Iximche Mayan Ruin from Panajachel


Sightseeing  :  Guatemala  :  Lake Atitlan  :  Panajachel  :  Cultural Tours
  • Iximche Mayan Ruin from Panajachel

Panajachel, Guatemala

Rating:  5.0 stars5.0 stars5.0 stars5.0 stars5.0 stars
Trip Type:   Cultural Tours
Duration:  6 hours
Visit the closest Mayan ruin to Lake Atitlan. These well preserved ruins include pyramid-temples, ball-courts, royal palaces, museum, and interpretive signs explaining the history of the site.

Built over 1000 years ago, this site is worth exploring. Mayan rituals are still performed at this site. Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization, the 5000 year old Mayan calendar, astrological observations, and how the modern day Mayan views their culture.

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Visit the closest Mayan ruin to Lake Atitlan. These well preserved ruins include pyramid-temples, ball-courts, royal palaces, museum, and interpretive signs explaining the history of the site.

Built over 1000 years ago, this site is worth exploring. Mayan rituals are still performed at this site. Learn about the ancient Mayan civilization, the 5000 year old Mayan calendar, astrological observations, and how the modern day Mayan views their culture.The late Post-Classic Maya ruins of Iximché was ruled by the Kaqchikel from the 12 - 15th century. Located in the municipal district of Tecpán, this archaeological site was the ancient capital of the Maya Kakchiquel Indians and Guatemala’s first capital “The Kingdom of Goathemala.”
These well preserved ruins, located on a promontory in the higher and cooler Sierra mountains, surrounded by steep slopes and pine trees. The spectacular scenery is worth the visit alone.

The architecture of the site included a number of pyramid-temples, palaces and two Mesoamerican ball-courts.
At the time of the Spanish conquest Iximche, was the second most important city in the Guatemalan Highlands, after the K'iche' capital at Q'umarkaj.
Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado was initially well received in the city in 1524 and the Kaqchikel Kings provided the Spanish with native allies to assist in the conquest of the other highland Maya kingdoms.
Iximche was declared the first capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala in the same year. Due to excessive Spanish demands for tribute the Kaqchikel soon broke the alliance and deserted their capital, which was burned in 1526 by Spanish deserters.

Mayan rituals are still performed at this site on important occasions. Chances of witnessing a Fire Ceremony are good.

The tour of the ruins usually takes around one-two hours.




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