Iximché Archaeological Site
A journey into the heart of the Kaqchikel Maya people, where ancestral history, archaeology and nature reveal the origins of a thousand-year-old Guatemala.
What happens, hour by hour.
High in the highlands of Tecpán, in Chimaltenango, Iximché was the political and spiritual capital of the Kaqchikel Maya people before the arrival of the Spanish. Surrounded by forests and mountains, this site holds the origins of a thousand-year-old Guatemala.
You walk among ancient ceremonial plazas, temples and archaeological structures as you discover how a Maya city worked, what its people believed, and why it remains a place of deep cultural meaning.
More than an archaeological visit, Iximché is a connection to Guatemala's ancestral memory, a place where Maya beliefs and practices are still alive and where you come to understand why this corner of the highlands holds such profound significance.
Hour by hour.
- 08:00
Departure from Antigua Guatemala
You set off toward Tecpán through mountainous landscapes, traditional crops and indigenous communities, as colonial Antigua gives way to the Maya Guatemala of the highlands.
- 09:30
Arrival at the Iximché Archaeological Park
You reach the park, complete your entrance and the tour of the site begins.
- 09:45
Tour of the ceremonial plazas
You explore Plaza A and the layout of the city, its public ceremonies, the Postclassic temples and structures, and the ball courts and their symbolism.
- 11:15
Maya ceremonial area
Depending on the day's activity, you visit spaces where Maya ceremonies are still held and witness the continuity of ancestral practices (subject to dates and the availability of Maya priests).
- 12:00
Time for photos and personal exploration
You enjoy the quiet atmosphere, surrounded by the highland forests and mountains, to take photos and explore at your own pace.
- 12:30
Departure for Tecpán
You head into Tecpán and its area of local restaurants.
- 13:00
Lunch time
You pause for lunch and taste the regional cuisine of the highlands.
- 14:00
Return to Antigua Guatemala
You begin the journey back to Antigua Guatemala.
- 15:30
Approximate arrival in Antigua Guatemala
You arrive back in Antigua Guatemala at around this time, bringing the experience to a close.
What's included
- Round-trip ground transportation
- Certified local guide
- Entrance to the Iximché Archaeological Park
- Interpretive tour of the site
- Assistance throughout the entire experience
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- Personal purchases
- Tips
- Additional services not specified
