The Museo Popol Vuh is a private archaeology and colonial art museum located on the campus of the Universidad Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala City. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to assist with trip planning.
Updated in March 2026, this guide reflects the current university campus access protocols and the updated combined ticket pricing for the neighbouring Museo Ixchel.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00; Sat 09:00–13:00; Closed Sundays |
| Ticket prices | Adults: Q45 ($6); Students: Q25 ($4); Children (2-12): Q15 ($2) |
| Address | Calle Manuel F. Ayau (6 Calle final), Zona 10, Guatemala City |
| Nearest transport | Avenida La Reforma Bus Stop (15-minute walk) |
| Time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Museo Popol Vuh opening hours
The museum is open year-round from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00. On Saturdays, it operates on a half-day schedule from 09:00 to 13:00. The museum is closed every Sunday and on official Guatemalan public holidays.
Museo Popol Vuh ticket prices
The admission fee for adults is Q45 (approximately $6). Students with a valid ID card pay Q25 ($4), and children aged 2 to 12 pay Q15 ($2). Admission is free for students and staff of the Universidad Francisco Marroquín. Payments can be made in local currency (Quetzales) using cash or credit cards.
A Combined Ticket is available for Q70 ($10), which provides entry to both the Museo Popol Vuh and the adjacent Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena. Note that this combined ticket must be purchased in cash.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
How to get to the Museo Popol Vuh
The museum is located within the University campus in Zona 10. Public bus routes 63, 82, 101, and 40R travel along Avenida La Reforma. Visitors should disembark at the corner of 6 Calle, Zona 10, and walk east along 6 Calle until reaching the university entrance. From the campus gate, the museum building is visible directly ahead.
Parking at the Museo Popol Vuh
Paid parking is available on the university campus. Visitors should enter the campus through the main security gate and follow signs to the parking areas located near the museum buildings. Parking fees are typically charged by the hour.
How long to spend at the Museo Popol Vuh
A visit typically lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. This duration allows for a full walkthrough of the Pre-Columbian and Colonial art galleries.
Accessibility at the Museo Popol Vuh
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. The facility is equipped with an access ramp at the entrance and an elevator to transport visitors between floors. Accessible restrooms are located within the museum building.
Inside the Museo Popol Vuh
The museum houses one of the most significant collections of Maya art in the world, organised chronologically from the Preclassic to the Postclassic periods.
The Pre-Columbian Gallery features a vast array of Maya ceramics, including funerary urns from the Quiché region and polychrome vases. A major highlight is the collection of stone sculptures and stelae from various archaeological sites across Guatemala.
The Colonial Art Gallery displays religious paintings, sculptures, and silverwork from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This section highlights the syncretism between indigenous traditions and Spanish influence during the viceregal period.
The museum also maintains a specialised Research Library and an exhibition dedicated to the Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Kʼicheʼ Maya, which provides context for the mythological themes found in the artefacts.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Advice for visitors |
| Photography | Amateur photography requires a fee of Q15; video recording requires a fee of Q25. |
| Restrictions | The use of tripods and flash photography is strictly prohibited in all gallery spaces. |
| Security | Visitors must pass through a security gate to enter the university campus; have identification ready. |
| Logistics | Combine your visit with the Museo Ixchel next door to see traditional Mayan textiles. |
| Climate | The museum is climate-controlled, making it a suitable indoor activity during the rainy season. |
Frequently asked questions about the Museo Popol Vuh
| Question | Answer |
| Is Museo Popol Vuh suitable for children? | Yes, the museum offers educational displays and a smaller, manageable layout for families. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Museo Popol Vuh? | No, tickets can be purchased at the entrance upon arrival. |
| Is Museo Popol Vuh open on Sundays? | No, the museum is closed every Sunday. |
| Are bags allowed at Museo Popol Vuh? | Small bags are permitted, but large backpacks may need to be checked at the reception. |
Things to do near the Museo Popol Vuh
Several cultural and commercial sites are located within Zona 10 of Guatemala City:
- Museo Ixchel del Traje Indígena: Located immediately next door, focusing on indigenous textiles.
- Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico): A 15-minute walk or short drive away on Avenida La Reforma.
- Museo de Arqueología y Etnología: Located a 10-minute drive away in Zona 13.
- Plaza Fontabella: A commercial centre with dining options located a 5-minute drive from the campus.
More Guatemala travel
Other Guatemala travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Meeting Maximon – Guatemala’s rogue saint.
- Conquering the Cueva del Tigre.
- Climbing volcanoes in Guatemala – Pacaya and Chicabal.
- Can I climb Temple IV at Tikal?
- Tikal, Guatemala: The ancient Mayan city you’ve seen in Star Wars.
