Plizio Visual Lab

Maya Genocide

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Maya Genocide refers to the systematic mass killing of indigenous Maya people during the Guatemalan Civil War (1960-1996), peaking under the regime of General Efraín Ríos Montt in the early 1980s. The military employed a 'scorched earth' policy, destroying hundreds of villages and murdering thousands of civilians under the guise of counter-insurgency operations. The Ixil Maya population in the Quiché Department was particularly targeted, suffering horrific atrocities that were later classified as genocidal acts. A UN-backed commission estimated that over 200,000 people were killed or disappeared during the conflict, with 83% of the victims being of indigenous descent. In 2013, Ríos Montt became the first former head of state to be convicted of genocide in his own country, although the verdict was later overturned amid controversy. This dark period remains a profound trauma for Guatemalan society, and the pursuit of legal and historical justice continues to this day.

Location: Guatemala
Nearby: Siquinalá (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	14	15	17	19	19	18	17	17	17	17	15	14
Rain mm	12	9	20	46	165	279	189	258	321	232	50	15

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Maya Genocide site in Guatemala is a memorial commemorating the systematic killing of Maya peoples during the civil war. Visitors can visit museums and memorial sites that inform about the events.

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Typical hours

Memorial sites are typically open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00. Mondays are usually closed.

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Photography

Photography in the memorial sites is usually allowed, but without flash in exhibition rooms. Respect the dignity of the place, especially during mourning ceremonies.

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Time needed

For a museum visit, allow about 1 to 2 hours. If you want to visit several memorials in the region, you can plan half a day.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with other civil war memorials in the area, such as the Genocide Memorial Museum in Guatemala City. Nearby Maya ruins offer a historical contrast.

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Getting there

The memorials in Guatemala are accessible by car or public bus. The exact locations vary, so it is advisable to consult a local guide beforehand.

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Insider tip

Take time to read the stories of survivors, often documented in exhibitions. Emotional preparation can help process the weight of the subject.