Guatemala City, by Jenny Herrera -AGN- According to the Ministry of Culture and Sports -MCD-, the archaeological site of Iximché, the last capital city of the Kaqchikel people, is known for its unique architecture and outstanding monuments of the Mayan ball game.
This archaeological center in Tecpán, Chimaltenango, is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 to 16:00 hours, and costs 5 quetzals for Guatemalans and 50 for foreigners.
History
The year 1524 is historically considered the end of the Mayan civilization and, therefore, the end of the post-classic period.
Iximché is derived from two parts: ixim, which means corn, and che‘, tree. In this place, the Kaqchikel people founded their last capital city.
The architecture included palaces, temples, houses, and fields for ball games. Their buildings were made with carved stone, covered with plaster, and painted with murals in bright and intense colors.
Tourist Services
The park offers the following services:
- restrooms
- picnic area
- showroom
- information signs
- parking
- dining areas outside the park
- store outside the park
Iximché is undoubtedly one of the closest archaeological sites to Guatemala City. It is accessible and has temples and squares as a reminder and witness of the end of the Mayan civilization, and its historical importance is rooted in this fact.
Finally, Iximché must be seen as a historical treasure since it was the last Mayan capital city and the first Spanish capital of Guatemala.
