Uaxactún Tours
Uaxatún (wa-sha-TOON) is best known as the most accurate observatory in the Mayan world. The city was founded centuries before Tikal, and may well be the birthplace of the Mayan calendar and writing system; the oldest known arch in the Mayan world is also here. It was conquered by Tikal in 378AD, but probably become a learning center for elites from the capital, rather than a vassal state.
Today, its pyramids and plazas are interspersed with the tiny houses of a modern village (also called Uaxatún), once dedicated to the gathering of chicle. Tourism is now a small but growing business.
The city’s original Mayan name, Siaan K'aan, or "Born in Heaven” reflects the city’s astronomical obsession. Solstices are marked by temple pyramids, which form part of the oldest known Mayan calendar. While crowds come to see these impressive alignments, you may have the site to yourself other times of year.
Today, its pyramids and plazas are interspersed with the tiny houses of a modern village (also called Uaxatún), once dedicated to the gathering of chicle. Tourism is now a small but growing business.
The city’s original Mayan name, Siaan K'aan, or "Born in Heaven” reflects the city’s astronomical obsession. Solstices are marked by temple pyramids, which form part of the oldest known Mayan calendar. While crowds come to see these impressive alignments, you may have the site to yourself other times of year.
Practical Info
Uaxactún is located 87km (54 miles) from Flores, 23km (14 miles) north of Tikal. It can only be reached in 4WD vehicles or public buses. In rainy season, the road may be impassable.
Buses leave the Santa Elena market in Flores in the afternoon, returning very early the following morning. Since you need to obtain permits and pay fees at Tikal, independent travelers usually spend the first day at Tikal, catch the afternoon bus to Uaxactún, then spend two nights in the village, with a full day at the ruins.
Buses leave the Santa Elena market in Flores in the afternoon, returning very early the following morning. Since you need to obtain permits and pay fees at Tikal, independent travelers usually spend the first day at Tikal, catch the afternoon bus to Uaxactún, then spend two nights in the village, with a full day at the ruins.
Address: Uaxactún, Flores, Peten Department, Guatemala
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Uaxactún
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Guatemala Birding Tour at Tikal and Uaxactún National Park
The region of Petén is a hot spot for birding in Guatemala. The archaeological sites of Tikal and Uaxactún are known for having a big amount of birds in the region. Join our certified tour guides and enjoy birding in the Maya Biosphere Reserved. Minimum to operate 2 travelers.
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From
$642.95
From
$642.95
Day Trip to Uaxactun Community from Flores
Visit one of Guatemala’s most enigmatic Mayan sites on this full-day tour of the Uaxactún community from Flores. Discover the archeological gems scattered among a modern village and witness how the preservation of the ruins is combined with efforts to sustain the local community. Learn how Uaxactún is thought to be the birthplace of the Mayan calendar and writing system from your expert guide; see the world’s oldest Mayan arch; and admire ancient artworks. This private tour includes lunch and round-trip transport from the Mundo Maya International Airport or your Flores hotel.
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From
$153.85
From
$153.85
Uaxactún Private Archeology Tour
Visit one of the most enigmatic Mayan sites in Guatemala on this one-day tour of the community of Uaxactún from Flores. Discover the archeological gems scattered in a modern town and witness how the conservation of the ruins is combined with efforts to sustain the local community. Learn how Uaxactún is believed to be the cradle of the Mayan calendar and the writing system of your expert guide; see the oldest Mayan arch in the world; and admire the ancient works of art.
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From
$250.00
From
$250.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Uaxactun Day Tour from Flores
Uncover the secrets of one of the world’s oldest civilisations on this 6-hour tour of Uaxactun, a Mayan city inhabited from 300BC. Follow your guide around the fascinating archeological site, marvel over remarkably preserved Mayan ceramics in the onsite museum and learn about Uaxactun’s significance as the birthplace of the Mayan astronomical calendar. This day trip from Flores includes round-trip hotel or airport transfers and lunch.
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From
$79.99
From
$79.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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