• Guatemala City - The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel lobby in Guatemala City. As we travel towards the Mayan City of Iximché, our knowledgeable history guide will share fascinating insights about Guatemala City. This city, the fourth capital of Guatemala, was established in 1777 and holds significant historical importance, including the signing of the independence act in 1821. More details about this will be shared later in the tour.
• Iximché - Upon arrival at Iximché, you will explore the ruins of the last Mayan city. Iximché was overtaken by the Spanish upon their arrival in Guatemala and became the first Spanish city. After three years, the Spanish relocated to what is now known as Ciudad Vieja, near Antigua Guatemala.

Iximché was the capital of the Kaqchikel, one of the Mayan ethnic groups still present in Guatemala today. The architectural remnants visible now are the remains of Mayan palaces, plazas, and ball courts, which were once vibrantly decorated and showcased the kingdom’s splendor.

Many structures were destroyed during the conquest, and the stone buildings were dismantled to provide materials for Spanish constructions in Tecpán. Discover these and more intriguing facts during your visit. While in Iximché, you may witness Mayan priests conducting religious ceremonies; we kindly request respect and discretion.

• Ciudad Vieja - Ciudad Vieja became the second capital of Guatemala following the Spanish conquest. Founded in 1527, during your visit, you will see the town’s church, the central park, and the house of Beatriz de la Cueva, the wife of Spanish conqueror Pedro de Alvarado.

Ciudad Vieja was destroyed in 1541 by an avalanche from the nearby Agua Volcano. Legend has it that it rained for 40 days and nights, and when the volcano’s crater filled with water, part of it collapsed, engulfing the city and its inhabitants. Only those who sought refuge in the church survived. Learn about these fascinating stories and more during our visit.

• Antigua - After lunch, we will tour Antigua Guatemala, visiting the Arch of Santa Catalina, Central Park, and several convents and churches. You will be captivated by the history of this colonial city, which appears to be frozen in time.

The tour concludes with a safe return to your hotel in Guatemala City. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your guide, who will be delighted to assist you.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water
• Entrance Fee to Iximche Archeological Site
• Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off
• Guided tour in Iximche, Ciudad Vieja, Antigua Guatemala, and Guatemala City
• Certified Tour Guide

• Gratuities
• Lunch

We have created a wonderful tour for you to know the history of Guatemala differently. You will go from being in a Mayan archaeological site to 2 colonial cities, and the current capital of Guatemala, all combined in this tour.

Guatemala, before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors, was divided into kingdoms of different ethnicities. In 1524 when the conquerors set foot in Guatemalan for the first time, they did so in the Kaqchiquel City of Iximché and founded the first Spanish capital there. A few years later, they moved to Ciudad Vieja and established their second capital. Still, due to a natural disaster in 1541, they moved for the third time to what we now know as Antigua Guatemala. Finally, after an earthquake in 1773, they moved their capital for the fourth time, and they did it to where it is located today.

This is a specialized tour for history lovers and the entire family. You will be accompanied at all times by an expert guide.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.