The monuments at Quirigu� (pronounced "kitty-wa") are unique in several respects. Few other sites display full frontal views of the human figure, a later departure from the traditional profile depictions. Quirigu� also has numerous excellent examples of a fairly rare form of 'longhand' Mayan glyphs which use full animal and human figures, instead of smaller symbols or variations on abbreviated 'head-type' glyphs to represent the same meanings. There are only three other known examples of the full-figured glyphs in the entire Mayan world.

History

Quirigua's history parallels that of Copan, of which it was a dependency during much of the Classic period. The location lent itself to the carving of giant stelae. Beds of brown sandstone in the nearby Rio Motagua had cleavage planes suitable for cutting large pieces. Though soft when first cut, the sandstone dried hard in the air. With Copan's expert artisans nearby for guidance, Quirigua's stone carvers were ready for greatness. All they needed was an eminent leader to inspire them -and to pay for the carving of the huge stelae.

That leader was Cauac Sky (725-84), who decided that Quirigua should no longer be under the control of Copan. In a war with his former suzerain, Cauac Sky took Copan's King 18 Rabbit prisoner in 737 and later had him beheaded. Independent at last, Cauac Sky commissioned his stonecutters to go to work; for the next 38 years they turned out giant stelae and zoomorphs dedicated to the glory of King Cauac Sky.

I can take you here and we can provide your lunch or you can dine over the hill on Lago Isabal at either Marisco or Playa Dorado at one of their wonderful restraunts. Then back to Rio Dulce. If you want beer or anything else to take along and choose the provided lunches, you need to bring them yourselves.

Key Information:

Tour duration: A good day trip or, hotel with cottages near lago Izabal avalaible in Punta Gorda for about 400 Quetzals if you decide to stay over night but advance notice must be arranged.
Group size: any size by public transportation, 12 maximum by private transportation.
Departure point: Rio Dulce
Meals: provided but deposit for tour required in advance, or alternate restraunts are avalaible near destination.
Transportation: Public bus (Litegua or Fuente Del Norte) can take you to the turn-off road and you have to wait for another to get you to the ruins which is another 3.4 kilometers; If you want air conditioning in private transportation it is 300 Q to be divided among group.
Park Entry Fees: 20 Quetzals per person
Tour Customizable: of course!
Cost: Contact me with your specifics, there is a minimum fee for groups of four or less, then prices can be negotiated depending on what else you would like to include in your day.