78
Safety Score
40
Internet Score
$150
Avg Rent/mo
24°C
Avg Temp
About Esquipulas
Esquipulas is Central America's most important pilgrimage site. The Basílica de Esquipulas houses the Cristo Negro (Black Christ), a dark crucifix carved in 1594 that is believed to have miraculous healing powers. Every January 15th, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Mexico converge on the city. The basilica is an impressive white colonial structure that dominates the valley. Outside of pilgrimage season, the town is quiet but the basilica is always worth visiting.
Highlights
- Cristo Negro (Black Christ)
- Largest basilica in Central America
- Major pilgrimage site
- January 15 festival
- Religious history
Best For
Religious travelersCulture seekersArchitecture loversFestival goersTransit to Honduras
Nearby Attractions
- Basílica de Esquipulas
- Cueva de las Minas
- Quiriguá ruins (2 hrs)
- Copán, Honduras (1.5 hrs)
- Hot springs
Cost of Living
- Hotel near basilica$15-30/night
- Religious souvenirs$2-10
- Meal near plaza$3-6
- Bus to Guatemala City$5-8
- Candles & offerings$1-3
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