Hidden Mayan Ruins in Guatemala You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

When people think about Mayan ruins in Guatemala, one name stands out — Tikal. This ancient city, with its towering pyramids and howler monkeys calling from the treetops, is famous worldwide. But did you know Guatemala hides many other ancient Mayan cities deep in the jungle, far from the busy tourist routes? These sites are peaceful, wild, and full of history.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to discover some of Guatemala’s hidden Mayan ruins. You’ll learn about ancient cities that once held kings, temples built to track the stars, and giant pyramids still standing quietly in the jungle. If you love adventure and history, you’ll want to add these spots to your travel list.

Why Explore Lesser-Known Mayan Ruins?

Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why these hidden sites matter. Visiting famous Mayan ruins like Tikal is incredible, but you’ll often find yourself surrounded by large crowds. At lesser-known sites, you can slow down, listen to the sounds of the jungle, and truly imagine what life was like over 1,000 years ago.

These quiet places also offer:

• A sense of adventure: Many require hiking, boat rides, or 4×4 journeys to reach.
• Rich, untouched history: Some still have pyramids buried under trees and vines.
• Unique stories: Every ruin has something different — from star-watching temples to secret ceremonial roads.

Now, let’s explore the ones you’ve probably never heard of.

1. Uaxactún: Where the Mayans Watched the Stars

Just a short drive north of Tikal lies Uaxactún, one of the oldest known Mayan ruins. Long ago, it was an important place for studying the stars and creating the famous Mayan calendar.

Archaeologists believe Mayan priests and astronomers would stand on certain temple platforms to track the sun’s movements. You can still visit these platforms today. In fact, if you visit during the spring and fall equinoxes, you can watch the sun rise exactly where the Mayans saw it thousands of years ago.

Highlights at Uaxactún:

• Small but beautiful pyramids
• Stone carvings (called stelae) telling stories of Mayan kings
• Peaceful jungle paths with very few tourists
• Ancient ball courts where games were played for honor and survival

How to get there:

From Tikal, you can drive about 23 kilometers north. It takes around 45 minutes on a rough dirt road, best done in a 4×4.

2. Nakum: The Forgotten City in the Jungle

Tucked away in the Petén jungle, Nakum is a peaceful and isolated Mayan city. It’s one of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in Guatemala, but gets far fewer visitors than bigger sites.

The city’s name means “House of the Pot,” though no one knows for sure why. Nakum has several tall pyramids, long causeways (ancient roads), and plazas surrounded by jungle trees. Some temples are still buried under the earth and vines, giving them a wild, untouched feeling.

Why visit Nakum?

• Explore ancient pyramids surrounded by trees and monkeys
• See stone carvings and altars still standing in their original spots
• Experience what a true jungle adventure feels like

How to get there:

It’s not easy — you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle or a guided trek. Most travelers visit as part of a multi-day hiking trip that includes nearby ruins like El Zotz and Yaxhá.

3. El Mirador: The Cradle of Maya Civilization

El Mirador is one of the oldest and largest Mayan cities ever discovered. Yet, because it’s deep in the remote jungle near the Guatemala–Mexico border, very few people get to see it.

The city is famous for the La Danta pyramid, one of the biggest pyramids in the world by volume. From the top, you can see miles of untouched jungle, with treetops stretching to the horizon.

El Mirador’s treasures:

• Massive pyramids bigger than those at Tikal
• Ancient plazas where rulers held ceremonies
• Carved stone panels telling stories of gods and kings
• A giant causeway system connecting cities through the jungle

How to get there:

You’ll need either a multi-day hike (usually 5-6 days round trip) or a helicopter ride from Flores. The hike is tough but rewarding, passing through pristine rainforest filled with wildlife.

4. Yaxhá: The City by the Water

If you’re looking for Mayan ruins with stunning views, head to Yaxhá. This ancient city sits next to a large lake, offering beautiful sunsets over the water. It’s the third-largest Mayan site in Guatemala, yet it remains quiet compared to Tikal.

What makes Yaxhá special:

• Climb Temple 216 for a sunset view over the lake and jungle
• Explore more than 500 ancient structures, including ball courts and temples
• Spot birds, crocodiles, and monkeys as you wander the site

How to get there:

Yaxhá is about 75 kilometers from Flores. The drive takes around 1.5 hours and is best done with a guide or tour.

5. Aguateca: The City on the Cliffs

Aguateca is one of Guatemala’s most dramatic Mayan ruins. The city was built on cliffs above a deep canyon, offering natural protection from enemies. Today, you can still see defensive walls, palaces, and temples.

Why it’s worth visiting:

• Beautiful jungle setting and boat ride access
• Impressive carvings and plazas
• Fewer tourists than other popular sites

How to get there:

Reachable by boat from Sayaxché town, followed by a short hike through the jungle.

Final Travel Tips

If you’re thinking about visiting these Mayan ruins, here are a few things to remember:

• Travel with a guide for safety and to hear deeper stories about the ruins.
• Wear light, breathable clothes and sturdy hiking shoes.
• Bring insect repellent, water, and a hat — the jungle heat is no joke.
• Respect the ruins by not climbing on closed structures or taking anything.

And when you’re ready to explore Guatemala, we at Tropicana are here to help.

Plan Your Guatemala Adventure with Tropicana

At Tropicana, we offer more than just volcano hikes. While we’re known for our unforgettable Acatenango and Pacaya tours, we also help travelers explore hidden gems like these ancient Mayan ruins. Need transportation? We’ve got you covered. Our reliable shuttle services can take you anywhere in Guatemala, whether you’re heading to the jungle, Lake Atitlán, or the lively streets of Antigua.

Want to stay a little longer? We also offer comfortable accommodation options in Antigua Guatemala, the perfect place to rest after your adventures. Whether you’re chasing sunrises from a volcano summit or wandering through lost cities in the jungle, we’re here to make it easy.

Contact us anytime to start planning your next adventure in Guatemala. We’ll help you find the best spots, book your tours, and arrange hassle-free travel so you can focus on exploring this beautiful country.

Final Thoughts

Guatemala is a land of ancient wonders. While places like Tikal are world-famous, the country’s hidden Mayan ruins hold just as much magic and mystery. Sites like Uaxactún, Nakum, El Mirador, and Yaxhá are perfect for travelers looking for adventure, history, and a break from the usual tourist spots.

Exploring these lost cities will take you through thick jungles, across ancient roads, and up towering pyramids. Along the way, you’ll discover stories of kings, gods, and the brilliant people who built one of history’s greatest civilizations.

So why not mix ancient ruins with a volcano hike, a lakeside sunset, and some time in beautiful Antigua? With Tropicana, your Guatemalan adventure is closer than you think.