The Ruins

The most impressive set of ruins is called Group E and is a 15 minute walk south of the airstrip. The structures E1, E2 and E3 are aligned north-south and form an astronomical observatory, the first round observatory of the Maya world. From an observation point on a nearby pyramid, Structure E-VII-B, the Maya could watch the sun rising behind these buildings and identify, the winter and summer solstices as well as the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. The foundation dates to about 2,000 BC. Structure E-VII-B is a truncated pyramid with stairs and four sides that are flanked by huge masks representing Jaguars, Turtles, Eagles, Parrots and other animals sacred to them. Also there is an impressive Stela on the eastern stairway carved on 4 sides which is the mark of the observation point. About 20 minute walk to the northwest are the Grupo B and Grupo A where you’ll find the earliest Mayan Arch and the main Pyramid. Early excavators destroyed many of the temples, which are now in the process of being reconstructed.

Location:
Uaxactun, Guatemala

Ruin Types:
Ruins

Price Description: $2

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:6 a.m.

Open Hours to:6 p.m.

Travel Skills: None

Currencies accepted
US dollar

By Claire Bourgin

I have traveled around the world since I'm a kid. Traveling is now part of my everyday life in Guatemala. I have been living in Quetzaltenango for 3...

Created: 01 Oct 2009

Updated: 01 Oct 2009