Fodor's Expert Review Biotopo Monterrico

The Biotopo Monterrico, officially, the Monterrico Natural Reserve for Multiple Uses, encompasses 6,916 acres along Guatemala's Pacific coast and includes everything from mangrove swamps to dense tropical forests. This is a haven for ornithologists, as the reserve is home to more than 100 species of migratory and indigenous birds. Marine turtles swim ashore from July to January, and you can often see them digging nests for their eggs at night. We recommend an organized tour of the reserve. Although the visitor center sits in town a couple of blocks east of Calle Principal, visiting on your own is logistically difficult. Naturaltours (East of Calle Principal 060245958–9491) leads boat tours—in Spanish only—of the canal, mangroves, and lagoons. Rise and shine, for they begin at 5 am, an hour necessary to take advantage of the best wildlife-viewing opportunities.