Iximche is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in the highlands of Guatemala. It was the capital of the late Postclassic Kaqchikel Maya kingdom from 1470 until its abandonment in 1524. The site includes a series of plazas and palaces, and is known for its well-preserved ceremonial architecture. Iximche was a significant cultural and political center before the Spanish conquest and played a crucial role during the early stages of Spanish colonization. Today, it is a notable historical landmark and a place of cultural importance for the Maya people.
Ancient Civilizations
All Ancient Civilizations, Cultures and People
Ixkun
Ixkun, located in the southern Maya lowlands within the Petén Basin region of Guatemala, stands as a significant pre-Columbian archaeological site. Situated north of Dolores in the department of Petén, this site encompasses a vast array of unrestored mounds and ruins, marking it as a prominent archaeological site within the municipality of Dolores.
Rio Azul
Rio Azul, translating to “Blue River” in Spanish, is an archaeological site of paramount importance located in the dense tropical rainforests of Guatemala, near the borders with Belize and Mexico. This site, nestled within the Rio Azul National Park and part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, offers a unique window into the Maya civilization during the Early Classic period, approximately between 250 and 600 AD.
Tak’alik Ab’aj
Tak’alik Ab’aj, translating to “Standing Stone” in the local K’iche’ Maya language, is a pre-Columbian archaeological site located in Guatemala. Its significance lies in its long history, spanning from the Early Pre-Classic period (1000-800 B.C.) through to the Post Classic period (900-1200 A.D.), and its role in the apparent cultural transition from Olmec to Maya civilizations. This transition is evident in the site’s monuments, architectural styles, and artifacts.
Cerros
Cerros, located in the Corozal District of Belize, is a significant archaeological site that dates back to the Late Pre-Classic period (300 B.C.-250 A.D.). This site is strategically positioned at the tip of a peninsula where the New River meets Chetumal Bay, making it an ideal location for trade and cultural exchange between the interior cities of Lamanai, the Peten region, and the Yucatan coast.
El Meco
El Meco is a notable archaeological site located on the northern outskirts of Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. This site, positioned along the coastal road to Punta Sam, offers a glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization that once thrived on the northeast Yucatan Peninsula. Managed by the local INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History) representative, the site is distinguished by its well-preserved ruins, abundant shade trees, and the presence of various bird species and flowering plants, enhancing the visitor experience.