Iximché (Guatemala)

Iximché is one of those places that I hadn't originally planned on visiting while on holiday in Guatemala. In fact, I found myself there by accident. Iximché was once one of the major cities of the Mayan kingdom Kaqchikel, and today it boasts a small museum, large squares, and the remains of some temples, ball games and palaces.

Unlike the world-famous sites in the northern region of Petén, I never considered this small set of ruins to be a must-see, that was until I became acquainted with a Mayan priest (or "sacerdote"). One weekend, he took me to visit the site and I soon found myself side by side with several indigenous Mayans who had come from various parts of the Altiplano to go on a sort of pilgrimage. I was able to watch the sacred fire being prepared, and I learnt about the importance of the various elements used in Mayan ceremonies, such as candles, incense, cigars, alcohol and sugar...