Petén Basin

The Petén Basin is an archaeological site in the Petén region of northern Guatemala, covering a broad expanse of tropical rainforest. The landscape shifts between flat jungle and raised hills where the remains of ancient settlements can be found.

Between the ninth century BCE and the tenth century CE, several cities emerged here that were among the largest in the Maya world. Most of these centers were abandoned at the end of that period, and the forest took over the structures.

The archaeological sites within the Petén Basin reveal advanced architectural techniques through their massive limestone structures and intricate stone carvings.

Most visitors travel first to Flores, which serves as a starting point for excursions into the surrounding areas. From there, roads and trails lead to different ruin sites, with some only reachable by guides or longer hikes.

Below the dense canopy, many structures remain hidden that have been revealed through modern laser technology from the air. These discoveries show that the settlement was far denser than previously thought.