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Yaxhá: A Mayan Jewel in the Guatemalan Jungle

Discover Yaxhá: An ancient Mayan city in Guatemala's Petén region, offering stunning ruins, wildlife, and lagoon views.

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Yaxhá, located within the Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park in Guatemala, is an ancient Mayan city offering a captivating blend of history and nature. Explore temple pyramids, acropolises, and stunning lagoon views in a serene jungle setting.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Yaxha

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (November to April) for more predictable weather and easier navigation of jungle paths.
  • Arrive early or visit in the late afternoon to avoid crowds and witness the sunset from Temple 216.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the history, architecture, and culture of Yaxhá.
  • Combine your visit to Yaxhá with other nearby sites like Nakum and Naranjo for a more comprehensive experience of the Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Flores, take the paved road towards Melchor de Mencos for 62 km. At La Maquina, turn north and drive 11 km on a dirt road to the park entrance. A 4WD vehicle is helpful during the rainy season. Parking is available near the Visitor Center.

  • Shuttle/Tour

    Book a tour from Flores that includes transportation to Yaxhá. Tours typically depart in the afternoon to allow visitors to view the sunset from Temple 216. The tour usually includes a guided tour and transportation. Entrance fee to the park is Q80 for foreigners.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Yaxha

Yaxhá, meaning "green water" in Mayan, is an archaeological site nestled within the Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park in northeastern Petén, Guatemala. As the third-largest Mayan site in Guatemala after Tikal and El Mirador, Yaxhá offers a unique and less crowded experience compared to its more famous counterparts. The city was constructed around 600 BC, reached its peak in the 8th century AD, and was home to approximately 20,000 inhabitants. Explore the monumental clusters of pyramidal temples, acropolises, and residential complexes, connected by ancient causeways. Temple 216, also known as the Temple of the Red Hands, is the tallest structure in Yaxhá, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and Yaxhá Lagoon, especially breathtaking at sunset. The park's diverse flora and fauna, including howler monkeys, toucans, and various bird species, enhance the visitor experience. Yaxhá provides a tranquil and intimate exploration of Mayan ruins, with opportunities to witness abundant wildlife and serene lagoon landscapes. The site also features two architectural ensembles used to commemorate solstices and equinoxes, and a Twin Pyramid Complex, similar to those found in Tikal.

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