Iximché Ruins and Surrounding Towns Tour
This tour explores the Mayan ruins of Iximché and a few surrounding towns in the area.
- Duration:
- 5 hrs
- Available Days:
- Every day
- Schedule:
- 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM
- Hotel Transport Included
- Mobile Ticket Included
- Offered in English, Spanish
This tour first visits the post-Classic Mayan site of Iximché. Iximché was originally used as a Kaqchikel capital during the fifteenth century.
Iximché was established around 1470 AD after the Kaqchikel moved their capital from modern-day Chichicastenango. When the Spanish arrived, the Kaqchikel worked with them to defeat the K’iche’ and other nearby tribal groups. The Spanish established the first capital of Guatemala here in 1524. However, the relationship went downhill and the Spanish eventually burned Iximché to the ground.
Iximché is notable for its strong Mexican influences. This Mexican influence likely came from Toltec groups who migrated here from present-day Veracruz. Tour participants will enjoy visiting the plazas, pyramids, and ball courts of Iximché. It's thought that Iximché was primarily used for religious rituals, and some Mayans still use it for this today.
After exploring Iximché you will visit the towns of San Andres Itzapa, Comalapa and Pastores, which also have very interesting backgrounds.
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
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes and clothes, camera, hat, and money for lunch and personal expenses.
What's included
Guides and transportation.
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
Decided not to take this tour, as I was exhausted from the travel. Enjoyed the morning with the driver around Antigua and area. It was great!
Similar things to do
This tour offers you an interesting looks at some of the historical and cultural underpinnings of Antigua. Start your tour with a peek behind the curtain of local transportation with a visit to one of the factories that makes chicken buses — local worker Don Augusto will show you around the factory and give you some insight into the artistry that gives these vehicles their vibrant personalities.
Experience the colorful Chichicastenango market on this one-day tour. The market is a good place to experience Guatemalan culture and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Spend a half day exploring the church and market of Chichicastenango. This tour will give you a good look at the rich culture of this town.
