Guatemala travel

Journey to Yaxha: Pyramids, Monkeys, and Myths

Published August 6, 2020 | By Clark Norton

Steep steps lead to the top of temple 216 in Yaxha, but the view from the top is worth it. Photo by Robert Waite.

In the first part of this two-part series, contributing writer Robert Waite described his visit to Tikal, Guatemala, the enormous ruins of one of the world’s great archaeological wonders, which 2,000 years ago was larger than ancient Rome or Beijing.

In Part II of this series, Bob writes about his travels to another stunning Mayan archaeological site nearby — Yaxha — and finds humor and cultural insights amid the ancient pyramids.

By Robert Waite

On the morning we left Tikal we headed for Yaxha, 30 km (19 miles) to the southeast, with our new guide, Cesar Quinones.

Yaxha is Guatemala’s third largest Mayan archaeological site (after Tikal and El Mirador) and boasts 500 structures spread along a hilltop stretching about three km (two miles).

Located… Continue reading →

Posted in archaeology, Baby boomer travel, Central America, cultural travel, Film Locations, History | Tagged "Star Wars" locations, "Survivor Guatemala", GEM Guatemala Travel, Guatemala travel, Mayan ball courts, Mayan culture, Tikal travel, Yaxha Guatemala, Yaxha travel | 1 Comment

Tikal Your Travel Bone at Iconic Mayan Site

Published August 5, 2020 | By Clark Norton

Tikal’s Temple I rises to a height of 154 feet (47 meters). Photo by Robert Waite.

For those planning their post-COVID travels, or who just like a good read, our roving contributing writer Robert Waite sets foot this time in the fabulous Mayan ruins of Tikal and Yaxha, which flourished two millennia ago in the jungles of what is now Guatemala.

It was the New York of its day, a massive complex complete with “skyscraper” temples, plazas, and palaces. When it seems safe to go, you may well want to add it to your future travel plans.

By Robert Waite

Tikal, Guatemala – Anyone who still buys into the myth that the Americas needed to be discovered by Columbus to be “civilized” has not wandered among the pyramids or across the expansive plazas of Tikal.

Beginning around 350 B.C. and stretching into the 5^th century A.D., at a time… Continue reading →

Posted in archaeology, Baby boomer travel, Bucket Lists, Central America, cultural travel, History | Tagged Ancient Mayans, Guatemala travel, Mayan civilization, Tikal, Tikal Guatemala, Tikal travel, UNESCO World Heritage Sites | 9 Comments

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