Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Petén Itzá

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Petén Itzá is the second largest lake in Guatemala and the geographical heart of the Petén department. It covers an area of approximately 99 square kilometers and reaches a depth of about 160 meters at its deepest point. The lake holds great historical significance, as the island of Flores was the site of Tayasal, the last Maya capital to fall to Spanish conquest in 1697. The lake's shores are surrounded by tropical rainforests and significant archaeological sites, making it a hub for ecotourism. The lake basin is endorheic, meaning it has no surface outlet, which leads to natural fluctuations in water levels. Biodiversity in and around the lake includes numerous fish species, some of which are endemic, as well as crocodiles and river turtles. Today, protecting the water quality in the face of growing populations in cities like Flores and Santa Elena is one of the most pressing ecological challenges.

Location: Guatemala
Nearby: San Benito (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	24	26	29	29	26	26	26	26	25	23	22
Rain mm	88	51	47	41	137	263	171	224	275	247	148	109

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The island city of Flores typically serves as the optimal starting point and is easily accessible from the mainland via a bridge. From there, visitors can book numerous boat tours to fully explore the vastness of the lake.

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Best season

The months from November to April are generally considered the best time, bringing cooler temperatures and less rainfall to the basin. During the wetter season, boat trips are often interrupted by sudden, heavy showers.

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Terrain & paths

The lake itself is quite deep, while the surrounding land is partly forested and hilly, often featuring easily accessible viewpoints. Walking around Flores involves navigating cobbled, and sometimes rather steep, alleyways.

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What to bring

Lightweight, tropical-friendly clothing, swimwear, and strong sun protection are particularly important for this excursion. A waterproof bag is highly recommended to protect cameras and valuables on the traditional wooden boats.

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Parking

Parking is possible directly in Flores, but spots are highly limited and the narrow streets are frequently congested. Many travelers prefer to leave their cars in guarded parking lots in the mainland town of Santa Elena.

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Safety

Swimming is possible in many spots, but remain highly vigilant of the heavy boat traffic near the main piers. Always wear a life jacket during boat tours and avoid unlit, isolated shorelines after night has fallen.

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Time needed

A typical visit usually takes a full day to properly enjoy a boat tour, relax by the shores, and sightsee around Flores. Many visitors opt to spend several days here, using it as a convenient base for excursions to Tikal.

Geography

Coordinates

16.98300, -89.83300

Facts

The lake is situated at an elevation of 110 meters above sea level.
Its name is derived from the Itzá Maya people who inhabited the region.
The maximum length of the lake is approximately 32 kilometers from east to west.
At least 30 archaeological sites are located in the immediate vicinity of the shore.
The lake is known for its varying shades of blue and turquoise.
There are underground connections to other water systems in the limestone bedrock.