Peten Itza

At first glance, Lake Peten Itza is an oasis. It rests in Southern Guatemala, in the subtropics, calmly juxtaposing the rainforest’s color and symphony. Yet, a closer look reveals unexpected wonders—both on the tranquil lake’s borders, and beneath its surface.

Lago Petén Itza: Lake of Wonders In Flores, Guatemala

Over 27 distinct, ancient Maya sites surround Lake Peten Itza. And, along the lake’s northeast shore, wilder wonders are protected. The Cerro Cahui Protected Biotope spans 1,600 acres, preserving an ecosystem of rare butterflies, macaws, and New World Monkeys.

Petén Itzá’s mysteries, wild and ancient alike, invite diving in like no other place on Earth. Here’s everything you need to know to make the trip.

Where Is Petén Itza?

Peten Itza is a large lake in southern Guatemala, in the Department of Petén.

To reach Lago Peten Itza, most visitors head for one of the Peten towns on its borders:

  • San Miguel and San Jose on the North Shore
  • San Benito on the southwest shore
  • San Andres on the northwest shore

Lake Petén also surrounds the island and peninsula township of Flores, which incorporates the village of Santa Elena. Its north shore is roughly 19 miles south of Tikal.

Getting To Lago Petén Itza By Air Or Road

To visit Lake Peten Itza, travelers can fly into the Mundo Maya International Airport, (formerly the Flores International Airport), in Santa Elena, Peten, Guatemala.

You can also take a taxi or bus to Flores from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, or from Guatemala City’s central bus station, Terminal Trebol.

Best Attractions In Lago Petén Itza, Guatemala

Enjoy Flores Colorful Cafes & Museums

Flores is a vibrant town on an island in the middle of the lake. Called Noj Petén in the ancient Itza kingdom, the modern-day Flores is a comfortably bustling place full of bakeries, boutiques, cafes, and even archeological museums.

Get A Bird’s Eye View From Ixpanpajul Nature Park’s Treetops

Experience the rainforest from its canopy in the Ixpanpajul Nature Park. Skyway bridges and ziplines offer visitors a rare “bird’s eye” view of the wildlife. Horseback, mountain bike, and ATV tours are also available.

Swim, Fish, Rise Horses, and Fly Off Jorge’s Rope Swing

Lago Peten Itza offers plenty of lakeside fun. Swimming, fishing from La Lancha pier in Santa Elena, and lakeside horseback riding are popular activities. For thrill-seekers, Jorge’s Rope Swing offers a little extra adrenaline.

Tour Tikal

Tikal was once the largest city in the southern Maya lowlands. Today, the archaeological site holds thousands of ancient structures, including pyramids, raised limestone highways called sacbeob, stelae carved with complex hieroglyphics and artwork, and ruins of palaces, temples, and tombs.

Many tours of Tikal leave from Flores or Santa Elena. Both are only an hour’s drive away from the site.

Walk The Cerro Cahui Protected Biotope Loop

The Cerro Cahui Biotope Loop is an easy, family-friendly trail. It’s either two or four miles, depending on the route, and it covers a limestone hill on the north side of Lake Peten Itza.

Is Visiting Lago Petén Itzá Safe & Affordable?

It is currently fairly safe for most people to travel to Guatemala. For a more in-depth look at the region’s risks and safe travel options, read, Is It Safe To Travel To Guatemala Right Now? This safety outlook guide is vetted and updated by Caravan’s travel experts.

Guatemala is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations. The country has a fairly low cost of living, and its culture of simplicity often trades costly conveniences for inexpensive leisure.

Thanks to its popularity, there are plenty of lodging and meal options for travelers available at wide-ranging price points.

Lago Peten Itza & Flores Guatemala Travel Tips

If you’re considering a trip to Lago Petén Itzá—or anywhere else in Guatemala—it’s wise to take precautions against heat stroke. Research your accommodation and transport options thoroughly. For detailed safety tips, read 10 Tips for Touring Guatemala Safely: a guide developed by Caravan’s travel experts.

Discover Lago Petén Itzá Guatemala With Caravan

On a Caravan Tour, our experts eliminate travel stress by curating guided, all-inclusive packages from start to end. Optimal transportation, overnight accommodations, meals, and activities are all pre-booked at one affordable rate.

If you want to experience the beauty of Lago Petén Itzá without the stress, join our Guatemala, Atitlán, and Antigua tours. Call our agents toll-free at 1-800-227-2826 to book your spot. Or, learn more by calling our information team at +1-312-321-9800.

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