Quiriguá Travel Guide

The archaeological park of Quiriguá is home to some of the most remarkable monuments of Mayan history. Its towering stelae are intricately carved with hieroglyphics that record important calendar dates, eclipses, passages of Mayan mythology, and key events in the life of this ancient city—a breathtaking testament to the artistry of the Maya.

Quiriguá is an ancient and magical city, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a chance to step back in time. Journey to the Guatemalan lowlands and marvel at these extraordinary masterpieces, created by one of the most influential civilizations in world history.

Things to Do at Quiriguá

Discover Quiriguá

They used local hard red sandstone, which allowed them to build the tallest freestanding monuments in the Americas at that time. These masterpieces' beauty and meaning have remained almost intact, making them some of the most attractive pre-Columbian works. We encourage you to visit this magnificent site and experience the universal masterpieces created by the sculptors of Quiriguá for yourself.

Excursions from Quiriguá to Other Destinations Nearby

Izabal
Izabal, reachable within two hours from Quiriguá, offers a Caribbean atmosphere full of natural beauty. This department surrounds the country's largest lake, Lake Izabal. With its hot sun, sea breeze, and Caribbean humidity, this region embodies a unique Guatemalan culture.

Copán Ruins
Copán, an ancient Mayan city located in western Honduras, is about 16 km (10 mi) from the Guatemalan border. The ruins of Quiriguá and Copán share the same style, making them a major attraction in Honduras. The Copán ruins are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this ancient city.

Puerto Barrios
The country's main Caribbean Sea port is located here. It is a convenient base for tours in the region. At nearby Puerto Barrios, you will find many attractions, such as San Felipe de Lara Castle, an old Spanish fort, Siete Altares, seven natural ponds and Lake Izabal, the largest in the country. The interesting mix of Maya, Afro-Caribbean, and West Indian cultures will give you a memorable experience.

Museums and Architectonical Treasures

La Gran Plaza
La Gran Plaza was used for religious ceremonies and celebrations. It is home to 11 of the largest Mayan sculptures in Mesoamerica, as well as a collection of palaces and decorated walls. Each wall depicts different events and Mayan gods.

Estela E
It is the largest monolithic monument of its kind. Standing 10.6 m (35 ft) tall, with 3 m (10 ft) sunk into the ground to keep it upright, it represents the Earth Monster. This masterpiece provided the inspiration, power, and finances for the other monuments in the park.

Site Museum
This small center gives visitors an overview of Quiriguá's history. It contains a scale model of the site, pieces of sculptures, ceramic artifacts, and informational panels that explain the importance of this archeological park.