Why should you trust me and take my advice?

I moved to Guatemala to be with my husband, and I’ve been lucky to call this country my new home. We spend most of our free time traveling all over Guatemala, and we have traveled multiple times to the most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala. We’ve been to the department of Alta Verapaz three times, and my advice and travel tips are based on extensive experience.

If you have a long list of questions or if you need help creating a customized Guatemala itinerary, please click here to book a travel consultation with me. For an introduction to traveling to Guatemala, click here for my Ultimate Guatemala Travel Guide.

What is the Department of Petén and Why Should You Visit?

The Department of Petén is Guatemala’s northernmost department and by far its largest. It borders Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the east, and the departments of Izabal and Alta Verapaz to the south.

When many people think of Guatemala, they picture Antigua’s colonial streets, Lake Atitlán’s volcanoes, or the colorful markets of the highlands. But Petén offers an entirely different side of the country.

This is the land of dense tropical rainforest, ancient Maya cities, freshwater lakes, winding rivers, and some of Guatemala’s most remote archaeological sites. Petén is also home to an extraordinary amount of Guatemala’s Maya heritage, including Tikal, Yaxhá, Uaxactún and the enormous archaeological site of El Mirador.

And Petén isn’t just about ancient ruins.

You can spend the morning exploring a Maya city hidden in the jungle, swim in extraordinarily clear turquoise water in the afternoon, and watch the sunset over Lake Petén Itzá in the evening. The region combines archaeology and adventure in a way that is difficult to find anywhere else in Guatemala.

For travelers, Flores is usually the starting point for exploring Petén. The colorful island sits in Lake Petén Itzá and has restaurants, hotels, shops, and tour operators, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region. However, Flores is only a small part of an enormous department. Once you leave the island, you can find ancient cities deep in the rainforest, wildlife-filled protected areas, traditional communities and natural attractions that require boats, hiking or several hours of travel to reach.

Places to Visit in Petén

There is enough to see in Petén to fill several trips, but six destinations stand out as particularly memorable: Flores Island, Tikal, Yaxhá, El Mirador, Uaxactún, Nuevo Horizonte, and Cráter Azul.

Each offers a completely different experience.

Flores Island is the colorful, lively base for exploring the region. Located in Lake Petén Itzá, the island is small enough to explore on foot, with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, restaurants, cafés and lake views. It is also where many travelers stay before heading out to the archaeological sites and natural attractions around Petén.

Tikal is the most famous archaeological site in Petén and one of the most important Maya sites in the world. More than 3,000 structures have been identified within the archaeological area, including enormous temples, palaces, plazas and ceremonial complexes surrounded by rainforest. Tikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Yaxhá offers another opportunity to explore an ancient Maya city, but with a different atmosphere from Tikal. The archaeological complex is surrounded by rainforest and lakes, and its elevated structures provide spectacular views across the surrounding landscape. It can also be a good choice for travelers who want to experience Maya ruins with fewer visitors.

El Mirador is for the more adventurous traveler. Hidden deep within the Maya Biosphere Reserve, this enormous archaeological site contains some of the earliest and largest monumental Maya structures, including the massive La Danta complex. Getting there is considerably more challenging than visiting Tikal or Yaxhá, which is part of what makes the experience so extraordinary.

Uaxactún offers another fascinating glimpse into the ancient Maya world. The site is particularly known for its Group E astronomical complex, where the ancient Maya observed the movement of the sun and used astronomical observations to help mark important dates. Uaxactún was also an important Maya city in the lowlands.

Nuevo Horizonte is a community in Santa Ana, Petén, that offers a very different experience from the region’s famous archaeological sites. The community was established in 1998, following the signing of Guatemala’s Peace Accords, by former members of the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR) who had been involved in Guatemala’s 36-year internal armed conflict. The founders came together to build a new life based on community organization, cooperation and self-sufficiency.

Today, Nuevo Horizonte operates as a cooperative and has developed a unique form of community-based tourism. Visiting the community gives travelers an opportunity to learn about Guatemala’s recent history directly from the people who experienced it, while also seeing how the community has developed over the decades.

During my visit, I took a day trip tour of Nuevo Horizonte, and it was one of the more unusual experiences I had in Petén. Rather than simply visiting a tourist attraction, the tour gave me a glimpse into the history, daily life and projects of the community.

The community’s tourism program includes visits to its museum, natural areas and various community projects. The Museo de Nuevo Horizonte, which opened in 2022, preserves photographs, objects and testimonies documenting the history of the community and its founders. Its exhibits also explore the natural and social history of Petén and Guatemala’s broader political history.

Nuevo Horizonte has also developed projects involving reforestation, agriculture, pisciculture, livestock, a plant nursery, education and other community initiatives. Visitors can learn about these projects through guided experiences organized by the community’s tourism office.

One of the things that makes Nuevo Horizonte especially interesting is the community’s relationship with the surrounding environment. Its tourism experiences can include walks through the Bosque de la Vida (Forest of Life), visits to the Oquevix Lagoon and opportunities to learn about the community’s conservation and reforestation efforts.

If you’re interested in understanding Guatemala beyond its ancient Maya civilization, I highly recommend adding Nuevo Horizonte to your Petén itinerary. It provides a perspective on a much more recent chapter of Guatemala’s history while showing how a community emerged from the country’s conflict and worked collectively to build a new future.

And then there is Cráter Azul, which couldn’t be more different from the archaeological sites. Located in the municipality of Sayaxché, this natural spring is famous for its remarkably clear, turquoise-colored water. The site is reached by boat and is surrounded by lush vegetation, making the journey part of the experience. Because the water and ecosystem are so delicate, visitors are encouraged to follow local restrictions designed to protect the area.

Together, these destinations show why Petén is so much more than a trip to Tikal.

You can explore one of the greatest cities of the ancient Maya, walk through rainforest where monkeys and tropical birds live, watch the sunset over a lake, visit an ancient astronomical complex, trek deep into the jungle to reach a forgotten Maya city, and swim in crystal-clear turquoise water — all within the same department.

If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, I highly recommend giving Petén more than just a quick stop for Tikal. The deeper you explore, the more you realize how much this region has to offer.

How to Get to the Department of Petén

For most travelers, Flores is the gateway to the Department of Petén. Flores has an international airport, and you can also reach the region by bus, shared tourist shuttle, or private vehicle from other parts of Guatemala.

✈️ Flying to Flores

Flying is by far the easiest and fastest way to get to Petén if you’re coming from Guatemala City. Flores International Airport (FRS) is located just a short distance from Flores, making the airport extremely convenient for travelers who want to maximize their time exploring Petén.

The flight from Guatemala City takes approximately one hour, compared with roughly nine or more hours by road, depending on the transportation you choose. Current transportation listings show multiple flight options as well as buses and shuttles between Guatemala City and Flores.

If you are traveling to Petén for only a few days, I personally think flying makes the most sense. You can spend your travel day exploring Flores instead of sitting on a bus for most of the day.

I recommend using GuateGo to compare transportation options and book flights, buses and shuttles. GuateGo allows you to search transportation between destinations and compare different schedules and providers.

🚌 Traveling by Bus

If you’re traveling on a budget, taking a bus from Guatemala City to Flores is considerably less expensive than flying. The journey takes approximately 9–10 hours, so you’ll need to be prepared to spend most of a day traveling. Current 2026 transportation listings show both luxury and more economical bus options on the Guatemala City–Flores route.

There are several bus companies and service levels available, so I recommend comparing your options before booking rather than simply choosing the cheapest ticket.

You can use GuateGo to compare available buses and other transportation options. GuateGo currently lists coach/luxury buses as well as shared and private transportation.

🚐 Tourist Shuttles

Shared tourist shuttles are another option for getting to Petén. These are particularly useful if you prefer not to navigate Guatemala’s bus system but don’t want to pay for a private driver.

Depending on your starting point, you can find shared transportation connecting Flores with other popular destinations in Guatemala. GuateGo is useful for comparing these options because the platform lists both shared and private shuttles and provides schedules and booking information.

Keep in mind that shared shuttles generally make multiple pickups and drop-offs, so they can take longer than a private vehicle. GuateGo also warns travelers that shared shuttles can experience delays because they are picking up additional passengers.

🚙 Hiring a Private Driver

If you’re traveling with several people, have a lot of luggage, or want the flexibility to make stops along the way, hiring a private driver can be a great option.

A private driver can also make sense if you want to combine transportation with sightseeing rather than simply getting from Point A to Point B.

For private transportation in Guatemala, Guate Driver is one company I recommend. They offer private transportation, airport transfers, and customized trips throughout Guatemala, including transportation to destinations such as Flores and Tikal.

Another option is to ask your hotel in Flores if they can arrange a private driver. This can be particularly convenient if you want transportation for an entire day or need a driver for multiple destinations.

Which transportation should you choose?

✈️ Flight: Best if you have limited time
🚌 Bus: Best for budget travelers
🚐 Shared shuttle: Best balance of convenience and price
🚙 Private driver: Best for families, groups, and multi-stop itineraries
🚕 Uber: Don’t count on it in Flores

Transportation in the Department of Petén

Once you arrive in Flores, getting around Petén is a little different from traveling around Guatemala City or Antigua.

Flores itself is small and very walkable, but many of the places you’ll want to visit are spread throughout the enormous Department of Petén. Tikal, Yaxhá, Uaxactún, El Mirador and Cráter Azul all require transportation outside of Flores.

For most visitors, I recommend arranging your transportation before you leave Flores, especially if you’re planning to visit several destinations.

🚐 Hotel and Hostel Shuttles

One of the easiest and most affordable options for travelers staying in Flores is to book a shared shuttle through your hotel or hostel.

Many accommodations and local tour operators can arrange transportation to popular destinations such as Tikal. These are often shared vans carrying other travelers and may be combined with a guided tour.

This is particularly convenient if you’re staying in a hostel because the property may organize transportation for its guests and make it easy to meet other travelers going to the same destination.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to visit Tikal, ask your hotel or hostel what transportation they offer before booking an expensive private tour.

For other destinations, you can also check GuateGo, which offers shared and private transportation options.

🚙 Private Drivers

If you want more flexibility, hiring a private driver is my preferred option for visiting several places around Petén.

A private driver allows you to create your own schedule instead of working around a shared shuttle’s departure and return times. This can be particularly useful if you want to visit multiple attractions in one day or travel with a group.

You can arrange a driver through your hotel, or you can contact Guate Driver directly. The company offers customized private transportation and tours, allowing travelers to choose their destinations and schedule.

I particularly like this option for travelers who want to visit destinations that aren’t as straightforward to reach using standard tourist transportation.

🚕 What About Uber in Flores?

I would not plan on using Uber in Flores.

Uber’s current list of cities in Guatemala where its service is available does not currently include Flores.

Because transportation options can change, I recommend checking the Uber app yourself before your trip rather than assuming the service will be available.

For transportation around Flores and the surrounding Petén region, I would instead rely on your hotel or hostel, a local tour operator, a prearranged private driver, or a shared shuttle.

My recommendation

If you’re staying in Flores and visiting only Tikal, a hostel/hotel shuttle or organized tour is probably the easiest option.

If you’re planning to visit Tikal + Yaxhá + Uaxactún + other destinations, I would seriously consider hiring a private driver. You’ll have considerably more flexibility, and you won’t have to coordinate several different shared transportation services.

And if you’re trying to keep your trip affordable, shared tourist shuttles are your best middle ground between public transportation and a private driver.

What is the Weather Like in Petén?

If you’re used to the mild temperatures of Guatemala City, Antigua or the highlands, be prepared for a very different climate in Petén. Located in the northern lowlands of Guatemala, Petén has a hot, humid, tropical climate, and temperatures can feel considerably warmer than in other popular destinations in the country.

The weather is generally divided into a dry season and a rainy season, although conditions can vary throughout the enormous department.

☀️ Dry Season: November to April

The dry season generally runs from November through April and is often considered the most comfortable time to explore Petén.

Rainfall is generally lower during these months, making it easier to visit archaeological sites such as Tikal, Yaxhá and Uaxactún, particularly if you plan on spending several hours outdoors.

Temperatures can still be quite warm. In Flores, daytime temperatures commonly reach the upper 20s to low 30s Celsius (roughly the mid-80s to upper-80s Fahrenheit), while nights can be more comfortable.

It’s worth remembering that “dry season” doesn’t mean there will be no rain. Petén is a tropical region, and occasional rain can occur throughout the year.

🌧️ Rainy Season: May to October

The rainy season generally occurs from May through October. During these months, Petén becomes especially lush and green, and the rainforest can be spectacular.

Rain doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll spend your entire vacation in a downpour. Tropical rainfall can be highly variable, with periods of sunshine followed by heavy afternoon or evening showers.

However, the rain can make some activities more challenging. If you’re planning to hike, visit remote archaeological sites or travel on unpaved roads, heavy rainfall can affect trail and road conditions.

The official Guatemalan meteorological institute, INSIVUMEH, records substantial rainfall across Petén during the rainy season, although the amount varies considerably from one part of the department to another.

🌡️ How Hot Does Petén Get?

Petén is hot.

This is something I recommend keeping in mind when planning your itinerary, especially if you’re visiting archaeological sites where you’ll be walking through exposed areas and tropical forest for several hours.

INSIVUMEH forecasts for Flores commonly show daytime temperatures around 28–30°C (82–86°F), although hotter conditions occur, particularly during the warmer months.

Humidity can also make the temperature feel considerably warmer than the thermometer indicates.

If you’re visiting Tikal, Yaxhá or Uaxactún, I recommend starting your day early whenever possible. Not only will you avoid some of the strongest afternoon heat, but the early morning hours can also be an excellent time for seeing wildlife.

🌦️ What About the Canícula?

One interesting feature of Guatemala’s rainy season is the canícula, a temporary decrease in rainfall that usually occurs during the middle of the rainy season.

In Petén, the canícula can be particularly noticeable. INSIVUMEH notes that the period of reduced rainfall can be more prolonged in Petén and the Caribbean region than in some other parts of Guatemala.

This means that visiting during the rainy season doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience constant rain. There can be stretches of considerably drier weather in the middle of the season.

🧳 What Should You Pack for Petén?

Regardless of when you visit, I recommend packing for heat, humidity and outdoor activities.

Bring:

Lightweight, breathable clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
A hat or other sun protection
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
A reusable water bottle
A small rain jacket or poncho
Quick-drying clothing
A waterproof bag or dry bag for electronics

If you’re visiting Tikal, Yaxhá, Uaxactún or another archaeological site, don’t underestimate how much walking you’ll be doing. Comfortable shoes and plenty of water are much more important than packing a lot of extra clothing.

🌿 So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Petén?

If your priority is the driest weather and easier conditions for sightseeing, I would generally choose December through April.

If you don’t mind some rain and want to experience Petén when the rainforest is especially lush and green, the rainy season can also be a beautiful time to visit.

Personally, I wouldn’t completely rule out Petén during the rainy season. The weather can change quickly, and a tropical rainstorm followed by sunshine can make the landscape even more spectacular.

My biggest piece of advice is to plan your activities around the heat. Start archaeological-site visits early in the morning, stay hydrated, take breaks, and don’t try to cram too many outdoor activities into the hottest part of the day.

And remember: Petén is not the Guatemala of cool mountain mornings and chilly evenings. It’s tropical Guatemala — hot, humid, green and wild. That climate is a huge part of what makes the region so different from the rest of the country.

Lastly, help me write a section about safety in Petén, Guatemala.

Absolutely. For a travel guide, I would avoid portraying Petén as either completely safe or inherently dangerous. A better approach is to explain that most visitors travel through the main tourist areas without problems, but Petén is enormous and conditions vary considerably depending on where you go and how you travel.

Here is a polished section you can use:

Is Petén Safe to Visit?

Yes, Petén can be a safe and rewarding place to visit, but travelers should use the same precautions they would anywhere in Guatemala. The tourist areas around Flores, Tikal and other established destinations receive visitors regularly, and Guatemala’s tourism authorities maintain tourist-assistance services in Petén. INGUAT has tourist information offices at Mundo Maya International Airport and in Flores, and its tourist-assistance system operates 24 hours a day.

That said, Petén is enormous, and safety can vary significantly depending on where you are traveling. Flores and the surrounding tourist areas are very different from remote communities and archaeological sites deep in the Maya Biosphere Reserve.

🏝️ Is Flores Safe?

Flores is the main tourist hub in Petén, and Isla de Flores is a relatively easy place for visitors to explore. The island is compact and walkable, with hotels, restaurants, shops and tour operators concentrated in a small area.

In fact, Isla de Flores was officially designated a “Pueblo Pintoresco” (Picturesque Town) by Guatemala’s tourism institute, a program that includes criteria related to tourism management and tourist safety.

As with any tourist destination, I recommend being aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep your phone and other valuables secure, avoid displaying large amounts of cash, and don’t wander into unfamiliar areas simply because they look interesting on a map.

If you’re staying in Flores, ask your hotel or hostel about areas to avoid and the safest way to get transportation after dark. Local accommodations are usually a good source of current information because conditions can change.

🌿 What About Tikal and the Other Tourist Sites?

The major archaeological sites and established tourist destinations are accustomed to receiving international visitors. INGUAT maintains a network of registered tourism operators and agencies in Petén, including numerous operators based in Flores.

For destinations such as Tikal, Yaxhá and Uaxactún, I recommend using an established tour operator, organized shuttle or reputable private driver rather than attempting to arrange transportation with someone you don’t know.

This becomes even more important when visiting remote destinations such as El Mirador or Cráter Azul. These aren’t places where I would recommend simply showing up and trying to figure everything out once you arrive. Arrange your transportation and tour in advance and follow the instructions of your guide.

🚙 Be Smart About Transportation

One of my biggest safety recommendations for Petén is to plan your transportation ahead of time.

If you’re traveling between Flores and the archaeological sites, you can arrange transportation through your hotel or hostel, use an established tour operator, book a shared tourist shuttle, or hire a private driver.

For private transportation, I recommend using a reputable company rather than accepting an unsolicited offer from someone approaching you on the street.

Guatemala’s tourism institute maintains a registry of tourism agencies and operators in Petén, which can be useful when researching legitimate providers.

🌎 Be More Cautious in Remote Areas

The biggest mistake I think travelers can make in Petén is assuming that because Flores and Tikal are popular tourist destinations, the entire department has the same level of accessibility and security.

Petén is enormous and includes large areas of forest and relatively remote communities. Some destinations require long journeys by vehicle, boat or on foot.

If you’re visiting a remote area:

Use an experienced local guide.
Arrange transportation in advance.
Don’t hike into unfamiliar areas alone.
Tell your hotel or someone you trust where you’re going.
Carry enough water and basic supplies.
Keep your phone charged and bring a portable battery.
Don’t rely on having cell service everywhere.
Check current road and weather conditions before leaving.

For particularly remote destinations, being prepared is just as important as thinking about crime. Getting lost, running out of water, having transportation problems or encountering difficult road conditions can turn into a much bigger problem when you’re far from a town.

🦟 Don’t Forget About the Jungle

Petén’s tropical environment also creates some risks that visitors don’t always consider.

You’ll want to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects, particularly when visiting archaeological sites and spending time in the rainforest. Wear insect repellent and lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs when appropriate.

The heat is another consideration. Petén can be extremely hot and humid, especially when you’re walking around archaeological sites. Carry plenty of water, use sunscreen and start your activities early whenever possible.

My Advice for Visiting Petén

I’ve found that the best approach to traveling through Petén is to be adventurous without being careless.

You don’t need to be afraid to visit the region. But you also shouldn’t treat remote parts of Petén like a typical tourist district where you can improvise everything once you arrive.

For your first visit, I recommend staying in Flores or another established tourist area, arranging transportation through reputable providers, and visiting the major attractions with experienced guides or organized tours.

If you want to explore more remote parts of Petén — particularly El Mirador, Uaxactún or some of the more isolated natural attractions — do a little more planning beforehand.

Petén is one of the most incredible regions of Guatemala to explore, and taking a few basic precautions will allow you to enjoy it without spending your entire trip worrying about safety.

Travel tip: Safety conditions can change. Before traveling, check current information from your government and Guatemala’s official tourism authorities. INGUAT’s tourist assistance service can be reached at 1500, and the agency also provides WhatsApp assistance.

General Travel Tips for Petén

Medical emergencies and travel insurance: Guatemala’s public healthcare system is not very good but you can find very high-quality private healthcare available in the country. However, if you need to visit a private hospital you will need to pay thousands of dollars upfront. This is why everyone tourist in Guatemala should have a travel insurance policy. I recommend Safety Wing because they offer health and travel insurance including a simple claims process and great customer service! The insurance plans cover hospital stays, medications, surgery, travel delays, lost luggage, and more. You can click here to sign up for a plan.
Language: Most people in Guatemala speak Spanish and not English. Therefore, it’s important to at least learn the basics to be able to communicate with people. If you want to learn Spanish from a Guatemalan teacher then I can recommend Instituto IIAA. You can contact Luis on WhatsApp at +502-4647-5877 or reach out to the school on Instagram by clicking here. You can use my code KERRY to get a $50 discount off monthly classes and receive a free placement exam!
Cash, credit cards, and ATMs: You can use your credit cards in many restaurants and hotels in the main tourist areas in Guatemala. However, there are also cash only places such as small local restaurants, markets, tuk-tuk drivers, lancha (boat) transportation, tips, and more. You will absolutely need cash and I recommend using the local ATMs to take out cash for a small fee (do not use the money exchange at the airport as they have a very bad rate).
Internet & data: Most hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and restaurants will have free wi-fi. Although, sometimes it works well but at times it doesn’t! If you need consistent data and wi-fi access then I suggest downloading an app with an eSim. Now that I live in Guatemala I use a local sim but when I was initially traveling here, I used Airalo eSim. This was easy to set up and convenient rather than wasting time to go into the Tigo or Claro store in Guatemala to get a physical sim. You can click here to download the app and set up service.
Noise cancellation: I recommend traveling to Guatemala with ear plugs because this country can be LOUD. I am not exaggerating as there are often roosters crowing, loud motorcycles, dogs barking, and weddings or a celebration with fireworks. If you bring ear plugs with you then you can thank me later. Click here for my favorite ear plugs.
Food & Water: In Guatemala, the water from the faucet is not safe to drink, however, most restaurants will serve a glass of filtered water or bottled water. I recommend traveling to Guatemala with a water bottle with a built-in filter. I use the Life Straw bottle in Guatemala and it completely filters out any of the bad stuff and works well! You can buy this online by clicking here. Also, if you’re the type of person who has a sensitive stomach then I recommend avoiding street food or eating anything raw. Usually the raw vegetables are fine but as an extra precaution, I would skip those.
Portable safe: In my experience, many hotels in Guatemala do not have a safe. Therefore, I recommend buying a portable safe that can be locked to many different fixtures in a hotel room. You can put your laptop, passport, extra cash, etc. inside this safe and hide your valuables. Click here to buy the portable safe I’ve always used in Guatemala.
Sun protection: It can get very sunny in Guatemala and sunblock can be expensive here. Oftentimes it’s double the price so whenever I’m in the U.S. I’ll stock up and bring it back with me. Click here to buy the sunscreen I always use for my face and this is the natural sunscreen I buy for my body.

Check out my Ultimate Guide for Guatemala! This blog post provides an introduction to traveling to Guatemala, a high-level overview of how to plan a trip, what to expect, and my best travel tips for the country. Click here to review this guide.

You can also check out my guides for specific destinations in Guatemala:

Or, if you need help with a customized itinerary, then you can book a travel consultation with me! Click here to review my calendar with availability and the cost for this service.

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