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Sunset from top of Temple 216 at Yaxha site.

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Overview

Vast, sparsely populated and jungle-covered, Guatemala's largest and northernmost department is a wonderland of exploration. Whether it's the spectacular architectural聽achievements of the Classic Maya, the bounty of the forest or the chance to lounge lakeside that inspires you, it's all here in abundance.聽

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Templo Maya el Ceibal Peten, Guatemala; Shutterstock ID 1029397006; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

    Ceibal

    El Pet茅n

    With its strategic position on the west bank of the R铆o de la Pasi贸n, the independent kingdom of Ceibal amassed considerable power controlling commerce鈥�

  • Ruins of an ancient maya pyramid (La Danta) deep in the Guatamalan jungle. Trees growing on the structure. Shot in El Mirador national park in Northern Guatemala. ; Shutterstock ID 1711358266; your: Bridget Brown; gl: 65050; netsuite: Online Editorial; full: POI Image Update

    El Mirador

    El Pet茅n

    Buried within the furthest reaches of the Pet茅n jungle, just 7km south of the Mexican border, the Late Preclassic metropolis at El Mirador contains one of鈥�

  • Nakum

    Nakum

    El Pet茅n

    This impressive sight is also impressively hard to get to, requiring 4x4-only driving or horses. Nakum was a significant port on the Holmul river, a鈥�

  • Sunset from top of Temple 216 at Yaxha site.

    驰补虫丑谩

    El Pet茅n

    The Classic Maya sites of Yaxha虂, Nakum and El Naranjo form a triangle that is the basis for a national park covering more than 37,000 hectares and鈥�

  • Laguna Petexbat煤n

    Laguna Petexbat煤n

    El Pet茅n

    Laguna Petexbat煤n is a 6km-long lake south of Sayaxch茅, approached by an hour's lancha (small motorboat) ride up the R铆o Petexbat煤n, a tributary of the鈥�

  • Aguateca

    Aguateca

    El Pet茅n

    The ruins of Aguateca stand on a hilltop at the far south end of Laguna Petexbat煤n. Defended by cliffs and split by a ravine, the city enjoyed military鈥�

  • San Miguel & Tayazal

    San Miguel & Tayazal

    El Pet茅n

    Covering the western end of the San Miguel peninsula are the remains of Tayazal, among the last of the Maya capitals. The chiefly Classic-era mounds are鈥�

  • Estaci贸n Biol贸gica Las Guacamayas

    Estaci贸n Biol贸gica Las Guacamayas

    El Pet茅n

    A scientific research center within the Parque Nacional Laguna del Tigre, Scarlet Macaw Biological Station offers wildlife-watching/archaeology tours and鈥�

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