Takalik Abaj
Offered: Every Day
Tour Duration: 1 Day or 2 Days 1 night
Minimum: 4 people
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Tak’alikAbaj’ is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in Guatemala, it was formerly known as abajtakalik. It is one of several Mesoamerican sites with both Olmec and Maya features. The site flourished in the Pre-classic and Classic periods, from the 9th century BC through to at least the 10th century AD, and was an important commerce centre, trading with kaminaljuyú and Chocolá.
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Investigations have revealed that is one of the largest sites with sculptured monuments on the Pacific coastal plain. Olmec-style sculptures include a possible colossal head, petro glyphs and others. The site has one of the greatest concentrations of Olmec-style sculpture outside of the Gulf of Mexico.
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Takalik Abaj is representative of the first blossoming of Maya culture that had occurred by about 400 BC. Excavation is continuing at the site; the monumental architecture and long sequence of sculpture in a variety of styles suggest the site is of some importance. It is also considered a place of transition between the Olmec and Maya culture.
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