Yaxha Travel Guide
Mayan Ceremonial City in the Central American Jungle with the nearby ruins of Topoxte and Nakum.
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Located 50 miles from Flores in the El Peten region, Yaxha was the third-largest Maya ceremonial city in Guatemala and is now a Mesoamerican archaeological site. The city is comprised of two sectors of rectangular structures laid out to form streets and plazas which contain more than 500 structures, including 40 stelae, 13 altars, 9 temple pyramids and 2 Mesoamerican ball courts. The views of the Central American jungle from the 30 metre high Structure 216 are breathtaking.
The nearby ruins of Topoxte and Nakum are also of important archaeological value and are well worth combining with a visit.
Yaxha was occupied for 16 centuries, from 600BC – 900AD and at one point, the city supported a population of more than 20,000, and more than 400 buildings, five acropolises, and three ball courts. The tallest structure is Temple 216, which is located in the East Acropolis, and provides excellent views of lakes Yaxha and Sacnab, and the surrounding rainforests. Yaxha is one of the few Maya cities to retain its traditional Mayan name, which translates to "green waters."
The structures are connected by sacbes (ancient elevated roads) in a manner more similar to Maya sites in the Yucatan. Located in the Mayan Biosphere Reserve the site has been declared a Natural & Cultural Monument of the country. Those travellers interested in wildlife will not be disappointed as birds, butterflies, spiders and howler monkeys are in abundance at this remote jungle site.
Plaza C is the only twin-pyramid complex outside of Tikal, which commemorates a Katun, a 20 year period, giving an insight into the political alliances that eventually influenced the architectural style of the city.
Attractions in Yaxha
As well as the ruins of Yaxha, other sites of interest located in the "Yaxha, Nakum, Naranjo National Park are the ruins of Topoxte, located on a small island in Lake Yaxha, this is the largest Post classic Maya site in Petén Basin.
The nearby ruins of Nakum, of the late classic period, can only be reached during the dry season. The site includes two large complexes of buildings which are connected by a sacbe (road), unique vaults and interesting stelae.
Activities in Yaxha
You should allow a couple of days to fully explore the site of Yaxha and the nearby sites of Nakum and Topoxte.
Relaxing
Find a place at the top of one of the temples and spend some time admiring the views and look out for the wonderful birdlife.
Getting Around
The sites are easily navigable by foot.
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