Accomplices of a great story, Many sites are of great importance to understand the Mayan worldview, Guatemala being a country with several archaeological ruins, among which Iximche stands out as one of the most important. Originally designed as a fortress for the Kaqchiquel tribe to withstand the attacks of their enemies, the Quiches, this city, which was built on an almost inaccessible plateau, surrounded by ravines, has great historical value, which undoubtedly lies in having been the last Mayan city and the first Spanish city.
Also known as the first capital of Guatemala, etymologically its name is formed by the words in Mayan Kaqchiquel: Ixim, which means corn and Chée, which means tree.in clear reference to a species of tree known as «ramón» (indigenous name for the Brosimum Alicastrum species), since its seed was used by them as food to replace corn, when the corn harvests were not abundant, also given , the amount of these trees present in the place.
Located just 3 kilometers from the municipality of Tecpan, department of Chimaltenango, Iximche has become a very visited place by tourists and inhabitants of Guatemala, lovers of the Mayan culture. Therefore, since 1964, the 15,570 square meters it occupies and its more than 160 mapped structures have been part of the protected areas of this country, currently administered by the Ministry of Anthropology and History.
The ruins of this ancient citywhich was once home to 15,000 people and also an important ceremonial center; They are divided into six plazas, of which only three of them have been excavated. However, on our tour of Iximche, we will be able to find several palace and temple structures up to 10 meters high, as well as small ceremonial platforms, two Mayan ball fields, and a museum with the archaeological finds found in the area. Although, a predominant characteristic is the green color, very abundant in the vegetation that surrounds it; as if it were a grass dress.
The tour of the ruins of Iximche begins with a stopover at the museum located at the entrance. A place where we can see, in addition to a model with the distribution of the city, replicas of the jewelry used by the Mayan kings and various relics. Nevertheless, the greatest attraction is represented by the architectural ensemblealthough some structures were invaded by tree roots, or are partially destroyed by the passage of time and the material they are made of, they still retain the touch and charm of the Mayan culture.
At the end of the tour, a different experience awaits us, as there is a space that has become the sacred place and pilgrimage for several Mayan communities., who come to perform different ceremonies, according to the Mayan calendar. Although Iximché does not compare in size with other Mayan ruins, the energy and tranquility that this place transmits is unique and attractive. Dare to visit it!