Tours and Tickets to Experience Yaxhá

Yaxhá in Guatemala is a Mayan archaeological site that was once one of the largest pre-Columbian cities in the region, but is now reduced to ruins. It is part of the Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, a protected refuge home to the Mayan cities of Topoxte, Naranjo, and Nakum. Yaxha is closest to the park’s entrance.

To get to Yaxhá from Flores, you’ll need to take a taxi or a minibus to the visitor center, then walk into the park; it’s difficult to reach with public transportation. Although tours are available in the park, some people find it more convenient to hire a guided tour with transportation from Flores.

Yes, you can climb many of the structures at Yaxhá, Nakum, and Naranjo to get a better view of the landscape. Climbing the Yaxhá acropolis at sunset is one of the most popular daily activities. The park recommends that all visitors wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

Yes, Parque Nacional Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo has a small restaurant in its visitor center, but there are no other dining options within the park. There is a small grocery store on the road leading into the park, but the closest restaurants are in Flores, which include fast food, street food, and sit-down restaurants.

You can explore Yaxhá’s archaeological site independently, but many visitors prefer a more convenient tour. You’ll see many tour groups on the Acropolis during sunset. A guide can provide context to these many ruins, so you can learn more about the civilization that once claimed the area.

There are limited campsites and an eco lodge near the Yaxhá archaeological site, though most accommodations are located in nearby Manache and Benque Viejo del Carmen. One way to maximize your time is to stay near Tikal and do a day trip to Yaxhá so you can visit both memorable sites.