Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EXPLORING THE PARK
THE RUINS OF TIKAL
MUSEUMS
RECREATION
ACCOMMODATIONS
FOOD
GETTING THERE
The Maya Biosphere Reserve
UAXACTÚN
BIOTOPO EL ZOTZ-SAN MIGUEL LA PALOTADA
YAXHÁ-NAKUM-NARANJO NATURAL MONUMENT
MIRADOR-RÍO AZUL NATIONAL PARK
NAACHTUN-DOS LAGUNAS BIOTOPE
LAGUNA DEL TIGRE NATIONAL PARK
SIERRA DEL LACANDÓN NATIONAL PARK
Guatemala's northernmost department has always conjured images of a remote wilderness
characterized by dense forests and lost Mayan cities inhabited only by loggers and chicle
harvesters. Today, that image is only partly true as much of the Ohio-size Petén has been
cleared by settlers for subsistence agriculture and cattle ranching. In an attempt to save the
remainingforestandthestillunexcavatedMayanruinstheyharbor,roughlyathirdofPetén
has been protected since 1990 in the form of several national parks collectively known as
the Maya Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the largest remaining continuous tracts of trop-
ical forest in Central America. Recreational opportunities inside and outside the reserve
are boundless and the region is slowly becoming a magnet for adventure and ecotourism,
thanks in large part to the filming of Survivor Guatemala here in 2005.
Among the attractions are the enigmatic Mayan ruins of Tikal, one of the largest cities
ever populated by the Mayans and certainly a must-see for any visitor to the area. Not
only are the restored ruins impressive, to say the least, but the abundant wildlife found in
the lush rainforests protected within the adjacent national park make this a prime spot for
birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Along the paved road to Tikal, you'll pass the spectacular
LakePeténItzá,oneofGuatemala'slargest,surroundedbyjunglesandcharacterizedbyits
luminescent turquoise-blue waters. The village ofEl Remate has sprungupalong the high-
way and is quickly becoming a destination unto itself with a number of very comfortable
accommodations and plenty of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Many travelers now
spend an extra day here after exploring the ruins.
 
 
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