South Acropolis

El Petén


A complex of palatial structures from which Yaxhá's aristocracy could watch the games going on in the ball court below.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby El Petén attractions

2. Greater Astronomical Complex (Plaza F)

0.13 MILES

To the northwest of the site stands one of Yaxhá's most ancient constructions, the Greater Astronomical Complex (Plaza F). The arrangement includes an…

3. Northeast Acropolis

0.14 MILES

An unremarkable part of the site, located to the east of the North Acropolis.

4. Yaxhá

0.2 MILES

The Classic Maya sites of Yaxhá, Nakum and El Naranjo form a triangle that is the basis for a national park covering more than 37,000 hectares and…

5. North Acropolis

0.2 MILES

The trio of pyramidal temples at the North Acropolis are built atop older structures dating back to 100 BC. Comprising of seven platforms, the…

6. Lesser Astronomical Complex (Plaza C)

0.29 MILES

Plaza C, the first group of buildings you come to on entering Yaxhá, is one of a pair of astronomical observatories; the Greater Astronomical Complex …

7. East Acropolis & Structure 216

0.34 MILES

Near the site entrance is the high point of Yaxhá (literally): Structure 216 in the East Acropolis. Also called the Temple of the Red Hands, because red…

8. Twin Pyramid Complex

0.35 MILES

This largely unexcavated complex consists of two identical pyramids facing each other across a lawn. Similar to one of the arrangements at Tikal, it is…