Yaxha National Park: A Less Crowded Park Worth Seeing

The department of Petén, Guatemala is home to world renowned Mayan ruins. Tourists come to visit the many sites of this area, while contemplating the existence of previous civilizations. If you are looking for serious natural and history beauty, while skipping the long lines and big crowds, Yaxha National Park is your best bet.

Yaxha vs. Tikal

For those who have visited both sites, Tikal and Yaxha, the favorite might be a surprise to most. Tikal is much larger, with many more structures, and takes about 5 hours to complete. Yaxha takes about 3 hours, with less structures, although the views are just as memorable.

Yaxha National Park sits on a very large lake, and the many views from above the jungle anopy are simply unforgettable. Plus, Yaxha is not as sought after. This means there are rarely crowds. Enjoy the jungle sounds, even the howler monkeys, much easier at Yaxha.

History

Yaxha is the third largest Mayan city in the region of Petén. This area flourished during the Early Class period (250-600 AD), although Yaxha was developed much earlier. German explorer Teobert Maler discovered the abandoned ruins in 1904 (imagine discovering a whole city for the first time?). The ruins were mapped out in the 1930's, and by the 1980's stabilization and preservation of many structures was underway.

What To Pack

Yaxha is off the beaten path, so you want to bring some things with you. At the top of this list? Bug Spray. As with anywhere you travel in Central America, you want to be protected from mosquitoes.

Be sure to pack a lunch and some snacks, as there are no restaurants or stands that sell food. Sufficient water is a definite in these hotter climates. Also, depending on the time of year, rain gear is a great thing to invest in. Whether you want a plastic poncho, or compact rain coat, the two links show my preferences.

Free Camping

Something I found out after visiting Yaxha is the free camping. With running water, cold showers, and clean toilets, you can stay here for up to 5 days! Don't forget your SteriPen for clean drinking water. It is much easier than lugging all that water with you (especially if space is an issue). All sites are raised off the ground, adding its own kind of jungle feel to it.

The Road To Yaxha

The road to Yaxha is quite incredible, although fair warning about the final stretch. As for most of Guatemala, the roads are not in the best shape. The final road leading to the park is quite rocky. Take it slow, and trust you will arrive and thoroughly enjoy it. Any car or motorcycle will be able to get through just fine. Once you see the locals riding through on tiny motorcycles, you'll chuckle at yourself being even slightly nervous.

Buy Your Ticket

There is an office about one mile before the main entrance to the park. You must stop here and purchase your ticket. The employees, as with most citizens of Guatemala, are very friendly and helpful. 80 Quetzales (around $10 USD) gains you entrance to the part. Once an employee records your vehicle plate number, you are ready to start exploring!

The various sites of Yaxha

To hike all of Yaxha, you will need about 3 hours. The routing of the loop trail ensures you see everything and easily return to the entrance. The history of each structure adds to the feel of the entire city. Be sure to take time to read all the signs as you go along the trail.

First Stop: Plaza C

Upon entering the park, you will notice a large structure. In archaeological terms, the E-Group structure is a classification of structures quite popular in most Mayan settlements. They were built as astronomical observatories, the findings of which are still known today, regardless of belief.

East Acropolis

Standing 30 meters tall, this acropolis was temporarily abandoned during the Early Classic period. The abandonment was due to an earthquake that harmed the structure, along with others in surrounding areas. Reconstruction began during the Late Classic period.

Twin Pyramids

Archaeologist Edwin Shook was the first person to coin the term Two Pyramids when it came to classifying Mayan ruins. He did so in 1956 when he realized many ancient cities had similar constructions. This area within each city was known for being used during celebrations.

Northeast Acropolis

Dating back to the Late Preclassic period (around 150-250 AD), this area consisted of a triadic pyramid, and formations of another E-Group observatory. Triadic pyramids have great relations to Mayan mythology, and are mostly oriented towards the west. Standing in the middle of these giant structures is something you simply have to experience in person. The feeling is almost indescribable.

South Acropolis

Also known as the Main Acropolis, this is a serious sight to see. Climbing the staircase to the top gives you the best view of the entire park. Sitting right next to the lake, it amazes me to this day how the Mayans could have possibly created these tall structures. Especially since they have lasted this long with minimal upkeep. Eat lunch up here while overlooking everything you just explored.

Final Thoughts

If you ask people who have traveled to both Tikal and Yaxha, they'll probably tell you to visit Yaxha. Limited crowds, vast trails, and a large lake make this my favorite park in Petén. The howler monkeys make some pretty crazy noises, although I have not heard of any trouble with visitors. Come visit Yaxha, you will be happy you did!

'Til next time,

Pete - A Traveling Teacher