Guatemala is brimming with Mayan ruins, and archaeologists continue to uncover new discoveries. The country is home to the remains of cities that were among the most powerful and ancient of this civilization, which left an indelible mark on the land, history, and culture of the continent. Discover the 5 most beautiful Mayan ruins to explore during a trip to Guatemala.

1. Tikal

Tikal is undoubtedly the most renowned Mayan site in Guatemala and one of the most celebrated archaeological sites in all of Central America. Located in the northern part of the country, in the Petén region at the heart of a lush and pristine jungle, the city is believed to have been founded in the 4th century BC. It served as a major ceremonial center of Mayan civilization and a thriving commercial hub. For all these reasons, Tikal ranks among the greatest Mayan cities of all time!

The ruins span nearly 16 km² and contain no fewer than 3,000 structures, including temples, palaces, twin pyramid complexes, and monumental sculptures. It is therefore impossible to visit everything in a single day. Plan several days or focus on the must-see ruins of Tikal such as the Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent, which is the largest pre-Columbian structure in the Americas and offers an impressive panoramic view over the entire Mayan citadel!

2. Iximché

Head to the Chimaltenango department, near the city of Tecpán, to discover the city of Iximché. It was founded in 1470 by the Kaqchikel Mayas, who were forced to leave the city of Chaviar after rebelling against the Quiché ruler. Years later, compelled to negotiate a pact with Spanish conquistadors to avoid invasion, the city was ultimately burned by the Spanish in 1526.

Today, visitors can discover impressive ruins including pyramids, palaces, temples, ball courts, and murals that reflect the history, culture, and religion of one of the most important warrior tribes of the New World. Another distinctive feature of the site is that the ruins of Iximché form one of the rare places where religious ceremonies are still practiced by descendants of the Mayas.

3. Quiriguá

We continue our tour of Guatemala's most beautiful Mayan sites by heading to the ruins of Quiriguá, located in the east of the country in the Motagua valley. Although the site is relatively small, its strategic location at the intersection of numerous trade routes made Quiriguá a confluence zone for merchandise, where Mayas exchanged agricultural products, obsidian, and jade.

Beyond its museum and multiple remains such as the Great Plaza, the Quiriguá Mayan site is particularly renowned for its monuments carved from sandstone using no metal tools by the Mayas: the famous stelae. These reveal incredible information about Mayan culture as hieroglyphic texts have been carved into them. We recommend opting for a guided tour so you can decipher all the mysteries of these carvings.

4. Yaxhá

Back in the Petén region, our journey continues near the border with Belize, at the Mayan archaeological site of Yaxhá. Translated as "Green Water" in the Mayan language, the Yaxhá site owes its name to its location on the shores of the lake of the same name, which was once used for its fresh water. Its setting within the Mayan Biosphere Reserve takes you through Guatemala's subtropical forests.

With approximately 500 structures including 9 temple-pyramids, 13 altars, 5 acropolises, 2 Mesoamerican ball courts, and around forty stelae, Yaxhá is the third largest Mayan city in Guatemala. Several of its pyramids provide exceptional views over the site, the lake, and the jungle stretching to the horizon. We particularly recommend the summit of Temple 216, which offers the best view and from which you can enjoy the sunset.

5. El Mirador

Looking to discover a Mayan site off the beaten path during your trip to Guatemala? Then El Mirador is perfect for you! Built over two thousand years ago and discovered only in 1926, the city of El Mirador is considered one of the cradles of Mayan civilization. Also called the "Lost City of the Mayas," it was a city of great influence at the heart of the kingdom of Kan, with an estimated population of 200,000 inhabitants at its peak.

El Mirador embodies the dream of every aspiring Indiana Jones. And for good reason—its isolated location within the Mayan Biosphere Reserve makes it a site that remains largely unexplored and rarely visited by tourists. The only way to reach it is by trekking through the jungle for several days. You'll love its unique atmosphere, where the jungle has reclaimed most of the ruins. Don't miss the ascent to the summit of La Danta, the highest Mayan pyramid in the world, which towers at 72 meters high.