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Guatemala
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Sacatepéquez Department
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Antigua Guatemala
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Tours & Activities
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Iximché Ruins and Antigua City Tour
1 day
Instant confirmation
About this activity
Discover the beauty and history of Guatemala on this 8-hour tour of the ruins of Iximché and the cobblestone streets of Antigua.
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. The plazas were used for things such as housing for residents and special ceremonies, and the ball courts were used to play the Mesoamerican ballgame, a sport that dates back to 1400 BC. Tour the site with your knowledgeable guide and discover the ancient history of Guatemala.
After approximately two hours at Iximché, you'll be driven to the city of Antigua, about an hour away. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) before visiting the Central Plaza with your guide. Here, visit San Francisco Church, where you'll see the shrine of Peter of St Joseph Betancur. Explore the ruins of the Santo Domingo Monastery, which was once the biggest and richest monastery in Antigua. See the arch of Santa Catalina, one of Antigua's most distinguishable landmarks; built in the 17th century, the building connected to the archway was once home to Santa Catalina Convent.
Next, visit a beautiful Baroque-style church, La Merced Church, before heading over to the Museo del Jade (Jade Museum). Watch craftsmen turn stones into unique jewels and see the jade collection housed at the museum. After the tour, you'll be taken back to your hotel.
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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. The plazas were used for things such as housing for residents and special ceremonies, and the ball courts were used to play the Mesoamerican ballgame, a sport that dates back to 1400 BC. Tour the site with your knowledgeable guide and discover the ancient history of Guatemala.
After approximately two hours at Iximché, you'll be driven to the city of Antigua, about an hour away. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) before visiting the Central Plaza with your guide. Here, visit San Francisco Church, where you'll see the shrine of Peter of St Joseph Betancur. Explore the ruins of the Santo Domingo Monastery, which was once the biggest and richest monastery in Antigua. See the arch of Santa Catalina, one of Antigua's most distinguishable landmarks; built in the 17th century, the building connected to the archway was once home to Santa Catalina Convent.
Next, visit a beautiful Baroque-style church, La Merced Church, before heading over to the Museo del Jade (Jade Museum). Watch craftsmen turn stones into unique jewels and see the jade collection housed at the museum. After the tour, you'll be taken back to your hotel.
Included
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entry/Admission - Iglesia de La Merced
- Entry/Admission - Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande
- Entry/Admission - Iximche
- Entry/Admission - Casa del Jade
- Entry/Admission - Cerro de la Cruz
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
90%
Reviews
Belisario was very kind and easy to talk to. Excellent English, entry fees for attractions were included. Felt very safe and we asked many questions about Guatemala and the sites. Would highly recommend, this was a highlight of the trip!
The Iximche tour was fun.. the guide had a lot of interesting things to tell us about the tour.. the city tour was meh.... the churches were closed in the afternoon.. most of the places we saw from outside.. and took pics.. we were able to spend 3 hrs.. but i am not sure if we needed a guide.
Miguel was our Guide for this excursion. He has a world of information about the Mayan culture. His knowledge about Iximche helped bring the site alive. The stops that were made in Antigua City were wonderful to see. It was great walking through the city and seeing the people as they go about their daily lives.