Petén Region

Northern Lowlands

Guatemala's largest region covers roughly one-third of the country's territory but contains less than 10% of its population. This vast expanse of tropical rainforest, swamps, and seasonal wetlands forms part of the Maya Forest, the second-largest remaining rainforest in the Americas after the Amazon. The hot, humid climate contrasts sharply with the highlands. Petén holds extraordinary archaeological significance as the heartland of Classic Maya civilization, with thousands of ruins hidden beneath jungle canopy. While Tikal draws most visitors, countless other sites remain partially excavated or completely unexplored. The region's biodiversity includes jaguars, pumas, tapirs, and over 300 bird species. Flores, built on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, serves as the gateway to the region's attractions.

Things to see and do in Peten

Explore Tikal's temples and pyramids, one of the largest ancient Mayan cities
Watch sunrise from Temple IV, the tallest structure at Tikal
Visit Yaxhá archaeological site overlooking twin lakes
Take a boat tour on Lake Petén Itzá from the island town of Flores
Trek to remote El Mirador, one of the earliest and largest Mayan cities

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Unique travel experiences in Peten

Jungle Sleep Near Tikal

Stay overnight at one of three lodges inside Tikal National Park boundaries to experience the rainforest after day visitors leave. The jungle comes alive at dusk with howler monkey roars echoing through the canopy, often so loud they shake you awake before dawn. Night brings different sounds—frogs, insects, and occasionally the cough of a jaguar. Staying inside the park grants exclusive access to sunrise tours, when you can climb Temple IV in darkness and watch the sun emerge over the jungle canopy with temple peaks rising through morning mist. Early morning also offers the best wildlife viewing, as animals are most active before heat sets in. The three lodges range from basic to comfortable, all without air conditioning but with fans and screened windows. This experience transforms Tikal from a day-trip archaeological site into a living ecosystem.

Tikal National Park
Nature

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Wildlife Tracking in Protected Reserves

Join guided wildlife expeditions in Petén's protected areas, focusing on observing animals in their natural habitat. Expert guides trained in wildlife tracking lead early morning and evening excursions when animals are most active. Common sightings include howler and spider monkeys, toucans, parrots, crocodiles, and coatis. Rarer encounters might include ocelots, tapirs, or the elusive jaguar. Some expeditions combine boat travel through wetlands with jungle hiking, increasing habitat diversity and wildlife opportunities. Guides explain ecosystem relationships, animal behavior, and conservation challenges facing the Maya Forest. Night walks with flashlights reveal tree frogs, sleeping birds, and potentially nocturnal mammals.