Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the country. Much of this unprecedented growth is the product of an ill-conceived 1960s
governmentprogramtocolonizePetén,meantasasafetyvalvetorelievepressuresforland
reform. A battle is being waged to save this valuable natural and cultural heritage, and vis-
itors to Guatemala's northern parks can derive some satisfaction from the knowledge that
their visit lends importance, justification, and the financial means for the continued preser-
vation of what remains.
PeténisoneofGuatemala'smostfascinatingregions,particularlyforloversofarchaeology
and outdoor activities. The parks encompassing the
Maya Biosphere Reserve
could keep
you busy for weeks, in addition to the requisite visit to
Tikal National Park.
Some people
make day trips to Tikal, coming across the border from Belize or flying in from Guatem-
ala City. This will certainly serve only to whet your appetite for more Petén explorations.
Visitors on one of these short stints should at least consider spending the night at Tikal
or nearby
Lake Petén Itzá.
Another increasingly popular destination is the archaeological
site of
Yaxhá,
site of
Survivor Guatemala.
There is a comfortable jungle lodge right on the
shores of Yaxhá Lagoon where you can spend the night, a good idea if you want to take in
all that this site has to offer, given its remote location.
