This tour takes you to Uaxactún, one of the oldest Maya cities in Guatemala. Uaxactún is notable for its astronomical observatory, and is thought to be the place where Mayans began developing their calendar.

Featured in:Archeology, Nature Walk, Ruins, Maya Biosphere Reserve, Uaxactún Archaeological Site
Duration:
8 hrs
Available Days:
Every day
Schedule:
8:00 AM
Hotel Transport Included
Mobile Ticket Included
Offered in English, Spanish

Uaxactún came about around 600 BC. The city reached its height between 350 BC and 250 AD, and it was during this time that many of its structures were built.

There are several partially restored temples here that travelers will enjoy seeing. Three of these temples function as an astronomical observatory, and are precisely structured to align with the sun on certain days of the year. Another temple has a base that may date to around 2,000 BC. It's all very impressive.

Uaxactún is located 14 miles (23 km) north of Tikal. It's a lesser-visited, but no less interesting, site than Tikal. This tour departs from the Flores-Santa Elena area.

Attractions Visited

Maya Biosphere Reserve

The Maya Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected tropical forest in North America. Spreading across 4.3 million acres (1.7 million hectares) in Guatemala’s Petén department, this reserve protects huge expanses of forests and the Mayan ruins that lie within them.

Read more:Maya Biosphere Reserve

Uaxactún Archaeological Site

The remote Mayan site of Uaxactún is located 14 miles (23 km) north of Tikal. Although substantially smaller than Tikal, the ruins at Uaxactún nonetheless offer an interesting look at ancient Mayan culture. A notable feature here is an astronomical observatory.

Read more:Uaxactún Archaeological Site

What to Bring

Sunscreen, camera, comfortable shoes, hat, and money for food, personal expenses, handicrafts, and tipping the guide/and or driver.

What's included

Transportation to/from Flores-Santa Elena area, bilingual guide, entrance fee, and box lunch.

Transportation

Many of our tours and activities offer transportation pick up & drop off options from several locations and destinations. Options vary by tour, see “BOOKING REQUEST” for full details.

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