Tour to Zaculeu, an Ancient Mayan Kingdom + The Viewpoint of Dieguez Olaverri

Guatemala has hundreds of archeological places and sites, some are well known, and some others have not been even explored, however, we know about their existence. Many people are familiar with the archeological sites in the northern, such as Tikal, El Mirador, Yaxhá, and others, but what most people don´t know is that Guatemala has many sites almost everywhere, even in Guatemala City.

Today, we want to take you to an important archeological site in the western, we are talking about Zaculeu.

Zaculeu is in the department of Huehuetenango, around 3-4 hours away from the Central Park of Xela, however, the trip is worth it. We recommend it 100%, not only because of the archeology, but the Mayan culture, their history, and the other places we will visit on this tour.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Zaculeu´s original name was Xinabajul which means “In Between Ravines” in the Mam Mayan language. This kingdom was conquered by the Spanish in 1525 with help of Quiches and Tlaxcalan warriors. The Quiches were a Mayan ethnic group that was enemies of Xinabajul´s kingdom. The Tlaxcalans helped with the conquest of some Guatemalan Mayan kingdoms as a union of power between them and the Spanish conquerors. However, the conquest of this kingdom was not easy, it took them 30+ days of the war to finally defeat them. A big portion of their defeat was caused by the famine of the Xinabajul´s warriors as they didn´t have any way to get food while in the war.

After the conquest, the Quiches named this place Zaculeu which means “White Land” and that is the name that is maintained until nowadays.

This is just a portion of all the history behind this archeological site like no other. Come with us and have an expert tourist guide by your side, explaining every detail, so you don´t miss a thing.

After our visit to Zaculeu, we will get back to the road and head to a nearby town called Chiantla. This is a very small but cozy town. Visit its church, saddleries, and streets.

The last stop for this unforgettable tour is El Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri. This is one of the highest points in the country and one of the most beautiful viewpoints you will see. If the weather is on our side, you will have the chance to see very far from where you will be at the top of the mountain, it is spectacular. We recommend you take a good sweater as it is very cold up there, but you will like it a lot.

Learn about the poetry that was inspired in this place and spend some free time here just appreciating the calm, the silence, and the spectacular views.

We will return to Xela´s central park at the end of the day. The road trip will take around 3 hours so you can relax, sit back and enjoy this time. This adventure will finish at the lobby of your hotel with you safe and sound, and ready for a nice meal and some rest (hehe). Thank you for choosing us to guide you on this adventure!