The 3 Mayan sites to visit absolutely in Guatemala

Discover the different Mayan sites during your stay in Guatemala, Mayan land par excellence and country full of riches!

Although Guatemala is not the known country in Central America, there are many impressive natural and archaeological sites. Indeed, located in the heart of the Mayan world, but having benefited only lately from a tourist attraction, the Mayan sites of Guatemala are much less known than those of neighbouring countries like Mexico! And yet! Let’s go together at the heart of the three most beautiful Mayan sites in Guatemala, some of which are still buried in the jungle.

1. The most famous Mayan site in Guatemala: Tikal

Inscribed to UNESCO’s heritage since 1979, the Mayan site of Tikal is nestled in the heart of a lush jungle with a dense and incredible fauna and flora. This ancient Mayan city was the capital of a powerful kingdom which, it is assumed, welcomed more than 45,000 inhabitants to its peak. By visiting Tikal, we discover Mayan pyramids dating from the 6th century BC, while Tikal reached its peak only during the classical period between 200 and 900 of our era. Some constructions are true prowess: the highest pyramid of the site, on which one can climb to admire the sunrise, made more than 75 meters high!

2. Yaxha: a Mayan site in the middle of nature

Located about 1 hour from Tikal, Yaxha is a Maya site rediscovered in 1904, and whose tourist interest is still recent. Thus, it is possible to walk there by being almost alone in the world. A partial restoration of the site has taken place since 2002, but some temples are still buried under trees, grass, allowing to imagine the arrival of the first explorers on site. Yaxha has more than 500 structures of temples, including 9 very well restored pyramids, and on which one can climb to observe the tropical jungle to lose sight. During a visit, you can also observe toucans, coatis, humming, etc...

3. El Mirador: Guatemala's largest Mayan site

We finish this mini top of the Mayan sites to see in Guatemala on this archaeological complex very little visited because very little accessible! Indeed, you can reach the temples of El Mirador only via a two-day trek in the middle of the jungle. It is also one of the oldest Mayan sites in the country, because it was inhabited between the 3rd BC and the 1st century of our era.

The name of the site comes from its location in the jungle and on a hill, allowing once at the top to admire the grandeur of Guatemalan nature. It is a very mysterious site for archaeologists around the world who regularly discover impressive new constructions.

You will have understood it, the Mayan sites of Guatemala are full of impressive temples, all nestled in a lush nature, making it unique sites to visit in Central America.

Main photo credit: Pixabay – DEZALB