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Exploring our beautiful planet

Lago Izabal

November 16, 2018  —  Guatemala 2
Lago de Izabal - Guatemala

Lake Izabal is the largest one in Guatemala, and it's the source of Rió Dulce. There are several nice sites to visit all around the lake. Here are a few ones.

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El Boquerón

El Boquerón - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala

El Boquerón is a small canyon on the River Sauce, a tributary of Lake Izabal. The canyon is only 2-3 kilometres long, but it's quite scenic. I explored it with a canoe and a young guide.

El Boquerón - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
El Boquerón - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
El Boquerón - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
El Boquerón - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
El Boquerón - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
El Boquerón - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
My guide.
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Finca El Paraíso

Finca El Paraíso - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
Trail along the river.

After reaching Finca El Paraíso, there is a trail along a river to get to a thermal water spring. I visited the site on a weekend, so there were lots of local people that came on this nice day to swim in the river.

When I first got into the water, I was very surprised. The water was cold, and I was a bit disappointed. I quickly realized that the hot water was in fact the waterfall. Yes, it's hot enough so that one can't stay under it for more than a few minutes. One must alternate between the cold river and the very hot waterfall. It's the hottest shower I took in Guatemala.

Finca El Paraíso - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
Trail along the river.
Finca El Paraíso - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
Finca El Paraíso - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
Finca El Paraíso - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
Finca El Paraíso - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
Finca El Paraíso - Lago de Izabal - Guatemala
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Quiriguá

Quiriguá - Guatemala

Quiriguá is a Mayan archeological site that has been occupied in the years AD 200 to 850. The site contains only a few poorly restored pyramids that are not very interesting. Quiriguá is more famous for the quality of the stelae discovered there.

One can gape at a dozen magnificent stelae and a few altars. In all the sites I have visited, these are the most beautiful stelae I have seen up to now.

Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
The structures are not very nice, but the size of the stone is impressive. See the next photos...
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
Quiriguá - Guatemala
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On the road

Trail from Los Amates to Guelán - Guatemala

After leaving Quiriguá, I drove on a small rural road. A few times, I had to cross shallow rivers without any problems. When I reached some other river, I was face to face with this bridge, and I hesitated for a long time before crossing it.

Notice that some of the planks are not very straight, and that the space between some beams are somewhat intimidating. I was afraid veer off and to have to put a foot on the bridge, but what happens if I step in a hole? The motorbike won't fall in the river, but I could get stuck for quite a while.

After hesitating for several minutes and after straightening some planks, I thought it was not worth it to risk falling on the bridge. When I was ready to turn back, a young farmer offered me help to get across the bridge. I drove very slowly, and he helped me keep my balance by holding the bike from the rear. I crossed it without any trouble. Phew!

Trail from Los Amates to Guelán - Guatemala
The space between some beams was up top 15-20 centimetres.
Trail from Los Amates to Guelán - Guatemala
After crossing the bridge.
Guelán - Guatemala

In front of a small restaurant along the road...