The lush jungle of Guatemala has some special things to offer. In a region not far from the grandeur of Tikal is a small village near a lake: Yaxha. This lake of Yaxhe has a small island with a small Mayan village, called Topoxte, which is accessible only by boat. The emphaphis is on small, because these are mini ruins and pyramids! The steps are about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) in height.

These Mayan structures have a small but intriguing history behind them. These pyramids were built by the ancient Maya population of Topoxte and had the function of honoring and respecting the Duendes or Jungle spirits in the region.