Petén and the North

Ancient Maya sites and lush tropical jungle

The sparsely populated region of El Petén in northern Guatemala is the country’s steamy jungle zone. Varied wildlife includes howler monkeys, toucans, wild turkeys, coatis and many bird species.

The superb Maya ruins of Tikal are the largest in the region, with over 3,000 structures, shrines, temples, ceremonial platforms, terraces, ball courts and plazas. The site is thought to have been occupied as far back as 300 BC, and is set in lush semi-tropical rainforest over an area of 220 square miles.

Lake Petén Itzá has several pretty towns and villages along its shores and offers many relaxing water-based activities. In addition to the Maya ruins sites of Uaxactún, Yaxhá, Ceibal and Aguateca, opportunities for spotting native wildlife in parks, forest reserves and environmental education centers abound.

Our preferred accommodation

Bolontiku

Lodge/Hosteria - Lake Petén Itzá
One of the most luxurious hotels in the area, Bolontiku is on the north shore of Lake Petén Itzá, around 20 minutes from Flores by boat. There is a large pool, a restaurant and a lovely sun terrace with views over the lake.
Camino Real

Inn/Posada - El Remate
Approximately 30 minutes from Flores at the eastern end of Lake Petén Itzá with lovely views. There is a small indoor, and a large outdoor pool and it is possible to swim in the lake.
Chiminos Island Lodge

Lodge/Hosteria - Petexbatún Lagoon
There are carefully maintained trails, where you will have the opportunity to see toucans, parrots, eagles and vultures, among many other rarely seen species. A good good base for visits to ruins at Aguateca and Dos Pilas.
Jungle Lodge

Inn/Posada - Tikal National Park
This hotel is the nearest to the ruins inside the boundaries of the national park, perfect for watching the sunrise and sunset. There is a good sized pool and a restaurant.
La Lancha

Lodge/Hosteria - Lake Petén Itzá
A Francis Ford Coppola property on the northern shore of Lake Peten Itza, with Guatemalan textiles and lots of character. There is a pool and a restaurant serving traditional Guatemalan fayre.
Nitun Lodge

Lodge/Hosteria - Lake Petén Itzá
On the north shore of Lake Petén Itzá, the property has a handful of individual stone and wood-built cabins with traditional palapa roofs. There is an open kitchen, dining and bar area.
Uaxactun Tented Camp

Country hotel - Uaxactún
In a quiet spot on the edge of the village of Uaxactún and just a 5 minute walk from Uaxactún ruins. The campsite is well cared for with a simple pathway leading to each individual tent. All meals are cooked and hosted by a local family from the village.