The Mayan site of Yaxha sits in Peten, Guatemala, only 40km from Tikal. It's excavation has been privately funded by Deustch Bank over a short two year period, as part of a project to restore three sites within a 12km area. Yaxha, which translates to Blue Green Waters, sits between two beautiful lakes. The climb up most of its Temples yields beautiful views of both the lakes and the Rio Azul river that feeds them. Occupied from 600BC to 900AD, the site offers a variety of construction styles. It is famed for its organized street structure, unique to the Mayan world, and Stelae which are influenced by Mexico's Teotituacan.
There are several complexes excavated, the most famed of which is the North Acropolis. This Plaza contains three tall temples with unparalleled views of the surrounding rain forest and lakes. The Plaza of the Shadows and the Astronomical Plaza are both examples of the Mayan ability to chart the skies.
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