Best of Guatemala’s Petén

Parque Natural Ixpanpajul [1]: The hanging bridges and nature trail here provide a toucan’s-eye view of the Petén forests. There are other fun activities in this private nature reserve just minutes from Flores.

El Remate [2]: Once a sleepy lakeside fishing village, El Remate’s strategic location along the road to Tikal has caused it to grow up and become a destination in its own right. It offers a convenient alternative to staying in Tikal’s limited hotel offerings while providing access to beautiful Lake Petén Itzá and a variety of recreational opportunities such as kayaking, swimming, bird-watching, and horseback riding.

The Ruins of Tikal [3]: No trip to Petén, or Guatemala for that matter, would be complete without a visit to the enigmatic ruins of one of the largest cities ever built and inhabited by the Mayans.

Yaxhá [4]: Featured in Survivor Guatemala, the ruins of Yaxhá enjoy a spectacular location beside the site’s namesake lagoon and provide commanding views of the surrounding forests.

El Mirador [5]: Deep in the northern recesses of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, the ruins of El Mirador offer the opportunity for a world-class adventure encompassing an arduous two-day journey through swampy forests. Marvel at the highest known Mayan structure with a base the size of three football fields.

Las Guacamayas Biological Research Station [6]: Observe nesting scarlet macaws from observation platforms or forest trails with the knowledge that the money you spend is going directly toward giving them a fighting chance at survival.