Takalik Abaj Archaeological Park – Guatemala

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Takalik Abaj is a Mayan City in the Retalhuleu Department of Guatemala from the late Preclassic period, around 250 AD and is a very important site used by archaeologists to link the Mesoamerica’s first civilization, the Olmecs, with the Maya.

Where is it? 30 kms west of Retalhuleu
Schedule: 7 – 5 p.m.
Admission: $4

Interesting Facts

• Even though the Olmecs predominantly came from Mexico, their influence can be found all the way to Guatemala and Belize.
• There are various Olmec-style sculptures all around Takalik Abaj.
• What’s unique about this site is that it lies on nine natural terraces where they were adapted by the dwellers here.
• The most important area is Grupo Central on terrace No. 2, with a ceremonial sites and civic buildings. Just recently, classic-era steam baths and multicolored tiled floors were discovered in this area.
• Terrace No. 3 is home to the tallest pyramid, Estructura 5, reaching heights of 16 meters on a 115 sq meter square.
• However, the most interest points of the ruin are the different stone sculptures of animals and aquatic creatures.
• Most of these carvings are barrigon – creatures carved in a pot-bellied style.
• Today the park and site is used for modern day Mayan ceremonies and is still an important religious location for them.

Can’t-Miss-This

• Grupo Central (Central Group)
• Estructura 5, the tallest pyramid of the site

Facilities

• Visitor’s center
• Restrooms

How to Get There

Hop on a bus from Retalhuleu, 5a Avenida A, to El Astinal. At El Astinal pickups to the ruins are easily found.