About Santo Thomas de Castilla
Santo Thomas de Castilla lies on Amatique Bay, off the Gulf of Honduras in northeast Guatemala. Belgian’s settled here in the 19th century and today you can see the cemetery where the pioneers are buried. This region, however, has a captivating Mayan history that dates back much further.
Delve into the lives of ancient civilisations as you wander the mystical ruins at Tikal. Hidden within a forest, this fascinating place is the largest and most impressive of all the classical Mayan sites, with over 500 excavated structures, including the Temple of the Jaguar and the Lost World Complex.
Alternatively, explore Quirigua National Park, one of the smaller, yet none the less important, Mayan sites in the region. Set within green parkland, the area is surrounded by banana plantations. Admire the 8th century monuments lining the central plaza and study the intricate carvings on the stelae, altars and zoomorphs.