Audio Guide of Central Plaza

Zaculeu Archaeological Park is generally open from Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We recommend arriving early to enjoy the Central Plaza peacefully before closing time.

Fees are usually different for each group: Q5.00 for nationals and Q50.00 for foreigners, managed by the Ministry of Culture and Sports. It is important to bring cash, as cards are not always accepted at the ticket office.

The full visit, including the Central Plaza, the pyramids, and the small site museum, will take between 1 and 2 hours. It is a compact visit but rich in history, ideal to combine with other activities in Huehuetenango.

Zaculeu was the capital of the Mam kingdom and resisted the Spanish siege in 1525; its white appearance comes from a 1946 restoration that used plaster over the original structures. To learn more, you can consult the history on the official Culture of Guatemala website.

The best season is during the dry season, from November to April, to avoid rain. As for the time of day, early morning offers spectacular light for photos and avoids the intense midday heat reflected by the white structures.

The Central Plaza and the green areas are flat and easy to walk through, allowing for a pleasant ground-level visit. However, climbing the pyramid structures is not recommended for people with reduced mobility because of the steep steps.

You are only 4 km from the city of Huehuetenango, where you can visit the Cathedral and the central market. If you are looking for nature, many travelers also head toward the Cuchumatanes or the Juan Diéguez Olaverri Viewpoint.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen, since the white color of the ruins reflects a great deal of radiation. Also, wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, because even though there is grass, you will be climbing ancient stone structures.