Ixtutz

Ixtutz is a Maya archaeological site in Petén with multiple construction zones distributed across the landscape, each serving different purposes. The buildings include stepped pyramids, open plazas for gatherings, and structures with vaulted rooms that once functioned as palaces or administrative centers.

The settlement began in the Late Preclassic period and grew over centuries until reaching peak importance around 700 to 800 AD. During this height, rulers commissioned stone monuments inscribed with written texts to record their rule and achievements.

The name derives from Maya language, meaning 'stone of the shrine', reflecting its role as a sacred center. Visitors can see how rulers used carved monuments and public spaces to communicate their power and religious authority to the community.

The site sits in a forested area away from main roads, so wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water for the visit. Having a guide is helpful since the scattered structures can be difficult to understand without context about their original purposes and layouts.

The site contains a rare E-Group complex, an arrangement of buildings the Maya used to track celestial events. This is the only known example of this astronomical design in the surrounding region, showing how advanced the residents' knowledge of the sky truly was.