Petén

Petén is the northernmost department of Guatemala. It is the largest department by area and encompasses much of the Guatemalan lowland rainforest. The capital and chief urban center is Flores, located on an island in Lake Petén Itzá; the adjacent town of Santa Elena forms part of the major Flores metropolitan area.

Geography and environment: The department comprises tropical lowland rainforest with numerous wetlands and river systems. It includes substantial portions of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, one of the most extensive protected rainforest areas in Central America. The Usumacinta and other rivers drain the region and connect to the lake system. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season typically from May to October.

History and archaeology: Petén is the core region of the Maya civilization's Classic period, with major sites such as Tikal, Uaxactún, and Yaxhá. Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves monumental architecture and urban organization that flourished between roughly 200 and 900 CE.

Demographics and culture: The population includes many indigenous Maya communities, including Mam and Q'eqchi' groups. Spanish is widely spoken alongside Mayan languages, and traditional practices persist in rural villages.

Economy and infrastructure: The economy is largely rural, based on subsistence agriculture, logging and other forest-related activities, and increasingly on ecotourism and archaeology-driven tourism. Flores and nearby towns serve as transport hubs, with the Mundo Maya International Airport connecting the department to the rest of Guatemala and the region.

Protected areas and conservation: The Maya Biosphere Reserve encompasses large tracts of Petén, including Laguna del Tigre National Park and multiple reserves, safeguarding biodiversity and wildlife habitat.