The town of Monterrico is situated on the Pacific coast of Guatemala in the department of Santa Rosa. Known for its volcanic black sand beaches and an annual influx of sea turtles, the town also serves as a major weekend beach resort for citizens of Guatemala City. The town is growing more popular with foreign tourists largely because of the local sea turtle conservation efforts as well as the laid-back atmosphere of the area.
A few turtle conservation organizations operate in the Monterrico area because the long stretch of beach serves as a breeding ground for 4 species of sea turtles. Although some locals who hunt for sea turtle eggs during the August-November season do donate a percentage of their catch to the “tortugarios” (sea turtle hatcheries), the majority of eggs laid on the beach are harvested and eaten.
Monterrico is full of hotels, resorts, and hostels. Tourist can find accommodation very easily, and price range starts with 150 Q – 20 USD (although there are some even cheaper places if you are not demanding person). Noisy fiestas and drunks lying in the streets give Monterrico that special touch, and also you can visit the swamp around the town, with numerous bird species.