🏛️ Iximché
Guatemala
About This Sacred Site
Iximché was the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom from 1470 until the Spanish conquest in 1524. Located on a forested plateau in the western highlands of Guatemala, the site contains temple pyramids, ball courts, and palace remains. Unlike many archaeological sites, Iximché remains actively used by Maya spiritual practitioners who perform fire ceremonies and offerings at the ancient altars. It was also the site of the first Spanish capital of Guatemala, established by Pedro de Alvarado.
Key Facts
- •Capital of the Kaqchikel Maya from 1470 to 1524
- •Maya spiritual practitioners still perform fire ceremonies at the ancient altars
- •Pedro de Alvarado established the first Spanish capital of Guatemala here in 1524
- •The site includes four ceremonial plazas, two ball courts, and several temple pyramids
- •A 2007 Maya ceremony here purified the site after a visit by U.S. President George W. Bush
Location
Coordinates: 14.7387, -91.0172
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