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Discover the Magic of Petén:
SITES OR INTEREST
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TIKAL NATIONAL PARK:
Tikal is located 65 kilometers north to Flores (approximately one hour drive), inside Mayan Biosphere. A full day visit is recommended.
Inside Tikal National Park there is a Visitors Center with a Restaurant, handicrafts vendors and two museums (Stone Structures and Ceramic Museum).
Tikal which means ¨City of voices of the Mayan Spirits, is the main tourist-archeological resource of all Central America and it was declared in 1979 by the UNESCO a “Cultural Patrimony of Mankind”, in light of its unequaled value of gathering endless cultural and natural resources.
The size of Tikal is 57,600 hectares and has around 3,000 constructions that include palaces, acropolis, ball game, temples, streets, plazas, steles and others; many of them are even under vegetation. The first evidences of occupation of the site go back to the year 800 BC, within the Middle Pre-Classic period. The last constructions found correspond to the occupation period that contributed to a high cultural, artistic, urban, mathematical, astronomical, agricultural, and commercial development
The archeological ruins of Tikal are combined with the magic of the exuberant Vegetation of the Rain Forest that nest more than 300 species of birds, toucans, yelling monkeys, jaguars, snakes, cedar trees, orchids, bromeliaceous, and so more.
Great Plaza
The Great Plaza is the epicentre of the complete site and is considered to be the most spectacular site in the Tikal architectonic group, product of more than a millennium of construction activities. To the north, the Great Plaza is bordered by a line of carved stele and altars that do not contain great part of the dynastic sequence of Tikal. Immediately to the north, lie a group of ceremonial buildings called the Northern Acropolis, which was also used as a mausoleum for the governing families. South, and in contraposition with the ceremonial, lies another group of palace-type structures, called the Central Acropolis, which were used as homes and for administrative activities. Temple I, or the Great Jaguar, lies on the east side, as well as a ball field of reduced dimensions, while Temple II, or the Temple of the Masks lies to the west.
The Plaza of the Great Pyramid or the Lost World
Located at approximately 300 mts. southwest of the Great Plaza, this plaza acquires its importance due to the presence of the oldest building in Tikal, which is currently visible and is called the Great Pyramid or Structure 5C-54. It is approximately 35 mts. high and forms a group of astronomical commemoration, together with structures 5D-84, 5D-86, 5D-88, located east of it. 400 mts. to the southwest of said plaza, is group 6C-XVI or The Masks.
Plaza of the Seven Temples
Located at the east of the Great Pyramid plaza, this plaza is conformed by a series of ceremonial buildings of the Late Classic Period. Among these, you will find a triple ball field, located north of the plaza, seven small temples on the eastern side, and a magnificent ceremonial building to the south. The western part of the plaza is closed by the back of the temples of the Great Pyramid plaza. You can observe a 5-door palace, which corresponds to the Early Classic Period, which was filled up and used as a foundation for another building during the Late Classic Period.
East Plaza
Calzadas Méndez y Maler opens into it. You can observe temple 51D-38 and structure 5D-43, which is characterized by its “Tald-Tabler” style, as well as the unrestored structures, the market and a ball field. Here you can find a resting are in this area with restrooms.
West Plaza
There are no restored buildings in this area. You can observe many smooth stele and altars. Here you can find a resting area with restrooms, and a refreshments’ stand for visitors.
There are six big temples inside Tikal, all of them built during the Classic Period.
Temple I: Also called the temple of the Great Jaguar. It encloses the Great Plaza to the east, and is 45 mts. high. It was built around 700 AC by Governor Ad Cacao, whose tomb (grave 116) was found inside. A replica of this tomb lies in the Sylvanus G. Morley Museum.
Temple II or “Temple of The Masks”: Encloses the Great Plaza to the west, and are 38 mts. high. Same as Temple I, it was built by Governor Ah Cacao.
Temple III or “Temple of the Great Priest”: Located west to Temple II, it is approximately 50 Mt high and was built around 810 AC. It has an original threshold, carved in wood, whose main character is dressed with the skin of a jaguar.
Temple IV or “Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent”: Located west to the Great Plaza, it is 65 Mt. high, being the highest structure in Tikal. It was built around 470 AC, by Governor Yaxkin Caan Chac. South to this temple is a parking lot, a resting area and restrooms.
Temple V: Located west to the Central Acropolis, it is 57 Mt. high and was built around 750 AC.
Temple VI or “Temple of the Engravings”: Located south to Calzada Méndez. On its cresting, you will find the longest hieroglyphic in Tikal and on it the date of 766 AC is mentioned. It is believed that the temple was built by Governor Yaxkin Caan Chac and the glyphic engraving was placed later, by Governor Chitán. Stele 21 and altar 9 are located in front of the temple.
Complex of the Twin Pyramids: Group composed by four buildings is given this name, these being: two truncated pyramids with stairs on both of their sides, located east and west from the plaza. South lies a structure with 9 illusory entries and to the north, the structure called area of the stele. Within the area is a stele with its altar, which is mostly carved. In front of the eastern pyramid, you will find 9 smooth steles with their altars, 5 of which are open to the public. Seven of these complexes have been discovered up to this day in Tikal. These were built at 20-year intervals (time frame that equals 20 years), in order to commemorate the purposes of Katún. |
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UAXACTÚN:
It is located 87 kilometers up north of Flores, and 24 Km from TIkal National Park. A full day visit is recommended for Uaxactún.
Its name means “Eight Stones” which refers to the 7 planets of the Solar System and the Sun.
Uaxactún is an Archeological site located in a small village with the same name. It has an extension of 47 hectares and is one of the oldest settlements of the Mayan Civilization. It flourished from the 4th until the 9th Century A.C., during the Classic Period.
The site was destined as an Observatory, specially constructed for astronomical studies, like Building E-VII-B of this ceremonial center with steps on all four sides, flanked by large stucco masks, used for determining the dates of the equinoxes and the solstices
It is believed that this was the place were the Mayas consolidated their Advanced Culture, with the perfection of their writing system and also the initiation of their Calendar. Astronomers, mathematicians and architects were extremely knowledgeable for their time. In fact, it was not until the beginning of this century that our modern calendar finally had the precision of the Mayan calendar.
Uaxactún also produced excellent polychrome clay vases, the most beautiful of the Mayan World. In this park it can be found animals like yelling monkeys, spider monkeys, deer, crocodiles, turkeys, peacocks and others. |
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YAXHÁ AND TOPOXTÉ:
A National Park located 74 Km northeast from Flores on the road to Belize. The visit to Yaxhá takes half day.
Its name means “Green Water”, the color of Jade, precious and sacred water; and the city’s Maya name is on the hieroglyph emblem representing the head of a parrot. The phonetic pronunciation is read as Yax (green-blue) ha (water).
The urban group was occupied for 16 centuries (600BC – 900AD) and encompassed 500 structures, including temples, pyramids, palaces and platforms for public ceremonies and dances, as well as sanctuaries and foundations for residential units. Its full area is about 27,000 hectares and is compounded of around 500 structures, including stone structures, terraces, monumental building, boulevards and plazas.
The city’s periphery was inhabited by craftsmen and labourers in charge of farming, maintenance, and services. It was organized into plazas and groups of acropolises where administrative, civic, and religious activities took place. The most noteworthy structures are the Royal Palace, home to the ruler and his family; the North Acropolis; the Astronomy Complex; two ball courts; the East Acropolis; the Plaza of Shadows; and the Twin Pyramid Complex. All of these structures were conveniently integrated into a system of causeways and paved thoroughfares.
The Maya and the observation of the Sun:In order to develop their solar calendar, the Maya carefully observed the Sun’s daily passage from dawn to dusk, as well as its location in the heavens. Furthermore, they established a record of the Sun’s annual variations between solstice and equinox. The plaza locations of Yaxhá’s Major and Minor Astronomy Complexes (Plazas F and C) illustrate how the Maya applied architecture as a framework to establish the position of the Sun, especially during solstice and equinox. Adequate control of time was essential in the design of the agricultural and ceremonial calendar.
Art in Yaxhá: At Yaxhá, there were workshops where ceramic objects of varying form and style were produced over periods of time for ceremonial and domestic use. The Classic Period here is outstanding for its production of polychrome-design plates, glasses, and bowls representing mythical or historical scenes. Some special objects were designed as gifts for ambassadors to present during their visits to other cities. The hieroglyphic texts describe events and names of protagonists and places. There are vessels with glyphs referring to particular rituals with inscriptions of the craftsman who created them. Artistic production at Yaxhá and Topoxté required diverse fresh water materials, as well as snails, pearls, and shells from the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Some of these objects consisted of rings, pendants, necklace beads, hair combs, needles, and pyrite mirror pedestals. There are exceptional representations of mythical deities and animals that constituted elaborate mosaics and personal ornamentation for important people. Research at Yaxhá and Topoxté has uncovered jade artefacts imported from eastern Guatemala. The Maya valued and venerated this green stone. The nobility were buried with jade jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets with flat, circular beads, earrings, rings, breastplates, and tubular or plaque-shaped pendants. The most venerated rulers were honoured with a jade mask covering their face. Ritualistic artefacts included awls and gravers, hatchets, knives, and figurines of deities and mythical animals. Artistic production at Yaxhá and Topoxté also included the use of human and animal bones, some of which were used for pendants, necklace beads, hair combs, and needles of different sizes. There are noteworthy engravings on human bones of hieroglyphs mentioning protagonists, dates, and historical events. There were also elaborate mosaics and personal decorative attire representing deities and animals.
Flora in Yahxá:The zone is classified as a subtropical humid forest (hot climate), a life-sheltering paradise. Yaxhá enjoys immense and rich biodiversity, thanks to ancient forests which have dominated the area for thousands of years. Furthermore, it is a biological corridor for thousands of transient species migrating from one continent to another. It provides temporary refuge to these species as they migrate, leaving behind them plant seeds that have been incorporated into the Yaxhá landscape. To date, the jungles of Yaxhá have been scantily explored by man, thus allowing free development of species such as mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and cedar (Cedrela mexicana) which are indicators of a mature forest. It is virtually impossible to determine the exact number of flora species in Yaxhá, since each investigation reveals new data on species yet to be identified among Yaxhá’s countless varieties, including medicinal plants.
The Fascinating Wildlife in Yaxhá:
The visitors are welcome by the endless jungle sounds. Forests and wetlands provide ideal conditions for a great variety of fauna, in surroundings full of life and colour. Yaxhá’s immense diversity of habitat, combining lagoons, swamps, rivers, and flooded forests shelters a wide variety of fauna.
According to investigations dating fro 1969, the endemic, resident and transient birds has reached 450 species. Among them are : Keel Billed Toucan (Ramphstos sulfuratus), Great Egret (Casmerodius Albus), Blue Winged Teal Coreto (Anas Discor), Pale Billed Woodpecker (Campehelius Guatemalensis), Yellow-green Vire (Vireo Flavovirids). Additionally, Yaxha is the habitat for 22 species of fish, 14 amphibians, 3 turtles, crocodiles, alligators and 19 reptiles. |
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EL MIRADOR:
The National Park El Mirador-Río Azul is located north east from Tikal, inside of Mayan Biosphere Reserve, at 160 Km from Flores Island. El Mirador can be reached by Helicopter from Flores or from Carmelita Town either hiking or on horseback (4 full days are needed).
El Mirador is a large site of the located in the Cuenca of El Mirador, en Petén.
El Mirador flourished from about the 6th century BC, reaching its height from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD, with a peak population of perhaps 80,000 people. They then experienced a hiatus of construction and perhaps abandonment for generations, followed by re-occupation and further construction in the late classic era, and a final abandonment about the end of the 9th century.
The site covers some 10 square miles (26 km²). There are a number of "triadic" structures (around 30 structures), consisting of a large low artificial platform topped with a set of 3 step-pyramids. The most notable such structures are three huge complexes; one is nicknamed, with height 55.8 meters (183 ft); the other is called (or Danta) temple, is also the name of the largest temple. The temple get up to 79 meters (259 ft) high, and with a volume of 2,800,000 cubic meters, maybe making it the one of the largest in the world and including the large platform the pyramid is set upon, an artificially-built base covering some 18,000 square meters of ground, the largest in the world, also the complex is very large although not as famous.
Most of the structures were originally faced with cut stone which was then decorated with large faces depicting the deities of. In the late Classic c700 AD, at least part of the site was reoccupied and enclosed by a wall which reused some stone from earlier structures, and become the only known source of the “Codex style”, a particularly fine painted ceramic.
The site is the center of a series of ancient sacbeob meaning “wide road”, raised stone pedestrian causeways up to 4 Mt above the level, and 40 Mt wide, one linking it to the site of some 12 Km away. |
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EL CEIBAL:
An Archaeological site located south-west Flores (one hour drive to Sayaxché plus one hour by boat through La Pasion River). The visit to El Ceibal takes one full day, and it is not recommended for Elderly People and kids younger than 5 years.
El Ceibal is a National Park, and it was the biggest settlement during Late Classic Period of the Mayan Culture and that exerted a powerful control over the Pasion River area. The site includes a Ceremonial Centre where the Mayas built the finest and most beautiful Stele of the Post Classic Period; such structure is now in perfect condition. Ceibal was built at 100 meters over the Passion River shore. To enjoy the beauty of the site it is recommended to walk all through the paths of the Jungle where thickets and Corozo palms will be found.
The visitor will also enjoy the fauna like crocodiles, turtles and snakes that take the sun at the shores of La Pasion River. |
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AGUATECA:
An Archaeological site located South-west of Flores. (One hour drive to Sayaxché plus 1 ½ or 2 hours by boat through the Chimino River and Petex Batún Lagoon). The visit to Aguateca takes a full day.
Aguateca is located in, Guatemala, at the southernmost part of and is some 90 Mt (300 ft) above the shoreline, it gave the city a wide view of the area and a natural barrier, and on top of that, 3 meters (10 ft) high wall was made.
The main plaza is separated by a natural creek, some 3 Mt. wide and 5 Mt deep. The city was abandoned in a hurry, giving the archaeologist the opportunity to see a lot of daily use pottery and other objects in pristine condition; because nobody occupied this city after its destruction by fire. There are very impressive steles and the jungle with in the other, give this site a very unique touch and make it worthwhile visiting, the site is under reconstruction and a little museum is now open where you can see a lot of objects found there, there are guides and park rangers so it is very safe to go, you will need between 2 or 3 hours at the most to enjoy the site.
Aguateca does not have huge stone structures or buildings, but for those specialists and studious of the Mayan Culture, it is a very interesting place because the glyphs carved on its steles.
For the Nature lovers, in Aguateca they will have the opportunity of going inside of a Geological fault, and during the trip through the tiny Chimino River and Petex Batun Lagoon, will enjoy a wide variety of birds and flora. |
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ISLAND OF FLORES:
Located in front of Petén Espléndido in Santa Elena; there is a walking distance of 1/3 mile (400 Mt). Named by the Mayas “Noh Peten”, which means Big Island, was the last city of the Itzaes.
The Island of Flores dates from 9th century. It was formerly called Tayasal until it was destroyed on Century 16th after failed attempts to convert the natives to Christianity. Flores is built over the old city of Tayasal. The Island is named after Cirilo Flores, one of the first Guatemaltecos to call for independence from the Colonial powers.
Its main attraction is Nuestra Señora de los Remedios and San Pablo del Itzá Cathedral, located at the top of the Island. There is also the Urzúa and Arismendi Castle with an Information Centre and where some handicrafts from Petén are shown.
The Island of Flores is quiet small, and hosts restaurants, small hotels, guest houses, handicraft and souvenir stores from all around the country. |
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IXPANPAJUL NATURAL PARK (SKY WAY):
Located only 4 ½ miles from Hotel Petén Espléndido on the road to Guatemala.
The Ixpanpajul Natural Park covers an area of nine square kilometers or 450 hectares. It has over 200 hundred species of trees, over 150 species of birds and about 40 species of mammals.
The Park features a waking trail with 6 hanging bridges that will allow you to observe the marvelous variety of local flora and fauna in a different way. During the walk you can learn about the different layers of tropical forest, crossing hanging bridges which in stages will bring you to the paths that finally reach the summit of Miramás, a hill from which you can contemplate the majesty of the jungle and the impressive beauty of Lake Petén Itzá.
There is also a Canopy, where you can fly like Tarzan through nine platforms and cables installed in beautiful leafy trees. This is daring you will take the decision to fly among the trees through cables and have a bird's eye view of nature, in a way which is fun and safe. |
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ACTUN CAN CAVES:
Are located 2 km southeast of Flores. It opens daily from 8 to 17 hours. The visit takes around two hours.
Located right outside of Flores to the south, it can be reached following the road right off the Flores causeway that goes through Santa Elena.
Legend has it that the Actun Kan Cave was the home to a giant serpent, and it sometimes called La Cueva de La Serpiente. Waking Actun Kan cave is very easy; it is a partially–lit limestone cave that features 33 formations of stalactites and stalagmites with a wide variety of capricious forms and sizes named as “The Elephant foot” , “The Thinker”, “The God of the Rain” and some others.
The cave has some light and beside the rock formation a waterfall and bats can also be seen. |
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PETENCITO:
Is located 2 miles by boat from Petén Espléndido. The visit takes around 2 hours.
The zoo is a 10 minute boat ride from Flores, is located by the side of Petén Itzá Lake and is one of the tourist attractions of Flores that offers the possibility of get familiar with the characteristic fauna of Petén: monkeys, jaguars, parrots and raccoons as well as some animals rescued from trafficking by a wildlife rescue centre (ARCAS).
Petencito is a well known Wild Life and Environment Educational Centre because of its natural reserve richness; it is located at the Tayasal peninsula, at 115 Mt (377 feet) over sea level and with an extension of 284 hectares.
It has an exhibition room with animal skins and bones, desiccated animals and some pieces of Mayan vestiges. |
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