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Municipality and town in Chiquimula Department, Guatemala
Photo: Eric Walter, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Esquipulas is a small city in Eastern Guatemala with a population of about 18,000 residents. It is a popular destination for religious pilgrims who come to visit the Basilica of Esquipulas, a beautiful colonial church that is home to a mystical relic called the Cristo Negro (Black Christ) which is purported to have miraculous healing powers and definitely has the power to draw celebrity pilgrims like Pope John Paul II and Sister Teresa of Calcutta. The city is Guatemala's second-most visited destination, drawing an estimated 4-5 million visitors annually.
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Beautiful colonial era church built between 1735 and 1759 with baroque style architecture. The interior is relatively unadorned with a small number of artworks, including some very modern works from the past century. The star of the church is the Black Christ figure in a glass case hanging over the main altar.
Sunflower Ranch
Fields of sunflowers begging for some Instagram-worthy selfies. Farm animals including cows and goats are often curious about visitors.
Acueducto los Arcos
Colonial-era waterworks from the 18th century designed to bring drinking water into the city center. Poorly maintained but still of interest to history buffs.
Chatun Park
Water park with natural, spring fed pools. Several swimming pools with water slides, picnic area, changing rooms, gift shop, snacks and drinks. Fun place to spend a day with the kids.
Mining Cave
Park with picnic area, petting zoo, and the namesake cave (which isn't really worth a trip).
Modern restaurant serving sushi and Chinese food. Generous portions.
Cozy, quiet, clean restaurant serving coffee, cocktails, and homecooked Central American food.
Family-friendly pizza and pasta restaurant with an indoor kids playground.
Casually elegant Italian restaurant with a full-bar serving well-made cocktails, a good wine list, and serving artesanal craft beers. Tranquil outdoor patio dining area.
Moderate hotel with an attractive setting and clean, spacious rooms. On-site swimming pool is large and kid friendly with slides etc. On-site restaurant with full breakfast menu at reasonable prices.
Moderate hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms, beautiful garden courtyard with outdoor swimming pool. On-site restaurant serves a full breakfast menu (not included in room rate).
Moderate hotel with clean, comfortable rooms, with cable TV and WiFi, some with air conditioning but some rooms have no a/c. Large outdoor swimming pool. Off-street parking available. On-site restaurant with reasonable prices.
Moderate hotel with comfortable, clean rooms with air conditioning and cable TV. Jacuzzi available. On-site restaurant.
Moderate hotel directly across the street from the Basilica. Rooms are clean and quiet. Outdoor swimming pool with small wading pool for kids. On-site restaurant with outdoor terrace dining available.
Moderate hotel with clean, spacious rooms. Extra charge for a room with air conditioning (worth it!) Outdoor swimming pool. Off-site parking (about 2 blocks).
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