Plizio Visual Lab

Yaxhá

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Yaxhá is a major Maya archaeological site located in the Petén Basin, situated on a ridge overlooking Lake Yaxhá. During the Classic period (c. 250-900 AD), the city was a vital ceremonial and administrative center, ranking as the third largest ruin in Guatemala after Tikal and El Mirador. The site encompasses over 500 structures, including nine temple pyramids, two ball courts, and numerous carved stelae. Notable features include the North Acropolis and Temple 216, which provides panoramic views of the lake and the vast surrounding jungle. Yaxhá was closely linked to the neighboring cities of Nakum and Naranjo, and today they together form the Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park. The name translates to Green Water in Maya, reflecting the characteristic hue of the nearby lake. The city is distinguished by its well-preserved astronomical complexes and limestone causeways (sacbeob).

Location: Guatemala
Top sights: Yaxhá Lake · Yaxha
Nearby: El Estor (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	23	25	28	28	26	25	26	25	24	22	22
Rain mm	114	66	53	38	125	226	161	181	208	246	176	136

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Yaxhá is a significant Maya site on the shore of Lake Yaxhá, protected as part of the Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park. The ruins can be explored on guided tours or independently.

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Typical hours

The park is typically open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last entry usually at 4:00 p.m. Some trails may be closed during the rainy season.

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Photography

Photography is allowed, but drone use in the national park is strictly regulated. Especially appealing are shots of the temples with the lake in the background.

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Time needed

For a thorough exploration of the main area including climbing the temples, allow three to four hours. A hike to the remote Acropolis can take another half day.

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Combine with

Yaxhá combines well with nearby Nakum, another Maya site in the same national park. A boat ride on Lake Yaxhá is also a worthwhile addition.

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Getting there

Yaxhá is best reached by 4WD vehicle from Flores, the drive taking about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, guided tours from Flores or Tikal are available.

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Insider tip

Bring binoculars to observe birds and monkeys in the trees. Sturdy footwear is important as the steep temple steps can be slippery.