Grutas de Uaxactún

Useful Information

Location:	At Uaxactún, 40 km north of Tikal. ()
Open:	No restrictions
Fee:	Adults Q15.
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As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

MAY-1916	ruins rediscovered by Sylvanus Morley.
1924	Frans Bloom made a more detailed investigation of the structures and mapped the site.
1926-1937	archaeological excavations by the Carnegie Institution led by Oliver Ricketson.
1970	rough road opened up, connecting Uaxactun to Tikal.
1982	Tikal National Park was expanded to included the ruins of Uaxactun within its protected area.
1984	road improved.

Description

The ancient name for Uaxactún was Siaan K'aan or Born in Heaven. The name Uaxactún was given to the site by its re-discoverer, archeologist Sylvanus Morley from the U.S.A., in May of 1916. The village is famous not only for its Mayan ruins but for its bat cave. Every evening at dusk thousands of bats emerge from this cave.