Copan to Rio Dulce

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We left Copan Ruinas, Honduras about 8am, stopped once to stretch after about 2 hours, then arrived at Quirigua Ruins about 11:30am. The ruins are off the main road a ways on a dirt road, thru banana plantation(s), Dole I think. Although very small, Quirigua was still interesting with some cool stellae and zoomorphs (human-animal sculptures). The guide in Copan had told us his opinion was that the Mayans that made some of the designs in stone were probably on drugs... some peyote, mescal concoction popular at the time. Some of them were weird enough that he might be right! After a brief walk-thru, we had a picnic lunch from the Copan hotel, then headed down the road towards the lake and our stay at Rio Dulce. When we arrived at the lake, we pulled off near a dock, unloaded our stuff and loaded it and us onto a small boat to take us across the lake to our lodging. The tour had booked us at Hotel Catamaran, an isolated but very paradise-like hotel on a small island. This place is really cool! Our cabin was right out 'over' the lake and nicely appointed. We bought tickets that look like U.S. dollar bills but have 'In Kevin We Trust' on them. Kevin is the owner! You use these tickets to buy drinks. We all picked out our dinner for that night, since there isn't anyplace else to eat without getting on a boat! Manoli had a shrimp plate and I had a grilled chicken plate. Both were very good, and not expensive when you consider the caliber of the place. There are palm trees, orchids and other cool plants all over the place, plus a small swimming pool with the water so warm you can tell the difference when you get in! Tomorrow morning we leave for our boat trip down Rio Dulce to Livingston for the day, then back to the hotel.

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Photos

Our Tucan Bus
The big 40-passenger bus they are using for our 6 person tour.

Quirigua Stella
One of the stellae (column statues) at Quirigua, Guatemala.

Banana Palms
Banana palms on the plantation near Quirigua, Guatemala. Julie is taking her own closeup.

Hotel Catamaran
Approaching our hotel in Rio Dulce, Hotel Catamaran.

Our Cabin in Rio Dulce
Our cabin at Hotel Catamaran in Rio Dulce, Guatemala.

Swimming in the lake.
Manoli and Tasha swimming in the lake at Rio Dulce.

Dinner at Hotel Catamaran
The ladies, minus Katherine whom I accidentally cut out, having dinner in Hotel Catamaran.

Comments

[lordb]

Question about Rio Dulce
I have a quick question, do you know if there are any car rental companies in Rio Dulce? Thanks.