Main image

Clemens Schmillen CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Uaxactun

Archaeological Site

Ancient Maya site north of Tikal known for early ceremonial architecture; visitors explore temples, solar-alignment structures, jungle trails and birding, often combined with trips to nearby Tikal.

Uaxactun Antigua GuatemalaLake AtitlánTikalGuatemala CitySemuc ChampeyUaxactun
In this guide

Uaxactun essentials

Address: Uaxactún, Petén Department, Guatemala
Admission: Archaeological site entry and fees vary; typical local park entry fees are modest. Guided tours and transport from Flores or Tikal often have separate costs.
GoogleAppleOSM

About Uaxactun

Uaxactun is an ancient Maya archaeological site in the Petén lowlands of northern Guatemala, noted for its Preclassic and Early Classic occupation and for important ceremonial architecture. Archaeologists recognize it for structures used in astronomical observation and for its contributions to Maya chronology.

The cleared site contains plazas, temple-pyramids and an E-Group astronomical complex oriented to sunrise positions; these features are accessible on foot within the archaeological zone. Trails lead between mounds and restored foundations, giving a compact view of civic and ceremonial architecture.

Uaxactun was occupied from the Preclassic into the Classic period and was a focus of archaeological fieldwork in the early 20th century and thereafter. Excavations and studies at the site contributed to the development of Maya chronology and our understanding of lowland settlement patterns.

Located north of Tikal in Guatemala’s Petén department, Uaxactun lies within the broader Maya forest region and is reached from regional centres such as Flores and the Tikal visitor area.

  • E-Group: Contains a well-preserved E-Group complex used for solar observations and calendrical ceremonies.
  • Excavations: Early 20th-century excavations by Sylvanus G. Morley helped establish stratigraphic sequences and phases for Maya chronology at the site.

What to See#

  • Group E: A formal astronomical complex aligned for sunrise observations, featuring a pyramid and a long plaza axis used for calendrical purposes.
  • North Acropolis: Clusters of temples, plazas and residential structures forming the civic-ceremonial core of the site, with masonry architecture from the Preclassic and Classic periods.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Uaxactun

Best visited in the dry season (February-May) for easier access; dawn visits reduce heat and insect activity.

Dry season
February-May · 22-32°C (72-90°F)
Easier access on trails and clearer conditions for exploring ruins.
Wet season
June-October · 22-30°C (72-86°F)
Lush jungle growth but muddy tracks and more insects; some trails become difficult.

Weather & Climate near Uaxactun

Climate

Uaxactun's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 17°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1531 mm/year), wettest in September.

Air Quality: AQI 47 Good
Best Time to Visit
MarchFebruaryApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 17° - 28° 22° 67 mm partly cloudy 85% 1.7 m/s 1.4 high 11.1h
February Excellent 17° - 29° 23° 51 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.0 m/s 1.7 very high 11.5h
March Excellent 19° - 31° 25° 37 mm partly cloudy 68% 2.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
April Excellent 20° - 33° 27° 36 mm some cloud 63% 2.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
May Good 21° - 34° 30° 120 mm partly cloudy 69% 2.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.8h
June Acceptable 21° - 33° 31° 209 mm overcast 85% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.0h
July Good 21° - 32° 27° 185 mm partly cloudy 86% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.9h
August Good 21° - 32° 27° 168 mm partly cloudy 85% 1.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.6h
September Good 21° - 32° 26° 228 mm partly cloudy 89% 1.5 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
October Good 21° - 31° 26° 210 mm partly cloudy 92% 1.5 m/s 1.7 very high 11.6h
November Very Good 19° - 29° 24° 118 mm partly cloudy 90% 1.4 m/s 1.5 high 11.2h
December Very Good 18° - 28° 23° 102 mm partly cloudy 88% 1.5 m/s 1.3 high 11.0h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Uaxactun

Uaxactún is approximately 25-30 km north of Tikal and is accessed via unpaved roads from Flores or San Ignacio. Many visitors arrange transport through tour operators based in Flores or holiday lodges near Tikal. Off-road conditions and seasonal closures mean hiring local transport is recommended.

Tips for Visiting Uaxactun

  • Combine a visit to Uaxactún with a trip to Tikal - both are Maya sites in Petén and often paired on multi-day itineraries.
  • If visiting archaeological excavations, hire a knowledgeable guide who can explain the stelae, ballcourts, and architectural phases.
  • Arrive at dawn to hear jungle birdlife and see monuments with the soft light preferred by photographers.