Iximché in Tecpán

09 de Octubre 2015

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The city was founded around 1463 in a flat area and relatively high as was the custom of the buildings of the Maya and their descendants. The original settlers, the Cakchiquel, had rivalry with the Quiche. With the Spanish conquest Iximché became the last capital of the Cakchiquel Maya and the first Spanish capital.
Iximché in Tecpán

The civic and ceremonial center is relatively young. It was founded around 1463 in a flat area and relatively high, following the custom of the buildings of the Maya.

The name is composed of two parts, Ixim, which means corn, and Chee, tree. Referring to a specific tree commonly called "Ramon" (Brossimium alicastrum).
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The Last Mayan City and the First Spanish capital

The original settlers, the Cakchiquel, Quiche presented rivalry with, and the place is constituted as the last capital of the Cakchiquel Maya.  Ironically in 1524, Iximché became the first capital of the Spanish conquistadors in Guatemala.

Due to the hostility of the natives, this city founded by Pedro de Alvarado was taken, and re named from Valley Almolonga as Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala. The complex is located within walking distance of Tecpan, former Spanish military base.
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Upon admission, one can see several ceremonial plazas with buildings that reach ten meters high. The green color is abundant, surrounding the place to form a carpet of wood and color in the form of varied grass and vegetation.

At the entrance, on the right side, is a museum, but for many the appeal lies in the same building complex. While wandering the streets, you can get to the bottom in a straight line,and you can find people preforming religious rites.

Although these rituals are common to traditional Mayan descendants, there is not really a pure direct inheritance here, but rather, it has increased in the place, possibly to promote tourism.
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This does not disqualify all the ceremonies, as it is a sacred place, but some have made it more for the tourists, leaving them in covered in a cloud of doubt. Either way, it is a show worth watching at least once. It is open during office hours 8:30 to 16:30 pm.  The wide part of the entrance is often used for family picnics by local visitors.-

How to Arrive at Iximché

To get there take the Pan American Highway that leads to western Guatemala.  At mile 88, after the many local restaurants, you can see a cross to the left that leads to Tecpan, and from this point you will reach Iximche. Here you will find nearby gas stations, family recreation centers and numerous restaurants.

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