If you aren’t going to have time to leave Guatemala City to see the real Mayan ruins in Guatemala, then your best bet is to visit the ruins in Zona 7, known as the Kaminal Juyú archaeological site. I don’t mean to say that these ruins aren’t real, they just aren’t as fascinating or incredible as the major 
Mayan ruins in Guatemala, such as in Tikal, and therefore may not be worth your time in Guatemala City, if it is limited.
The ancient city located on the western side of modern day Guatemala City stands thrived from 300 b.c.e to 900 c.e. All that is left today are a couple of former pyramids and a large collection of Mayan artifacts, such as ceramics and other sculptures. The ancient Mayan village is now surrounded by the growth of Guatemala city, but it remains virtually untouched to preserve the history of the Mayan civilization.
This city was actually the largest and most powerful Mayan city in the highlands of present day Guatemala. It was a very important commercial center in its day and served as a trading post.
Many of the structures are still underground, as it is the best way to preserve them. If you want to see the excavations you have to receive a permit from the Instituto Guatemalteco de Antropologia e Historia located on 12 Avenida 11–65 in Zona 1.
Kaminal Juyú is open Monday to Friday from 8 am – 4 pm and entrance costs Q10.
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