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Zaculeu: A Journey Through Mayan History

Discover Zaculeu, an ancient Maya city in Guatemala's highlands, with pyramids, plazas, and a rich history waiting to be explored.

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Explore Zaculeu, an ancient Maya archaeological site near Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Once the capital of the Mam kingdom, the site features restored pyramids, temples, and plazas, offering a glimpse into pre-Columbian history and a blend of Mam and K'iche' architectural styles.

A brief summary to Zaculeu Capilla Huehuetenango

  • 8FPW+6Q9, Unnamed Road, Huehuetenango, GT

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the archaeological site, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, as there is limited shade at the site.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of Zaculeu.
  • Visit the on-site museum to see artifacts and learn more about the Mam Maya culture.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the center of Huehuetenango, a taxi is a convenient way to reach Zaculeu. Taxis are readily available around the central plaza. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey; a typical one-way trip to Zaculeu costs between Q30-Q50. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses to Zaculeu depart frequently from in front of the school at the corner of 2a Calle and 7a Av in Huehuetenango. The bus fare is Q2.50, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes between 7:30 am and 6 pm.

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Discover more about Zaculeu Capilla Huehuetenango

Zaculeu, also known as Saqulew, meaning 'White Earth' in the Mam and K'iche' Maya languages, is a captivating pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site located in the highlands of western Guatemala, approximately 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) outside the modern city of Huehuetenango. This historical site dates back to the Early Classic period (AD 250–600) and served as the capital of the Postclassic Mam kingdom. Zaculeu showcases a unique blend of Mam and K'iche' architectural styles, providing a window into the rich cultural heritage of the Maya civilization. Visitors to Zaculeu can explore the well-preserved ruins, including temple-pyramids, ball courts, and ceremonial platforms. The site's strategic location on a plateau, surrounded by deep ravines, made it a formidable defensive center. In 1525, the city fell to the Spanish conquistadors led by Gonzalo de Alvarado y Contreras after a months-long siege. The United Fruit Company restored the site in the 1940s, which involved covering the structures with a layer of graying plaster. While this restoration approach may not appeal to all archaeology enthusiasts, it offers a simulated appearance of an active religious center. Today, Zaculeu is open to tourists and includes a small museum that displays skulls and grave goods discovered in a tomb beneath Structure 1, the tallest structure at the site. The site remains a place of cultural significance for the descendants of the Mam Maya, who continue to use it as a ceremonial site for ritual purposes on special occasions.

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