Dulce y Salado

Monterrico is a small and mellow town along the Pacific coast of Guatemala. The town was once a sleepy fishing village, but has become increasingly popular with travelers in recent years, many of who come here to see nesting sea turtles. Monterrico is actually located within the Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii, a nature reserve that is an important nesting site for leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles. Visitors may be able to see the hatching or release of baby sea turtles. The beach itself is narrow and has dark sand. There is also a large mangrove swamp that can be explored on kayak.

Dulce y Salado is set directly along the shores of the beach. The hotel is small, tidy and pleasant. It offers travelers a quiet and comfortable place to stay while exploring the Monterrico-Hawaii area.

The hotel has just eight thatched-roof bungalows. The accommodations are fairly basic, but are cute and spotlessly clean. All feature a private bathroom. There are mosquito nets over the beds and a fan to keep the bungalows at a comfortable temperature; a consistent sea breeze also helps to keep the rooms cool. There are hammocks outside the rooms where guests can read and relax.

Dulce y Salado runs its own restaurant, which is set in an open-air thatched-roof rancho. The menu is a fusion of Italian and Guatemalan food and is both varied and affordable. Options include eggplant lasagna, spaghetti, and pizza; you might want to try the tiramisu for dessert. As an added benefit, you can see the ocean from the restaurant.

There is a small pool where guests can swim and cool off. The pool is clean and well maintained. Lounge chairs and hammocks surround the pool and offer up an additional place to relax.