Abaj Talakik Takalik Abaj

If you visit Retalhuleu, take the opportunity to visit this archaeological site located in the municipality of El Asintal. It is not difficult to access and you can get in a car sedans. The weather is a little warm but pleasant.

The importance of this place is prominent.

National Geographic magazine in an edition of detailed 2.004, the archaeologists did find that place: the oldest royal tomb of the Mayan empire. It was found in an astronomical observatory built 1.800 years ago.

No bones were found but the proof and evidence suggest the presence of chemical compounds that mark the presence of broken bones. All ornaments found, show that this is a very important personage.

About Takalik Abaj

Its name means "Piedra Parada." If you have visited other archaeological sites like Tikal and Quirigua quickly notice that this place has features that set it apart. One is that there can see colors in his sculptures that are unique to the Olmecs.

It is very famous for its "barrigoncitos" as they call them guides. These are sculptures of characters short. Some are in the jaws of animals also performed in rock.

One of the old buildings is surrounded by various animals, including a turtle, snake and crocodile. All pure rock. One of them is twofold, being able to see a snake and crocodile on the other side.

Another detail that makes it obvious and impressive remains are the stone altar, these are pure rock round in one piece. The weight of them is amazing. Interestingly, the place is not really rock, so this adds mystery to how to transport these huge pieces in front of buildings.

Mini Zoo

To the delight of visitors, has enabled a small zoo where you can see wild cats, a toucan, tortoises, coatis, raccoons, monkeys and car mount. Interestingly one of the guests, a coati, answered the call of the name "Pancho."

How to get there

You take the road to Escuintla, hence direct you to the traditional stretch Retalhuleu. You can make stops to eat or stay in the center of the department, a beautiful city well-developed, or follow not deviate on the road and make the right turn signposted point runs a few minutes from there, to Takalik Abaj . Arrive any sedan car.