Mayan Cosmology and Archaeology Tour
This tour brings travelers to the Postclassic Mayan site of Iximché. Iximché was once a Kaqchikel capital and today it’s still used in many Mayan ceremonies.
- Duration:
- 7 hrs
- Available Days:
- Every day
- Schedule:
- 9:00 AM
- Hotel Transport Included
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
Iximché was the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya during the fifteenth century. When the Spanish arrived the Kaqchikel worked with them to defeat their rivals, the K’iche’, but the Spanish eventually turned on them and burned the town to the ground.
Like other Postclassic Mayan sites, Iximché has a strong Mexican influence, which was likely a result of Toltec groups who migrated here from present-day Veracruz. The site has four plazas, a few pyramids, and a couple of ball courts. Your knowledgeable guide will teach you about the Kaqchikel and the history of the structures.
You’ll have the opportunity to explore and photograph these structures. You’ll also have a chance to learn and play the ancient Mayan ball game.
While here, it’s possible that you’ll see a Mayan ceremony happening. Iximché is a sacred place for Mayans and is still used for many ceremonies.
After Iximché, you’ll visit an altar to Maximón, a Mayan folk saint who is still prayed to in the Guatemalan highlands. This cigar-smoking, booze-drinking saint is thought to represent Judas or Pedro de Alvarado. Many Mayans visit this altar, offering different things and holding rituals to ask for favors and blessings.
Attraction Visited
The Mayan site of Iximché was originally used as a Kaqchikel capital during the fifteenth century. It’s notable for its strong Mexican influences, which differentiate it from other Mayan sites in the area.
Read more:Iximche
Transportation
Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.
Traveler Comments
This was my first visit to a Mayan archeological site and was most interesting. It was fun to see all of the school children who were there at the same time. It is a well cared for site.
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