 | ||
| Mixco | ||
| Department | Guatemala Department | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 507.549 (2020) | |
| height | 1,650 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
| ||
Mixco Viejo is a Mayan ruin in Highlands in Guatemala.
background
Research and excavations have been carried out here since 1954. Until a few years ago it was believed to be the former capital of the Pocomam Mayas. The place and all finds were explained and interpreted under this false assumption. In the meantime, experts unanimously assume that it is instead the former capital of the Chajoma-Kaquchikel-Maya, who competed with the Kaquchikel of Iximche. The ceramic finds of the place and the fact that the place is far in the language area of the Kaquchikeles speak clearly for this realization. Mixco Viejo is now called to avoid confusion Mixco Viejo (Jilotepeque viejo), named after the nearby city, while the former capital of the Pocomam Maya (ruins near the capital) is now called Mixco Viejo (Chinautla viejo). Research on Mixco Viejo is therefore currently in a state of upheaval.
getting there
By plane
The nearest international airport is in Guatemala City. From here the road continues.
In the street
The distance between Guatemala City and the ruins only 60 km, but the roads are not in the best condition. Therefore, you should plan two to three hours. Buses run continuously from the Trebol to San Juan (marked San Juan Sac). In San Juan Sacatepequez you get off and ask for a bus that goes past the ruins (direction Joyabaj). You can ask the driver to let them know when you have to get off as there are no signs pointing to the place. From the road you have to climb a steep path to the ruins on a hill (approx. 15 minutes). You should be there early and drive back in the early afternoon. From around 3 p.m. there are hardly any buses going back to San Juan.
By car you drive the Calzada San Juan through the suburbs of Guatemala City in the direction of San Pedro Sacatepéquez, cross this place and follow the road.
With locals who are knowledgeable about the area, Mixco Viejo can also be reached via Chimaltenango and San Martín (much shorter from Antigua). However, you need an off-road vehicle.
Tourist Attractions
_map.png/250px-Mixco_Viejo_(Jilotepeque_Viejo)_map.png)
A small on-site museum exhibits finds from the site and the history of Mixco Viejo.
There are four main groups and eight secondary groups with numerous pyramids, ball playgrounds and temples on the site. Spanish speakers should ask for a guide. For about 100 Quetzales you can get more information about the excavations.
In general, few visitors come to the place. You can look at all the facilities in peace. The place invites you to have a picnic with a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding landscape of the highlands of Guatemala.
shop
The staff / guards of the archaeological park sell drinks and snacks (nachos) at the entrance.
kitchen
accommodation
There are no accommodations near the ruins. The next, very simple hotels / pensions can be found in San Juan and San Pedro. It is advisable to return to Antigua or the capital on the same day.
