The permanent sources of water of Yaxha and of the nearby areas, make it a bird refuge. The water attracts not only aquatic birds, but also those from other habitats and many migratory species, particularly during the dry season. The Ixtinto, Homul and Yaxha rivers, which have no connection to other rivers, represent areas of great biodiversity. The swamps and reed beds are also important because of the protection and food they provide for the wildlife. They also serve as refuges for species like the crocodile (Coccodrilus morelleti), of which the largest group of the whole country, some 300 live here.

As an archaeological site, Yaxhá has more than 500 structures. It is located on a hillside on the northeast bank of the Yaxhá Lagoon, and is the only other complex, after Tikal, with twin-pyramid complexes. Its maximum splendor was in the classical to the terminal classical periods (300-900 a.C.) The term Yaxhá means green waters in the Maya language and this is the main ceremonial center of the area. From the pyramid structure which supports Temple 216, you have the best view of the jungle, the Yaxhá and Sacnab lagoons, as well as of the best sunsets.

Location: The Municipal District of Melchor de Mencos, Department of Peten
Area (Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park): 37,160 hectares (Conap, 2007)

TOPOGRAPHY
The Yaxha Lagoon is located at 158 m.a.s.l. and has an area of 15 sq. Km and a maximum depth of 27 meters, which varies according to the rainy season.

CLIMATE
In general, the climate is rather hot most of the year and it rains from May through October, but rains are possible throughout the year. The average temperature during the day is 25º to 30º C, dropping a little at night.

NATURAL SPOTS
• THE YAXHA LAGOON, which is part of a complex of lagoons extending over some 20 Kms. This lagoon is famous because of its sunsets. This place is recommended for taking photographs. It also has a small chain of islands, Topoxté, Canté and Paxté, which present another unequaled attraction.

CONTACTS
To visit the Yaxha Lagoon, you can do it on your own or contact one of the Tour Operators.

GETTING THERE
If traveling by air, contact the airlines which have daily flights to Flores, Petén. Normally, an airline trip to Petén includes the Tikal National Park, with options to other destinations among which is the Yaxhá Lagoon. (See Tikal)
If traveling by land, take the Atlantic Highway (CA-9) to La Ruidosa (Km. 247), where you turn left to cross the Rio Dulce Bridge and go through the town of Fronteras towards Poptún, Department of Peten, Highway CA-14. From Poptun, continue to Santa Elena, where you take the highway to Tikal Park to the community of Ixlu, 24 kilometers further on. At the sign there, take a right turn towards the City of Melchor de Mencos. From the turnoff to the next crossroad is 34 Kms, where you take a left turn, at a sign which says “Cruce a Yaxhá.” This is an eleven kilometer long all weather road. Before reaching the entrance to the archaeological site there is a small turn to the right which will take you to Ecolodge El Sombrero. If you continue without turning, you will reach the Yaxhá site. See Site Map(use the zoom).

BIRDING SPOTS
Along the road, as well as in Yaxhá, you will be able to see the Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) and the Ocelated Turkey (Melagris ocellata). Next to the lagoon you will be able to easily watch the Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) and the Violaceous Trogon (Trogon violaceus). The trail leading to the archaeological site of Escobillo (ask the guide) you can see the Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus), the Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena), just to mention a few of the species that can be watched there.
Among the birds of prey you can observe hunting at the lagoon is the Osprey (Pandion halieatus), the Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon), and, during the migration season, the Royal Tern (Sterna mexima).
In the area close to the swamps and on the edge of the lagoon, you can see the Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa), the Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea), the Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria), and the Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus).
In addition to bird watching, you can visit the various archaeological sites of the area, take a boat ride on the lagoon or else rent horses to go into the Peten jungle, but this should only be done with a guide.

SERVICES

Yaxhá Lagoon

HOTEL	TELEPHONE	RATES (SINGLE)	FACILITIES
Ecolodge El Sombrero info@ecosombrero.com	(502) 7783-3923/4/5	QUS$22 shared bathroom US$43 private bathroom	Restaurant, Parking Tours: On horseback, on foot and by boat

ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE WAY:
Nature
If traveling by car, you will have the opportunity to see the drastic changes in the vegetation. Upon leaving the Rio Dulce, you enter the Department of Peten, where one of the first large towns you come to is Poptún. That is where there is an area where the sole coniferious species of the whole region, Pinus caribea, abounds. When leaving Poptún, you will enjoy seeing the important Machaquilá River, with many pleasant views.
Upon arriving in Santa Elena and particularly when going through El Remate, you may get an impressive view of Lake Petén Itzá. The road to Yaxhá has sections with forests, where there are trees like the bread nut, mahogany, sapodilla, spanish cedar and others that are specific to the Peten jungles. This is the region where you can see what remains of the forests of Petén.

ALTERNATIVES
Nakum:
This city has a great sacbé or main street which divides it into two blocks. It has a great concentration of buildings, plazas and pyramids, and on one of the pyramids you can see carbon and graphite drawings.
Access: This imporant archaeological site can be visited by jeep during the dry season (one hour’s drive from Yaxhá) and on horseback (5 hours riding from Yaxhá) throughout the year. See Site Map

Topxte:
This city was one of the greatest historical post-classical sites in all of Peten. It is located on one of the three major islands in the Yaxhá Lagoon. A series of archaeological studies have been carried out here during which they discovered underground rooms, tunnels and caves carved of limestone, going back to the middle pre-classical period (300 b.C.).
Access: This island is 15 minutes away by boat from the IDAEH Camp or the Ecolodge El Sombrero.

Tikal National Park

SUGGESTIONS

• Take sun block, raincoat, walking boots and insect repellent.

• When traveling on foot or on horseback, take sufficient drinking water.

• The list of Birds of Tikal is an excellent reference to watch the birds at Yaxha.