Monterrico Beaches

Although I am not much of a beach person, how could I not visit at least one beach in Central America during the dead of Winter. About two and a half hours South of Antigua, are the black volcanic sand beaches found along the small town of Monterrico. This place is a hot spot on the weekends for local families from larger cities to play in the Pacific Ocean.

A tropical feel, with humidity, heat, and sun scorching at me all day gave me all more the reason to play in the ocean and let the waves overcome me with delight.  A booked a cheap room in a dormitory style room at http://hotel-el-delfin.com/ for only about $5.50 a night! I hardly spent any time in the room, as I was mostly outside, doing well, nothing really, and it was great ! Beers on the beach, shrimp tacos, book reading, naps, etc...

my dorm room with mosquito nets

I visited a turtle conservation center that had numerous other unique animals such as crocodiles and huge iguanas. The turtles come up on the beach to lay their eggs some times of the year and at times they allow visitors to release the baby turtles back to the ocean.

I booked a 530 AM mangrove and bird watching tour through the nature reserve and although I was not excited to wake up that early, it was well worth it. One man used a large stick to paddle my canoe, which I was the only one on, and we drifted into the mangroves to see the sun rise and watch the birds. I was really sleepy and felt like it was a dream...........I proceeded other normal beach activities for one more day and then headed back to Antiuga for the next adventure.

I highly enjoy solo travel for various reasons but recently I came across this womans blog who explains the very reasons why I do love solo travel. Check it out !
http://solotravelerblog.com/solo-travel-silence-enrich-life/