lanquin, Guatemala
- A Backpacker Travel Guide To Flores, Guatemala
Travel Resources
Below are some useful links to all the travel resources I use that you might find helpful when planning your next trip.
Accommodation: When searching for a place to stay, I usually use Booking.com or Hostelworld to find accommodation.
Tours: While I prefer doing most things on my own. Certain destinations are better explored with guided tours. I recommend GetYourGuide. They have a wide variety of tours available and a great reputation. Viator is another reliable option.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, Skyscanner is a great platform to use. Check out my guide on how to get the cheapest flight here.
*The prices mentioned in this article are based on 2023 rates.
