Nestled a vast area of humid banana plantations is Quirigua, a UNESCO World Heritage archeological site that is said to have the tallest known Maya stelae. Though not as famous as many of Maya sites, there was something very special about Quirigua.  

One sees miles of banana plants from the windows as the bus approaches Quirigua.

 
View as one enters the park.

The information on these tall monuments have been helpful in understanding Maya history.

 
This sacred cepa tree has been split, with young trees coming forth. It was and still is honored by the Maya.

 
The Guatemalan government allows today's Maya to conduct tradtional ceremonies in the archeological sites. Here the "daykeeper" and assistants prepare for one, possibly a mourning, to be carried out under the cepa tree.

 
The forest of tall stibe stelae are protected by palm roofs.

 
Zoomorphic forms are common.

 
Visiting tourists weren't the only ones interested in the monuments.

 
There were many photo ops, of course.

 
This American Redstart followed us from spot to spot, making sure we got him from a good angle.

 
A view from the top