Things To Do in Esquipulas
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Esquipulas Attractions
Most visitors to Esquipulas come solely to visit the Black Christ. However, there are a few other nearby attractions. Families with children should head to Chatun (tel. 502/5556-2788; www.parquechatun.com), a family-style recreation complex with a swimming pool, sports facilities (such as a zip-line attraction), climbing wall, and children's petting zoo. Admission is Q45 ($6/£3) for adults, Q30 ($4/£2) for children. Chatun is located 3km (2 miles) outside of Esquipulas on the road to Honduras.
If you're looking for a day trip, the Ipala Volcano is a popular tourist spot. The crater of this 1,650m (5,400-ft.) volcano forms a beautiful blue lake and makes a great hike. If you want to visit the volcano, ask your hotel for a reputable guide, as you shouldn't visit this remote site unaccompanied.
- Religious Site
La Basílica & El Cristo Negro
Sculpted by Quirio Cataño in Antigua, the Black Christ dates back to 1595. By 1603, it already had a miracle attributed to it, but it wasn't until 1735, when Father Pedro Pardo de Figueroa was miraculously cured while praying in front of the statue, that things really began to… - Religious Site
La Cueva de las Minas
Not far from the Basílica is the Cueva de las Minas, a natural cave that's been used for centuries for Maya ritual ceremonies. Some claim the Black Christ actually emerged from these caves, while others say that its sculptor, Quirio Cataño, got his inspiration here. The cave is about…
