UXBENKA
"Old Place"

Known about for years by the local Maya, the archaeological establishment didn’t learn of Uxbenka’s existence until 1984, when Belmopan received reports of looting. Though not extensive, the site has cut terrace stones that have never been found outside of the Toledo District.

Uxbenka is a small ceremonial site that consists of one main plaza and a series of smaller ones. Six structures line the main plaza with the tallest rising 8 meters high. 21 stelae have been found here, six of them carved. Outside of the center the site extends two to three kilometres.

After the reports of looting, Mr. Placido Ash, caretaker/guide of Nim Li Punit, checked a site near the village of Santa Cruz and found two sculpted stelae. This event made known to the world Uxbenka's existence.

The site lies just outside of Santa Cruz village, about 3 miles west of the village of San Antonio. It is recommended that you rent a car for the trip.