Yaxha, Maya archaeological site in Petén Department, Guatemala.
Yaxha is an archaeological site in Petén Department, Guatemala, containing thousands of years of history preserved in its ruins. The grounds feature temples, pyramids, plazas, and residential areas scattered across a forested landscape, demonstrating the scale of an ancient civilization.
The settlement emerged over two thousand years ago and reached its peak during the early centuries of our era. It remained a significant regional hub for centuries, connected through trade and political ties with other cities across the region.
The site reflects trading networks and religious practices visible today in the stone structures and plaza layouts designed for ceremonial gatherings. Visitors can observe how buildings were positioned around central spaces where communities came together for important rituals.
The site is easy to navigate on foot with marked trails connecting major structures and shade-giving trees throughout the grounds. It is wise to visit early in the day and bring plenty of water plus insect repellent, as the location sits within jungle terrain.
The location sits between two lakes still visible today, framing the area and creating a rare geographic setting for such a complex. On clear days, visitors can spot the pyramids of other ancient cities in the distance from the taller platforms.
Location: Petén Department
GPS coordinates: 17.07222,-89.40000
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:02
Guatemala offers photographers a mix of pre-Columbian sites, volcanic landscapes, and colonial buildings. The geography ranges from highland towns to rainforests and coastal areas along the Pacific and Caribbean. Ancient Maya temples stand alongside Spanish-era churches, while indigenous markets and traditional villages show cultural life. The landscape is marked by active and dormant volcanoes, often surrounded by coffee plantations. Places like Antigua Guatemala display colonial architecture with cobblestone streets and courtyards. Lake Atitlán sits between mountains and smaller communities. Tikal and other archaeological sites in the north preserve Maya structures within jungle settings. Chichicastenango Market is known for woven textiles and incense. Pacaya and Acatenango are accessible volcanoes, while Semuc Champey offers natural pools in a limestone forest. The variety of regions makes Guatemala a country with different perspectives in short distances.
Guatemala contains several photographic subjects within its borders. Maya ruins such as Tikal, Yaxha and Quiriguá stand in the tropical forests of Petén and Izabal. Colonial architecture appears in Antigua Guatemala, where the Santa Catalina Arch and painted facades line cobblestone streets. Lake Atitlán sits between three volcanoes, with towns like Santiago Atitlán and San Marcos La Laguna offering different perspectives on the water. Active volcanoes including Pacaya and Acatenango provide opportunities to photograph lava flows and crater landscapes. The highland areas of Alta Verapaz hold Semuc Champey, a natural limestone pool, and the caves of Lanquín and Candelaria. Hot springs at Fuentes Georginas lie near Quetzaltenango in the western highlands. Chichicastenango Market documents textile trade and indigenous ceremonies. Livingston on the Rio Dulce shows Garifuna culture on the Caribbean coast, while Monterrico offers black sand beaches on the Pacific. Less visited sites like Dos Pilas, Takalik Abaj and Iximche add pre-Columbian contexts. The collection covers both well known and remote locations across Guatemala's varied geography.
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Norman Broaster Stadium
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Che Chem Ha Cave
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Hawkesworth Bridge
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Green Iguana Conservation Project
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Sitio Arqueologico Yaxha
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Yaxha Visitor Center
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Parque Arqueológico Uaxactún
43.5 kmReviews
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