Aguateca - archaeological site

Aguateca is in the Peten department of the Northern Lowlands of Guatemala.

Understand

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Tropical jungle

Get in

Getting to Aguateca is not particularly difficult, if coming from Guatemala city catch a bus to Coban then a bus to Sayaxche. From there you can have a guide take you via wooden canoe, they are not dugouts. The canoes have motors, but the trip takes a few hours, the last of which is through very narrow swampland. Be prepared to dodge weeds that brush against the boat, as well as the pole that the guide uses to steer!

Fees and permits

Get around

See

Aguateca has some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in Guatemala. You will see stelae and temple ruins that may not be the largest or most imposing, but great care has been taken during excavation to preserve the area. Its location makes it half the fun: you are more likely to encounter archaeologists at work than other tourists.

• Platforms K6-1, L6-1, und L6-2. These are the oldest buildings (350 A.D.).
• Palace Group.
• Barranca Escondida.
• Main Plaza.

Do

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

The closest accommodation to Aguateca is at Chiminos Island, a short boat ride away on Laguna Petexbatun.

Lodging

Chiminos Island Lodge , pleasant eco-lodge overlooking Laguna Petexbatun. The hotel is only accessible by boat and should be booked in advance. This can be done directly with the hotel or through a recognised tour operator who will be able to provide transport to and from the property as well as a guide.

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

There have been a hefts on the microbus from Cruces to Sayaxche.

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