Petén

Guatemala’s Petén Region

A Traveler’s Guide to What Most Miss,
When most travelers think of Petén, they picture the towering temples of Tikal, surrounded by howler monkeys and dense jungle. And while Tikal is indeed a must-see, this vast northern region of Guatemala holds far more than just its famous ruins.

Petén

If you’re planning a trip or dreaming of an immersive, off-the-beaten-path adventure, here are some of the activities, ecolodges, and experiences that most visitors to Petén miss—but shouldn’t.
1. El Mirador: The Cradle of Maya Civilization
Older and arguably more significant than Tikal, El Mirador is an expansive ancient city buried deep in the jungle. Home to La Danta, one of the largest pyramids in the world by volume, this site is accessible only by a five-day guided jungle trek or helicopter. This is not for casual tourists, but for those who go, it is one of Guatemala’s most powerful experiences.
2. Yaxha: Temples and Sunsets Without the Crowds
An hour from Tikal lies Yaxha, a peaceful and far less trafficked archaeological site situated beside a serene lake. You can climb Temple 216 for one of the most beautiful sunset views in Guatemala, often with no other visitors in sight.
Many ecolodge-based guides offer sunset tours to Yaxha, including from places like El Sombrero Ecolodge, which is just a few minutes from the site.
Ecolodge El Sombrero
  • Location: Yaxha Lagoon, Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, Petén, Guatemala
  • Contact: info@ecosombrero.comtravelguatemala.net+11maya-archaeology.org+11ecolodge-el-sombrero.guatemalacity-hotels.com+11
  • Phone: +502 7861-1687 / +502 7861-1688 / +502 7861-1691maya-archaeology.org
  • Website: Ecolodge El Sombrerotravelguatemala.net+7ecolodge-el-sombrero.guatemalacity-hotels.com+7Reserving+7
3. Aguateca and the River Adventure from Sayaxché
The town of Sayaxché is a launch point for boat trips along the Río la Pasión. From here, visitors can access the dramatic ruins of Aguateca—built atop cliffs with natural fortifications—and explore ancient caves and ceremonial sites. These tours take you deep into forested wetlands, where wildlife sightings are common. Accommodations are limited, but nearby you’ll find rustic eco-cabins managed by local families and conservation groups
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Hotel Ecológico Posada Caribe
  • Location: Arroyo de Petexbatun, Sayaxché, El Petén, Guatemala
  • Contact: ecologico.posadacaribe@hotmail.comThe Guide+3maya-archaeology.org+3maya-art-books.org+3
  • Phone: +502 5304-1745Nomad Nature Travel+5maya-art-books.org+5maya-archaeology.org+5
  • Website: Posada CaribeTripadvisor+6Tripadvisor+6maya-art-books.org+6
4. Community-Run Ecolodges in the Bio-Itzá Reserve
Across Lake Petén Itzá from Flores, in the village of San José, is the Bio-Itzá Reserve—home to a community-run ecolodge and forest conservation initiative. Here you can sleep in thatched-roof bungalows, take guided hikes with indigenous Itzá Maya leaders, and learn about local plants, bird species, and efforts to revive the nearly extinct Itzá language. The experience is both culturally rich and ecologically immersive.
Bio-Itzá Reserve
  • Location: Barrio El Progreso, San José, Petén, Guatemala
  • Contact: bioitza@hotmail.commaya-art-books.org+2equatorinitiative.org+2Whitley Award+2
  • Phone: +502 7928-8142sightDOING+19equatorinitiative.org+19SEC+19
  • Website: Asociación Bio-Itzáequatorinitiative.org
5. Las Guacamayas Biological Station: Birding and Biodiversity
Located in the Sierra del Lacandón near Laguna del Tigre National Park, Las Guacamayas is one of Guatemala’s premier ecolodges for birdwatchers and biologists.
This remote conservation lodge sits on the edge of the San Pedro River, accessible by boat. Visitors can explore mangrove lagoons, observe scarlet macaws in the wild, and support research efforts with every overnight stay.
Las Guacamayas Biological Station
  • Location: Laguna del Tigre National Park, Petén, Guatemala
  • Contact: lasguacamayas@gmail.comSustainable Vision
  • Phone: +502 4890-9797 (Jeovani) / +502 5706-5772 (Cornelio)Sustainable Vision
  • Website: Las Guacamayas Sustainable Vision
6. Posada Caribe and the Community of Paso Caballos
Tucked into the forest near the western wetlands of Petén, Posada Caribe is a small, family-run ecolodge owned by a Q’eqchi’ Maya family. Located within the Laguna del Tigre region, it serves as a gateway for those interested in nature-based travel, birdwatching, and visiting the nearby ruins of El Perú-Waka.
This is a chance to unplug and spend your days exploring jungle trails, watching wildlife, and eating traditional meals by candlelight.
Hotel Ecológico Posada Caribe
  • Location: Arroyo de Petexbatun, Sayaxché, El Petén, Guatemala
  • Contact: ecologico.posadacaribe@hotmail.comThe Guide+3maya-archaeology.org+3maya-art-books.org+3
  • Phone: +502 5304-1745Nomad Nature Travel+5maya-art-books.org+5maya-archaeology.org+5
  • Website: Posada CaribeTravala.com+7Tripadvisor+7maya-art-books.org+7
7. Uaxactún: A Living Maya Village Among the Ruins
Just north of Tikal is Uaxactún, an ancient city where modern families still live in harmony with the ruins. You can stay in simple but clean accommodations through the Uaxactún Community Tourism initiative and witness how locals sustainably harvest cacao, copal, and chicle. Guided tours include jungle walks, stargazing from ancient plazas, and cultural exchanges with people preserving traditions that go back thousands of years.

Petén

Uaxactún Community-Based Tourism
  • Location: Uaxactún, Petén, Guatemala
  • Contact: visituaxactun.turismo@gmail.comSEC+12visituaxactun.com+12Funjet+12
  • Phone: +502 7783-3931 / +502 7926-3571CATA+2visituaxactun- com+2maya-archaeology.org+2
  • Website: Visit Uaxactúnvisituaxactun.com
8. Spend Time on Flores, But Sleep Beyond It
Flores Island is the charming hub for many travelers visiting Petén, but lodging there is often crowded and commercial. For a more authentic and nature-rich stay, consider places like Ecolodge El Sombrero near Yaxha, or Ni’tun Private Reserve, a jungle lodge on the southern shore of Lake Petén Itzá. Ni’tun, in particular, is known for its exceptional food, private lakeside trails, and strong commitment to conservation.
Ni’tun Private Reserve
  • Location: Lake Petén Itzá, Petén, Guatemala
  • Contact: info@nitun.comjasmineholidays.co.uk
  • Phone: +502 5306-9713
  • Website: Ni’tun LodgeFodor’s
9. Detour to Laguna Lachuá
Although technically in Alta Verapaz, Laguna Lachuá is a remote ecological park that borders southern Petén and is well worth the detour. This mineral-rich turquoise lake is surrounded by rainforest and accessible only via a 4-kilometer jungle trail. Basic park-run cabins offer accommodations for travelers who want to spend a night or two in this surreal natural wonder.
Tips for the Conscious Traveler:
  • Book ecolodges that are community-owned or conservation-based.
  • Avoid single-use plastics—many remote areas don’t have waste disposal infrastructure.
  • Hire local guides who know the terrain, the history, and the communities.
  • Traveling in the dry season (November to April) makes road and river access easier.
  • Ask about current conditions: roads, weather, and conservation status can affect access.

Petén is more than just Tikal.

It’s an entire world of ruins swallowed by jungle, Maya villages living with the land, and eco-lodges committed to sustainability. If you’re looking for real adventure, cultural depth, and a closer connection to nature, then head north—and don’t stop at the main road.
Let the jungle reveal what most travelers miss.