Yaxha National Park, Peten

I can't believe this doesn't get as much attention as Tikal. It is absolutely beautiful. The temples go up so high and the views are even more beautiful. Well maintained, affordable, and kind employees.

Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park is the home of the impressive ruins of an ancient Mayan city of Yaxha as well as two other ruined Mayan cities. The trip from Flores to Yaxha takes about 1.5 hours by car. The entry fee is 80Q for foreigners. There are lots of restored structures and several restored pyramids. You can scale some of them, but not all. Many more structures remain covered by vegetation. Park was not busy when I was there, maybe 10 people in the entire place. Access is difficult and involves a 1/2 he ride down a narrow dirt path. The bathrooms are located at the ticket office and right by the entrance. I'd come back.

Yaxhá is amazing! Surrounding by a dense jungle, there are more monkeys than people! The sunset here is the best!

Welcome to the jungle! You can describe Yaxha as the smaller brother of Tikal, a correct description that does not detract at all from the splendor of this Maya city. Yaxha has not yet been discovered by the general public, so you can wander around here almost on your own and in complete silence.... if the howler monkeys keep quiet. Although a large part of the ruins are still (safely) underground and the jungle, this is definitely recommended because you can walk between the Mayan ruins as well as through the jungle with its flora and fauna.

Incredible site for Mayan Ruins! If you've been to Tikal you'll appreciate the ease in which you can navigate this site! I'd say give yourself half a day to see it.