Monterrico What to Pack

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Luggage and bags: Travel light - the weather is warm here even in the rainy season. During rainy season it might be a good idea to bring a slicker. A sturdy backpack should work just fine plus it fits in the overhead bin of a plane so you don't have to check a bag which as a former baggage handler I hate to do.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: It's hot here so bring light cloths that dry quickly. Shoe wise you will need some slaps for walking on the blacksand beach in the afternoon as it absorbs the suns rays and gets super hot. A good pair of tennis shoes for heading inland into the mangrove forrest is a good idea also. At ARCAS I wore socks at night and did not go barefoot often due to the fire ants...I still got bit but it could have been worse.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Most hotels including ARCAS have TP in the bathrooms....we never ran out at ARCAS (just remember to put the used stuff in the basket and dump it once a day in the fire pit) Bring your meds from home if you need them along with mosquito wipes/cream as the buggers are bad at night..they are the worst during rainy season.

Photo Equipment: Digital is the way to go..they have US style power outlets to charge your batteries or cel phone. You can upload and send your photos from the ARCAS laptop if you stay there.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: A towel for the beach/shower is a good idea as they are not provided at ARCAS..the hotels in Monterrico should have them though. Due to the sun..don't forget a hat and shades also. I wore took a rash guard for swimming but never wore it as most of the time I went swimming after 3 pm when the sand cooled off.

Miscellaneous: If you are going to head into Hawaii if you brought a soccer balls for the kids in the village you would be a local hero as the village is the home of the national sand league soccer team in Guatemala so the sport is very popular.