ancient sacred place of the Maya civilization, in present-day Guatemala

Uaxactún is in the Peten department of the Northern Lowlands of Guatemala.

The most famous building at Uaxactun

Understand edit

Uaxactún was under the control of Tikal. It is a smaller ruin. There is a modern village on the site, which used to deal in chiclero.

History edit

Uaxactún is well known for holding the oldest Maya astronomical complex yet to be found in completion. It is one of the longest occupied Maya sites.

Landscape edit

Jungle

Flora and fauna edit

Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Ant-Eaters, Birds, deer, jaguars, coatimundis. This is north of Tikal Park, but much of the road between it is in the park and the rest looks undeveloped away from town.

Climate edit

Tropical

Get in edit

Take a bus from the market in Santa Elena at 14:00 (it passes through Tikal around 17:00 - times approximate) for Q20, drive, or arrange with one of the tourist agencies in Flores to get there. If you're driving your own vehicle, you must get permission from the Tikal administration office first. A mountain bike could be a good option here also, and they are available for rent in Flores. It is 23 km from Tikal. The bus returns at 06:00, so you must to spend the night if you go by bus.

Two buses each day travel from the bus station at Santa Elena via Tikal, departing at 13:00 and 15:00. They arrive in town at 16:00 and 18:00, respectively. The first morning return bus leaves at 06:00.

Fees and permits edit

Entry is Q25 (May 2008).

Get around edit

Walk

See edit

Mayan ruins, animals, birds. A community of Chicleros (gum collectors) live on the site and many of Uaxactun's residents gather chicle, xate palm leaves, and allspice from the forest to make a living. The local community also offers a small archeological museum.

Main portions of the Uaxactun ruins are on either side of the airfield.

Do edit

Take photos, hike in the jungle. You can hire a local tourism guide (inquire at the OMYC office) to show you around or guide you on hikes or other activities.

Visit the ceramics museum at Campamenhto El Chiclero.

Buy edit

Nothing

Eat edit

El Chiclero has a restaurant where the food is very good, and there is a comedor in town.

Drink edit

Good luck getting anything but Gallo beer.

Sleep edit

  • Alicia's Guesthouse.

Lodging edit

El Chiclero and Posada Aldana are the places to stay in town. There may be another near the furthest southern end as we entered and rode by in the bus.

Camping edit

People can camp at El Chiclero in your hammock or tent.

Backcountry edit

Stay safe edit

Carry a hiking stick: if you don't use it for hiking it might be useful to defend yourself from wild animals!

Go next edit

Bus (05:00 and 06:00) or private transport.

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