Dos Pilas, Maya archaeological site in Petén, Guatemala
The Pre-Columbian settlement stretches across one square kilometer between the Pasión and Salinas rivers, featuring numerous ceremonial structures and residential buildings.
Founded in 629 CE as a Tikal outpost, Dos Pilas later became a vassal state of Calakmul in 648 CE and controlled major trade routes.
The site contains extensive hieroglyphic texts written in Chʼolan Maya language on staircases and monuments, detailing royal lineages and political events.
The archaeological site stands 8 kilometers east of the Mexican border and can be accessed through the town of Sayaxche via Highway 5.
A complex cave system runs underneath the entire archaeological area, connecting various parts of this former Maya capital.
Location: Petén Department
Inception: 629
Shares border with: Aguateca
GPS coordinates: 16.45126,-90.27240
Latest update: May 11, 2025 18:54
Guatemala offers diverse settings for photography. Maya temples emerge from rainforests, while lakes mirror volcanoes. Colonial cities display painted facades and cobblestone streets. Nature reserves, thermal springs, and caves add to the photographic range of the country.
Lacandon Jungle
94.7 km
Semuc Champey
107.5 km
Bonampak
89.1 km
Yaxchilan
89.3 km
Petén Basin
63.8 km
Aguateca
9.5 km
Cancuén
54.7 km
Tayasal
67.9 km
Ixlu
85.3 km
La Blanca
101.8 km
El Chal
69.4 km
Ixkun
92.9 km
Sacul
104.8 km
Ixtutz
107.4 km
La Amelia
18.1 km
Chamá
79.6 km
Zapote Bobal
95.4 km
Actún Can
64.4 km
Museo Regional del Sureste de Petén
91.7 km
Zona arqueológica de Yaxchilan
89.1 km
Estadio Julián Tesucún
70.9 km
Ferri El Naranjo
103.8 km
Museo Regional Del Mundo Maya
68.3 km
Calvario Poptun
92.1 km
Cuevas de B'omb'il Pek
68.6 km
Hun Nal Ye
86.3 km
Playa Romelia
68.8 km
Playa El Pedregal
65.7 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes