Birding In Yaxha

By Linda Patterson


Yaxha is an important city during the Mayan era which is now a part of the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park. This ancient city's treasures are its well preserved forest and the Yaxha lagoon, which is deemed to be among the most important water systems of the Maya Biosphere.

The Archaeological Site Of Yaxha

This site is known as the third largest archaeological site after Tikal and El Mirador. 40 stalae, 13 altars, 2 ball courts, 9 temple pyramids and a series of sacbe'ob or causeways, connecting the east, north and central acropolis, comprises its more than 500 ancient structures. One can climb the 9 pyramids because the wooden stairs are well built and safe. You will see a breathtaking view of the jungles, the pyramids and the lakes once you are at the top of the partially restored Temple 216. The sound of the birds and Howler monkeys can also be heard.

The freshly restored North Acropolis which is bordered by 3 temples, The Maler Group that features a twin temple and the unnamed well known astronomical observation structure which can be found between Plaza F and Structure 116 are the other interesting attractions.

A Perfect Place To Go Bird Watching

The Mayan city of Yaxha is now an ideal destination for bird watchers, nature lovers and those find archaeology interesting. This site was considered one of the most significant parts of the ancient Mayan civilizations and through continued excavation it was rediscovered in the year 1904. Geographically, the ruins are found on the southeast part of the National Park of Tikal and now a part of the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park. The Yaxha Lagoon is found at the bottom of the site; it is magically carved in limestone and it is encircled by tropical rainforest which is a home to many different varieties of flora and fauna.

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 likewise an amazing location to watch a lot of bird species. The rare Jabiru can be seen if you are there during the migration season of the Nearctic shorebirds. The lagoon has an inviting appearance however, swimming is not allowed as crocodiles are in abundance. The forest of Yaxha also offers a lot of bird species to see such as the Blue Bunting, Pale-billed Woodpecker, Tawny-crowned Greenlet, Brown Jay, Crane Hawk, Slaty-tailed trogon, Killed-billed Toucan, Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Short-billed Pigeon, Brown-hooded Parrot, and Plain Chachalac.

For bird watching enthusiasts, Yaxha is the place to be as it is less crowded and offers the best birding opportunities.




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