Ixcún

El Petén


The second-largest stela in the Maya world can be viewed amid a protected jungle zone at the remains of a Late Classic Maya kingdom, an hour's walk (7km) north of Dolores. Depicting a ruler wearing a headdress of quetzal feathers, it stands at one end of a large ceremonial center of three plazas, an unrestored temple and an acropolis.

Archaeologists speculate that the complex of structures on the Plaza Principal may have been used as an astronomical observatory. Ixcún's sister city, Ixtontón, a major trading center until the 11th century AD, is another 6km along the Río Mopán.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby El Petén attractions

1. Museo Regional del Sureste de Petén

3.77 MILES

Displaying some important finds from southern Petén sites, this small museum is the main draw of Dolores, a town 25km north of Poptún along the CA13. The…

2. Caracol

22.84 MILES

Once one of the most powerful cities in the entire Maya world, Caracol now lies enshrouded by thick jungle near the Guatemalan border, a 52-mile, roughly…

3. Naj Tunich

22.99 MILES

When they were discovered in 1979, these caves created a stir in the archaeological world. Measuring 3km long, they're packed with hieroglyphic texts and…

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