Peten
Why go?
This is the birthplace and centre of the ancient Mayan civilization
of Central America, which reached its height of architectural,
scientific and artistic achievement between 300-900 AD. Although
covering a third of the country Peten has less than 3% of the
population, and is a huge expanse of swamps, winding rivers,
savannah and tropical rainforest. Scattered with spectacular Mayan
ruins, mostly long overgrown by the jungle, the area has been
undisturbed for so long that it has become extraordinarily rich in
wildlife. However, the forests are now threatened by slash and
burn, logging and oil exploration. Around 40% of Peten is
protected, but effective enforcement of the Biosphere Reserve is
becoming an issue.
The regional capital, Flores, is an unusual island-city on the
south-western side of Lake Peten Itza, and is attached to the
mainland by a long causeway. Its airport, where many visitors
arrive, is just 2km away. El Remate is to the east of Lake Peten
Itza, half-way along the road connecting Flores to Tikal.