Ujuxte, Maya archaeological complex in Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Ujuxte is a Maya archaeological complex in Retalhuleu with roughly 200 earthen mounds scattered across farmland. The structures cluster around a central ceremonial plaza that forms the core of this ancient settlement.
The settlement emerged around 1200 BCE and became an important regional center. Its inhabitants later moved to Takalik Abaj in a significant migration shift.
The central plaza features two main mounds and an early ball court aligned with celestial patterns. This layout shows how inhabitants wove sky events into their settlement design.
The site sits within farmland and benefits from a local guide to safely explore all areas. Visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and limited pathways.
At summer solstice, the sun rises directly above the central plaza with Tajumulco volcano as a backdrop. This celestial alignment appears to have been deliberately built into the site's design.
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