Uaxactún is a remote Mayan site in Petén that’s notable for its astronomical observatory. This one-day tour allows you to explore the lesser-visited ruins of Uaxactún.

Uaxactún is located 14 miles (23 km) north of Tikal. It’s much smaller than Tikal, but nonetheless has some interesting features. Uaxactún reached its peak during the Late Preclassic period between 350 BC and 250 AD—it was during this time that many of the structures still standing were built. During its heyday, Uaxactún developed a bitter rivalry with Tikal, one that would eventually lead to its destruction.

This tour leaves Flores at 7:30 AM. You’ll drive 55 miles (90 km) to Uaxactún in about 2 hours. Once you arrive at the site, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the archeological ruins and learn about the people who created them.
At Group E, you’ll explore three temples that function as an astronomical observatory. The temples are built from north to south and are specifically situated to align with the sun on certain days of the year. When viewed from a nearby temple, the sun rises behind the north temple on the longest day of the year and behind the southern temple on the shortest day of the year. The precision is incredible.

There are altars and stelae to visit at Uaxactún, as well as a temple and staircase that’s inscribed with jaguar and snake stucco masks. The foundation of this temple may date to around 2,000 BC.

The tour wraps up around 1 PM and you’ll drive back to Flores.