Quiriguá One Day
Come explore the fascinating Mayan ruins of Quiriguá during this one-day tour. Quiriguá is home to the Izabal region’s tallest stelae, and you'll be able to admire them on this tour.
- Duration:
- 8 hrs
- Available Days:
- Every day
- Schedule:
- 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM
- Hotel Transport Included
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
Quiriguá is one of Guatemala’s treasured Mayan sites. Restoration began here in the 1930s and in 1981 Quiriguá was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has a long history dating back to the 7th century, when it was intimately connected with Copán. You’ll learn about all of this and more during the tour.
As a tour participant, you’ll explore Quiriguá with a knowledgeable local guide. The ruins here are part of Quiriguá’s original ceremonial center. At the Acropolis you’ll see zoomorphs and stelae that were carved with sandstone from the nearby Río Motagua. The most impressive of these is Stelae E—at 36 feet (11 m), this is the tallest known Mayan stela. The zoomorphs depict animals like frogs, snakes, jaguars, and human-animal hybrids.
There is also a small ball court, and at Altar P you’ll encounter a seated figure in a Buddha-style posture. There is also a museum with exhibits on Quiriguá’s geopolitical and historical significance.
Attraction Visited
The Mayan site of Quiriguá has some of Guatemala’s best-preserved stelae. Set within the Caribbean Lowlands near Lake Izabal, Quiriguá is smaller but similar to the ruins of Copán, especially in regards to the architecture and carving style. It’s far less visited than Copán but nonetheless holds some fabulous Mayan structures.
Read more:Quirigua
What to Bring
Camera, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat or cap and money for meals personal expenses, handicrafts, and tipping the guide-driver.
What's included
Transportation, entrance fee and local bilingual guide for Quirigua Archaeological Site
Transportation
Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.
Similar things to do
Explore both the San Felipe Castle and the Río Dulce during this tour. The castle, which is set at the mouth of the Río Dulce, dates back to the 17th century and has fantastic views of Lake Izabal.
Explore several different areas around Lake Izabal during this tour. As you make your way towards the lakeside town of El Estor you’ll visit the limestone canyon of El Boquerón, the warm-water fall at Finca El Paraíso, and the San Felipe Castle.