Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sun. The architecture, too, is different, with rustic wooden slat-and-thatched roofed houses
instead of the dull cinderblock, corrugated-tin models common elsewhere. When the sky
is clear, keep your eyes peeled for the awesome volcanoes that shimmer in the hinterland.
This part of Guatemala is also treated to sensational lightning storms from around Novem-
ber to April.
Monterrico is a coastal village with a few small, inexpensive hotels right on the beach,
a large wildlife reserve and two centers for the hatching and release of sea turtles and
caimans. The beach here is dramatic, with powerful surf crashing onto black volcanic
sand at odd angles. This wave-print signals that there are rip tides; deaths have occurred at
this beach, so swim with care. Strong swimmers, however, can probably handle and enjoy
the waves. Behind the town is a large network of mangrove swamps and canals, part of
the 190km Canal de Chiquimulilla.
Monterrico is probably the best spot for a weekend break at the beach if you're staying
in Antigua or Guatemala City. It's fast becoming popular with foreigners. On weekdays
it's relatively quiet, but on weekends and holidays it teems with Guatemalan families, and
everything seems a bit harried.
Sights & Activities
Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii
Sometimes called the Reserva Natural Monterrico, Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii is admin-
istered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos),
and is Monterrico's biggest attraction. This 20km-long nature reserve of coast and coastal
mangrove swamps is bursting with avian and aquatic life.
The reserve's most famous denizens are the endangered leatherback and ridley turtles,
who lay their eggs on the beach in many places along the coast. The mangrove swamps
are a network of 25 lagoons, all connected by mangrove canals.
Boat tours of the reserve, passing through the mangrove swamps and visiting several la-
goons, take around 1½ to two hours and cost Q75 for one person, Q50 for each additional
person. It's best to go just on sunrise, when you're likely to see the most wildlife. If you
have binoculars, bring them along for bird-watching; January and February are the best
months. Locals will approach you on the street (some with very impressive-looking ID
cards), offering tours, but if you want to support the Tortugario (who incidentally has the
WILDLIFE RESERVE
