Overview
Monterrico is Guatemala's most popular beach and the closest Pacific beach to Guatemala City and Antigua. The black volcanic sand is visually stunning but too hot to walk on after 10am, and the 15-25m wide beach stretches for miles along the Pacific.
Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · Festivals · Nature
Before you go
Food
Street food along Calle Principal is cheapest (Q2-6). Hotel restaurants are more expensive but reliable. Seafood dominates menus; vegetarian options are scarce.
Money
Local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ/Q). Some hotels accept Visa with a 5% surcharge. ATMs are not mentioned—bring sufficient cash.
Safety
Strong undertow and steep ocean floor drop-off make swimming dangerous—lifeguards only on weekends. Bring mosquito repellent for evenings.
Transport
Most visitors arrive via shuttle from Antigua (US$18 round-trip) or public bus from Guatemala City via Iztapa or La Avellana. Getting around is easy on foot or by renting a bike or horse.
Weather
Black volcanic sand becomes too hot to walk on after 10am. Best visited in morning or late afternoon. Turtle season runs June-March.