Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour
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12
From $80.99
Price varies by group size
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Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour
Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
Safety measures
8 hours (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English and 1 more
Good for avoiding crowds
Overview
Explore the fascinating Spanish and Mayan history of Guatemala on this family-friendly 8-hour tour to Iximché and colonial Antigua. Wander the atmospheric archaeological site of Iximché to discover the history of the Mayans. Then head to Antigua, former colonial capital, where you’ll visit the San Francisco Church, Calle del Arco, La Merced Church and the central plaza. Your excursion also includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, a guide and all entrance fees.
- Full day tour of Iximché and Antigua
- Visit the archeological site of Iximché, the first capital of Guatemala
- Explore the colonial city of Antigua on a sightseeing tour
- Learn the history of the city from your expert guide as you visit La Merced Church, Calle del Arco, Central Plaza, San Francisco Church and more
- Hotel pickup and drop-off and all entrance fees included
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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.
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.
Itinerary
After pickup from your Antigua hotel, venture northwest approximately an hour to the dusty town of Tecpán. Here, explore the Mayan ruins of Iximché, once the Kaqchiquel Maya capital and a Guatemala must-see attraction. Upon entering the ruins, you'll see four ceremonial plazas, which are surrounded by tall temple structures and two ball courts. Tour the site with your knowledgeable guide and discover the ancient history of Guatemala.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Then, head back down to Antigua's Central Plaza, where you'll visit San Francisco Church, home to the shrine of Peter of St Joseph Betancur. See also the famous arch of Santa Catalina, built in the 17th century and once home to Santa Catalina Convent.
Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
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