Mixco Viejo
Archaeological Site Ruined highland Maya city with defensive walls
Mixco Viejo offers K’iche’ Maya ruins of terraced plazas, stone walls and temple platforms set amid pine-covered hills; visitors combine site walks with regional markets and Guatemalan highland villages.
How to Get to Mixco Viejo #
From Guatemala City, Mixco Viejo is roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive northwest via CA-1 and local roads toward Santa Apolonia/San Martín Jilotepeque. Local colectivos and tours also run from Guatemala City and nearby Quiché towns.
Tips for Visiting Mixco Viejo #
- Hire a local guide at the site to understand the defensive layout and the names of plazas and palaces.
- Wear a hat and bring sun protection: the stone plazas offer little shade.
- Combine a visit with nearby towns like Chichicastenango or Guatemala City-Mixco Viejo is less crowded early morning.
Best Time to Visit Mixco Viejo #
Visit during the dry season to avoid muddy trails and limited visibility from rain.
Weather & Climate near Mixco Viejo #
Mixco Viejo's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2340 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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April
April is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (200 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (430 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (325 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (327 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (437 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (273 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
