Mayan Ruins of Iximche

Around two hours from Guatemala City, in the western highlands of Guatemala, is a small Mayan archaeological site called Iximche. This small, unassuming location conceals a great deal of significance for the history of contemporary Central America, particularly Guatemala. For this reason, it was designated a national monument in the 1960s. Ixhimche was rediscovered by an explorer in the 17th century, but official excavations and research into the vanished Mayan City didn't begin until the 1940s. Midway through the 20th century, the location also functioned as a guerrilla hideout. Now, it is a tranquil archaeological site with a tiny museum, a few stone buildings where the effects of fire can still be seen, and an altar still utilized by the Kaqchikel descendants for important Mayan rituals.

When the Spanish conquered the city, they gave it a new name, Quauhtemallan, which later developed into Guatemala and ultimately became the name of the nation. It refers to areas with forests. The location has visitor parking, a small museum filled with artifacts discovered during excavations, a picnic area, and a football field. Palaces, ball courts, ceremonial spaces, and temples make up the remaining buildings. On March 12, 2007, US President Bush paid a visit to the location.

Native Maya makes up the vast majority of visitors to Iximche. If you're lucky, you could get to see Mayan rites in action. To watch, though, you must keep very quiet, and taking pictures or making videos is not permitted. Bring a sweater if you arrive early in the morning or right before they close because it can get chilly. Don't plan on spending an entire day there because it won't take you that long to see everything because it is a small area. However, it is a great morning excursion.

Location: P2P3+G36, Tecpán, Guatemala

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0