Very small ruin, not as grand as Yaxha. See if only if you are in that area but the trip across the lake is quite interesting.
This wonderful site has seen the destructive style of archaeology practiced by some of the early archaeologists. One example is the observatory, which would have been two levels higher had not dynamite been the favorite means of excavation. A second example is one of the palaces having access made by means of a bulldozer rather than careful excavation. I wonder if these people were any better than the looters who entered pyramids looking for riches in tombs.The site is currently undergoing active work by a team of Polish and French archaeologists. I was asked not to take certain photos as the findings have not yet been published. I can say that they are digging next to stairs that are estimated to be from 2,000 BC.You can spend a full day here easily. There are places to get lunch while you transit the village from on part of the ruins to another.It is certainly worthwhile to have a guide for this excursion. We had Antonio and he showed us some of the more obscure parts of the site which are not usually visited by the casual tourists.The entry fee is paid at the entrance to Tikal. Be sure to specify Uaxactun for the Q50 entry rather than the Q150 fee of Tikal.I have a feeling that Tikal will be somewhat of a let-down after seeing some of the sites in the area.
I can recommend to all peoples which like ancient history, roots of Maya culture, Maya´s astronomical observatories etc. Maybe not so monumental like Tikal, but very important from historical point of view, you can also see oldest structures before excavation and (many times) artifical reconstruction.Also Uaxactun is interesting village to see, they are living in the middle of jungle, that mean bit different world, like resto of Guatemala.
This place is truly wonderful. There was no one else in the ruins other than a few local kids playing with the wild ponies. They are gorgeous even though they aren't in the best shape. Uaxactun is 23 km north of Tikal and it is a tough road to get there. The bus to get there left at around 4:20pm from Tikal (10Q). You have to stay 2 nights because the only bus to get out leaves sometime between 6 and 6:30am. This timetable keeps most tourists away. It's very sad that more people don't go here because the town is a wonderful place to get fully immersed in Guatemalan culture and the ruins are truly special. It's not the massive temples of Tikal, but it offers a reflective space that you can't get at any other ruin. The astrological center in Group E is impressive not so much as a structure but in its meaning to the Mayan people.
We have been to many mayan sites and this oneis certainly smaller than many we have seen.Yet, its a great way to spend an afternoon and takein a little ,ore of the mayan history and culture.
This partially restored area has pre-classical Mayan ruins. The site is very impressive and you won't be crowded by other tourists. Well worth a visit, along with Tikal.
The observatory is an amazing Mayan ruin. You should have a guide who can explain it to you. And the little town has a couple of very modest restaurants with very good local food.
Rugged terrain, lots of hiking and marvelous Mayan ruins! Beautiful jungle trails and lots of interesting wildlife can be seen.
The ruins here will pale a bit in comparison to Tikal or Yaxha. It takes over an hour each way (from Tikal) to make the jungle-road drive to get there. But if the journey sounds fun and you might be interested in seeing the remote (primitive) town along with the ruins, it can be a fun trip.
I have been visiting many maya sites in Guatemala, and uaxactun is one of my favorites, and was the first maya site discovered in Guatemala! This trip to uaxactun I did with a company Which is called tours-atitlan, this company is the best in lake atitlan also!!