Takalik Abaj has both Olmec and Maya features, and flourished from the 9th century BC to the 10th century AD. This is one of the oldest archeological sites in the old Mayan world, and one of the largest sites with sculptured monuments on the Pacific coastal plain. It is home to one of the greatest concentrations of Olmec-style sculpture.

The site includes a Maya royal tomb and examples of Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions that are among the earliest from the Maya region. The site features a sophisticated water drainage system and a wealth of sculptured monuments. Overnight accommodations are near the site.