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Peten, Guatemala

Peten – Guatemala
Visit the majestic Peten region and discover the ancient centre of the iconic Mayan civilisation. Peten is home to numerous Mayan ruins, the most famous of which is the incredible Tikal. The first ever UNESCO World Heritage site, Tikal continues to draw visitors from around the world marvel at the ancient temples, statues and pillars. The site itself is submerged deep in jungle rainforest that is so beautiful it is now a National Park. Peten is also home to El Mirador, Yaxha and Piedras Negras, which are similarly stunning but less visited ruins. The Maya Biosphere Reserve covers a huge part of the region and is the largest remaining area of tropical rainforest in Central America. It is home to a plethora of jungle wildlife, such as Jaguars, Pumas, Crocodiles and various Monkey species. The largest town in Peten is Flores, a gorgeous island town with striking colonial red roofs, tiny cobblestone streets and numerous pretty churches.

Where is it?
Peten is the northernmost, and also the largest, region of Guatemala and shares a border with Mexico and Belize.

What is it?
It is a region full of history, with the most and also some of the best preserved ancient Mayan ruins in Guatemala. Peten was once the heart of the Civilisation which thrived over a thousand years ago.

Best time to visit?
Guatemala is almost always hot and humid as it is located in the tropical Central American belt. November to March give the most enjoyable conditions, with average temperatures around 26 degrees, unlike the scorching summer highs of 32 in addition to increased humidity levels.

Must See?
The Topoxte Archaeological site is one of the more remote Maya ruins, and as such is much less visited. Accessed first by a boat ride on a crocodile inhabited river and then an enjoyable trek through beautiful rainforest, the sanctity of seeing Mayan ruins in private certainly makes Topoxte a truly worthwhile and majestic trip.

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