Yaxhá Tours
The third-largest archaeological site in Guatemala is not well known, overshadowed by the fame of neighboring Tikal. Archaeologists are only now sorting out the secrets of this city on the northern shore of Laguna Yaxhá, named “Blue-Green Water” for the lake’s unusual color. Founded around 800 BC atop a long, limestone ridge, the city was home to more than 40,000 people at its peak, around 250 AD.
Yaxhá’s sophisticated builders left behind more than 500 structures, including nine temple pyramids, two ball courts, forty unusually carved stelae, and numerous causeways. Climb to the top of Temple 216 for remarkable views over the lakes and rivers. While the city must have become quite isolated during the Mayan civilization’s (and Tikal’s) collapse between 800 and 900 AD, it continued to function well into the 1500s.
Today, Yaxhá is rarely visited, and therefore offers a peaceful and introspective experience of the Mayan world. Birders and wildlife watchers will especially appreciate the solitude, as well as the numerous crocodiles in the lake.
Yaxhá’s sophisticated builders left behind more than 500 structures, including nine temple pyramids, two ball courts, forty unusually carved stelae, and numerous causeways. Climb to the top of Temple 216 for remarkable views over the lakes and rivers. While the city must have become quite isolated during the Mayan civilization’s (and Tikal’s) collapse between 800 and 900 AD, it continued to function well into the 1500s.
Today, Yaxhá is rarely visited, and therefore offers a peaceful and introspective experience of the Mayan world. Birders and wildlife watchers will especially appreciate the solitude, as well as the numerous crocodiles in the lake.
Practical Info
You’ll need a 4WD to visit Yaxhá on your own. The main site is located about 12km (7mi) from the pavement, and it can be treacherous going in rainy season. Because the site is still relatively undeveloped, you’ll want to bring your own water and food.
Your entry fee covers all sites within Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, an enormous 37,160-hectare (144-square-mile) expanse that includes three other major sites: Topoxte, on the south shore of the Lake Yaxhá; Nakum, an ancient port on the Holmul River; and Naranjo, about 20km (12mi) north, Yaxhá’s long-time rival. While you can visit all of them, poor roads and worse maps make that an adventure best undertaken with a guide.
Your entry fee covers all sites within Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, an enormous 37,160-hectare (144-square-mile) expanse that includes three other major sites: Topoxte, on the south shore of the Lake Yaxhá; Nakum, an ancient port on the Holmul River; and Naranjo, about 20km (12mi) north, Yaxhá’s long-time rival. While you can visit all of them, poor roads and worse maps make that an adventure best undertaken with a guide.
Address: Yaxhá, Peten, Peten Department, Guatemala
12 Tours and Activities to Experience Yaxhá
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Yaxha Private Day Tour with transportation
Private day tour of Yaxha National Park with round-trip transportation from the airport or hotels near Tikal & Flores. You will learn about Mayan and Guatemalan history and culture, archaeology, and the region's flora and fauna.
What sets our tours apart from others is our dedication and love for our work and our empathetic approach towards guests. We strive to ensure that our tours exceed your expectations in every way, but especially in terms of experience and value.
Tikal VIP Tours is aptly named for the importance of our clients—we strive to provide a VIP experience for everyone and hope that your time in Guatemala will be an experience of a lifetime. Because of his passion for guiding, Elmer Alvarado has become one of the “Most Recommended” guides certified by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) since 2011.
“I am living my dream,” says guide and founder, Elmer Omar Alvarado. “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life and you will always be happy.”
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From
$89.99
From
$89.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
2-Day Mayan Ruins Tour of Tikal and Yaxha from Flores
Unravel the mysteries of the ancient Mayas on a 2-day journey from Flores, including 5-star overnight accommodation and some meals. Venture into the UNESCO-listed Tikal National Park for a half-day guided tour of the park’s Mayan ruins, including the fascinating Central Acropolis, the Temple of the Grand Jaguar and the memorable Temple of the Masks. Then, explore the pre-Columbian ruins of Yaxha, where the ballcourts, temples and plazas boast a dramatic location, hidden in the jungle above the Yaxha Lake.
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From
$301.71
Price varies by group size
From
$301.71
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Yaxha National Park Sunset Tour
Trekking
Staircase to temples
Observation of flora and fauna
Lagos observation from the top of a temple.
Yaxha is an archeological site approximately one hour from Tikal National Park and one hour from Flores. It is a place where you can enjoy nature and water, since the Park is between two lakes that can be seen from the top of some temples. Yaxha is located in the Maya Biosphere Reserve which is the second largest preserved jungle in the Americas.
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From
$64.99
From
$64.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
2-Day Trip to Tikal and Yaxha Ruins
Discover the history of the ancient Mayan civilization during this trip to the archaeological sites of Tikal and Yaxha spanning two days. These two incredible Mayan cities are among the most important building centers from the culture’s Classic period, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the architecture and religious traditions of this Pre-Columbian people. Explore the diverse range of temples, royal palaces and monuments at Tikal on day one before checking out Yaxha on day two. This Tikal and Yaxha trip also includes a guide and round-trip hotel transport on each day.
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From
$151.29
From
$151.29
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Yaxha Sunset Tour
Watch the sunset from the top of a Mayan pyramid in the Cultural Triangle Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park on this tour from Flores. This tour takes you through the jungle to the Yaxha archaeological site—it's close to Tikal, but unlikely to have the crowds. Tour the main areas of the complex with your guide before climbing 216 steps to the top of the pyramid to watch the sunset.
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From
$96.16
From
$96.16
Yaxha Sunset Guided Tour from Flores
You will be pick up at your hotel and transfer to the park to start an adventure inside on the jungle surrounded by local vegetation and fauna of the area, we can admire the majesty of the pyramidal complexes and the awesome landscape that offer to you Yaxha.
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From
$99.17
From
$99.17
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Yaxha Private Sunset Tour with transportation
Private sunset tour of Yaxha National Park with round-trip transportation from hotels in Flores and Tikal. You'll learn about Mayan history and culture, archaeology, flora and fauna, and see the sun set from the top of a temple.
What sets our tours apart from others is our dedication and love for our work and our empathetic approach towards guests. We strive to ensure that our tours exceed your expectations in every way, but especially in terms of experience and value.
Tikal VIP Tours is aptly named for the importance of our clients—we strive to provide a VIP experience for everyone and hope that your time in Guatemala will be an experience of a lifetime. Because of his passion for guiding, Elmer Alvarado has become one of the “Most Recommended” guides certified by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) since 2011.
“I am living my dream,” says guide and founder, Elmer Omar Alvarado. “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life and you will always be happy.”
…More
From
$89.99
From
$89.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Yaxha Day Tour from Flores
Explore one of the largest Mayan complexes in northern Guatemala on this Yaxha day tour from Flores. Your friendly local guide will lead you through the impressive landmarks of this historicl site, and take you up close to ancient temples, pyramids and old world ruins. Learn about pre-Columbian Mayan culture as you take in the beauty of this popular destination that overlooks the Sacnab and Yaxha lakes. Your day-trip includes a savory traditional Guatemalan lunch and round-trip transportation from your hotel in Flores or Santa Elena Peten, or pick up and drop off from Mundo Maya International Airport. This small group experience is capped at 20 people to insure personalized attention.
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From
$99.99
From
$99.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Yaxha Day Tour:
Step back in time to explore the mysteries of the Maya during this 8-hour visit to Yaxha, one of the largest urban centers of this ancient culture. Spend the day wandering through the fascinating ruins of this sprawling ceremonial complex on the shores of Lake Yaxha, occupying a total area of 92 square miles (237 square kilometers). During your exploration you’ll check out the Big Astronomical Complex, Avenue of the Pilgrims and Twin Pyramid Complex, plus much more. Your Yaxha visit also covers entrance fees, a guide, lunch and round-trip transport from a central meeting point.
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From
$102.57
From
$102.57
El Mirador And Yaxha Tour From Flores City 2d / 1 N
Visit El Mirador Archeological Site by Helicopter!, , El Mirador is a Late Pre-classic Maya city located in the Mirador Basin, Petén, Guatemala, dating from 600 BC and was partially abandoned around year 150 AD. day 2; visitday 2; visit the archaeological site of Yaxhá is considered as a cultural and natural monument. It holds a complex system of wetlands and woods. It’s located in the north part of Guatemala, between the Flores and Melchor de Mencos municipalities, in the department of Petén.
IMPORTANT: 3 passengers are required as a minimum
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From
$650.26
From
$650.26
Day Trip Yaxha Archaeological Site from Flores
Trace the history of one of humanity’s earliest civilisations on this full-day tour of the Yaxha Archaeological Site from Flores. After a scenic cruise across Lake Yaxha, follow your guide to the spectacular Mayan city of Yaxha, hidden in the jungle above the lake. Lookout for tropical birds and howler monkeys as you tour the ancient temples, pyramids and plazas; learn more about Mayan life from your expert guide; and enjoy impressive views over the lake. This private or small-group tour includes pick-up and drop-off from the Mundo Maya International Airport or your Flores hotel.
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From
$251.29
From
$251.29
Archeology Tour Yaxha National Park
BRIEF OVERVIEW: Yaxha is an archeological site approximately one hour from Tikal National Park and one hour from Flores. It is a place where you can enjoy nature and water, since the Park is between two lakes that can be seen from the top of some temples. Yaxha is located in the Maya Biosphere Reserve which is the second largest preserved jungle in the Americas.
In order to visit Yaxha, it is taking the route to Frontera Melchor-Belize arriving at the La Maquina Community, we take the detour at a junction and we enter a road without pavement only has dirt road we travel 11 km to reach the Park and the Tour lasts of approximately 3 hours since it is a very small place but its beauty is unique in the place.
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From
$84.99
From
$84.99
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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