When traveling to Guatemala, there are a couple of destinations you have probably heared of, such as the Acatanango volcano and the ancient and famous Maya city Tikal. However, Yaxha National Park, a lesser-known gem compared to its famous counterpart is often overlooked. However, the place offers an immersive experience in the heart of the jungle and offers the most amazing sunsets. Similar to Tikal, Yaxha offers captivating ruins, however, in my opinion the abundant wildlife is even more and the serene lagoon is an addition to the experience. This Yaxha Travel Guide tells you all you need to know about visiting Yaxha National Park in a comprehensive travel blog, including everything you need to know before your trip.
Curious to learn more about Mayan cities? Read my Tikal Travel Guide.
The best time to visit Yaxha is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, the weather is more predictable, and the jungle paths are easier to navigate. The wet season (May to October) can bring heavy rains, making some areas more challenging to access.
Yaxha is located about 30 kilometers from the town of Flores, making it accessible via a scenic drive through the Guatemalan countryside. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours on relatively well-maintained roads. which takes around 1,5 and 2 hours by car. Flores can be reached with shuttles from the other main hubs in Guatemala. Shuttles can be booked through, for example, Itamati Travels. You can request their latest schedule and book specific shuttles through Whatsapp (+502 3974 2484).
Alternatively, you can fly into Flores from Guatemala City, like we did, if you want to skip the long ride between Lake Atitlan and Flores (with Semuc Champey in between).
If you want to get to Yaxha, the easiest way to do so is to book a day trip from Flores, which includes transportation and a guide and therefore makes a hassle-free option. As Yaxha offers the most amazing sunsets, I would highly recommend the afternoon / sunset tour. Even though you are also in the park at the hottest moments of the day, it is highly worth the experience. Also, most of the park is located in the shade, so even with 35 degrees celcius (like when we visited), it was okay to be in the park mid-day.
A tour to Yaxha can be booked through for example Getaway a tour company in Flores, where we booked ours.
You can also book a sunset tour here and have everything set before your arrival!
Similarly to visiting Tikal, most backpackers and travellers stay in Flores to visit Yaxha (of course combined with a visit to Tikal). Flores has a charming island town that also offers a vibrant atmosphere. With its colourful streets and nice restaurants and bars, as well as a variety of accommodations, it’s the perfect fall-out base for a visit to Tikal and Yaxha.
Alternatively, you can stay in El Remate. This smaller town is located on the intersection on the way from Flores to Tikal / Yaxha. If you want to visit both parks and minimalize travel time, El Remate is a good option.
Casa Maya Itza (we stayed here!) for €40 a night. You cannot book this place far in advance.
Zapote Tree House Inn for a remote stay on the other side of the water (€40 a night)
Los Amigos Hostel for a social stay, bunk beds are available (€55 a night for a 2-person room)
Hotel Isla de Flores for a more luxurious stay, including a swimming pool! (€120 for a room)
The entrance fee for Yaxha is 80 GTQ (approximately €10). On top of that, in case you travel with a tour, including transport, you pay around 175 GTQ (€22). Yaxha is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Everyone sticks around till sunset and than leaves the park collectively.
While both Yaxha and TIkal are ancient Maya cities, they offer distinct experiences. In my opinion, both are worth visiting and after visiting both, I felt happy I did so.
Tikal is larger and more well-known and therefore attracting more visitors and tourists. The large plazas and wide range of temples clearly show how big the city has been in Mayan history. Generally, Tikal is visited with early morning tours, either opting for sunrise or an early arrival.
Yaxha, on the other hand, is more sere and less crowded. Therefore, the place allows for a more intimate exploration of the ruins. Even though the ruins might not be as large as in Tikal, there are still amazing ruins to be seen. Also, Yaxha offers close proximity to a lagoon and has even more wildlife. Furthermore, Yaxha is often visited with sunset tours as the sunset is beyond beautiful.
Full comparison between Tikal and Yaxha coming soon.
Visiting Yaxha with a guide can enhance your experience as they provide insights into the history, architecture and culture. As Yaxha is full of ruins, that don’t show a story without knowing the background, I feel that these historic sights are well worth visiting with a guide. Furthermore, they will guide you through the park with the most logical route. Even though it is possible to explore Yaxha independently, we felt that a guide would enrich our experience, even after having a guide in Tikal. Also, many tours WITH a guide are 175Q, while tours without a guide are Q150.
1. Temple 216: The tallest structure in Yaxha, offering stunning views of the surrounding jungle and lagoon, especially at sunset. This is the most famous structure in Yaxha and is THE location for maybe the most beautiful sunset in Guatemala.
2. The Plaza of the Columns: A unique area featuring an array of stelae and altars.
3. North Acropolis: An impressive complex showcasing the architectural prowess of the Maya.
4. Sacbeob (White Roads): Ancient Mayan causeways that connected various parts of the city.
5. Wildlife: Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and other exotic wildlife. Especially the howler monkeys were very impressing coming to life at dawn.
One of the highlights of your visit to Yaxha is to experience the sunset. As the day ends and the sun starts setting, everyone in the park makes their way to Temple 216, the highest point in Yaxha. From here, it is possible to see the sun setting over the lagoon, most of the time combined with amazing hues in the sky of orange and pick.
Furthermore, what was most special to me, is that it is policy that everyone remains silent during the final 20 minutes of sunset. This allows you to fully enjoy the moment, listening to the sounds of the jungle.
When on top of Temple 216, you can already hear the howler monkeys coming to life. However, ones you get down after sunset, the howling sounds are all around you. The noise they make is quite incredible and gave me goose bumps. Just experiencing these sounds made it worth visiting Yaxha.
Yaxha provides a serene and enriching experience, distinct from the more popular Tikal. Whether you’re soaking in the sunset from Temple 216, exploring the quiet ruins, or learning from a knowledgeable guide, Yaxha offers a unique glimpse into the Maya civilization’s past. By following these tips and coming prepared, you’ll ensure a memorable and fulfilling visit to this hidden gem in the Guatemalan jungle.
