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Candelaria


The historic significance of the Candelaria river –an ancient commercial route- and the surrounding areas is astounding. The excavated archaeological zone of El Tigre (Itzamkanac) is only about a 25 mile (40 km) drive from the town of Candelaria. El Tigre used to be the capital of the ancient Acalan province as well as an important commercial port linking the Guatemalan Peten region and the Gulf of Mexico. Furthermore, historic evidence indicates that Hernan Cortes stopped at Itzamkanac in 1525 during his expedition to the Hibueras (Honduras) and that he had Cuauhtemoc, the last aztec emperor, killed at the nearby city of Taxaha. From Candelaria you can take a boat ride on the river and enjoy its unspoiled ecological wealth: river rapids, howler monkeys, exotic birds, lush vegetation and underwater structures that have led to much speculation… There remains much to be explored in this mystery filled region and many archaeological sites along the river banks have yet to be uncovered.