At the archaeological site of Monte Alto, on the outskirts of La Democracia, huge basalt heads and pot-bellied sculptures have been discovered, probably dating from around 500BC. These heads resemble crude versions of the colossal heads that were carved by the Olmecs on Mexico's southern Gulf Coast some centuries previously. Today, these great Olmecoid heads are arranged around La Democracia's main plaza, set in their own little roofed stands and illuminated at night.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Museo Regional de Arqueología

0.02 MILES

Facing La Democracia's main plaza – along with the expected church and palacio municipal (city hall) – is this small modern museum that houses some…

3. Museo Cultura Cotzumalguapa

8.53 MILES

At the headquarters of the Finca Las Ilusiones sugarcane plantation, you’ll find this museum, which holds a collection of sculptures found around Las…

5. Las Piedras

9.16 MILES

Monumento 21, a copy of which is in the Museo Cultura Cotzumalguapa, still stands with three other fine sculpted stones in the Finca Bilbao cane fields to…

6. El Baúl Hilltop Site

10.3 MILES

With two great carved stones, this archaeological site has the additional fascination of being an active place of pagan worship for local people. Maya…

7. Museo El Baúl

11.47 MILES

This museum, about 2.75km on foot or 5km by vehicle from El Baúl hilltop site, comprises a very fine open-air assemblage of Pipil stone sculpture…

8. Autosafari Chapín

23.32 MILES

About 25km southeast of Escuintla, Autosafari Chapín is a drive-through safari park and animal conservation project. Species native to Guatemala include…