Uaxactun
Uaxactún is in the Peten department of the Northern Lowlands of Guatemala.
Understand
Uaxactún was under the control of Tikal. It is a smaller ruin. There is a modern village on the site, which used to deal in chiclero.
History
Uaxactún is well known for holding the oldest Maya astronomical complex yet to be found in completion. It is one of the longest occupied Maya sites.
Landscape
Jungle
Flora and fauna
Howler Monkeys, Spider Monkeys, Ant-Eaters, Birds, deer, jaguars, coatimundis. This is north of Tikal Park, but much of the road between it is in the park and the rest looks undeveloped away from town.
Climate
Tropical
Get in
Take a bus from the market in Santa Elena at 14:00 (it passes through Tikal around 17:00 - times approximate) for Q20, drive, or arrange with one of the tourist agencies in Flores to get there. If you're driving your own vehicle, you must get permission from the Tikal administration office first. A mountain bike could be a good option here also, and they are available for rent in Flores. It is 23 km from Tikal. The bus returns at 06:00, so you must to spend the night if you go by bus.
Two buses each day travel from the bus station at Santa Elena via Tikal, departing at 13:00 and 15:00. They arrive in town at 16:00 and 18:00, respectively. The first morning return bus leaves at 06:00.
Fees and permits
Entry is Q25 (May 2008).
Get around
Walk
See
Mayan ruins, animals, birds. A community of Chicleros (gum collectors) live on the site and many of Uaxactun's residents gather chicle, xate palm leaves, and allspice from the forest to make a living. The local community also offers a small archeological museum.
Main portions of the Uaxactun ruins are on either side of the airfield.
Do
Take photos, hike in the jungle. You can hire a local tourism guide (inquire at the OMYC office) to show you around or guide you on hikes or other activities.
Visit the ceramics museum at Campamenhto El Chiclero.
Buy
Nothing
Eat
El Chiclero has a restaurant where the food is very good, and there is a comedor in town.
Drink
Good luck getting anything but Gallo beer.
Sleep
- Alicia's Guesthouse.
Lodging
El Chiclero and Posada Aldana are the places to stay in town. There may be another near the furthest southern end as we entered and rode by in the bus.
Camping
People can camp at El Chiclero in your hammock or tent.
Backcountry
Stay safe
Carry a hiking stick: if you don't use it for hiking it might be useful to defend yourself from wild animals!
Go next
Bus (05:00 and 06:00) or private transport.