2 Best Sights in El Peten, Guatemala

Dos Pilas is about 7 miles (12 km) west of the northern end of Lake Petexbatún. The nearest town is Sayaxché. Dos Pilas was founded in AD 640 by nobles from Tikal who fled Tikal after it was conquered by Calakmul. Most impressive of the ancient structures found here are limestone staircases and stelae covered with carvings that recount the battles against other city-states in the region, including Tikal. Unlike most other Mayan cities, this one was surrounded by a defensive wall. Dos Pilas was abandoned the late 8th century AD. This is not an easy, or inexpensive, destination to reach. In Sayaxché, you may be able to organize transportation by boat and horseback. In Flores, Martsam Travel, among others, hosts tours.

Southwest of the town of Sayaxché is the remains of the fortress of Punta de Chimino, 2½ miles (4 km) north of Aguateca. It was the last residence of the area's besieged royal families as the area descended into chaos in the 10th century AD. The defenders dug several moats into the peninsula where the fort stood, turning it into an island.