A great Maya city spread along the shore of a jungle lagoon, quieter than Tikal, with a temple-top sunset that turns the water gold.
Yaxhá is the third-largest Maya city in Guatemala, built along a ridge above the lagoon of the same name in the Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo national park.
More than 500 structures have been mapped here, from plazas and ball courts to acropolises and causeways. Only part has been cleared, so much of it lies under forest, with howler monkeys and spider monkeys in the trees overhead.
The highlight is Temple 216, also called the Temple of the Red Hands, the tallest building on the site. Its wooden stairs lead to a platform with views over the canopy and the lagoon, and sunset here is included in the ordinary ticket.
The lagoon is home to crocodiles, so swimming isn't allowed. On the island of Topoxté, a later Postclassic site can be reached by boat on request.
The classic sunset tour.
Leave Flores after lunch on a shuttle or tour; the last stretch is a dirt road through forest.
Walk the shaded paths between plazas and acropolises, listening for howler monkeys.
Follow the old raised causeway to the quieter northern buildings.
Climb the wooden stairs to the top in time to claim a spot for sunset.
Watch the sun drop behind the forest and lagoon, then walk down by torchlight.
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Sunset tours and shuttles leave Flores daily; driving yourself needs a car that can handle the final dirt road.
Pay the park entry, about Q80, at the gate in cash; the sunset is included.
Some tours combine Yaxhá with Nakum or Topoxté; ask before booking if you want more time.
Flores practical notes →
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