Petén

) Northern Lowlands (Guatemala)

The Northern Lowlands of Guatemala stretch from the foothills of the Cuchumatanes, Chama, and Santa Cruz mountain ranges northwards, including the northern part of the Alta Verapaz department, the extreme north of El Quiché department, and all of Guatemala's extensive Petén department.

Besides providing its visitors with a multi-faceted nature, it compels through its diversity of Maya sites in a distinctive regional style ("El Estilo Petén").

El Petén is a mix of tropical rain forest, particularly in the north, and areas of open savannah, so the days will be hot. In many parts of the department the forest has been cleared for ranching, and there is little shade, so carry plenty of water, and a suitable hat. It is most mild November thru February, when the nights can get a bit cool (but not cold like in the Highlands). The rainy season starts in late May or early June and continues to October, with frequent rain and more numerous mosquitoes.

Getting around Petén is possible by a combination of local buses, microbuses, and tuk-tuks. The road network connects the main towns, and major routes are generally passable year-round. Chicken buses (repainted US school buses) are the most common form of public transport. Within towns, tuk-tuks and walking are common ways to get around. Distances between major centres are manageable, though travel times can vary depending on road conditions, particularly during the rainy season.

• Flores
• San Benito
• Santa Elena
• Sayaxche
• Poptun
• Melchor de Mencos
• San Luis
• Dolores
• La Libertad
• San Francisco
• San Andres
• San Jose
• Santa Ana
• Las Cruces
• El Chal
• El Remate
• Carmelita
• Uaxactun
• Tikal National Park
• Laguna del Tigre National Park
• Sierra del Lacandon National Park
• Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park
• Mirador-Rio Azul National Park

The cuisine of Petén reflects Guatemalan culinary traditions with regional variations. Typical dishes include pepián (a rich meat and vegetable stew), kak'ik (a traditional turkey soup), tamales, and chiles rellenos. Corn-based foods such as tortillas, tamales, and atol are staples. Local markets offer fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and regional specialities. Comedores (small eateries) serve hearty, affordable meals throughout the department.

Cultural life in Petén centres around religious and national holidays, including Semana Santa (Holy Week), Día de Todos los Santos (1 November), and local patron saint festivals (ferias patronales). Traditional Mayan culture remains strong in many communities, with indigenous languages, textiles, and customs preserved alongside Ladino (Spanish-speaking) traditions. The marimba, Guatemala's national instrument, features prominently at celebrations.

Petèn is dotted with hundreds of Maya archaeological sites, most of which are worth visiting. Unfortunately the majority of tourists only see "Tikal", which is certainly a highlight, but neglect the other Maya jewels in the jungle. For curious adventurers untouched archaeological sites in the old-growth forests are waiting to be explored. Hidden ruins being especially worth visiting include Holmul, La Honradez, Chochkitan, Kinal, Xultun, Dos Aguadas and Rio Azul . Even though their magnitude is comparable to Tikal, the yearly visitor number at these sites only reaches an average of 20 persons. The quality of the roads to the more remote sites leaves a lot to be desired. Therefore it is advisable to undertake these kind of trips only during dry season (February until June). Travelers wishi