Zaculeu - Ruin Huehuetenango - Guatemala

Zaculeu lies just 4km west of Huehuetenango’s central plaza. In October 1525, the historical Mam ceremonial site fell to Spanish conquistador Gonzalo de Alvarado after a two month siege. Dating as far back as the early classic period, these ancient ruins underwent some modest restoration during the 1940’s. Although the typical colorful decoration of similar Mam temples wasn’t replicated, graying plaster was used to try and bring them closer to their original form. Admission is around $4.50 and there is a small museum on-site displaying skulls and other artifacts found in a tomb under one of the temples. There are a few places across from the main entrance selling snacks and refreshments. You can hire a cab from town for about $8 including an hour’s wait at the site, which is plenty of time, or hop on a cheap local bus from outside the school at the corner of 2a Calle and 7a Avenida.

Location:
Huehuetenango, Guatemala

Ruin Types:
Ruins