Sights in The Pacific Slope
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Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii
Sometimes called the Reserva Natural Monterrico, Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii is administered by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos)and is Monterrico's biggest attraction. This 20km-long nature reserve of coast and coastal mangrove swamps is bursting with avian and aquatic life. Its most famous denizens are the endangered leatherback and ridley turtles, who lay their eggs on the beach in many places along the coast.
The mangrove swamps are a network of 25 lagoons, all connected by mangrove canals. Boat tours of the reserve, passing through the mangrove swamps and visiting several lagoons, take around 1½ to two hours and cost around U…
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Parque Hawaii
Parque Hawaii, a nature reserve operated by Arcas (Asociación de Rescate y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Association; www.arcasguatemala.com) comprises a sea-turtle hatchery with some caimans 8km east along the beach from Monterrico. It is separate from and rivals Cecon's work in the same field. Volunteers are welcome year-round, but the real sea turtle nesting season is from June to November, with August and September being the peak months.
Volunteers are charged around US$50 a week for a room, with meals extra and homestay options with local families. Jobs for volunteers include hatchery checks and maintenance, local school education s…
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Tortugario Monterrico
The Tortugario Monterrico, run by Cecon (Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas de la Universidad de San Carlos), is just a short walk east down the beach from the end of Calle Principal and then a block inland. Several endangered species of animals are raised here, including leatherback, olive ridley and green sea turtles, caimans and iguanas. The staff offer lagoon trips in the Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii, and will accept volunteers.
There's an interesting interpretative trail and a little museum with pickled displays in bottles.
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Museo de Arqueología y Etnología
The Museo de Arqueología y Etnología is a small museum of archaeological relics. Upstairs are historical photos and a mural showing locations of 33 archaeological sites in Retalhuleu department.
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