Travel Guide Takalik Abaj

"Piedra Parada, or Tak'alik Ab'aj in K'iche', is an ancient city that lies less than twenty kilometers northwest of Retalhuleu. It played a considerable role in the trade and ritual system of the region. The reason: a prolonged occupation of the place, going from the Middle Preclassic (from -800 to -400) to the Late Classic (500-900) and punctuated by phases of growth, even of sudden rise, conflicts and resurgences. Even today, it is an important site for the inhabitants of the surrounding area, in terms of maintaining Mayan spirituality. In addition, it has been declared a special protection area and is part of the Cultural Heritage of the Nation.The site is divided into three main areas, among which is the Grupo Central. Open to the public, it contains one of the oldest monuments of the Mayan civilization, as well as an example of a steam bath, or "la Estela 5", a stele that testifies to the early use of the Mesoamerican calendar. During the visit, we can observe some of the 85 buildings and several of the 282 buildings listed. The astronomical observatory, the hydraulic systems for the distribution of drinking water and the evidence of the ancient development of Mayan writing stand out. The architecture of Tak'alik Ab'aj has four styles: Olmec, ventru - barrigón - early Maya and zoomorphic. A richness that places the site at the threshold of the Olmec and Maya cultures. Accessible every day from 7 am to 5 pm for 50 Q, it is the object of an interesting guided tour.