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Bridge of the Slaves
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The Bridge of the Slaves (Puente de los Esclavos) spans the river of the same name in Cuilapa, Santa Rosa department, and is one of the oldest colonial bridges in Central America. Its construction began in 1579 under the direction of Rodrigo de Fuentes y Guzmán and was completed in 1592 to facilitate trade between Guatemala and El Salvador. The bridge is approximately 75 meters long and consists of eleven massive stone arches, engineered so robustly that they have withstood violent floods and major earthquakes for over 400 years. Numerous legends surround its construction, the most famous involving a slave who allegedly sold his soul to the devil to finish the bridge on time. Architecturally, it is an impressive testament to 16th-century Spanish engineering, utilizing stone and lime mortar. Today, the bridge is closed to heavy vehicle traffic and serves as a historical monument, attracting visitors interested in both colonial history and local folklore.
- Location: Guatemala
- Top sights: Los Esclavos Dam · Santa Rosa Department, Guatemala
- Nearby: Cobán (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 7 | 12 | 41 | 163 | 225 | 172 | 223 | 243 | 191 | 43 | 8 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Bridge of the Slaves is a historic colonial stone arch bridge that can be freely visited. It spans the Río Los Esclavos and is open to pedestrians.
Typical hours
Since it is an open historic bridge, there are no fixed opening hours. Recommended to visit during daylight to see the stonework.
Photography
Photography is allowed and the bridge gives great subjects, especially the arch and the river. Late afternoon is good for atmospheric shots.
Time needed
A short visit of 15 to 20 minutes is enough to see the bridge and take photos. Those wanting to explore the surroundings should allow half an hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby town of Santa Rosa de Lima. Other colonial churches in the region are also worth seeing.
Getting there
The bridge is located on the road between Cuilapa and Santa Rosa de Lima. Best reached by car or bus on the CA-1 highway.
Insider tip
Combine the bridge with a riverside picnic, the area is quiet and scenic. Watch for slippery stones near the water.
Geography
Facts
- The bridge was built between 1579 and 1592 by Spanish architects.
- It features eleven arches and has a total length of approximately 75 meters.
- The name originates from the Xinca slaves who were forced to build it.
- The bridge survived devastating floods in both 1762 and 1998.
- A local legend claims a stone is missing because the devil ripped it out.
- It is located on the strategic route connecting Guatemala City and San Salvador.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bridge of the Slaves (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How old is the bridge?
It was completed in 1592 during the colonial period.
Where does the name come from?
The name comes from the enslaved Xinca people who had to help with the construction.
Where is the bridge located?
In Cuilapa, in the department of Santa Rosa.
Can you still drive on the bridge today?
Yes, it is still in use and open for light traffic.
Are there restrooms on site?
No, it is a public bridge; use facilities in Cuilapa.
Bridge of the Slaves: where is it located?
Bridge of the Slaves is located in Guatemala.
Bridge of the Slaves: what is there to see?
Highlights include Los Esclavos Dam, Santa Rosa Department, Guatemala.
Bridge of the Slaves: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Bridge of the Slaves: why is it worth visiting?
The Bridge of the Slaves (Puente de los Esclavos) spans the river of the same name in Cuilapa, Santa Rosa department, and is one of the oldest colonial bridges in Central America.
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