Monterrico is the closest Pacific beach to Antigua, making it a popular weekend escape. The black volcanic sand beach stretches for miles along the coast, backed by mangrove channels and sea turtle nesting sites. The journey involves descending from the highlands to the coastal lowlands and crossing a mangrove canal by ferry.

How to Get There

Shuttle minivans depart Antigua at 8:00-9:00 AM with hotel pickup service. The drive descends through Escuintla to the coast, arriving in Monterrico by 11:00 AM-12:00 PM.

Price: Q190-230 ($25-30) per person. Return: Shuttles leave Monterrico at 3:00-4:00 PM. Book round-trip for convenience. Book through: Adrenalina Tours, Atitrans, Guatemala Transportation, or your hotel.

Chicken Bus + Ferry (Budget Adventure)

  1. Antigua to Escuintla: Chicken bus from the market terminal (Q10, 1 hour)
  2. Escuintla to La Avellana/Taxisco: Another chicken bus (Q10-15, 1 hour)
  3. La Avellana to Monterrico: Ferry across the mangrove canal (Q5-10, 15 minutes)

Total: Q25-50, about 3-3.5 hours. Ferries run regularly throughout the day. The last ferry back from Monterrico is around 5:00 PM.

Private Transfer

A private vehicle costs Q620-930 ($80-120) for 1-4 passengers. Book through any Antigua tour agency.

What to Know About Monterrico

  • Black sand: The beach has dark volcanic sand, not the white sand of the Caribbean. It gets extremely hot in the midday sun — bring sandals.
  • Swimming caution: The Pacific surf is strong with rip currents. Swim only where other people are swimming and never alone.
  • Sea turtles: November to February is turtle nesting season. Conservation projects (ARCAS, Hawaii Conservation) offer evening turtle release experiences.
  • Mangrove tours: Boat tours through the mangrove channels to spot birds, iguanas, and caimans. Q50-100 per person.
  • Accommodation: Budget to mid-range hotels line the beach. Expect Q200-600 per night. Book ahead for long weekends and holidays.

Tips

  • Weekend vs weekday: Monterrico is packed on weekends and holidays. Visit midweek for a more relaxed experience.
  • Rainy season (May-October): Expect afternoon storms, but mornings are usually clear. The heat and humidity are intense.
  • Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent. The coastal lowlands have more mosquitoes than the highlands.
  • Cash only: Most Monterrico businesses are cash-only. Bring enough Quetzales.

Prices verified March 2026. Exchange rate: Q7.72 per USD.