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Esquipulas may be a relatively nondescript place along the remote eastern border of the country, but it happens to be Guatemala’s most important Roman Catholic pilgrimage site. The main church in Esquipulas was upgraded to the status of basilica in 1968, and houses the city’s prime treasure — El Cristo Negro (The Black Christ), a dark-skinned statue of Christ that’s believed to have healing powers. The Basílica and Black Christ have been visited by Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, and Che Guevara, among others, and it’s estimated that more than one million people make the pilgrimage each year.

Where is it?

222km (137 miles) SE of Guatemala City

Some Interesting Facts

The city and nearly all activity in the town is centered around the Basílica and the park that’s in front of it. All of the hotels and restaurants can be found within a 4-block radius of the Basílica. If you are concerned about where to get some cash there are several banks within a block or two of the Basílica.

What to See

* Cueva de las Minas
* Black Christ inside of the Basilica
* The Black Christ’s Festival (January 15th)

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