El Petén - Guatemala - page 522

polis. Also called the Temple of the Red Hands, because red handprints were discovered
there, it towers over 30m high, affording views in every direction.
On an island near the far (south) shore of Laguna Yaxhá is a late Postclassic archaeolo-
gical site, Topoxté , where the dense covering of ruined temples and dwellings may date
back to the Itzá culture that occupied Flores island at the time the Spanish came. At the
bottom of the Calzada del Lago is the boat landing , from where a boatman might be willing
to take you to Topoxté for around Q250.

Sleeping & Eating

On the lake shore below the Yaxhá ruins is Campamento Yaxhá OFFLINE MAP , where
you can camp for free on raised platforms with thatched roofs. Outbuildings have showers
and toilets. Drinking water can be purchased at a store, but you must bring food.

Campamento Ecológico El Sombrero $$
( 4147-6830; ecosombreroinicio.tripod.com ; s/d/tr Q350/440/510, without bathroom Q120/200/545; ) El
Sombrero features solar-powered, mosquito-netted bungalows amid gardens overlooking
the lake. The kitchen, overseen by the Italian owner, is of a high standard, and there's a
small library on local archaeology. It's on the southern shore of Laguna Yaxhá, 2km from
the ruins and 250m off the approach road; call ahead and they'll pick you up from the bus
stop.
You could also camp here or sling a hammock for Q40. Lancha tours to Topoxté are
offered (Q250) as well as night crocodile observation tours, horseback riding and
overnight trips to Nakum, El Naranjo, Holmul and other lesser-known Maya sites in the
vicinity.

BUNGALOW

Getting There & Away

Agencies in Flores and El Remate offer organized trips to Yaxhá, some combined with
Nakum and/or Tikal. Horizontes Mayas ( Click here ) in El Remate runs shuttles (Q100 per
person, minimum three people) at 6:30am and 1pm, returning at 1pm and 6:30pm. From
Santa Elena's terminal, take the daily 7am bus (Q25), returning at 1pm.