Baul & Democracia

Your excursion will take you through Escuintla towards the towns of La Democracia and El Baul. La Democracia has a unique collection of monumental stone heads known as the 'fat gods.' The heads show strong Olmec influence and most were gathered from the nearby site of Monte Alto, considered one of the oldest settlements in the American continent. The sites are small but will provide a glimpse of the Mayan history and the relationship between other civilizations, such as the Olmec from what is now Mexico.

It is known for a fact now that the Olmecs did in fact inhabit the south coast of Guatemala. Their great influence on the Mayan civilization is visible in La Democracia, El Baul and also on Takalik Abaj to the west of the first two sites. Then you’ll visit the nearby Maya Museum of Las Ilusiones where several artifacts found in the area are kept. Here you’ll enjoy a refreshing drink before returning to your ship.