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Black-sand beach with rolling Pacific waves

Pacific coast · Black sand, mangroves and sea turtles

A laid-back Pacific village of black volcanic sand, wild surf and mangrove channels. Come for the sunsets, the turtle releases and a few days of warm, slow living.

Overview

Monterrico sits on Guatemala's Pacific coast, about two and a half hours from Antigua. Its long beach of glittering black volcanic sand is pounded by powerful surf, and the sunsets are some of the most dramatic in the country. Behind the beach, a maze of mangrove canals forms part of the Monterrico-Hawaii Multiple Use Nature Reserve.

The area is one of Guatemala's most important nesting grounds for sea turtles. Olive ridleys come ashore in the second half of the year, and the rarer leatherback occasionally nests here too. Local conservation hatcheries collect eggs to protect them, and visitors can help release hatchlings into the waves at sunset.

We choose relaxed beach hotels with pools and gardens, and arrange early-morning boat trips through the mangroves with local guides. Monterrico is the perfect place to unwind at the end of an active itinerary, before an easy transfer back to the airport.

Best time to visit

  • JanBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • FebBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • MarDry season.
  • AprDry season.
  • MayRainyRainy season.
  • JunRainyRainy season.
  • JulRainyRainy season.
  • AugRainyRainy season.
  • SepBestRainyBest time to visit. Rainy season.
  • OctBestRainyBest time to visit. Rainy season.
  • NovBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
  • DecBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
Best months● Rainy season (May–October): mornings usually clear, afternoon showers

For sea turtles, the nesting season runs roughly from July to December, with hatchling releases most common from September to December. The coast is hot year-round; the May to October rainy season brings heavy afternoon storms and higher humidity, while November to April is drier, sunnier and best for pure beach time.

Highlights

  1. 01

    Turtle releases at sunset

    Help release olive ridley hatchlings into the Pacific with a local conservation project, a moving experience for all ages.

  2. 02

    Mangrove canals at dawn

    Glide through quiet channels by boat as herons, kingfishers and egrets feed among the roots in the early light.

  3. 03

    Black-sand sunsets

    Watch the sun sink into the Pacific, its glow reflected on the dark, shimmering sand.

  4. 04

    Pacific whale watching

    In season, head out from the coast to spot humpback whales, dolphins and sometimes sea turtles at sea.

Things to do

  • 01Release baby turtles at a conservation hatchery
  • 02Take a sunrise boat trip through the mangroves
  • 03Watch the sunset from the black-sand beach
  • 04Visit the CECON turtle conservation centre
  • 05Go whale and dolphin watching off the Pacific coast
  • 06Relax by the pool with fresh seafood and coconut water
Traveller sitting on a dock looking at the volcanoes of Atitlán
Special occasionsFlexible, typically 8–14 days

Honeymoons

Volcano views, candlelit courtyards, just you two

From $220 per person

Practical tips

Respect the surf
Rip currents are strong and there are few lifeguards. Swim only when conditions are calm, and never alone.
Protect your feet
Black sand gets extremely hot in the midday sun. Wear sandals when walking on the beach.
Bring strong sun protection
The Pacific sun is intense. High-factor sunscreen, a hat and shade in the middle of the day are essential.

Monterrico FAQ

Nesting season runs roughly from July to December, and hatchling releases are most common from September to December. Your specialist can confirm timing before you travel.

More questions? See our Guatemala FAQ.

Every tour is private and fully adjustable around your dates and pace.

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