subsequently preserved in the water for thousands of years. Popol Vuh’s pre-Columbian and colonial art is exhibited in chronological order behind glass cabinets and takes you on a journey from Mesoamerican hunting tools to postcolonial Catholic statues. Some of the most impressive objects include a reproduction of the ancient Mayan text, the Dresden Code, and a giant cracked altar with a detailed narrative of King Aj Wosal Chan K’ihnich, who ruled the city of Naranjo from 546AD-615. It all began in 1977 when Jorge and Ella Castillo donated the legacy of their collections to the sons and daughters of Guatemala. From domestic tools to funerary urns and jewelery to religious sculptures, these relics can be used to piece together the lifestyles of Maya men and women: the clothing they wore, the activities they enjoyed and the trade routes they took. Many of the items are in surprisingly good condition, having been discovered in archaeological deposits below the surface of Lake Atitlán and Lake Amatitlán. It is thought that many of the objects were deposited in the lakes during religious rituals and were
Perfect for anyone with a thirst for all things Mayan, the museum is located within walking distance of Museo Ixchel—allowing you to visit both in an afternoon. But while the pieces are indeed impressive, the museum is unlikely to sustain the interests of small children. Admission is Q35, with an additional charge for flash photography. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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