Things to Do in Yaxha

You can stand alone atop ancient Maya temples while howler monkeys call from the jungle—something impossible at crowded Tikal. Yaxha sits quietly in northern Guatemala's rainforest, one of the country's most atmospheric archaeological sites. The setting is perfect. Two pristine lakes, Yaxha and Sacnab, surround this ancient city with natural beauty that rivals the archaeological wonder. What makes Yaxha compelling is its authenticity—restoration work has been careful and minimal, so you see structures much as they were found. Cecropia trees grow from temple tops.

Food options at Yaxha are extremely limited. Essentially just basic snacks and drinks at the entrance. Most visitors eat in Flores before or after their visit, where you'll find everything from street food to upscale restaurants serving regional specialties like pepian and kak'ik soup. El Remate offers better options. This lakeside town closer to the site has several restaurants serving fresh fish and traditional Maya dishes. Pack food if you're staying overnight near Yaxha—there are virtually no restaurants in the immediate area.

Dry season delivers best results. December through April offers the most comfortable conditions, with less mud on trails and better wildlife viewing around the lake. That said, wet season has its own appeal—fewer visitors, lusher vegetation, and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that can be spectacular from atop the pyramids. Morning visits work year-round. They tend to be cooler and offer the best chance of wildlife sightings. If you plan to climb Temple 216 for sunset, dry season provides more reliable clear skies, though views can be impressive regardless.