Nojpetén, Maya archaeological site on Lake Petén Itzá, Guatemala.
Nojpetén is a settlement and archaeological site on a peninsula north of Flores, containing plazas, palaces, walls, and ceremonial structures from the Maya period. The ruins spread across the area and reveal how a large community was organized around the water's edge.
The settlement was a final stronghold of independent Maya power until Spanish forces defeated the Itza people here in 1697. This battle marked the end of Maya independence in the region.
Nojpetén means House in the Maya language and refers to the settlement that the Itza people built on the lakeside. The site shows how residents organized their buildings and public spaces to reflect their beliefs and daily activities.
Access to the site is typically from Flores via water or land routes. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring sun and insect protection, as the ruins sit within jungle surroundings.
New data from laser scanning technology (LiDAR) revealed hidden structures from the late Maya period that were previously hidden beneath jungle growth. These discoveries changed how archaeologists understand the settlement's true scale and organization.
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