Sayaxché, Guatemala

Sayaxché is mainly used as transportation hub for visiting the Aguateca Cultural Monument, Ceibal Natural Monument, and the Petexbatún Wildlife Refuge. The town, which is set along the southern shore of the Río La Pasión, is somewhat unsavory and has had safety issues in the past. Security forces have, however, made the town safer in recent years. Most travelers will only be here temporarily while en route to nearby attractions.

The Mayan site of Ceibal has ruins and stelae from the Classic period and is about an hour-long trip down the Río La Pasión. Another option is the Aguateca Cultural Monument, which is situated along the banks of the Petexbatún Lagoon. There are two groups of ruins being restored here and lookouts that offer awesome views of the lake. Not far away is the Petexbatún Wildlife Refuge, which protects both abundant wildlife and the ruins of a few small Mayan cities.