Yaxha
Yaxha
Yaxha -the name of this ancient site means “green water” and in this city there are more
than 500 monumental buildings between squares, walkways, astronomical complexes,
a commemorative square with two twin pyramids and the Acropolis, and an area
inhabited by the Mayan aristocracy.
Currently from the highest monument, Temple 216, you can see the jungle and the
lagoons of Yaxha and Sacnab, within the framework of the Mayan Biosphere Reserve.
The park is a refuge that allows to appreciate a balanced combination of biodiversity
and pre-Hispanic cultural heritage. Due to the presence of impressive lagoons and
wetlands that are part of the main migratory bird routes, it has been recognized as a
wetland of world importance.
In this area there are four main cities, Yaxha, Topoxte, Nakum and Naranjo; They
played a very important role in the social and political organization of the central
lowlands for more than 1500 years (800 BC-1450 A.D.). It is possible to visit the first
three cities, Yaxha being the most accessible and from where you can start the visit to
the park. During the walk it is possible to observe different kinds of animals like
monkeys and birds.