Medan de allra flesta besökare till sjön Petén Itza bor i Flores, med sitt stora utbud av hotell, restauranger och researrangörer, finns det andra alternativ. De små städerna El Remate, San José och San Miguel har alla grundläggande boende, mer autentisk atmosfär och tillgång till sina egna små ruiner, vandringsleder, grottor, spanskolor och andra avvikelser.
Observera att billiga offentliga båtar som en gång plockat sjön gradvis har fasats ut när vägar och bussförbättringar förbättras. Istället erbjuder operatörer gruppbåtturer, eller så kan du hyra en dyr privat cayuco. Budgetresenärer kanske vill hålla sig till kycklingbussar från Santa Elena-marknaden till destinationer runt sjön.
Lake Petén Itzá is located in the northern part of Guatemala, which is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Flores. The best way to reach the lake is to fly into Guatemala City and take a bus for about 10.5 hours or to fly into Belize City, Belize and take a bus for about 6.5 hours. From Flores, take a taxi along Calz Javier Lopez Marroquínroute; expect about 30 minutes on the road.
The rain forest of Guatemala where the lake is located boasts a pleasant climate year-round, with warm days and fresh, cool nights. Peak season coincides with the summer dry season, which is generally November to April. During the rainy season (May to November), rains can get quite heavy and roads may become impassable. Beat the crowds by avoiding Christmas and Easter holidays especially.
Numerous indigenous species such as crocodiles, jaguars, pumas, giant cichlid, white-tailed deer, and macaws live in the vicinity of this magnificent body of water. And just northeast of the lake is a natural reserve for butterflies where you may also find even more rainforest species such as spider monkeys, toucans, howler monkeys, and more.
