Yaxhá is a name derived from the Maya language and means “blue-green water” or “turquoise water.” Lake Yaxhá was an important resource for the city though there are many crocodiles there. It is not the largest Mayan site and is very peaceful to walk around in.
The architectural style of the Yaxha people included the double pyramid construction. It was built in 600 BC teaching its peak in the 8th century with around 500 structures. It was discovered by the explorer Maler in 1904.
It felt a lot like being an explorer as well. Many of the structures are still underground and only a few are uncovered. The howler monkeys were really loud and seemed to follow us on our exploration.
Yaxha is laid out so that the temples and other structures are used strategically for solstices and equinoxes.
We climbed the stairs alongside one of the peanuts to get a look at the complex and the tallest pyramid we will be going to.
This structure was a residence of someone important like a shaman.
We climbed one of the pyramids directly. I learned not to go straight up in a line but to zig zag as you go up. It helps especially if you have big feet.
