Yaxhá ~ Maya Archeological Site

Rapidly gaining in popularity and now second behind Tikal as the most popular archaeological site in the region, Yaxhá is situated on the shores of the beautiful Yaxhá lagoon, home of Morelett crocodiles, and half-way between Flores and the Belize-Guatemalen Border. Yaxhá was the location for Survivor, a US TV program aired in 2005.

Yaxhá, which translates to Blue Green Waters, sits between two beautiful lakes. The climb up many of its Temples yields beautiful views of both the lakes and the Rio Azul river that feeds them.

Occupied from 600BC to 900AD, the site offers a variety of construction styles. It is famed for its organized street structure, unique to the Mayan world, and Stelae which are influenced by Mexico's Teotituacan.

There are several complexes excavated, the most famed of which is the North Acropolis. This Plaza contains three tall temples with unparalleled views of the surrounding rain forest and lakes. The Plaza of the Shadows and the Astronomical Plaza are both examples of the Mayan ability to chart the skies.

What makes Yaxhá so interesting is that, unlike Tikal, restoration of this site is at a very preliminary stage. Of the many temples, only one has been largely restored, while most of the others are either covered in vegetation and trees or being actively excavated and worked upon by archeologists. 

As a visitor, being able to see the archeologists work and to talk with them about the site gives one a greater appreciation of the accomplishments of the ancient Maya.

Both spider monkeys and howler monkeys inhabit the area. In particular, the howler monkeys add quite an element to the experience of seeing these ruins. So named because of their lion like howl or roar, hearing these animals throughout the afternoon is a constant reminder that you are in the jungle. Lake View

After an afternoon of exploring the ruins, walk down to nearby Lake Yaxhá for a swim.

Easiest way to visit Yaxhá is to arrange a tour from Flores.

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