Iximché

George And Audrey DeLange

In 1524, when the Spanish invaded Guatemala they found the Pre-columbian populations divided into lordships, which according to their language can be divided into two large families: Mayan and Nahuatl. The majority of languages spoken in the country are of Mayan origin; the Pipil group lived on the southeastern cost of Guatemala and the west of El Salvador. The main lordships existing on what is now Guatemala territory were Quiches, Cakchiqueles, Tzutuhiles, Mames, kek’chies, Pocomchíes, Pocomames, Itzaes, Chortíes and Lacandones. Each one of the Lordship had a capital city; The Cakchiqueles had Iximché, the Quichés had Utatlán, the Mames had Zaculeu, the Tzutuhiles had Chuitinamit, the Itzaes had Tayasal, the Kek’chies had Tezulutlán and ruins of Mixco Viejo, which date back to 1,300 A.D., were the capital city of the Pocomam lordship. The Cakchiquel Maya were powerful warriors and skillful builders of fortified cities, as stucco facings of many stone structures here are still intact, despite the numerous earthquakes that have shaken this land. You can also see the ball courts, built near four plazas, and visualize the anxious faces of both players and spectators as it was a sacred game. The Mayan chronicle entitled Annals of the Cakchiqueles places the foundation of Iximché in the year 1470, it also mentions the constant battles these warriors fought against the Quiché and other enemies. Iximche is known to have an elaborate market set aside in it during the Postclasic Era. It was made of a square plaza area for the market with installed government officials to collect taxes, enforce rules, and to settle disputes. The first Spanish settlement on Guatemalan soil was established by Alvarado on July 25, 1524 in Iximché. It was called the City of Santiago, perhaps because this apostle of Christ, James, was also God’s warrior. The Spanish made Iximche the first capital of Guatemala. You may stay for a few hours in Iximché looking at the ruins of the city, specially the pyramids which still sleep under a blanket of vegetation. Then the normal tours will take you to Panajachel on the shores of Atitlán Lake. The road goes through a lot of Quiché and Cakchiquel villages, with an open air markets. There is very rich vegetation on both sides along the road until you reach beautiful Atitlán Lake.