Yaxhá and Topoxté are ancient Mayan sites in Petén, Guatemala. During this tour, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Yaxhá and Topoxté and also experience the sights and sounds of the jungle.

Yaxhá is the third largest Mayan site in Guatemala (only El Mirador and Tikal are bigger), but it’s fairly isolated and thus does not see huge crowds—it’s a good place for travelers who want to see ancient Mayan structures in a casual environment. Yaxhá is located about 18.5 miles (30 km) southeast of Tikal and 47 miles (75 km) from Flores. It sits between two beautiful lakes.

This tour begins at 8:00 AM. You’ll be picked up from the airport or your hotel and driven to Yaxhá. Once here, you’ll enjoy a privately guided tour of this site. The ruins consist of nine plazas and some 500 structures, including temples, palaces, and ball courts. You can climb to the top of Structure 216 (the tallest structure here) and enjoy wonderful views of the nearby forest and lagoons. You’ll also visit the Maler Group complex, which features twin temples, several stelae, and a large altar.

While at Yaxhá, you’ll also enjoy easy access to the jungle. Be on the lookout for howler and spider monkeys and a range of tropical birds. This area is rich with wildlife.

After you’re done exploring Yaxhá you’ll take a boat across the lagoon to Topoxté. Topoxté is smaller and located on an island near the southern shores of the Yaxhá Lagoon. The structures here date to the Preclassic period. The most valuable is Temple Pyramid C, which is the last remaining Postclassic structure in Petén. It has three levels, with a portal on the summit.

After exploring Topoxté, you’ll take a boat back to Yaxhá and walk back through the jungle to the van. The tour leaves Yaxhá around 3:30 PM.

Camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothing, and money for drinks.

Ground Transportation: Flores-Flores Yaxha. Boat service to Topoxté. Entrance to the archaeological site. Spanish-English guide. Box lunch.