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Uaxactun owes its name to " UAXAC" = eight ; and
"TUN" = stone, due to the fact that Morley discovered
a stele with a date starting with eight inscribed on it. Known
for its temple complex in Group E where certain lines of site
on the different pyramids pass through the point of sunrise
during the equinoxes and solstices of the seasons. This suggests
that these structures may have been designed to serve as observatories,
or at least as calendar markers.
Our Maya astronomer expert, has calculated the equinox and
solstice during the Maya time to place four of our tours at
this site during the most favorable time to witness this phenomenon.
Other dates are available for groups of 4 or more. Our combination
tour allows one to witness the magic of Uaxactun and combine
it with the adventure of either 4-wheel drive to Rio Azul
or horseback trips from Yaxhá to Nakum. Today the Uaxactun
community of modern Maya, roughly 100 families, live with
the jungle and consider it their livelihood. Although now,
the extraction of Chicle gum is no longer profitable, the
community still harvests, allspice, xate and of course utilize
the jungle for their eco-tourism trips.
We stay at the eco-lodge El Chiclero while at Uaxactun. Each
trip you take with Maya Expeditions into the Uaxactun area,
not only gives work to the local people, but they will earn
5% of the profits on each tour. You too can make a difference.
Yaxhá is in a process of ongoing excavation for the
last 10 years. The finds and partial restorations help one
see how the Maya designed and built their cities. The short
stair walk onto the large temple 216, makes a great platform
for observing the sunset over the Lake. Located 1 1/2 hours
away from Flores on the road that leads to Belize, and at
the shores of the lagoon of the same name, Yaxhá belongs
to the Classic period. It has evidence of Teotihuacan influence
in stele and architecture. Yaxhá, and the eco-lodge
El Sombrero, is our base of operations for the Chiquibul river.
The whitewater rafting for the entire family surrounded by
lush jungle. A three day tour lets you combine the river with
a search into an ancient Maya Cave and supports the local
community.
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