I don't read much about the Pacific Coast of Guatemala on a forum. However, I have found what looks to be some interesting places to stay. I have to have my beach fix while traveling. Just wondering if anyone has any info or advice?

Thanks

The beaches are just okay: black sand, kind of rocky, water is rough unless you're a very strong swimmer. It's nothing like Mexico, and the coast is not well-developed for tourism. Monterrico is the only town with a real beach-town vibe. You can be there in about 90 minutes from Guatemala City, so it's an easy part of the country to get to.

I did make my first visit to that part of Guatemala last year, and I did like it. Just don't expect Puerto Vallarta.

Good to know. Thanks Jeff. I am currently reading the latest Moon Guatemala guidebook as well as a ton of Internet info. From everything I am reading, unless someone convinces me otherwise, it seems that this area is definately worth a visit. It seems a shame with all that coastline, not to visit it.

Actually sounds perfect, little developement, sounds of crashing waves. I am familiar with the black sand from my CR visits. In particular we just like a relaxing/interesting place to stay and chill out a few days, with some decent food and beach for walking. I am not fond of swimming in the ocean, so that is not a concern. I just want to see and hear the waves. Landlocked TN doesn't offer me this!

Thanks again

dfarmer -
Did you make it to the Pacific Coast?? if so, is it worth a visit? I've already been to Guatemala a handful of years ago so wanted to check out a new area when I'm there in a few weeks --
thanks for any advice --

Monterrico and the Pacific coast are a part of the country I'd visit after hitting some of the other more popular places: Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Chichicastenango and the highlands, Tikal, Livingston ... There's nothing wrong with it, per se. It's just that there are far more popular places to visit.

thanks jeff. Although I haven't been to Tikal (we're on a serious budget so it's not in the cards on this trip) I've been to the other places, although my friend has not.

thanks for your thoughts! will definitely head back to lake atitlan. hope it is still as peaceful as it was 8 years ago!

Monterrico is very reasonably priced, so if you're on a budget, it's a good place to visit.

Very easy to reach from Guatemala City too.

I really love Guatemala - heading back for my 6th visit this summer, spread over 20 years. Monterrico doesn't make my list of top 1000 places in Guatemala. When I want beach and Guatemala I enjoy the parts I love of Guatemala, then head to the Bay Islands of Honduras or to Belize. Just my 2 quetzales' worth...

thanks for your responses...
i would LOVE to go to the bay islands...hopefully soon. won't be there long enough on this trip.