The Perfect Getaway

Dos Mundos

On the hot and humid Pacific coast of Guatemala, at the end of the palm-fringed road lies the beach town of Monterico. Blink and you'll miss it, as the signs are far and few between. Best accessed via shuttle from Antigua or Guatemala City, it is a semi-remote tropical paradise. The best of the few hotels is Dos Mundos: 12 bungalows with intricately woven thatch roofs, air conditioning, and a bar at the mail pool that serves up superb pina coladas.

Dos Mundos is one of two very good hotels, with the other up at Lake Atitlan and it may be that this is the step-child of the mini-empire. The food is uninspired, and the advertised wi-fi access doesn't hook up: a few days without email can be a complete vacation. Swing in a hammock, read a book. The pool will be empty, as the rates keep away all but the upper crust Guatemaltecos and the few tourists who wander this far. Closer and to the west are several other beach-front resorts:  Johnny's Place is offering a 2nd night free at the moment, the food is fresh and the margaritas are excellent. The lighted volleyball games at night on the beach are fun. Finding it is another matter, especially after dark. Bring your Spanish and if you're driving, pay the valet 20 quetzals to keep an eye on your vehicle.

What is there to do besides laze by the pool or on the beach? There's horse-back riding, tours of the local Biosphere(marsh/swamp)via lanchas, turtle-watching and deep sea fishing. Some of the best sail-fishing in the world is nearby, in the town of Puerto San Jose. This is a place which few tourists find and a mini-paradise for the bold and the brave. If you're thinking of doing something different, Voyageur Tours in Antigua will get you there in comfort and bring you back on time.

Dos Mundos is somewhat isolated. Bring suntan lotion, bug spray, snacks and cash. There is one ATM  a few kilometers on the way in and a pharmacy that's open late.  Pick up a bottle of Ron Botran, bring a deck of cards and enjoy the serenity of it all.    Turn right at Esquintla on CA-2 and look for the Puerto Quetzal exit: left at Puerto Quetzal and a right over the bridge to Monterico...another left and a few kilometers along the coast to Dos Mundos.

Source: Guatemala News-El