Audio Guide of House of the Bats

The House of the Bats, part of the Iximche Archaeological Park, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays. To get there, take the CA-1 highway from Guatemala City west toward Chimaltenango, then follow the signs to the site; a private vehicle or local transport is recommended. The information phone number is +502 7721-5000. More details are available on the official Visit Guatemala website.

Admission to the Iximche Archaeological Park, which includes the House of the Bats, costs Q10 for Guatemalans and Q50 for foreigners; children under 12 enter free. There are no additional discounts, but check on site for seasonal promotions. See updated prices on the INGUAT website.

It is recommended to allow at least 1 to 2 hours to explore the House of the Bats and its surroundings at the Iximche site, leaving time to walk among the structures and read the informational signs. If you go with a guide, the visit could extend to 2.5 hours for a more complete experience.

The House of the Bats is a unique structure in the Iximche Archaeological Park, the former capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom. It was built during the Postclassic period and is associated with rituals and astronomical observations because of its form, which evokes sacred bats in Maya mythology. It represents the architectural and cultural sophistication of the Guatemalan Maya before the Spanish conquest in 1524.

The best time is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is sunny and there is less rain; avoid the rainy season from May to October. Go early in the morning, around 8:00 a.m., to enjoy the site with fewer crowds and better light for photos.

The site has stone paths and some uneven areas, so it is not fully wheelchair accessible, but there are flatter alternative routes for visitors with reduced mobility. We recommend contacting the park in advance at +502 7721-5000 for assistance or adapted guides; there are no specific ramps at the House of the Bats.

Near the Iximche Archaeological Park, you can visit the historic center of Chimaltenango or Lake Amatitlán, about 30 minutes away by car, for water activities. You can also explore the Maya site of Kaminaljuyu in Guatemala City, an hour away, for more pre-Hispanic history. More ideas are available at Visit Guatemala.

Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen, as the site is outdoors and can be hot; stay well hydrated and consider bringing a hat. Hire a local guide on site for Q50 for detailed explanations, and visit during the week to avoid busy weekends. Check the weather in local apps before you go.