Blogs from Monterrico, Pacific Coast, Guatemala, Central America Caribbean

docked at puerto quetzal early in the am and had to wait for a cargo ship to leave. there was a very large white ship also that said Peace Boat and we found out it was a japanese cruise ship. We wee transported by bus to the other dock where we met our guide Jeremy and driver Manuel. We first drove 45 minutes to a coffee plantation which was family owned and sold locally by the cotton bag full. Next was San Antonio Agua Caliente. Very old and very poor city. got out for a few minutes for pics of the local church (the one that was still standing) and to shop for local handicrafts and watch the women weave cloth. This town is a Unesco site. Next on to a Macadamia nut farm. this was ... read more

From Antigua we caught another shuttle to the Pacific Coast and Monterrico. Monterrico was a tiny fishing village with a long black volcanic beach. This place was hot, very very hot. The beach was really nice although it was hard to walk on the scalding sands in the day. We had a golden lab following us around for most of our time in Monterrico so she appears in alot of our photos. It was my first time in the Pacific ocean and it did not disappoint. The waves were 5-6 feet high and chucked us about like rag dolls. . The backwash was so powerful it kept pulling us back into these massive waves, it was pretty scary stuff. In Monterrico we had our first taste of Ceviche, whcih is acold salad of shrimps cooked in ... read more

Writing this from the Pacific coast of Guatemala, Monterrico beach more specifically! Monterrico is known for 3 things: 1) sea turtles, 2) black volcanic sand, and 3) rough surf. So I am staying at a hotel that protects turtle eggs from predators until they are hatched and can be released with assistance (60% chance of survival when released with human assistance, vs. 5% chance of survival when they head into the sea on their own), and that has a decent pool! The broiling hot black sand? Can't do anything about that! On Friday afternoon I had the chance to see some newly born (I literally saw them coming out of the eggs!) baby turtles, got to hold them, and then help release them into the ocean at night. So cool! They are so cute you just ... read more

I am driving to Monterrico Guatemala by the last week of March 2010. I have always driven from Brownsville, TX to Veracruz, Chiapas and then to Guatemala. I am looking for advice about the route entering Mexico by Nogales, AZ. My plans are: Los Angels to Nogales, Nogales to Chiapas and then to Guatemala city. If you have driven this route, your advice or comment will be really appreciated. I also have space for a rider if you have plans to travel to Central America. ... read more

I crossed the border sat in the back of Manolo's jeep feeling a little worse for wear after last night's party. I could have stayed in Tacuba much longer just chilling at Mamas y Papas and exploring El Impossible. But the clock is ticking and I need to get a move on, at the 10 month mark already! First stop back in Guatemala is the sleepy and inaccessible village of Monterrico. Despite being quiet it's one of the most popular spots on the Pacific coast, only a couple of resorts manage to find a pretty location on this sun beaten side of the country. the waves are forceful, the riptide deadly and the sand is a foot scorching shade of black - three reasons why I chose to lounge by the pool instead. Johnny's Place is ... read more

We arrived in Monterrico after a very long confusing day of travel. We had 18 people in a 12 passenger van. Pretty crazy but if I remember correctly it only cost us around a dollar for an hour ride. In town we walked to our hostel and a little boy helped us find it. His name was Verando and he became our friend the entire time we stayed there. We walk into our hostel, JOhnnys, and it might be the most amazing thing ever. There are palm trees, hammocks, and sand everywhere. Each little shack had its own individual ´pool. The waves in Monterrico were extremely large. It was very scary at some points. The undertow was so strong if you stood in the water it would knock you over. We swam in it anyways haha. ... read more

Hi! It´s a beautiful day in Antigua, and I hope that you are able to enjoy some sunshine today. As always, I am enjoying a short break from class. Yesterday, I had a test on Nivel 3, and today I got a new book so that is very exciting. Also, Edna made us banana pancakes served with chocolate syrup so I feel it will be a good day. She has made them often since we told her of our love for them. A very healthy start to the day... The weekend at the beach was really fun, though a little different than what we expected. The beach is gorgeous with black sands and huge waves. I read before we left that it is a bit dangerout to swim in the water, but I had no idea ... read more

Hey Everyone, So i finally arranged some time off and went on a vacation like i had been planning the entire time. I decided not to leave the country like i had originally thought i would do, and instead went to an island that is still part of Guatemala called Monterrico. It was only a 3 hour bus ride from where i was, but the difference in weather would be the same as going from Washington state to Hawaii. Monterrico even has the nickname of little Hawaii around Guatemala. The reason i decided to stay within Guatemala is because i knew it would be cheaper to stay closer, so the ride there wouldn't cut into my budget and therefore i could stay longer. My plan was to go for as long as my money would take ... read more