El Jute Lagoon
The cool plan when the east burns — lagoon, shade and picnic.
~150 minWith childrenLight walking
Guatemala
Esquipulas
Central America’s capital of faith: the white basilica of the Black Christ draws millions of pilgrims a year, surrounded by the Pearl of the East — colonial churches, hot springs and Ipala volcano with its crater lake.
Places (5)
Ipala Volcano & Crater Lake
Climb a volcano and find a lake to swim in — the east’s secret.
~300 minPhotographyFirst visit
Our Lady of the Transit Sanctuary
The living Baroque of the Pearl of the East, a step from the central park.
~30 minFirst visitPhotography
Basilica of the Black Christ of Esquipulas
Central America’s spiritual heart — imposing even if you’re not a pilgrim.
~90 minFirst visitPhotography
Holy Trinity Ruins (Old Church)
A 265-year-old Baroque skeleton under the open sky — the east’s historic photo.
~45 minPhotographyFirst visit
Useful traveler info
About 222 km (4 h) from the capital via CA-9/CA-10. The Black Christ’s great feast is January 15 (huge crowds). Try yuca con chicharrón and loroco empanadas. Honduras and El Salvador borders are minutes away.