If you want overseas adventure travel and off the beaten path, consider the Pacific Coast of Guatemala (see Location Map). Tourism is in its infancy and there are beautiful beaches and majestic rocky shores.
Main St Monterrico Guatemala
Believe it not, this street is the main street of Monterrico our coastal destination. As you can see, no tourists! The local people were so nice, helpful and curious about us.
We chose Monterrico as our destination because we love Antigua Guatemala in the highlands and wanted to drive to explore the Pacific Coast after we left Antigua. Monterrico was large enough to have some bars and restaurants and within 3 hours drive of Antigua.
Scenery on the Road to the Pacific Coast
After leaving Antigua, we drove through beautiful scenic mountains. The drive was half the fun.
Volcanoes Along the Highway to the Pacific Coast
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- Cemetery and Volcanoes in Background
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- Volcanoes in the Distance
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- Scenic View Outside Antigua
Seeing smoldering volcanoes was kind of neat. We took our time, enjoyed the ride and took lots of photos.
Welcome to Monterrico
We drove on the new bridge to Puerto Viejo and then to Monterrico. Monterrico is about 2.5 hours drive from Antigua. It was a very relaxing drive with simple beauty. Monterrico is Guatemala’s best beach and not tourist influenced. It is a backpacker’s haven with inexpensive food and drinks, black sand beaches and friendly locals.
Bungalow at Dos Mundos
Dos Mundos Pacific Resort had small bungalows with a hammock on each porch. This place was a haven. The bungalows were so precious and private. I was amazed that Blake found this place. There was nothing here except beach! If you truly want to “be away from it all”, this is the area and the right place.
Seaside Pool near Monterrico Guatemala
The bungalows were surrounded by a child pool and an adult pool on the beach. When you walked on the beach, you were literally the only people present. There were about four other couples/families at this resort but were quiet and stayed to themselves. Obviously, Blake was enjoying himself and the view.
Grounds at Dos Mundos Monterrico
This was the view from our bungalow. You could see the small pool on the left and the adult pool is straight in front of the ocean view. The resort restaurant was a large open ocean front cabana.
The food was simple and delicious and the waiter was knowledgeable about the area. He made a call to a friend and arranged for the friend to bring us a four-wheeler for a couple of hours to ride on the beach. We believe his business was closed for the season, but did this for his friend. Riding on the beach was fun, but eery as well, as no one but us was there.
Before Sunrise Beach Walk
While sitting by the pool one evening, the guy on the left in the photo, talked to us about taking a boat ride the next morning to see the sea turtles. Now, anyone who knows us, knows we love animals, although I HATE boats. The bag he is carrying is full of turtle eggs, which influenced me to agree to go the next morning at 5am! Blake took this photo at 5am of us walking towards the small boat.
Sunrise Pacific Coast Guatemala
This is the view I concentrated on while riding on the small boat in the ocean to avoid hyperventilating.
Early Morning Boat Ride
As Blake obviously documented by taking this photo, I don’t enjoy boats. The guy on my right, kept taking photos and videotaping and moving the damn boat. I really wanted to push him out. This photo is also taken after I realized we went out in the ocean in a small boat, and were on our way back and didn’t see one turtle!!!
Tortuga Reserve Monterrico
While walking around the area, we found this reserve. We could not find the correct entrance nor did we find any persons working there so we just walked around and found…………………
Sea Turtle Hatchlings
these little sea turtles!!! Blake heard something and walked around the corner and discovered them!! We watched them for a while and Blake videotaped them. So sweet and didn’t have to get in a boat!
Fresh Fish, A Typical Meal in Monterrico Guatemala
Our local meal on the town! Fish, rice and salad. Very simple, fresh and delicious.
Flowers Everywhere, Monterrico Guatemala
We saw lots of beautiful vegetation as we explored the area.
Black Sand Beach near Monterrico Guatemala
The black sand formed by the breaking down of the volcanic rock on the shore. It was quite striking.
If you go to the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, you should try and rent a truck or SUV. Driving around and exploring the little towns and enjoying the scenery is a blast. We highly recommend this trip.
