Iximche

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.
The first Spanish settlement on Guatemalan soil was in Iximché. It was called City of Santiago, perhaps because this apostle of Christ, James, was also God’s warrior.
You may stay for a few time in Iximché looking at the ruins of the city, specially the pyramid which still sleeps under a blanket of vegetation.
Now you are ready to go to Panajachel on the shores of Atitlán Lake. The road goes trough a lot of Quiché and Cakchiquel villages, places with an open air marquet. There are a very rich vegetation on both sides along the road until you reach the view of the beautiful Atitlán Lake.