Tikal and Peten

El Petén, which covers nearly one-third of the northern part of the country, is one of Guatemala’s most sparsely populated areas. A large area of El Petén belongs to the Maya Biosphere Reserve, a 21,130-square-kilometer (8,158-square-mile) wildlife haven that stretches from Belize through Guatemala to Mexico. Here, parrots and monkeys far outnumber people, and lush lowland jungle is home to countless Mayan ruins.

The Tikal archaeological site is by far the most impressive and famous Mayan site, which has a stunning collection of impressive temples in the heart of a vast national park, where howler monkeys are a common sight in the trees above you. Many of the ruins are still hidden under mounds of earth, awaiting excavation. Tikal comprises thousands of well-preserved structures surrounded by wild jungle. Visiting the sight early in the morning, you can hear the jungle awakening and see the temples emerge from the early morning mist. It is possible to climb up certain sections of the ruins and see the temples emerge through the tree canopy.

There is more to the region than just Tikal. Archaeology enthusiasts will also enjoy Yaxhá, which is located on the banks of a beautiful, crocodile-filled lagoon; the impressively restored Ceibal and Aguateca ruins; and Uaxactún, an ancient Mayan city. The more adventurous could consider a multiday jungle trek (or short helicopter ride) to El Mirador. Two of El Petén’s main towns include Flores, which is located on an island on Lake Petén, and El Remate, a tiny community on the banks of the same lake which enjoys fabulous views of the sunsets over the water. Both provide easy access to Tikal, and with its close proximity to the Belize border, this makes for a great destination to combine in a multi-country itinerary.