Monterrico

The Hawaii-Monterrico Biosphere

The docks - Monterrico

Monterrico is located on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, about 2.5 hours southwest of Antigua.  The brilliant thing about it is that there’s almost nothing to do.  No dive boats, no thumping clubs, no surfing.  The ocean, with an unforgiving break close to the shore, even discourages most swimmers. The small village has a rustic, laid-back charm.  A handful of seafood restaurants, black sand, stray dogs, political graffiti on crumbling walls.  

Our activities in Monterrico consisted of:

1. Floating in the pool

2.  Drinking Beer

3. Walking on the beach

4. Drinking beer

5. Eating Ceviche

….you get the picture!

Yes, that is a giant pelican...and he's not about to be pushed around!

 

There is one undeniably splendid attraction: the Hawaii-Monterrico Biosphere, an extensive reserve of mangrove canals home to caiman, iguanas, fish, crustaceans, and migrating birds.  We took a canoe tour organized by a fantastic guide from the “Tortuguero”; a local organization that protects nesting sea turtles and other wildlife. It was worth waking up at 5 am to see the spectacular sunrise over the distant volcanoes.  Due to the influx of fresh water during the rainy season, the canals were especially green.