Introduction to Monterrico

124km (77 miles) S of Guatemala City; 70km (43 miles) SW of Escuintla

Monterrico is Guatemala's top beach destination, but the town is tiny and accommodations are limited. The beach here is a broad swath of dark volcanic sand backed by coconut palms and mangrove. Perhaps the town's biggest draw is its other natural charms. While often inhospitable to most sunbathers, Monterrico's beaches are prime nesting grounds for several species of sea turtles, and the beach's backing mangrove forests have been protected as part of the Reserva Natural Monterrico and are home to a wide range of tropical flora and fauna.