A magical place, rich in archaeological Mayan sites, exotic nature and tropical forests.
Type of tourism: Archaeological, adventure, ecological, photography.
Guatemala is known worldwide as the cradle of the Mayan civilization. The center of this culture was established in Petén, where the majority of the Mayan cities and archaeological sites, dated from the Pre-Columbian era.
The total area is a natural tropical forest reserve known as the Maya Biosphere. This area is extraordinarily rich in natural attractions with 6 national parks and 3 biotopes. It is the habitat of 56 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, reptiles and 320 species of trees.
The vast northern department of Petén occupies about a third of Guatemala but contains just over three percent of its population.
Climate: The climate is hot, and in the jungle the humidity is about 90%. The minimum temperature is between 20 º – 25º C (68 º – 77 º F). The maximum temperature is between 32º - 42 º C (90 º – 108 º F).
Main urban centres: The city of Flores.
Distance from Guatemala City to Flores: 515 km. / 320 miles
Access: Daily commercial flights from both Guatemala City and Mexico serve this region. A paved road provides an easy access to the region.
Close
National Park Tikal
During approximately 1500 years of continuous occupation, the civilization that developed here attained remarkable achievements in written language, art, architecture, mathematics, agriculture, astronomy and government. The experience begins from the entrance to the Great Plaza, which is considered the heart of Tikal. You will continue to the North and Central Acropolis, the West Plaza and Temple IV. The Mundo Perdido and the Plaza of the Seven Temples, temple V, temple VI and beyond… You will find an endless number of places full of mysticism and beauty. Tikal alone has some 3000 buildings – but they represent only a fraction of what was once it this region. Visitors may spend hours, or days, exploring the buildings that have been excavated and restored. |
Close
YaxháThis city along with Nakúm and El Naranjo speaks of the riches and economic power of the pre-classic period. The City of Yaxhá is on the shore of a lake of the same name. Its name means "green-blue water", a reference to the wonderful turquoise hue of the lake just below. This lake has 3 forts/cities located on its islands. They are called Topoxté, Paxté and Canté. Of all Guatemala's ruins, only Tikal and El Mirador can trump the sheer scale and impact of this site, which is given added atmosphere because of the lack of crowds and the thriving wildlife (particularly howler monkeys, toucans and crocodiles). There are spectacular views over the forest and lake from its summit – particularly at sunset. |
Close
CancuénThis archaeological site is located on the banks of the Passion River, in Sayaxché, Petén. According to the latest researches, this site was a remarkably affluent and influential commercial hub. Strategically located along a main navigable route within the Maya World, the site controlled the exchange of valuable jade, quetzal feathers and obsidian materials between the highlands of Guatemala and the lowlands of Petén and México. The palace of Cancuén is considered to be one of the largest and most impressive ones of the Maya world. The site offers excellent eco-friendly tourist infrastructure like no other in Guatemala. It has a Visitors Center with fascinating archaeological information, elevated wooden trails with interpretive signs, a camping area, clean restrooms and showers, and a small restaurant. |
Tourist Attractions:The tourist attractions of the Petén region are countless. There are many fascinating tours to all their archaeological sites.
Type of tourism: Archaeological, adventure, ecological, fishing, boating, photography.
Izabal is located on the Northern area of the country, by the Caribbean Sea. It’s a distinctive region with beautiful white sand beaches, 10 natural reserves where you will see incredible and exuberant nature and very important archaeological sites.
This is the region where the ethnic group Garífuna lives. Their history comes from the descendents of the Africans that worked in the Caribbean islands. They preserve their wonderful traditions. Here you will find a friendly ambience, full of hospitality and constant celebration.
Climate: The climate is hot and humid, due to the vegetation and the Caribbean Sea (humidity is about 80%). The minimum temperature is between 22 º – 25º C (72 º – 77 º F). The maximum temperature is between 31º - 34 º C (88 º – 93 º F).
Main urban centers: Puerto Barrios.
Distance from Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios: 295 km. / 185 miles
Access: The region’s main cities can be reached by the Inter-Oceanic Highway/CA-9.
Close
QuiriguáIt’s a very important archaeological site, declared by UNESCO a Mankind Heritage Site. The ruins are partially reconstructed. It has some of the finest of all Maya carving. Only nearby Copán can match the magnificent stelas, altars and zoomorphs that are here. |
Close
Rio DulceEmbarking from Puerto Barrios, you enter from the sea and sail to Lake Izabal. On your way you will admire the beauty of this forest that eventually brings you to Rio Dulce Town. Here you will find the Rio Dulce Bridge, the largest in Guatemala. From Lívingston, the river passes through a system of gorges with sheer, 100-metre-high rock faces draped in tropical vegetation. This ride has been described like “a fairy scene, combining exquisite beauty with colossal grandeur…” > |
Close
Castillo de San FelipeA little bit further down from the bridge, is a Spanish fort built in the 16th. Century to protect the region from constant pirate attacks. In the castle turrets you can see and touch the original Spanish cannons. Inside there are a maze of tiny rooms and staircases, plus wonderful panoramic views of the lake. |
Close
LivinsgtonThis town, only accessible by boat, enjoys a superb setting, offering a unique fusion of Guatemalan and Caribbean culture. Along with several other villages in Central America, Lívingston is inhabited by the Garífuna, who are found along the Caribbean coast between southern Belize and northern Nicaragua. Livingston possesses all the hospitality, rhythm and color that Caribbean towns are famous for. It guarantees a unique experience for the visitors. 
Close
Other DestinationsBiotopo Chocón Machacas, Siete Altares, Cerro San Gil, Canal Inglés, Amatique Bay and Punta Manabique, among many others. |
||
 |
Guatemala: Western Highlands | South | North | Central | Verapaces | East
Abroad: South of Mexico | Honduras | El Salvador | Belize
English
Español
Declared World Patrimony by UNESCO, featuring the tallest buildings in the Maya World. Tikal is a magical place of pyramids, temples, observatories and palaces. It speaks of the past splendour and the scientific development of the Mayas.