Best Mayan Ruins to Visit in Guatemala

If you’re planning to visit Guatemala, checking out the Mayan ruins in the region is surely included in your Guatemala itinerary!!  The remains of the once-dominant Mayan cities offer a glimpse into one of the greatest early civilizations, whose technological advancements are still quite impressive to this day. While Tikal is a must-visit, and on everyone’s list of best things to do in Guatemala there are lots of other Mayan sites in Guatemala worth visiting. Most of these Mayan sites are not as well-known and some of them require a bit of an adventure to reach. In some cases you will have these sites all to yourself. 

Best hotel in Tikal Guatemala
Tikal ruins in Guatemala

Many of these lesser known ruins are quite close to other popular Guatemalan destinations. Yaxha is very close to Tikal as are other sites like Nakum. Quiriguá is on the way to Rio Dulce and Iximche is relatively close to Antigua (on the way to lake Atitlán) while Kaminaljuyu is in Guatemala City. This makes visiting some of these Guatemalan Mayan sites easy and convenient. Other sites on the list are very remote and can only be reached by foot or helicopter like El Mirador.

Guide to Quirigua Mayan ruins in Guatemala
Quirigua Mayan site in Guatemala. (Depositphotos)

The Maya Civilization in Guatemala 

The Mayan civilization was an advanced indigenous culture in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala between 2000 BC and 1500 AD. They had a sophisticated society with knowledge of math, astronomy, and writing recorded in hieroglyphs on stone structures, ceramics, and codices. 

Ultimate Guide to the Iximche Mayan Ruins in Guatemala
Iximche, Guatemala

In Guatemala, the Mayan civilization reached its peak during the Classic period (250-900 AD) with cities like Tikal, Yaxha, El Mirador, and Quiriguá being centers of political, economic, and cultural power. These cities had  impressive architecture, water systems, and religious practices. 

Tips for visiting Quirigua Mayan ruins in Guatemala, Zoomorph monument
Quiriguá, Guatemala

The Mayan civilization declined by the 10th century but their descendants still thrive and maintain their traditions and language in modern-day Guatemala. Today, over 40% of the country’s population are Mayan and their legacy can be seen in the impressive ruins throughout the country.

Discoveries Shed New Light on the Grandeur of the Mayan Civilization in Guatemala

Recently, National Geographic made a groundbreaking discovery in the Guatemalan jungle, uncovering countless hidden Mayan cities using a new technology called Lidar. Providing new insights into the size and complexity of the Mayan empire. The recent use of Lidar technology has uncovered structures that where hidden under the thick jungle and provided new insights into the size and complexity of the Mayan empire, as well as their agricultural practices and interaction with the environment. The discovery is considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 21st century, adding to our understanding of the Mayans and their place in world history.

Aerial view of Tikal National Park.
Photo by Dennis Jarvis on Flicker.

Close to 1,000 previously unknown Mayan settlements have been discovered in northern Guatemala using Lidar laser scanning. The settlements cover an area of 650 square miles and were occupied from 1,000 BCE to 250 BCE. The settlements were densely populated and included homes, sports courts, religious and civic centers, and extensive networks of causeways and canals. The connections between the settlements suggest they were part of a kingdom-like state with shared ideologies and politics. The construction of the massive structures, including palaces, dams, and pyramids, suggest the ability to organize thousands of workers and specialists.. The discovery offers a glimpse into the complex societies with strong levels of socio-economic organization and political power during the Middle and Late Preclassic periods of the Mayan civilization.

When is the best time of the year to visit Tikal
Tikal, Guatemala

Best Mayan Sites to Visit In Guatemala

Guatemala is home to some of the most impressive and well-preserved Mayan ruins in the world. The Mayan civilization flourished in this region for over a thousand years, and visitors can still see the remnants of their ancient cities today. If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala and are interested in exploring the Mayan ruins, here are some of the best sites to visit as well as the areas they are located in so you can plan your visits depending on what Guatemalan destinations you want to include in your Guatemalan itinerary.

Best tips for visiting Yaxha ruins in Guatemala
Yaxha ruins in Guatemala.

Although I have visited most of these sites, some of them more than once, there are still many Mayan cities in this list that I have yet to travel too. Luckily I partnered with a dear friend who not only lives in Flores, Peten but who has worked on many of the sites personally! He also offers tours to some of the most remote sites on this list. I am hoping that the information here will help you to plan and unforgettable trip to discover for yourself the how awe inspiring these archaeological sites are once you see them in person. Many of the photos where taken by myself or by my amateur archaeologist friend but I can tell you that not one of the photos does any of these sites justice!

1. Tikal National Park

Tikal is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites in Central America. Its history dates back to around 400 BC, but it wasn’t until the 4th century AD that the city became a significant political and cultural center of the Mayan civilization. It continued to thrive until the 10th century AD, when it was mysteriously abandoned. Over the centuries, the jungle grew over the ruins, concealing them from view until they were rediscovered in the 19th century.

Today, visitors can explore the vast complex of the ancient city, including several monumental structures that were built during its heyday. The most impressive of these is the Great Plaza, which is surrounded by towering temples and palaces. The largest of these is Temple IV, which rises over 200 feet above the jungle floor and offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. In addition to the temples and plazas, visitors can also see stelae (stone monuments) and ball courts, as well as explore the jungle trails that wind through the park. For anyone with an interest in history, culture, or the natural world, a visit to Tikal is a must-do experience.

Best mayan sites to visit in Guatemala
Tikal, Guatemala. (Depositphotos)

How to get there

The most convenient way to reach Tikal is to fly into Flores. Tikal is about one hour and a half drive from Flores. You can also take a tour or shuttle from Guatemala City (between 8 and 11 hours) or from Antigua Guatemala (between 9 and 12 hours) to Flores, or one of the Tikal area hotels and spend the night. Buses are also available from Guatemala City to Flores through Autobuses del Norte, Fuentes del Norte and Línea Dorada.

GPS: 17d 12’ N; 89d 38’ W

best guide to visiting Tikal
Tikal, Guatemala

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm. Special hours for sunrise tour 4 am to 6am and special hours for sunset tour 6pm to 8pm.
  • Entrance is Q25 for nationals and Q150 (approx. $20) for foreigners. Children under 12 can enter free. Sunrise tour price is Q20 for nationals Q100 (approx. $13) for foreigners. Sunset tour price is Q20 for nationals Q100 (approx. $13) for foreigners.
  • Services include bathrooms throughout the park, visitor center, restaurant, campground, handcrafts and two museums.
  • Guides on site and you can also get guides in Flores.
  • Accommodations: there are hotels inside the Tikal National Park and you can also stay at any of the hotels in nearby Flores. Camping is also available with a fee of Q10 for nationals and Q50 (approx. $7) for foreigners.

2. Yaxhá

This impressive site is located on the shores of Lake Yaxhá and is considered one of the most beautiful Mayan ruins in Guatemala. In addition to the incredible architecture and cultural significance of the site, Yaxhá also boasts some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in Guatemala. Visitors to the park can take a boat tour of Lake Yaxhá, which is surrounded by lush tropical forest and teeming with wildlife. 

One of the highlights of a visit to Yaxhá is the opportunity to witness a spectacular sunrise or sunset over the ancient ruins with the view of the lake on the horizon. Yaxhá may not be as well-known as some of the other Mayan ruins in Guatemala, but it is every bit as impressive and worthy of a visit.

Guide to visiting the Mayan ruins of Yaxhá in Guatemala
Yaxhá ruins in Guatemala

How to get there

To get to Yaxha Mayan site, you can take a flight to the nearest major airport, Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores, Petén, and then rent a car or take a shuttle for a hour and a half journey. Alternatively, you can take a local bus from Flores to San Andrés, and from there hire a taxi or take another local bus to the site, but it’s the slowest option. Renting a car at the airport or in Flores is the most convenient way to reach the site, which is about a one hour and a half scenic drive through a lush, tropical forest.

GPS: 17d 04’ 34” N, 89d 24’ 9” W

Ball court at Yaxha Mayan site in Guatemala
Yaxha, Guatemala. (Depositphotos)

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. 
  • Entrance is Q40 for nationals and Q80(approx. $11) for foreigners. 
  • Services include bathrooms throughout the park, visitor center, small museum, on site campground, handcrafts snack shop.
  • Accommodations: there are hotels inside the Tikal National Park, about an hour away and you can also stay at any of the hotels in nearby Flores. Camping is also available with a fee of Q10 for nationals and Q50 (approx. $7) for foreigners.

3. Quiriguá

This UNESCO World Heritage site  is a small but significant Mayan site located in the Izabal department of Guatemala, famous for its impressive stelae and hieroglyphs. This site is considered one of the most important Mayan sites in the country, and a visit offers a glimpse into the religious and political beliefs of the ancient Mayans. Quirigua is also well-known for its zoomorphs, animal-shaped sculptures, which are spread throughout the site. These rock sculptures are unique to Quirigua and showcase the ancient Mayan’s mastery of zoomorphism in art and religion.

Quirigua mayan ruins in Guatemala, Stela E, largest stela in the Mayan world
Quiriguá, Guatemala

How to get there

Quirigua is located about 4 hours from Guatemala City or 45 minutes from Rio Dulce, and the road is relatively good. There is a parking lot near the entrance of the site. Several bus companies operate services to Morales from Guatemala City or Antigua. From Morales, you can take a local bus or a taxi to Quirigua, which is about 4 miles away.  Many tour operators in Guatemala City or Antigua offer day trips to Quirigua. These tours usually include transportation, a guide, and entrance fees. You can also hire a private transfer service from Guatemala City or other cities to Quirigua. This option is more expensive than public transportation, but it offers more comfort and flexibility.

GPS: 15d 16’ 26″ N; 89d 02’ 22″ W

Zoomorphic altars at Quirigua Mayan site in Guatemala
Zoomorphic altars at Quirigua Mayan site in Guatemala

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. 
  • Entrance is Q40 for nationals and Q80(approx. $11) for foreigners. 
  • Services include bathrooms, visitor center, small museum.
  • Accommodations: basic lodging can be found in the nearby town of Quirigua. Many hotels and restaurants can be found in nearby Rio Dulce (about 45min away).

4. El Mirador

El Mirador Mayan site is one of the largest and most important ancient cities in the world, located in the remote jungle of northern Guatemala. The city was founded in the Preclassic period, around 600 BC, and continued to flourish for nearly a thousand years, until it was abandoned in the late Classic period. Today, the site is best known for its impressive pyramids, including the massive La Danta complex, which stands over 230 feet tall and is one of the largest structures in the ancient world.

Despite its importance, El Mirador is one of the most remote and difficult Mayan sites to access, with no roads or highways leading to the site. However, the effort required to reach the site is well worth it for the chance to explore this incredible ancient city. Once there, visitors can admire the impressive pyramids and temples, as well as the intricate carvings and hieroglyphics that adorn many of the buildings.

El Mirador Mayan site in Guatemala has a thriving scientific project that runs for three months each year, involving archaeologists and researchers who uncover new artifacts and explore previously unexplored areas of the site. This project has helped make new discoveries, providing a deeper understanding of the ancient Maya and their culture.

El Mirador 3
El Mirador, Guatemala. (Depositphotos)

How to get there

Visitors must either take a two-day trek through the jungle, or charter a helicopter to fly in. 

  • Trekking: The most popular and traditional way to get to El Mirador is by hiking through the jungle. The trek takes about two days to complete, covering approximately 45 kilometers. You will need to hire a local guide or join a guided tour for safety and navigation. The hike can be physically demanding, but it offers a unique opportunity to experience the surrounding jungle and wildlife.
  • Helicopter: For those who prefer a quicker and more comfortable journey, it is possible to charter a helicopter to fly to El Mirador. Helicopter tours usually depart from Flores, Tikal, or other nearby towns, and take approximately 45 minutes to reach the site. This option is more expensive than trekking, but it offers a spectacular aerial view of the jungle and ruins.To take the helicopter you must take a flight from Guatemala city to Flores or a shuttle from Antigua or Guatemala City.

GPS: 17d 42′ 55″ N, 89d 58′ 18″ W

La Danta, El Mirador, Guatemala
La Danta, El Mirador, Guatemala. Photo by Dennis Jarvis on Flickr. Creative Commons License.

Hours of operation and services

  • Hours: by organized tour only.
  • Entrance is included in tour price.
  • Guides and tours can be obtained in Flores or the town of Carmelita.
  • No services on site. Must bring your own food, water and camping gear.
  • Accommodations: Rustic campsites available.

5. Nakum

Nakum, an archaeological site in the northeastern part of the Petén Basin region in Guatemala, was a ceremonial center and city of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Along with two other sites, it forms the Cultural Triangle of “Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo”. Its restored architecture includes the well-preserved roof comb of the main temple. Nakum is situated near the Belize border and has a settlement history dating back to 700-300 B.C. However, it has been heavily looted. The three sites within the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park have undergone extensive restoration, with Nakum having the most restored structures in Peten outside of Tikal.

Best Mayan ruins in Guatemala. Nakum
Jorge Antonio Leoni de León, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to get there

To get to Nakum Mayan site in Guatemala, fly to Flores, Petén. The site is accessible from Flores, about 45 miles on CA13 towards Yaxha, and another 10 miles by four-wheel-drive, horseback, or foot depending on the season.. There are  tours from Flores. 

GPS: 17d 10’48” N, 69d 21’ 36” W

Nakum Mayan ruins in Guatemala
Nakum, GuatemalaJorge Antonio Leoni de León, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. 
  • Entrance is Q40 for nationals and Q80(approx. $11) for foreigners. 
  • Services include bathrooms, camping area and information center.
  • Guide services at the entrance to Yaxha site. English guides in Flores.
  • Accommodations: campsite available. Hotels are available in nearby Flores.

6. Iximché

The Iximche Mayan ruins in Guatemala are an underrated must-see destination that offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization. The site is located in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, about an hour from Antigua Guatemala. The site comprises several plazas, pyramids, and temples. It was a major ceremonial and political center during the late Postclassic period of Mayan civilization and features the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Cross, and the Palace of the Lords. Despite being a smaller site compared to other Guatemalan Mayan ruins, Iximche is unique and exciting. It is a great option for travelers who are short on time, especially since it is easily accessible and a great destination to visit with kids.

Ruins of the Kaqchikel city of Iximché.
Ruins of the Kaqchikel city of Iximché. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz, all rights reserved.

How to get there

From Guatemala City take Highway CA1, driving to western Guatemala through Chimaltenango. Iximché is about an hour and a half drive from Guatemala City and about an hour drive from Antigua Guatemala. It’s on the way to lake Atitlan so it’s a perfect spot to stop if your headed to Panajachel. To get to the Iximche ruins, you can rent a car or hire a driver for flexibility and the ability to explore at their own pace. Alternatively, taking a tour from Antigua, Guatemala City, or Atitlán is a stress-free option that includes transportation, a guide, and entrance fees. Taking a bus from Antigua or Guatemala City to Tecpan and then a taxi or Uber is a less expensive but less comfortable option that requires more planning.

GPS: 14d 44’ 8” N, 90d 59’ 46” W

Iximche Mayan ruins in Guatemala
Iximche Mayan ruins in Guatemala. (Depositphotos)

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. 
  • Entrance is Q5 for nationals and Q50(approx. $7) for foreigners. 
  • Services include bathrooms, service kiosk and small on-site museum.
  • Guide services (not official) can be found at the entrance to the park or in nearby Tecpán.
  • Accommodations: in nearby Tecpán, just a few minutes away, in Chimaltenango or in Antigua Guatemala, which is about an hour away. 

7. El Naranjo

El Naranjo is a significant archaeological site within the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, and its original name is Sa’al, meaning “Place of maize gruel” in Maya. The site is registered as a World Monument Fund site and is situated on low hills and the surrounding lowlands, set on an East/West axis. It has a long history dating back to c.500 BCE through c.950 CE and is renowned for its beautiful ceramics and numerous stelae. 

El Naranjo is located east of Nakum and Yaxha, about 6 miles from the Belize border in northeastern Peten, and 30 miles northwest of Tikal. Its strategic location within the Holmul and Mopan River watersheds allowed the site to control and benefit from important trade routes in the region. The site covers 3 sq miles, with the core area covering 1.35 sq miles, and boasts over 389 structures, making it the second-largest site in Guatemala after Tikal.

El Naranjo Mayan Site Guatemala
El Naranjo Mayan Site GuatemalaRudy Canales, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to get there

To visit the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo archaeological zone, travelers can access it from the city of Flores or Belmopan via the Western Highway. The main entrance is through the visitor center outside the entry to Yaxha, and guides are required. Visitors can hire a 4×4, horse, or hike the approximately 10 miles to reach the site. It’s also possible to access the site from the town of Melchor de Mencos on the border with Belize, where a dirt road leads close to the zone. A guide and 4×4 are required, and inquiries can be made within the town.

GPS: 17d 80’00” N, 89d 15’42” W

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. 
  • Entrance is Q40 for nationals and Q80(approx. $11) for foreigners. 
  • Services include bathrooms, service kiosk, on-site campground and outdoor kitchen.
  • Guide services are required to enter the park and can be acquired at Yaxhá park entrance, in Flores or in Melchor de Mencos town.
  • Accommodations: campground on site. Hotels in Flores and very basic accommodations in the town of Melchor de Mencos.
  • Must bring food, drink and camping gear if camping. Best visited during the dry season.

8. Uaxactún

Uaxactun is a lesser-known Mayan site located in the Peten region of Guatemala, but it is one of the oldest and most important sites in the country. The city was founded in the 4th century BC and continued to thrive for over 1,000 years, until it was abandoned in the 10th century AD. The Carnegie Institution of Washington conducted the first large-scale archaeological project at Uaxactun from 1924 to 1937, leaving a well-excavated and restored site. 

Uaxactún Mayan ruins in Guatemala
Uaxactún Mayan ruins in Guatemala. 

Uaxactun is a vast archaeological complex with dispersed architectural structures, including pyramids, plazas, and ball courts. The site is best known for its impressive astronomical observatory, which is believed to be one of the oldest and most accurate in the world. The observatory is aligned with the movements of the sun and the stars and features visible alignments on the solstices. It  was used by the Mayans to track to track astronomical events and make predictions for agricultural purposes

How to get there

To get to Uaxactun Mayan site in Guatemala, you can fly to Flores, Petén.The nearest airport is Santa Elena Petén.. Rent a car or hire a taxi from Flores to Uaxactun.  Located 45 minutes north of Tikal and accessible all year round. You can take a shuttle or tour from Flores. Many tour operators offer day trips to Uaxactun and other Mayan sites in the region.  

GPS: 17d 23′ 28″ N, 89d 37′ 47″ W

Uaxactún mayan ruins in Guatemala
Uaxactún mayan ruins in Guatemala

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm. 
  • Entrance is Q10 for nationals and Q50(approx. $11) for foreigners. Entrances are bought at the Tikal park entrance.
  • Services include bathrooms and a small museum in nearby town of Uaxactún. There is no food available in the park.
  • Guide services can be obtained at Tikal park entrance or Flores.
  • Accommodations: hotels and hostels can be found in Tikal or Flores. Basic accommodations available in the nearby town of Uaxactún.

9. Aguateca

Aguateca is a Mayan archaeological site located in the southern Petexbatun region in southwestern Peten. The site was likely originally named K’inch Pa’ Witz or “Shining Cleft Mountain” based on its emblem glyph. Constructed on an elevated plain the site is the only one with a canyon, which served as a natural defense wall.  It is positioned strategically on a tributary of the Passion River that flows into the Usumacinta and is situated on an escarpment overlooking Lake Petexbatun. Aguateca was a significant site in the region, along with other sites such as Dos Pilas, Seibal, Tamarindito, and Cancuen. 

Aguateca Mayan site in Guatemala.
Aguateca Mayan site in Guatemala.

Most of the site’s structures were built during its heyday between 700-800 A.D. when it had a population of around 4,500 people. However, the site was attacked and burned at the end of this period, and it was abandoned. The site remained undisturbed until 1990 when a team began excavations, which uncovered many artifacts including figurines, ceramic masks, and carved greenstone, providing insights into the daily life and activities of the site’s elite inhabitants.

How to get there

To get to the Aguateca site in Guatemala, fly to Flores, Petén. From there you will need to drive to the  town of Sayaxche, about 1 hour away from Flores. Then take a 2 hour boat ride to this remote site on the shores of the lake Petexbatun. It is advisable to arrange an organized tour to visit the site, and these can be booked in Sayaxche or Flores.

GPS: 16d 23’ 35” N, 90d 12’ 25” W

Canyon at Aguateca Mayan site in Guatemala
Canyon at Aguateca Mayan site in Guatemala

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. 
  • Entrance included with tour. Can only visit with a tour guide.
  • Services check with your tour guide.
  • Guide services: non on site. Tours can be obtained in Flores.
  • Accommodations: hotels in Flores. Basic accommodations available in the nearby town of Sayaxché.

10. Tak’alik Ab’aj (Formerly Ab’aj Tak’alik)

Tak’alik Ab’aj is an archaeological site that dates back to the Early Pre-Classic period and continues into the Post-Classic period. It shows the transition from an Olmec-influenced culture to the Maya culture through its monuments and architectural styles. The site was a vital part of a trade network that connected the Olmec center of La Venta to sites along the Pacific Slope and up into the Guatemalan Highlands. The site features the largest collection of Olmec-style sculptures outside of the Olmec Gulf Coast homeland, and is a medium-sized city with over 70 structures and 200 stone sculptures. It also has a sophisticated drainage system and six jade mosaic funerary masks have been found there. The site is located in a fertile land that produced cacao, which was used as a ritual beverage and as an early medium of exchange.

Takalik Abaj mayan site in Guatemala
Takalik Abaj, Guatemala. Simon Burchell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to get there

The National Archaeological Park Tak’alik Ab’aj is located in the Municipality of El Asintal, 20 km from the Departmental Head of Retalhuleu and 199 km from the City of Guatemala (approximately 4 hours). To get there, follow the Pacific Highway CA-2 that leads to the border with Mexico, crossing the departments of Escuintla, Suchitepéquez, and Retalhuleu until km 190.5, where you turn right onto National Route CA-2 Occ until you reach the Municipality of El Asintal, which is 4.5 km away. Another 4 km ahead is the entrance to the park. The entire route is paved and passable year-round.

GPS: 14d 39′ 15″ N, 91d 49′ 55″ W

Best Mayan ruins in Guatemala. Takalik Abaj
Takalik Abaj, Guatemala Simon Burchell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm
  • Entrance is Q5 for nationals and Q50 (approx $7 for foreigners)
  • Services include on site bathrooms, a visitor center and small museum.
  • Accommodations: there are hotels in nearby Retalhuleu 

 

11. Zaculeu

Zaculeu is located in the Guatemalan department of Huehuetenango. This  Mayan site dating to the Early Classic period, was situated on an important trade route linking Kaminaljuyu and Teotihuacan. It served as the capital of the Mam Maya kingdom in the Western Highlands and was inhabited until the Spanish conquest in 1525. Today, the ceremonial area is still used for ritual purposes. The civic and ceremonial center is small, with 43 structures and plazas, and the architecture dates back to the Terminal Classic through the Post Classic period. No stelae or glyphic inscriptions have been found, with only one mural discovered.

Best Mayan ruins in Guatemala. Zaculeu archeological site.
Zaculeu, Guatemala. (Depositphotos)

How to get there

To reach the Zaculeu, travel north from Guatemala City on Highway CA-1 to Huehuetenango. Then travel approximately 2 miles or 3 kilometers to reach the site.

GPS: 15d 20′ 01″ N, 91d 29′ 34″ W

Zaculeu Mayan ruins in Guatemala
Zaculeu, GuatemalaSimon Burchell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm
  • Entrance is Q5 for nationals and Q50 (approx $7 for foreigners)
  • Services include on site bathrooms, a visitor center and small museum.
  • Guides can be found in the village of Zaculeu or in Huehuetenango.
  • Accommodations: there are hotels in nearby Huehuetenango.

12. El Zotz

The western border site of Tikal territory El Zotz is an ancient Mayan site located in the Petén Basin of northern Guatemala. The site was occupied from the Late Classic period to the Terminal Classic period (600-900 AD). It i known for its well-preserved pyramids and palaces. One of the most notable structures at El Zotz is the Bat Palace, a multi-tiered building that features elaborate carvings of bats, a symbol of the underworld in Mayan mythology. In addition to the impressive architecture, the site is also known for its rich history and unique cultural features, such as its calendar system and hieroglyphic inscriptions. Archaeologists continue to study El Zotz to uncover more information about the Mayan civilization and the people who lived there, making it an important and valuable site for historians and anthropologists alike.

El Zotz Mayan site in Guatemala
El Zotz Mayan site in Guatemala

How to get there

You can visit the El Zotz Mayan site in Guatemala. To get there, you can fly into the Flores airport in Petén, which is the nearest major airport. From Flores, you can take a shuttle or a private taxi to the town of El Zotz, which is about an hour away. From there, you can walk or take a horseback ride to the site, which is located in the jungle. During dry season accessible on a 4×4 pick up, during rainy-season only by a one-day-walk. This site is often combined with a jungle walk of three days: El Zotz – Tikal. You should only use organized tours and tour guides to reach this remote site.

  • Can only be visited with a guided tour.
  • Entrance is included in tour.
  • Services: no services or food. You must bring your own food and water.
  • Guides can be found in Flores.
  • Accommodations: in Flores.

13. El Ceibal or Seibal

Seibal is a moderate-sized archaeological site situated in the Peten region of Guatemala. It is along the Pasión River, which is a tributary of the Usumacinta River. It is strategically located on a high embankment at a bend in the river amidst the tropical rainforest. The site dates back to the Middle Pre Classic period (800-300 B.C.) and comprises three main groups of buildings connected by ancient stone roads. Seibal contains more than 50 carved stelae and many other monuments, including two ball courts and over 20 altars. It is located near the village of Sayaxche, 17 miles east of the Dos Pilas site, which had a significant impact on its history. 

El Ceibal or Seibal Mayan ruins in Guatemala
El Ceibal or Seibal Mayan ruins in GuatemalaSébastian Homberger, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to get there

The easiest way to reach the El Ceibal  archaeological site is to fly into Flores. From there, drive to the town of Sayaxche, wich takes approximately one hour. Since the site can only be accessed from the river, arrangements for boat travel must be made. Flores can be reached by road by heading north from Guatemala City on Highway CA14. Then onto Highway 5, or by traveling west from Belize on Highway CA13.

GPS: 16d 30′ 25″ N, 90d 03′ 33″ W

Hours of operation and services

  • Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm
  • Entrance is Q10 for nationals and Q60 (approx $8 for foreigners)
  • Services: none. You must bring your own food and water.
  • Guides can be found in Flores. Visiting with a guide or tour is recommended.
  • Accommodations: there are hotels in nearby Flores and basic accommodations in Sayaxché.

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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