Petén is one of the 22 departments of Guatemala, located in the northern part of the country. It is the largest department in terms of area and shares borders with Mexico to the north and Belize to the east. Here are some key points about Petén:
The region of Petén was historically significant for the Maya civilization. It was a core area during the Classic Period (c. 250–900 AD), with cities like Tikal, El Mirador, and Yaxhá flourishing as major centers. After the collapse of the Classic Maya civilization, Petén became somewhat isolated, with Itza people maintaining control until the Spanish conquest in 1697 by Martín de Ursúa. The region then saw little development due to its remote location until modern times.
Petén covers an area of approximately 35,854 km², making it larger than several countries. It includes parts of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, which is one of the largest protected tropical forests in Central America. The landscape is predominantly flat with some karstic formations and numerous lagoons, rivers, and caves.
The cultural heritage of Petén is deeply rooted in Maya culture. While Spanish is the official language, many residents speak Q'eqchi', Mopan Maya, or other indigenous languages. Traditional practices and festivals are still observed, especially in more rural areas.
The economy of Petén is primarily based on agriculture, with crops like corn, beans, and cacao being cultivated. Ecotourism has grown significantly due to the region's archaeological sites and natural beauty. Illegal activities such as logging and wildlife trafficking are also issues of concern.
Petén is renowned for its archaeological wealth. Sites like:
Due to its ecological importance, conservation efforts in Petén are substantial. Organizations like Conservation International and Wildlife Conservation Society work alongside the Guatemalan government to protect its biodiversity and manage sustainable development.