Petén is located in the vast northern lowlands, Guatemala’s largest department. INE’s 2018 census counted 545,600 people in the department; population projections for later years differ from that count (2026 figures). It is known for the ancient Maya city of Tikal and the Peten Itza rainforest. The department capital is Flores.
What to Expect
Peten is massive – it covers roughly a third of Guatemala’s total land area, yet holds a fraction of the population. Most of the department is covered by the Maya Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest protected tropical forests in Central America. The landscape is flat, hot, and densely jungled, a stark contrast to the mountains and volcanoes that define the rest of the country. Expect temperatures between 30 and 38 degrees Celsius most of the year, with a brief cool-down during the rainy season from May through November when afternoon storms are almost guaranteed.
Tikal needs no introduction – the temples rising above the jungle canopy are the iconic image of Guatemala. But what many visitors do not realize is that Tikal is just one of hundreds of ancient Maya sites scattered across Peten. Yaxha, overlooking a lake of the same name, is less crowded and arguably more atmospheric, especially at sunset. El Mirador, deep in the jungle near the Mexican border, contains La Danta – one of the largest pyramids ever built – but CONAP’s tourism page (read 30 September 2026) says access is allowed only with the community tourism commissions it has authorized, and that getting there takes 1 to 2 days depending on the route, all three of which start in Flores. For most travelers, the base of operations is Flores, a small island connected by a causeway to the mainland town of Santa Elena. Flores has a colonial charm with its cobblestone streets and lakefront restaurants overlooking Lake Peten Itza, and the prices are reasonable compared to Antigua or Atitlan.
The lake itself is gauged. INSIVUMEH’s daily hydrology bulletin carries four Peten stations – El Tigre on the Usumacinta, El Porvenir on La Pasion, San Pedro Mactun, and Chachaclun on Lake Peten Itza – and on 19 September 2026 the lake gauge read 3.39 m against a published normal range of 1.0 to 2.5 m, flagged Lago Crecido. Today’s reading for all four is on river levels. Peten also leads the country’s satellite fire-detection count in most 24-hour windows: see wildfire hotspots.
Getting to Peten from Guatemala City is either an eight to ten hour drive on CA-13 through the jungle, or a one-hour flight into Mundo Maya International Airport near Flores. The drive is long and the last stretch through the department can feel endless with few services, so many visitors fly. Once in Flores, Tikal is about an hour away by car or shuttle. Food in Peten is hearty and simple – grilled freshwater fish from the lake, black beans, and handmade tortillas. Try the venado (deer) if you see it on a menu in the smaller towns. The local markets in Santa Elena have some of the cheapest produce prices in the country because of the agricultural land surrounding the area.
The cost, safety and internet figures in the Key Stats section are our own map ratings and estimates, not official or sourced figures. For detailed cost comparisons across Guatemala, see our cost of living guide. Check the latest exchange rates and gas prices for budgeting.
Petén offers 7 notable attractions and 4 annual festivals that showcase its cultural heritage. Key highlights include: Tikal ruins, Jungle, Adventure, Remote. For more information about staying safe while exploring, visit our safety guide.
Top Municipalities to Visit
- Flores — Island town in Lake Peten Itza, gateway to Tikal. Charming colonial streets, lakefront restaurants, budget-friendly. Base for all Peten archaeological sites.
Nearby Departments
Northern: Alta Verapaz
Caribbean: Izabal
Book Tours & Activities
Tikal sunrise tours, jungle treks, and archaeological site visits can be booked in advance, especially useful during peak season (December-March):
Explore More Data
- Activities & Things to Do – Explore activities and tours
- Safety Guide – Read our detailed safety guide
- Exchange Rates – Today’s exchange rate
- Cost of Living – Compare living costs
- Remittances – Best remittance rates
- Gas Prices – Fuel prices by department
- Canasta Basica – Basic food basket costs
- Weather – Climate and weather data