Yaxha (or Yaxhá in Spanish orthography) is a Mesoamerican archaeological site in the northeast of the Petén Basin in modern-day Guatemala. As a ceremonial centre of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, Yaxha was the third largest city in the region and experienced its maximum power during the Early Classic period (c. AD 250–600).

Yaxha is one of the oldest Mayan cities of Guatemalan lowlands and it treasures impressive temples, magnificent history and a unique heritage. The Mayan of the National Park Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo had a clear concept of distribution of their living space and the importance of the water around them.

The ruins of Yaxha Guatemala are not as famous as Tikal but still magical. Here's all you need to know about visiting this remarkable Maya site.

Yaxha is the largest site and the fourth largest Maya complex in Guatemala. After El Mirador and Tikal. Yaxha was built around 600 BC, a few hundred years later than Tikal. Yaxha reached its peak in the 8th century AD with over 500 structures consisting of temples, palaces and residential areas. Around 20,000 people must have lived there by then.

In this complete guide to Yaxha, you will find everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Yaxha Mayan ruins in Guatemala. From when to visit and how to get there to its history and what monuments are a must-see, this guide to Yaxha has all the information you need.

Discover the most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites of El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala in just six days. Enjoy Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras natural wonders, cultural richness, and Mayan archaeology.

Yaxhá, the most visited of the trio, stands on a hill between two sizable lakes, Lago Yaxhá and Lago Sacnab. The setting, the sheer size of the site, the number of excellently restored buildings and the abundant jungle flora and fauna all make it particularly worth visiting.

Nov 24, 2020 · Yaxha in Guatemala’s Petén region is an ancient Maya site containing several incredible pyramids as well as other structures such as ball courts and also carved stelae. Yaxha literally means ‘blue green water’ which is apt given its lakeside location.

Aug 10, 2024 · With over 500 monuments, including nine large pyramids, two ball courts, and several sprawling acropoleis, Yaxhá ranks as the third-largest Maya site in the Petén, only behind the legendary cities of Mirador and Tikal.

Feb 21, 2015 · Yaxha (or Yaxhá in Spanish orthography) is a Mesoamerican archaeological site in the northeast of the Petén Basin region, and a former ceremonial center and city of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization.