Mixco Viejo

About

Mixco Viejo was long thought to be the capital of the Poqomam Mayans because this was how it was referred to by the Spanish. However, linguist Robert M. Carmack noticed the city wasn’t actually within the Poqomam kingdom. Instead, it was found to be the capital of the Chajoma Mayans, which they founded to provide protection from the Iximche Kaqchikel kingdom. Despite their best efforts, the city was still conquered by the Iximche, and following Spanish attacks in the 16th century, promptly abandoned. Today, this obscure tribal capital is astoundingly well-preserved, its temples and pyramids a distinct blend of tribal architecture, constructed from unusually thin stone blocks. You can follow in the footsteps of royalty and climb the narrow steps to the top of the twin towers, or walk the Mesoamerican ballgame court where teams would literally play their hearts out - the losers could be sacrificed. There’s also a small museum on site where you can learn more about the Mayans and see artefacts unearthed at the site.