Iximche Ruins and Tecpan

Located in Tecpan, it takes about an hour and a half driving from Guatemala City or by bus.

It is known as the last capital city of the mayas, founded in 1463 by the cakchiqueles.

The buildings are not as big as other mayan cities but they preserve the characteristic look and architecture.

It is open from 8:00 to 16:00 weekdays and weekends. It is near enough Guatemala City to make a roundtrip on the same day or even combine it to a visit to Lake Atitlan.

Ironicaly, being the last capital city of the mayas, it became the first spanish colonial city, founded 1524 and this date is recognized by many as the end of the maya history.

A brief history of Iximche

The cakchiqueles and the quiches were enemies, both local mayan groups.

The first ones made an alliance with the spanish founders but this didn't last too long as they turn against the cackchiqueles.

The social problems of the remaining maya groups made it easy for the spanish conquerors to take over the whole region, as the mayas were in war themselves. So, a succession of alliances and betrayals happened all over the conquest.

Restaurants and hotels in Tecpan

All the way to Tecpan is filled with a variety of great restaurants, and by variety we mean lots of them. There are options everywhere as Rincon Suizo, Katok, Chichoy and so on. You can taste great cheese, meat, chicken and tipical plates.

Also, hotels and hostals are available at hand. Albergues de Tecpan is located at km88 and it has a nice restaurant, rooms and cabins.

At Tecpan there are banks, ATMS and a wide variety of commercial options.

Usually, this area is part of guided tours to Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango.

Don't forget to try the cheese and "herrajes", a nice local sweet bread.

What to expect at Iximche and Tecpan?

Besides the restaurant offering a wide variety of local and typical meals:

• Expect a weather going from fresh to cold
• Nature all around
• Delicious coffee
• The maya site at Iximche with parking and a museum
• A colorful market at the city of Tecpan
• A wide variety of handcrafts, fabrics and leather products
• Yes, nice prices
  

How to get to Iximche

Take the Interamericana road going to the highlands of Guatemala. Just about the 80 kilometers from the city you will reach the restaurant area.

After that, just at kilometer 88 you will see a road to the left going to the city of Tecpan.

From there the directions aren't so clear so better ask the locals. The maya site is about 20 minutes driving form Tecpan.