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Quirigua Maya Site
The ancient city of Quirigua (kiri-gwah) is a Maya Classic Period site, located in eastern Guatemala on the Motagua River.
This site was occupied from about 200AD to 850AD.
Its peak came in the 8th century, when Quirigua’s ruler captured and sacrificed Copan’s most famous king, Uaxaclajuun Ub’aah K’awiil (“18 Rabbit”), earning Quirigua its independence.
Quirigua’s Stele Collection
Quirigua’s collection of intricately-carved stelae includes the largest monolith in the New World.
Stele E is more than 35 feet high, weighing approximately 65 tons.
Other highlights include a ballcourt, carved altars, three plazas, and zoomorphic boulders.
Quirigua is approximately four hours’ drive from Guatemala City and roughly three hours from Copan Ruinas, Honduras.
What to do in Quirigua
LANDED can arrange private guides and drivers.
Helicopter charters are also available, speeding and simplifying connections to Antigua, Guatemala City, and Flores.
What is the Weather Like?
At Quiriguá, temperatures remain tropical yet bearable, with daytime highs typically ranging from 27–32 °C (80–90 °F) and evenings cooling into the low 20s °C (around 70 °F).
The dry season (November–April) brings the clearest skies and minimal rain—ideal for leisurely walks among towering stelae. From May through October, frequent afternoon showers drench paths and deepen the jungle greens—atmospheric and vivid, but best suited to travelers prepared for sudden downpours.
Getting There
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Peru’s North Coast.
How to combine Quirigua
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
