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Maya Complex Camping
Camping within the bounds of a Maya temple complex is a rare and thrilling experience.
Your adventure begins with a series of private tours, led by guides whose ancestors constructed the very monuments you’re exploring.
You’ll dine by candlelight on cuisine that’s sustained this culture for millennia, as the setting sun brings a hush to the surrounding forest.
Tikal, Uaxactun, Yaxha, and Topoxte
Exotic scents—allspice, cedar, and copal incense—perfume the night air.
When the Milky Way appears, your guide will unlock the secrets of Maya cosmology.
After stargazing, retire to a comfortable tent cabin. You’ll wake at dawn to a chorus of howler monkeys and tropical birds.
After breakfast, your guide can help you explore ancient Maya sites: Uaxactun, Tikal, Yaxha, and Topoxte.
Temple E-VII-Sub: Oldest Continuously Occupied Maya Site
The ancient Maya city of Uaxactun (pronounced “wah-shock-tune“) is one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites in all of history.
It’s also the location of the oldest ancient pyramid in the Maya World.
The foundations of temple E-VII-Sub date back 4,000 years—beautifully preserved by the overlay of later structures.
The temple’s sides are adorned with eighteen huge masks, representing a pantheon that includes jaguar gods and sky-serpents.
The structure’s sacred geometry is oriented to the heavens, predicting solstices and equinoxes.
Uaxactun: “Eight Stones”
The name Uaxactun translates to “eight stones“—possibly in reference to its two central hills, each featuring four individual mounds.
This site includes numerous temples, plazas, and tombs.
What to do in Maya Complex Camping
- Observe the chicle harvesting process
- Learn local traditions
- Meet with handcraft artisans.
The tent camp is situated within the E Complex of the ancient city. Hot showers and modern bathroom facilities are provided.
What is the Weather Like?
Under the canopy of ancient Maya ruins, the air stays warm and subtly humid—daytime highs often reach around 28–32 °C, with nights cooling to about 18–20 °C, especially under the forest’s shade. The dry season (November–April) brings clear skies and easier trails, ideal for contemplative camping among the temples.
Come the rainy season (May–October), the landscape hums green and alive, but afternoon thunderstorms are frequent—perfect for moody atmosphere, if you’re ready for sudden showers and softened paths.
Getting There
Daily flights connect Guatemala City to the Petén’s primary airport in Flores, with flight times of one hour and ten minutes.
The drive from the airport to Uaxactun typically lasts an hour and forty minutes. Uaxactun can also be visited from the Cayo District of Belize.
Most of our guests spend two nights at Uaxactun, exploring Tikal on the second day. Sunrise and sunset visits to Tikal can be arranged.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in the Maya Complex Camping.
How to combine Maya Complex Camping
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
