Iximche Ruins Tour from Antigua
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Iximche – Capital of the Cakchiquel Maya at the time of the Spanish Conquest, and the first capital of Guatemala, founded by the spanish conquistador PEDRO DE ALVARADO. Is located about 2hrs away from Antigua Guatemala. Our local bilingual guide will meet you at the site, and the duration of the tour around iximche is about one hour and a half. The pick up time at your hotel is between 7:20am through 7:40 am. The tour ends back in Antigua Guatemala central park around 11:30am in Antigua.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A minimum of 3 people per booking is required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Discover the history of the ancient Mayan Civilization of Iximche. The site was ruled by the Kaqchikel from the 12th - 15th century. 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. The architecture of the site includes four Ceremonial Plazas surrounded by temples, structures up to 10m high and two ball courts. There's also a small Museum displaying sculptures and ceramics found at Iximche during the excavations (CLOSED ON MONDAY). This site is considered to be the first capital of Guatemala (founded by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado).Our van will pick you up at your hotel between 7:20 am through 7:40 am. Our estimated time of arrival is around 9:00am, where our bilingual local guide will meet you to start the tour. He will begin by giving a general information of the site, and for this he will take you to the small museum, located at the entrance. From this point on, you will start to understand and learn how the Maya´s lived, and protected them from their enemies. Each plaza has its unique story, and each plaza gives you a glance on how their society was structured. The tour will be over around 11am in Antigua.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Pickup from centrally located hotels in Antigua
Round-trip shared transfer
Profesional driver
We recommend that travelers bring a light meal, snack, fruit, or any food of their choice to enjoy at the summit during the break. Please also bring enough water for the hike..
Gratuities (Optional)
based in Q50.00 per person.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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Iximche Ruins Tour from Antigua
Pickup included
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It was really great we...
isabelle j,,Feb 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was really great we went really early in the morning so there were barely any people in the park! It was so cool to see the ruins!
Interesting ruins, excellent guide
Gerald L,,Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting Mayan ruins. Best to experience it with a guide. Our guide Melvin was very knowledgeable and friendly and spoke good English. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Not commercialized at all. Also they have free restrooms.
Magical historical site.
Lindsay H,,Oct 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We were fortunate to go on a day when we were the only people on the tour. Melvin was super knowledgeable and answered all our questions while giving us the history. We got to observe the Mayan people (from afar) who ceremonially praised Mother Earth through their traditions. It was magical. Highly recommend.
Iximche archeological site
denisecP3367QJ,,May 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went to iximche ruins yesterday. We had an excellent experience. A la cart tours booked this for us. Willie picked us up at the hotel and took us there. Melvin was our tour guide Melvins wealth of knowledge about the ruins and the Mayan people made this excursion one of the best we've been on.
A must see location!
emilyjsauer,,Apr 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00My friends and I loved this tour and think it’s a must-do if you have the time! Our guide was so knowledgeable and friendly and we truly felt like we got to connect to the culture and history of the location. Our shuttle driver was also kind and a great driver and picked us up right at our door. I will recommend this tour to anyone I know traveling to the area in the future!
The unnoted ruins!
2cajun,,Mar 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was very interesting the guide was excellent and kind. The small museum was also very informative The bus driver arrived when stated at the hotel.
A truly special experience
Richard F,,Jul 10, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful experience, a quick smooth ride from Antigua to ruins. The guide, Melvin had excellent English, was very patient, kind, and taught my family a lot about Mayan history, culture and ruins. It was extra special that he himself identified as Mayan as well. A wonderful way to spend a morning!
Iximche Ruims Tour from Antigua
PatE203,,Mar 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Iximche Ruins Tour was a short, pleasant ride from Antigua to the highlands. The excavations were much smaller than other Mayan ruins I've seen such as Tikal in northern Guatemala and Chichen Itza on the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula but well worth the trip. The Mayan guide was well informed and the museum was informative as well. It's a beautiful and peaceful spot.
Educational and good experience
Arielle P,,Feb 26, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour guide was so nice and knowledgeable. Small group. Answered all our questions. Learned a lot from him! Beautiful culture
An important visit
johannatE4640WU,,Nov 13, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour of an incredible site. A privilege to hear and learn this history from a knowledge holder among the standing remains of the city of Iximche.
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Operated by Voyageur Tours