One of the largest Maya sites in Guatemala, Yaxha is located approximately 18 miles (30 km) southeast from Tikal between Lake Yaxha and Lake Sacnab. Spread out over nine plazas the site contains over 500 structures, including 40 stelae, several pyramid temples and ball courts. Yaxha is one of the few Maya cities to retain its traditional Maya name, which translates as “green waters”.
The complex was discovered in 1904 by Austrian explorer Teobert Maler, who was rowing across lake Yaxha and became aware of an extended chain of elevations in the jungle. Convinced that these were Mayan ruins, he began explorations immediately. The site became only popular recently after the TV reality show Survivor: Guatemala – The Mayan Empire was filmed here in 2005.
Structure 216 at Yaxha, Guatemala. Photo credit: Whirling Phoenix
History
The relative lack of inscribed monuments found at Yaxhá has made tracking its history difficult, though it appears it was a major player during the Classic period supporting a population of more than 20,000 people. It is believed that Yaxhá was locked into an ongoing power struggle during much of this time with its smaller neighbor, Naranjo, about 12 miles (20 km) northeast. Naranjo eventually overran Yaxhá in 799 AD.
Highlights
Yaxhá’s highest structure is Structure 216 that has a total height of over 100 feet if the remains of a temple on top is included. The pyramid offers wonderful views of the lakes and forests from its summit.
On Plaza C stands a twin-pyramid complex, the only one known outside Tikal. The pyramid commemorates the end of a Katun, a 20 years period.
Visit Yaxha
Agencies in Flores (compare hotel deals) and El Remate offer organized trips to Yaxha, some combined with Nakum and/or Tikal. See also our list of recommended Yaxha tours.
The entrance fee is US$1.80.
Yaxha Tours
Yaxha Ruins Explorer from Antigua Guatemala
Discover the ruins at the Mayan city of Yaxha, a former ceremonial center. From your hotel in Antigua, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Peten. Once you arrive in Peten, you will head to the lagoon at Yaxha. You will have the entire day to explore the nine acropoleis and five hundred structures with your guide. From temple 216, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake, the island and the surrounding forest. At the end of the day, you will return to the Peten area for your flight back to Antigua.
Yaxha Ruins Explorer from Guatemala City
Discover the ruins at the Mayan city of Yaxha, a former ceremonial center. From your hotel in Guatemala City, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Peten. Once you arrive in Peten, you will head to the lagoon at Yaxha. You will have the entire day to explore the nine acropoleis and five hundred structures with your guide. From temple 216, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake, the island and the surrounding forest. At the end of the day, you will return to the Peten area for your flight back to Guatemala City.
Yaxha Ruins Explorer from Flores
Discover the ruins at the Mayan city of Yaxha, a former ceremonial center. From your hotel, you will head to the lagoon at Yaxha. You will have the entire day to explore the nine acropoleis and five hundred structures with your guide. From temple 216, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake, the island and the surrounding forest. At the end of the day, you will return to the Peten area and will be dropped off at your hotel.
Map of Yaxha
The map below shows the location of Yaxha Guatemala. The buttons on the left can be used to zoom in or out. Click and drag the map to move around.