Uaxactun

Uaxactún is a village and ancient Maya city in a remote area of Guatemala 's Northern Lowlands , beyond the more famous ruins of Tikal .

To reach Uaxactun, you must pass through Tikal, where the road stops being paved and becomes a hard-packed but bumpy dirt road (high-clearance vehicle recommended, probably required later in the wet season). The drive is only 23 kilometers, but takes 1-2 hours depending on road conditions. You must have a permit to enter through Tikal, which can be easily bought alongside your Tikal tickets (see below).

Most travelers visit Uaxactun on a day tour, which can be booked in Flores or possibly at hotels in Tikal . It should also be possible to drive your own vehicle - you may want to inquire at the tourist information office on Flores Island to check if there are any special requirements for this. Note that if you arrive by public transit (see below), you will absolutely have to spend at least

Though local teens might argue that the best way to get around here is by motorbike, and tours may cut off some of the distances by car, the main way to explore the village the ruins is on foot. None of the well-known attractions are more than about a half-hour straight-through walk from the village center. Unfortunately the trails are not as well-signed as in Tikal and the official map isn't to scale - some of the lesser-known parts of the ruins can be difficult to find. But as long as you stay on the big trails and grassy areas, you won't get seriously lost, and you can still see all the mai

The main attraction in Uaxactun is the ancient Maya ruins, and once you've arrived in town, entry to the ruins is completely free.

Groups A and B

( follow main street that departs from the airstrip at the Restaurante Uaxactun until you get to the end, then take the dirt road leading off the left; Grupo A is beyond Grupo B ).

06:00-18:00 .

This is the larger of the two main excavated parts of the ruins, which formed the political center of the ancient city during its later period, during what Europeans would call the early Middle Ages. It includes some of the larger buildings, though they're not as big as the biggest ones in Tikal.

Free .

( updated Jun 2024 )

Group E

( look for the sign to "Grupos E y H" on the east side of the airstrip, roughly across form the soccer field, and fol

Take photos, hike i

[... truncated ...]

Guatemalan staples such as tamales, pepián, and chiles rellenos are available at local comedores and restaurants in Uaxactun. Street food options include garnachas, tostadas, and elotes locos. Fresh tropical fruit juices and horchata are widely available. Dining options are modest but offer authentic local flavours at affordable prices.

Local cafes and comedores in Uaxactun serve coffee, soft drinks, and fruit juices throughout the day. Guatemala is renowned for its highland-grown coffee, and a cup of locally sourced brew is a must-try. Gallo is the most popular local beer. Fresh fruit licuados (blended drinks) are also widely available. Bottled water is recommended for visitors.

Accommodation options in Uaxactun are limited but adequate for travellers passing through. Small hotels and hospedajes (guesthouses) may be available in or near the town centre. For a wider selection of lodging, the departmental capital or larger neighbouring towns offer more choices. Advance planning is recommended during local festivals and holiday periods.

Local shops and markets in Uaxactun sell everyday goods, fresh produce, and handicrafts. The weekly market day is the best time to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and household items. Basic supplies and locally produced goods are available from small family-run stores throughout the town.

Neighbouring towns and the Petén departmental capital are reachable by bus or microbus. The region offers opportunities for further exploration of Guatemala's diverse landscape. Check local transport schedules for onward connections to other departments and major cities.