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Quiriguá Stela E

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Historical site
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Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)

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Stela E at the Quiriguá archaeological site is the largest freestanding monolithic monument ever carved in the Maya world. This massive sandstone pillar was dedicated in 771 AD during the reign of K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat, the ruler responsible for Quiriguá's independence from the neighboring city of Copán. The stela reaches a total height of 10.6 meters (35 feet), with approximately 8 meters visible above the current ground level. Weighing an estimated 65 tons, its creation and transportation reflect a peak in pre-Columbian engineering and artistic mastery. The intricately carved hieroglyphs and low-relief sculptures on its surfaces depict the ruler in full ceremonial regalia and document significant astronomical cycles and historical events. Due to the exceptional craftsmanship of its monuments, Quiriguá was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Today, the stela is sheltered by a roof to preserve its delicate carvings from erosion and environmental damage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222324262726252525242322
Rain mm105786151127214188195227205174113

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Stela E stands outdoors in the Quiriguá archaeological park, fully exposed to the elements. You can walk right up to it on the grass, but climbing or touching the carved surface is strictly forbidden.
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Typical hours
The Quiriguá archaeological park typically opens around 8:00 in the morning and closes by 16:00 or 17:00. Since hours can vary with season and holidays, it is advisable to check the official schedule beforehand.
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Photography
Visitors are free to take photographs of Stela E and other monuments for personal use. However, commercial photography or the use of a tripod may need prior authorization from the site management.
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Time needed
A focused visit to Stela E typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes. To fully appreciate the entire Quiriguá site including other stelae and zoomorphs, allocate at least one to two hours.
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Combine with
Within Quiriguá itself, you can easily combine Stela E with the other impressive monuments like Zoomorph P. For a broader Maya experience, consider a day trip to the Copán ruins in Honduras, just across the border.
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Getting there
Quiriguá is located roughly 3 kilometers from the town of the same name, easily reached by taxi or tuk-tuk. Long-distance buses from Guatemala City to the Caribbean coast stop at the highway junction near the site entrance.
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Insider tip
For the best light and fewer crowds, aim to be at the stela when the park opens in the morning. The tropical climate makes a hat, plenty of water, and insect repellent essential.

Geography

Coordinates
15.27000, -89.04000

Facts

  • Total height of 10.6 meters (largest Maya stela)
  • Estimated weight of approximately 65 tons
  • Erected in 771 AD during the Late Classic period
  • Carved from a single block of local sandstone
  • Depicts the great ruler K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat
  • Part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1981

Explore nearby

Notable places around

QuiriguáQuiriguá<1 km · NExplore →
San Vicente (Toledo)San Vicente (Toledo)2 km · SEExplore →
Chocon Machacas Manatee CoastChocon Machacas Manatee Coast2 km · NEExplore →
Lake SuchitlánLake Suchitlán3 km · NWExplore →
San MartínSan Martín3 km · WExplore →
San AgustínSan Agustín3 km · SExplore →
Chiquibul Forest ReserveChiquibul Forest Reserve4 km · SEExplore →
SuchitotoSuchitoto4 km · NWExplore →

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Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Quiriguá Stela E (1)

Quiriguá📍 landmark

Maya archaeological site in eastern Guatemala, known for large stone monuments and stelae.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Quiriguá Stela E?
At over 10 meters high and 65 tons, it is the largest monolithic stone in the Maya world.
Who does the stela represent?
It depicts the ruler K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat in ceremonial attire.
Where is Quiriguá located?
In the Izabal Department, in the Motagua River valley of eastern Guatemala.
Are the hieroglyphs readable?
Yes, they are very well-preserved and document important historical dates of the site.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, Quiriguá Park charges a fee of about 80 Quetzales for foreigners.
Quiriguá Stela E: where is it located?
Quiriguá Stela E is located in Guatemala.
Quiriguá Stela E: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Quiriguá Stela E: why is it worth visiting?
Stela E at the Quiriguá archaeological site is the largest freestanding monolithic monument ever carved in the Maya world.
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Nearby cities

Puerto Barrios — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Puerto Barrios
Important port city on the Caribbean coast and capital of Izabal department.
El Estor — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
El Estor
Town on the shore of Lake Izabal, historically linked to nickel mining.
Morales — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Morales
Important city in the banana-growing region of the Formula-Tals.
Lake Izabal — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Lake Izabal
Lake Izabal is the largest lake in Guatemala, a freshwater paradise with colonial forts, manatees, and hot springs.
Río Dulce — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Río Dulce
A tropical waterway connecting Lake Izabal to the Caribbean, lined with lush jungle and history.
Santo Tomás de Castilla — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Santo Tomás de Castilla
Modern port city on the Caribbean coast, next to Puerto Barrios.

Nature

Sarstoon River — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Sarstoon River
A river that forms the southern border between Guatemala and Belize.
Río Dulce — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Río Dulce
A river connecting Lake Izabal to the Caribbean, known for its impressive gorge.
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Polochic River Delta
An important wetland and delta where the Polochic River flows into Lake Izabal.

More places

Chocon Machacas Manatee Coast — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Chocon Machacas Manatee Coast
A wet coastal landscape known for manatees, birds, and lagoons.
Rio Dulce Manatee Sanctuary — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Rio Dulce Manatee Sanctuary
A protected river stretch with calm water and important habitat for manatees.
Río Dulce National Park — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Río Dulce National Park
A national park protecting the Río Dulce and parts of Lake Izabal, including the gorge.
History of the United Fruit Company — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
History of the United Fruit Company
The historical influence of the American company on Guatemala's economy and politics, especially in banana cultivation.
Izabal Banana Packing — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Izabal Banana Packing
Center for banana processing and export.
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Izabal Mining Center
Center for the extraction of mineral resources.
Sierra de Santa Cruz — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Sierra de Santa Cruz
An isolated mountain range in the lowlands of Izabal.
Caribbean Coast — Quiriguá Stela E (Guatemala)
Caribbean Coast
Guatemala's short but diverse coastal section on the Caribbean Sea.