Yaxha and Topoxte Jungle Trek from Flores: Two Maya ruins

Boat across the lagoon, trek through jungle, climb restored Maya plazas

A full-day trek from Flores combining boat transport across Yaxha lagoon, a two-hour jungle hike, and guided exploration of two distinct Maya settlements: Topoxte, a post-Classic site with excavated plazas, and Yaxha, a Classic city with temples, royal palaces and the Temple of the Red Hands. Two certified guides lead the route. Pickup from Flores or the Belize Western border, bottled water, a picnic lunch and all fees are included.

The experience

The day starts at 7am with pickup from your Flores hotel or the Belize border, then a drive to Ecolodge El Sombrero on Yaxha lagoon. At 9am the boat departs across the water to Topoxte, an island settlement that shows evidence of occupation across two periods: post-Classic structures built atop earlier Classic-era foundations. The Principal Plaza here has been excavated and restored, so you can climb some of the structures before returning to the boat.

The boat then carries you to the north side of the lagoon where the main trek begins. A two-hour walk through the jungle canopy follows, with your guides pointing out the flora and fauna as you move between the trees. You arrive at Maler Plaza in Yaxha where you stop to drink water and eat the picnic lunch provided. The physical demand is moderate. The trek is the most strenuous part of the day, but the pace is set by the guides and built for walkers with basic fitness.

After lunch you explore Yaxha itself with your guide, moving through the highlights of the city: the main temples, royal palaces, ball courts and the Temple of the Red Hands. The tour ends with a view before the drive back to your hotel. Two certified guides lead throughout, speaking English and Spanish, and a healthy snack and bottled water are provided alongside the lunch.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Flores or the Belize Western border.
• open-air boat across Yaxha lagoon.
• two certified guides speaking English and Spanish.
• bottled water and a healthy snack.
• picnic lunch.
• all park fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Senior (71 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 9 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Maya Adventure Travel

Is this one for you?The two-hour jungle trek is the physical core of this day, so it suits hikers with moderate fitness who want the canopy walk as much as the ruins themselves. If you prefer shorter walks or have mobility concerns, look for a Yaxha-only tour that skips the jungle section.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (7 to 9 years). Under 7: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the difference between Topoxte and Yaxha on this trek?

Topoxte is a post-Classic settlement with evidence of earlier Classic occupation, and its Principal Plaza has been excavated so visitors can climb the structures. Yaxha is a larger Classic-era city with multiple temples, royal palaces, ball courts and the Temple of the Red Hands, which you explore after the jungle trek.

How much of the day is spent hiking through the jungle?

The jungle trek itself lasts about two hours, taking you from the north shore of the lagoon to Maler Plaza in Yaxha. The full day from pickup to return is roughly nine and a half hours, with boat rides, exploration of both sites and a lunch break included.

What happens if I'm not a strong hiker?

The trek is rated medium challenge and requires at least moderate physical fitness. The two-hour walk is the most demanding part, but guides set the pace and you stop to rest and eat lunch at Maler Plaza. The route is through jungle terrain, so sturdy shoes and water are important.

Is breakfast included, or should I eat before pickup?

Breakfast is not included, so you should eat before the 7am pickup. A healthy snack and picnic lunch are provided during the day, along with bottled water.

Do I need to arrange tips separately for the guides and driver?

Tips for the guide and driver are not included in the tour price and are left to your discretion at the end of the day.