Our first stop was the Quirigua Ruins which is located in the middle of a large banana plantation. There is a sense of antiquity when you step into the jungle and literally walk back in time. At Quirigua there is a collection of ancient architecture represented by seventeen monuments that were carved between 426 AD and 810 AD. They partially made up this great city. Quirigua is one of the major testimonies to the Mayan civilization. For reasons which are not clear, it then entered a period of decline.
Next stop, Rio Dulce. Rio Dulce flows from the banks of Lake Izabel. The next morning we boarded a boat and traveled down the river.
- The Castillo de San Felipe de Lara is a fortress located at the mouth of the Rio Dulce to Lake Izabal in eastern Guatemala. This castle had three functions: to be a military fort, a prison and also a customs center, with multiple warehouses serving as a center of trade between Guatemala and Spain.
As we continued traveling down the river, we unexpectedly had visitors via canoe...selling their wares! Not uncommon for this country.
We soon realized the river has its own community. There are no roads. The only way to travel is on the river.
People travel by boat to collect fresh water. They come up beside the tire and fill their containers boat side. They have their own "drive through"! There is a hose that brings the water down from above. It is rather ingenious.
Finally we arrived at Livingston on the Atlantic Ocean...the Caribbean side.
I am constantly amazed at this beautiful country with its rich history!
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