Esquipulas

Esquipulas is perhaps the most important center for Catholics in Guatemala, Esquipulas' popularity is based on a statue of a "Black Christ" sculpted by Quirio Cataño around 1595. The "black Christ" is housed in a huge "basilica" (church) that was inaugurated around 1759. The building has four towers and it is believed to have been inspired by the "Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar" from Zaragoza, Spain. Esquipulas is visited by worshipers from all Guatemala southern Mexico, and all of Central America. January is the busiest month since the day of "Señor de Esquipulas" is celebrated on the 15th. Several interestin activities can be enjoyed out around the town. Shoppers can have time visiting many stores which flourished in the town´s streets and in a market located beside the church. The ruins of an ancient aqueduct can be seen on a nice spot crossed by a river. For those who want to exercise a bit there is nothing like a climb to the "Cerro de Morola" (there is a paved road for cars but the walk is more rewarding), topped by a convent and a couple of view points with a spectacular view of the Esquipulas valley. The famous "piedra de los compadres" (friends' rock) is located on the outskirts and it is an important landmark on the pilgrimage route to Esquipulas which is full of stories and legends. Pilgrimages to Esquipulas include a complex series of rituals and paraphernalia like: blessing of purchased goods and of vehicles, colored typical candy, colored garments, profusely adorned hats, firecrackers burning near the church, and different ways of approaching and leaving church. The La Fraternidad biosphere reserve is located near Esquipulas, at the point known as El Trifinio, where the borders of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras meet.

Ipala volcano and lagoon

Ipala volcano is unique since it fosters a beautiful lake on its crater, which is surrounded by a lush cloud forest. Climbers should begin their journey in a settlement known as Chagüitón, which is located near the town of Ipala. The ascent by foot takes aproximately one hour and a half.

Two roads for one destination

Esquipulas can be reached by one of two paved roads in good condition which offer several interesting stops.

1. The Atlantic road goes through the towns of San Cristóbal and San Agustín Acasaguastlan where colonial churches can be visited. This road passes through the dry valley of the Motagua river with its semidesertic Sierra de la Minas which has been protected as a biosphere reserve in order to relieve pressure from its natural resources and the important springs which sprout from it. Near Esquipulas more colonial churches of interesting architecture can be found in Camotán, Jocotán, Chiquimula, San Juan Ermita, and Quetzaltenango.

2. The road which leads to Esquipulas through Jutiapa Ixtepeque, and the imposing Suchitán. This road crosses the valley of the Los Esclavos river before it goes into the steep rise known as La Corona which offers a magnificent view of the valley and several volcanoes in Western Guatemala.