Arriving in Monterrico
Monterrico is actually separated from the mainland by mangove swamps. One must cross over on small boats or drive down a peninsula – which the shuttles do. It’s a dusty little town with one block cleaned up for pictures but when you get off the beaten path it’s rustic and kinda cool with some of the nicest locals I’ve met in Guat. I didn’t know when I arrived what a strange visit it would be. A local talked me into following him to several places near the beach, none of which I liked, so I headed down the beach towards a place I’d read about in lonely planet. Dulce y salado was to have cabanas surrounding a pool (1/2 price midweek bringing it down to around $15) and meals cooked by the Italian owners. The book said head 2km down the beach but that is easier said than done when one is gear-laden, walking down a black sand beach at noon!!!
I thought for sure I’d walked 2km when I see this swanky place with bunglalows (yeah, damn nice ones, but still bungalows) around a huge infinity pool and gardens. There is a swanky restaurant and bar. Now, I knew from using the bathroom at the last place I’d stopped that I am red and sweating and look really bad. I ask at the restaurant if they have “habitationes” and they give me an odd look at direct me to “reception” at the front. I’m still convinced this is the place but I am so darn hot and tired after dragging down the beach that I realize now it was just wishful thinking, so I walk up to reception. I haggle them down to $65 per night and for once I got the distinct impression that I haggled more than they did ☺. He actually asked me if I was familiar with their hotel (implying – do you realize what you are getting for this price?). I’m shown a HUGE bungalow with air-con, a dressing room, huge bathroom and a massive porch with seating and a hammock. I decided it was time, yet again, to slurge. I’m totally glad I did since the air-con was SWEET in this steamy little town. None of the other places on my list had it.
I won’t go on more about it – you can check out dos mundos online. Dos Mundos: two worlds – man you are NOT kidding. I got to see rich guatemaltecans and the last day I was there was a photo shoot next to the infinity pool, which up to that point had actually been ∞-2”. Since I was living the high-life for a few days I dined there in the evenings but made sure to keep it real by going into town for lunch – which one day was street food – something I hadn’t had for weeks. More to come tomorrow!! including my most perilous moment yet!!
Tags: central america, dos mundos, guatemala, guatemala, monterrico, Travel
Peggy Rehm