Explore Guatemala's ancient mysteries with a fascinating journey through the lowlands' archaeological treasures.

In La Democracía, you'll encounter the iconic stone heads (known colloquially as the"fat gods," due to their rotund shape) and learn about their connection to Olmec and Mayan civilizations. Afterwards, you'll head to nearby Finca Las Ilusiones for a visit to the Cotzumalguapa Culture Museum, where you'll see both original and replica artifacts that tell the rich story of this region.

Energy Level

Duration

4 Hours

Type

CULTURED

Accessible

Shore Thing Highlights

Visit La Democracía, a small town notable for the ancient stone heads that decorate its central plaza
Tour the Cotzumalguapa Culture Museum to see more examples of ancient sculpture and the mythology that inspired it
Return to the ship after a half-day escape packed with ancient history, culture, and art

Need to know

Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
Approximately 1-hour drive each way to/from the pier
Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent are highly recommended
Driving routes follow narrow, single-lane roads where traffic is common; Highway travel is limited in this region
Sailors should expect long periods of walking over varying terrain; comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.

Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.

Ancient Cultures of Guatemala

Explore Guatemala's ancient mysteries with a fascinating journey through the lowlands' archaeological treasures.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know

Experience shores the Virgin way

Our Shore Things Policies