Yaxha

About

Already a major city in 350 BC, Yaxha was the 3rd largest Maya city in the region around the 3rd century covering an estimated 237 square kilometres with a population of around 42,000. Yaxha lost some of its influence to nearby Naranjo in the 7th century, but survived at least into the 11th century. The ruins weren’t officially recorded until 1904, and it took the greater part of the 20th century for them to be mapped and excavations to begin. The site includes over 400 structures including five acropolises, two astronomical observatories, and three ball courts. Along with being wonderfully restored, Yaxha has one of the very few twin pyramid complexes outside of Tikal, which visitors can climb for magnificent views of the whole site.