YAXHÁ

Since the site of Yaxhá - which can be translated from the Mayan language as "Agua Verde-Azul", "Blue-Green Water" - was rediscovered by Teobert Maler in 1904, it has been repeatedly excavated - and sometimes reconstructed - by American universities. Research has determined, among other things, that the city was inhabited for at least fifteen centuries - from 600 BC to about 900 AD - and that it reached its cultural peak in the 8th century. It is said to have had more than 20,000 inhabitants and more than 500 architectural ensembles, including several temples, astronomical observatories, palaces and pelota courts. It was also discovered an impressive network of roads, including a roadway of more than 80 meters long connecting the city to the lagoon Yaxhá.

For the only visit of the site - the third most vast behind Tikal and El Mirador - it is necessary to count at least 2 hours if one wants to see the principal monuments. We can notably mention the square C and its twin pyramids, the ancient Mayan roadway lined with small parallel pyramids more or less restored, the architectural complex named "Maler Group" and the temple 216. Save the latter for the end of the day, as it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, the rainforest, the lagoon and Topoxté. Watching the sun set is a spectacle in itself, with the cry of howler monkeys in the background. A magical moment.