Guatemala : Pacific Coast

In the south part of the country, between the Pacific Ocean and the Volcanic Cordillera, the Pacific region, usually known as La Costa is a tropical and ladino-populated land, some 300 km long and 50 km wide. This fertile coastal plain is a land of vast fincas (coffee, rubber and sugar cans plantations). The shore-line is a mix of black sand beaches and mangle channels.

There are mainly 3 pre-Columbian archeological sites : Takalik Abaj, Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa and La Democracia.

Some of the more beautiful beaches are Tilapa, Zipacate, Monterrico and Las Lisas.

The most reachable beach is Monterrico (1h30 from Antigua or Guatemala City).

Monterrico

The town of Monterrico is situated on the Pacific coast of Guatemala. Known for its volcanic black sand beaches and 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.

Sea Turtle Conservation
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.