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Yaxha In Peten Guatemala Is A Perfect Destination For Bird Watching

By Linda Patterson


Yaxha is one of the Mayan civilization's most important cities. It is a part of the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park. Yaxha lagoon and its well preserved forests are the treasures of this ancient city. The lagoon is deemed to be one of the most important water systems of the Maya Biosphere.

The Archaeological Site Of Yaxha

This less well known archaeological site is the third largest. This site is comprised of more than 500 ancient structures which include a series of causeways or sacbe'ob that connect the eastern, northern and central acropolis, plus the 9 temple pyramids, 40 stalae, 2 ball courts and 13 altars. The wooden stairs of these 9 pyramids are strongly constructed hence they are safe for tourists to climb. A spectacular view can be seen once you are atop of the partially restored Temple 216. You will see a breathtaking view of the lakes, the jungles and the other ancient pyramids. Aside from that, the magical sounds of the birds and Howler monkeys can be heard.

The Maler Group, the North Acropolis and the astronomical observatory structure are its other interesting attractions. The Maler Group is a complex with twin temples which is comparable to that of Tikal twin temples. The North Acropolis is bordered by 3 temples while the observatory tower is popular even if it remains unnamed.

A Great Place For Birding

This ancient Mayan city serves as a wonderful destination for nature lovers, bird watchers and those who are interested in archaeology. It is one of the main ancient Mayan civilizations and was rediscovered in 1904 through continuous excavation. Located in the southeast part of the Tikal National Park, it is also a part of the National Park of Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo. A tropical rainforest which is abundant with Neotropical varieties of plant life encloses the Yaxha lagoon which is magically carved in limestone.

This site offers great bird watching opportunities and experience just like in Tikal. Seeing exotic bird species is best enjoyed as there is less human traffic. The best place to see flocks of white-fronted Parrot, red-lored Parrot, white-crowned Parrot and Mealy parrot is at the observatory pyramid.

The lagoon is also a great place to see a lot of birds such as the rare Jabiru especially if you are there during the migration season of the Nearctic shorebirds. However, swimming is not allowed in the lagoon as there are a lot of crocodiles. Crane Hawk, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Bat Falcon, Slaty-tailed trogon, Short-billed Pigeon, Killed-billed Toucan, Brown-hooded Parrot, Plain Chachalaca, Blue Bunting, Tawny-crowned Greenlet and Brown Jay are the other bird species that can be seen in the forest of Yaxha.

This is definitely the best site to go bird watching as it is less crowded and the best bird watching tours are offered here.




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