The capital of the department of El Quiche, Santa Cruz del Quiche is a quiet town of the frequented tourist routes. El Quiche is a transfer point for people heading east or north through the highlands.

 

   
           
  Santa Cruz del Quiché is found just 15 minutes to the north of Chichicastenango. The bustling town is a center of transportation and commerce, and capital of the Quiché department. Worth seeing here are the ruins of Gumarcaaj (renamed Utatlán by conquering Spaniards), once the stronghold of the Maya-Quiché nation. At the time of the conquest, the Quichés were the strongest Maya group in the Guatemala, and the first force encountered by invading Spaniards. Less than two weeks after a decisive battle at Quetzaltenango, the Spaniards arrived at Gumarcaaj. Although the Quichés invited the invading force into the city, the Spaniards feared an ambush. Captain Pedro de Alvarado captured the Quiché rulers and burned them at the stake on March 7, 1524. The ruins, which have not been restored, consist of small temple mounds, and the remains of a plaza, ballcourt and other structures. Down the hill to one side of the ruins is a man-made cave, a site of rituals for contemporary Maya.  

Utatlan ruins

Utatlàn, also known as K'umarcaaj, is an unrestored archeological site located two miles outside of Quiche. K'umarcaaj, the ancient Quichè Maya capital, was the most powerful city in the highlands until it was destroyed in 1524 by the Spanish. After razing the ancient city, Pedro de Alvarado renamed it Utatlàn.

The city was never rebuilt after its destruction, but about 10 structures are identifiable today including the ball court, the Great Plaza, and some of the pyramidal temple bases.

Utatlàn is considered a sacred spot and Mayan priests still perform religious ceremonies there. Under the main plaza is a sacred cave where ceremonies are performed with candles and incense.