Petén Department, Northern department in Guatemala.
Petén is an administrative region in northern Guatemala covered by jungle, lakes, and limestone plateaus. The area comprises roughly one-third of the country's total surface and is interrupted by several major bodies of water and flat terrain.
The region was established as an administrative district in 1866, making it one of the country's oldest administrative units. Land distribution programs starting in the 1960s accelerated settlement throughout the area.
The region is home to numerous Maya settlements and temples scattered throughout the forest, reflecting the architectural knowledge of ancient peoples. Visitors walking through these sites can sense the spiritual and practical importance these places held for their builders.
Travel is easier during drier months, though rain falls throughout the year. Reaching many sites requires water transport or forest trails, so sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing are worth packing.
The capital Flores sits on an island in Lake Petén Itzá connected to the mainland by a causeway. This unusual geography has kept the city isolated for centuries, preserving its historical form to this day.
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