Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EXPLORE MORE OF EL PETÉN
The Petén region is literally brimming with archaeological sites in various stages of excavation. Some are harder
than others to get to; tour operators in Flores and El Remate can help you reach them. Here are a few of the more
intriguing ones that you might want to check out:
San Bartolo
Discovered in 2003, this site features one of the best-preserved Maya murals with a depiction of the
creation myth from the Popul Vuh. It's approximately 40km northeast of Uaxactún, near the Río Azul.
Piedras Negras
On the banks of the Río Usumacinta amidst black cliffs, these remote ruins boast impressive
carvings and a sizable acropolis complex. It was here that part-time archaeologist Tatiana Proskouriakoff de-
ciphered the Maya hieroglyphic system.
La Blanca
Located along the Río Mopan near the Belize border, this palatial complex may have been a trading
center that flourished in the Late Classic period. The acropolis is notable for its remarkably preserved stone walls
and an abundance of graffiti. Currently under excavation by a Spanish team. The Mayan Adventure (
Click here
),
based in Flores, leads tours here.
El Zotz
This sprawling site occupies its own
biotopo
abutting Tikal National Park. Of the three barely excavated
temples, one, the Pirámide del Diablo, can be scaled for views all the way to Tikal. Stick around till dusk to see
how the place gets its name - 'The Bat' in Maya.
Río Azul
Located up near the corner where the Belize, Guatemala and Mexico borders meet, this medium-sized
site fell under the domain of Tikal in the early Classic period and became a key trading post for cacao from the
Caribbean. Most notable are the tombs with vibrant painted glyphs inside. Hotel El Chiclero (
Click here
) in Uax-
actún leads a recommended excursion.
Sleeping & Eating
Posada Caribe $$
( 5304-1745;
www.posadacaribe.com
; s/d Q385/ 475)
Located at a lazy stretch of the river about
halfway between Sayaxché and Laguna Petexbatún is this appealingly remote encamp-
ment managed by the ebullient don Julián Mariona and family. Seven humble, thatched
bungalows with wood plank floors and lacy curtains are set back from the river- bank.
Meals are served for around Q100 each.
From here you can walk to the Dos Pilas ruins (
Click here
)
in about 3½ hours, includ-
ing stops at the lesser ruins of Tamarindito and Arroyo de Piedra en route. Horses for the
trip can be hired at Q120 each.
BUNGALOW
Chiminos Island Lodge $$$
( 2335-3506;
www.chiminosisland.com
; r adult/child under 13 incl 3 meals Q1060/590)
Jutting out from the
western shore of Laguna Petexbatún, this magical lodge shares its promontory with a
largely unexcavated Maya citadel. Five spare but elegantly furnished bungalows, with
LODGE
