Tayasal

Tayazal is a small archaeological site close to the village of San Miguel. It was occupied by the Maya Itzaes around 1194 A.D., Hernan Cortez visited the site in 1525, and the city was finally destroyed in 1697. The site is covered by vegetation so you can’t see the pyramids, but there is a wonderful lookout point called El Mirador constructed on top of a pyramid, where there is a good view of Flores and Lake Petén Itzá. There is a small beach ($0.70) nearby where you can go swimming.

To get to San Miguel, take a boat ($0.70) on the north side of Flores close to the Hotel Sabana. Walk up the hill on the main street until you get to the football field. Turn left and follow the sign for the Playa. You will enter the Tayazal archaeological site and at the next intersection, take the left uphill road to get to the Grand Plaza. From there follow the signs to the Mirador. The whole trip takes two hours. Bring water and mosquito repellent.