iximche

We visited the IXIMCHE Pyramids in Tecpan while driving from Solola to Guatemala City. We spent about 2 hours walking the sites and learning about the Mayan culture. The Plazas were all built in similar fashions but varied by size according to the families prominence. We were fortunate to have a guide who spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable about the ruins and the history and culture. It was fascinating to learn about Jom, a "soccer" type ball game on a closed field. We met some students from the University on a field trip and they were great to talk with about their experiences. We also visited the museum with artifacts and a model of the village. A very enjoyable afternoon.

Maybe not the best Mayan ruins around, but definately worth a visit. The sprawling grounds offer plenty of space for the youngsters to expend their energy. Next time we'll take a picnic lunch. Grounds close at 16:00.

We were lucky enough to be in Guatemala on a Holland America cruise and had booked this trip before leaving home. Although not the biggest Maya site for structures it is a "must" to visit. The ground size is vast and it has a hidden site of Mayans re-enacting rituals. Visit it at the very far side of this site. Very pleased the world didn't end (as the Mayans had predicted) before I could visit. Museum on site. Toilets appalling !!! Beware of Volcano "Pacaya" - it erupted while we were there and apparently it's a common occurrence.

If you're in the region, you definitely need to see the Mayan ruins and learn about the people and the culture. It is so embedded in the Guatemalan people. The ruins has a ceremonial area that was designated to people who want to continue the mayan practice. we had a guide, Melvin, who is a volunteer and who was so incredibly knowledgeable. We learned a lot in a short period of time.

Iximche is a Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican archaeological site in the western highlands of Guatemala. Iximche was the capital of the Maya kingdom from 1470 until its abandonment in 1524. The site has a number of pyramid-temples, palaces and two Mesoamerican ballcourts. Excavators uncovered evidence of human sacrifice. The ruins of were declared a Guatemalan National Monument in the 1960's.On the site there is a small museum showing some of the sculptures and ceramics found there. This capital city had an easily defensible ridge, surrounded by deep ravines. A ritual was carried out in 1989 in order to reestablish the ruins as a sacred place for Maya ceremonies. Over 160 structures have been mapped at Iximche.A few of the structures have been restored but due to a lack of funding they cannot continue the restoration.

By Mayan city standards, Iximche is underwhelming (go to Uxmal or Copan or Chichen Itza or others for the best). But it is a lovely spot, green and inviting and a good detour between Antigua and Panajachel. On our visit, we noticed, far in the distance, smoke rising and we followed it and found the still-used Mayan altar. We were fortunate to respectfully watch a ritual ceremony by a young Mayan. We swirled a bed of green pine needles on a large stone platform with a stick and when it met some inner perfection for him, he knelt and voiced prayers. When over, he doused the fire and walked away chatting with friends. A unique moment to share in the universality of devotion. Hope you have the opportunity too!

Great place to stop for an hour or two either in its own right of on the way to Panajachel. As others have said, this is not in Panajachel but about half way between Antigua and Panajachel. We went on New Years day, so there were lots of locals at the site, maybe more on a regular say. The site is well maintained and as I wasn't able to make it to one if the larger sites, it was a great first time experience. Much better than Panajachel itself, but that's a different story.

I was based in Antigua and took a day trip to Iximche by chicken buses. You would take a bus from Antigua to Chimaltenango, then from Chimal to Tecpan. If you don't want to walk from Parque Centro to the site outside Tecpan, you can take a collectivo from centro for Q3. The site is relatively small and Plaza D is practically unexcavated. However, it is a very tranquil place and NOT touristy at all. The site features several ball courts that are rather different from ones in other more popular Mayan ruins.

We stopped here on the way to Laguna Lodge and found it to be a great stop about half way to the lake. Pedro our driver organised a guide who was very knowledgable on the area and as we were not going to see Tikal this was a perfect add-on for our Lake Atitlan stay.

We got to stop here on our travel day. Never expected to get to see Mayan ruins. Scenery is very nice. Very clear and nice area. So glad that we stopped and spent some time here, even though it is not as famous.

I have traveled all over the world visiting ruins and although this city and it's buildings were small they were still worth seeing. It is a nice park setting where you can sit down and have a picnic while enjoying the views.While we were there the Mayan Shamans were performing a traditional ceremony which was neat to see.

This small site is nestled in the hills of the Highlands. The ruins are not well exposed (only the foundations remain), but you can see the lay-out and envision the city life. Very good markers with explanations in spanish/english. Guides are available on site and are very well versed on the site and personable. I suggest going if you have the time. Calculate 1 hour minimum from getting off CA-1 and return. 2 hours would be plenty.

We were lucky to have an expert in the family tell us all about the history of this place which is phenomenal. I would suggest getting someone who knows about this and please, respect the land.

IThe site is immaculate and very accessable. like many smaller sites it is still under excavation. The park is mystical and big enough to give the kids a place to run and play. -http://didreyfus.wordpress.com/?s=Iximche

I am not one who really enjoys visiting ruins. The day was rainy and cool and we were unprepared. Caught in a downpour we huddled under a tree getting soaked. There was not enough covered shelter for all the visitors. The location is quite lovely. Very green and lush. The ruins have been restored. Our guide did an average job of explaining the history. The locals followed us around staring. The site was practically overrun with young teenaged Guatemalans. It was the weekend before Independence Day. Maybe that was why. We wanted to tour the small museum which had some artifacts on display but it was closed for two hours during lunch. I could have skipped Iximche.