Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour

Take a deep dive into two of the most fascinating periods of Guatemalan history as you explore the Mayan ruins at Iximché, followed by a trip through the colonial city of Antigua. This family-friendly tour is the perfect introduction to the history and architecture of this fascinating region.

Start your morning with pickup at 9am from your Antigua hotel, continuing to the archaeological site of Iximché, located about an hour northwest of town, with your guide. This unique site was once the capital of the Kaqchiquel Maya, offering a great introduction to the Mayan customs and culture. Check out the site’s four ceremonial plazas, flanked by ball courts and its taller temple buildings. The plazas are believed to have been locations for residents' housing and special events, while the ball courts were dedicated to an intriguing sport played by the Mayans that dates to 1400 BC.

After spending two hours at Iximché, continue back to Antigua for a city tour. Stop for lunch at a centrally located restaurant (at your own expense) before heading to the Central Plaza to visit San Francisco Church. Inside the church, take a look at the shrine of Peter of St. Joseph Betancur. Then continue on to the ruins of Santo Domingo Monastery, formerly one of the grandest in all of Central America. Proceed next to the arch of Santa Catalina, one of Antigua’s most iconic landmarks and once the home of Santa Catalina Convent.

Wrap up your tour with a visit to the beautiful baroque-style La Merced Church and with a stop at the Jade Museum, where you’ll view the property’s unique jewelry collection and see artisans as they create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. Finish with a drop off back at your Antigua hotel.