Tikal / Lake Peten

The northern state of El Peten encompasses a little over one-third of Guatemala’s territory and harbors most of the country’s humid lowland forests. Tikal National Park, in the heart of Peten, covers 576 square kilometers of prime rainforest, although the actual Maya site stretches over an area of 16 square kilometers. It can take a few days to fully explore the park since excavations and restorations have opened up new areas. A guided tour of the park is advised. Accommodations are available inside the park. Tikal can be reached by a 45-minute flight from Guatemala City to Flores and by land from Belize.