Aguateca maya city in Petexbatún

In Petén Tikal and Yaxhá not only are prominent archaeological sites. Ceibal Aguateca Cancuén and stand out among others.

Aguateca is the most accessible and more renovated structures. It takes less than an hour by boat from Sayaxché, 28 miles away.

Is part of the group which houses Petexbatún Dos Pilas, Tamarindito and Arroyo de Piedra.

4.500 inhabitants reached and maintained a relationship with Dos Pilas, a royal city founded by Tikal. But later in 761 AD his government is defeated and flees to Aguateca royalty.

Details Aguateca

It has 704 buildings. His occupation is located from the Preclassic to the Late Classic, from 100 to 810 AD

As cities Petexbatún area is located within walking distance from the tributary, about 80 meters.

It has a huge cliff or crevasse that was used as a vital part of their defenses, making it difficult for enemies approaching the city and royal palaces.

There is also a bridge made by the Maya who is barely perceptible but is actually handiwork of the ancient inhabitants.

The end of occupation is still enigmatic as the signs show an attack on the city, in fact on fire.

It is a mystery because the city was not occupied as expected after the attack in case of conquest, and that a temple has been abandoned in the middle of construction work and abandoned objects also show promoting the idea of escape.

Principal residence

This block of approximately 22 and 40 meters was the residence of the elite Aguateca.



Had access to the Palace Group in the north and is located in one of the most protected parts of the city.

Roca, stelae and traces

The trip by the Aguateca can be completed in about two hours. Access from the pier is approximately 10 minutes.

During the walk will find various structures, from ceremonial to royal palaces.

Some trails are original and others are replicas that remain for appreciation of the tourists.

In the administration you can buy souvenirs, guide books, maps and video documentaries Aguateca and the region in general. Have drinks and food such as chocolates and biscuits.

The guides allow camping at the site prior to requesting permission. There is always monitoring the site, so you can freely visit each day.

Crack defensive

Perhaps most shocking to visitors is the crack that protects the city.

This natural feature was used to first be necesarioatravezarlo before reaching the city. Ventajadefensiva so true, it is impossible to move quickly, the light does not come at the bottom sutotalidad and humid.

This allowed the inhabitants to defend their city throwing rocks toward the invaders.

Similarly, a fall from the top is fatal.

To reach Aguateca

From the city of Guatemala take the road to the Atlantic, toward Coban. Thence Chisec and then north towards Sayaxché. Can be reached from Flores Petén traveling about two hours south.

In Sayaxché take a boat that takes you directly to Pier Aguateca. The cost varies depending on the number of visitors.

It is usually around U.S. $ 50 round trip for one person. Between several individual cost is reduced.

You can camp at Aguateca but you have to bring your own equipment. Sayaxché has restaurants and hotels for the night but it is important to arrive no later than 18:00, no hotels are open 24 hours.

The boat ride can be spotted crocodiles and birds.