The town of Monterrico

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 annual influx of sea turtles. Monterrico is the most popular beach in Guatemala. It is a 2.5 hour drive from either Antigua or Guatemala City. The beaches are full of interesting but awkward steep angles due to the strength of the pounding surf. The ocean floor here drops off very steeply after only 20- 40 feet, making the undertow here very strong; only strong swimmers should venture out very far. This topography also provides some nice waves for surfing. The beach is 50 - 80 feet wide and stretches for miles.