Heart of The Mayan World
Traveling solo can be unnerving, especially when going to a new destination, but all of my experiences were made even more amazing by the wonderful guides and locals.
Places you'll stay
Guatemala City
Guatemala City is often a traveler’s first glimpse of Guatemala. As your plane descends over the capital, you witness the largest city in Central America unfold—a sprawling, colorful metropolis that spreads into a valley ringed by forested mountains and volcanoes. It’s a big and powerful place that is home to around four million people.
Flores and Santa Elena
The twin towns of Flores and Santa Elena, which are often collectively referred to simply as “Flores,” are set within the heart of Petén. Flores is actually a small island in Lake Petén Itzá that’s connected to Santa Elena, on the mainland, by a causeway. With its pastel houses and genteel atmosphere, Flores is very pleasant.
Sayaxché
The town of Sayaxché is a jumping off point for visiting several Mayan ruins in Petén. It’s 38 miles (62 km) south of Flores.
Tikal
Tikal, with its towering Mayan ruins and vast primary forests, is one of Guatemala’s most awe-inspiring sites. The ruins are undoubtedly the country’s best—huge temples and limestone pyramids dominate the landscape. The structures are a part of the Tikal National Park, a huge protected area that helps conserve some of Guatemala’s most pristine outdoor areas. Visiting Tikal is an absolute must while in Guatemala.
Moments to look forward to
Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo
The Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo Natural Monument includes the Mayan sites of Yaxhá, Nakum, Topoxté, and El Naranjo. The largest site is Yaxhá, which sits between two lovely lakes. Yaxhá gained widespread fame in 2005 when Survivor Guatemala was filmed here.
Topoxte Archaeological Site
Topoxté is a Mayan site in Petén. Set on an island near the shores of the Yaxhá Lagoon, Topoxté has structures that date back to the Late Postclassic period.
Maya Biosphere Reserve
The Maya Biosphere Reserve is the largest protected tropical forest in North America. Spreading across 4.3 million acres (1.7 million hectares) in Guatemala’s Petén department, this reserve protects huge expanses of forests and the Mayan ruins that lie within them.
Dos Pilas Archaeological Site
Dos Pilas is a pre-Colombian Mayan site in the department of Petén. The site was once a capital of the region and at the height of its power the kingdom covered around 1,500 square miles (3,885 square km).
Uaxactún Archaeological Site
The remote Mayan site of Uaxactún is located 14 miles (23 km) north of Tikal. Although substantially smaller than Tikal, the ruins at Uaxactún nonetheless offer an interesting look at ancient Mayan culture. A notable feature here is an astronomical observatory.
Ixpanpajul Natural Park
Spread across 3.5 square miles (9 sq km) in an area just outside Flores and Santa Elena, the Ixpanpajul Natural Park offers travelers aerial views of the forest canopy. The park is conveniently located along the road to Guatemala City.
Ceibal Natural Monument
The Mayan site of Ceibal is located near Sayaxché in Guatemala’s Petén department. The site’s structures are partially restored and surrounded by a protected forest.
Aguateca Archaeological Site
The Mayan site of Aguateca is situated along the shores of the Petexbatún Lagoon in the department of Petén. The site dates back to the Late Preclassic period and was hastily abandoned around AD 810.
Lake Petén Itzá
Just an hour away from the legendary Mayan ruins of Tikal, Lake Petén Itzá sports its own host of Mayan attractions. Visitors come to the lake to see the 27 Mayan sites that dot the shore and also visit the lake’s small islands. The lake itself offers many opportunities for swimming and tranquil boating expeditions.
Ak'tun Kan Caves
If you’re near Flores and want to try spelunking, head to the Ak’tun Kan Caves. These limestone caves have impressive formations and are an interesting, if slightly spooky, place to explore. The Ak’tun Kan Caves are set just outside Flores and Santa Elena, both of which border Lake Petén Itzá, and they can be explored in about 30 to 45 minutes.
Tikal National Park
Set within the northern reaches of Guatemala’s Petén department is the incredible Mayan site of Tikal. With its massive Mayan temples, steep limestone pyramids and thick green jungles, Tikal is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Guatemala. The ruins and surrounding forest are located within the Tikal National Park.
Yaxhá & Topoxté One Day
Dos Pilas Tour
Uaxactún One Day
Ixpanpajul Natural Park
Ceibal Tour
Lake Petén Itzá Zoo and Actún Kan Caves Tour
Tikal One Day
Guatemala City Tour Half-Day
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur, adipisicing elit. Culpa minus laborum possimus natus veritatis deserunt blanditiis eaque, labore cum. Hic?
Hotel Recommendation #2
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur, adipisicing elit. Culpa minus laborum possimus natus veritatis deserunt blanditiis eaque, labore cum. Hic?
Hotel Recommendation #3
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur, adipisicing elit. Culpa minus laborum possimus natus veritatis deserunt blanditiis eaque, labore cum. Hic?
Seamless Connections
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it’s about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team behind you every step of the way.
