Naranjo

Naranjo is a Maya archaeological site in Guatemala's Petén Department with extensive remains spread across the landscape in both central and outer zones. The structures include pyramids, observatories, and a stairway carved with hieroglyphic text that reveal how ancient builders organized their city.

The settlement began around 500 BC and developed into a major center over the following centuries, with its peak of power during the Late Classic Period. Its decline came around 950 AD, which marked the end of many thriving cities across the wider region.

The name comes from orange trees that once grew in the region and gave the site its identity. Walking through the ruins, you can see evidence of how rulers displayed their power through monumental architecture and carved stone monuments that recorded important events.

The site is protected as part of a national park that encompasses other nearby archaeological areas, allowing visitors to explore multiple locations in one visit. Plan for longer walks since the structures are spread across a large area and dense jungle vegetation covers much of the terrain.

The main pyramid sits atop a hill with a cave inside that the Maya saw as sacred, tying it to their beliefs about the cosmos and the underworld. This natural feature shows how the Maya adapted their construction to align with their spiritual worldview.