Peten Department

Guatemala's largest department hides its greatest treasures—Petén's rainforest conceals Tikal and 60,000+ Maya structures revealed by LiDAR in 2018. The archaeological density suggests 7-11 million Maya inhabited northern Guatemala during the late classical period (650-800 AD). This heritage now competes with deforestation for the department's future.

The Maya Biosphere Reserve (2M+ hectares, created 1990) attempts to protect what remains. But population pressure, illegal logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, and drug trafficking erode forest coverage, particularly near Laguna del Tigre National Park. Fires, agricultural expansion, and narco-infrastructure threaten both ecosystems and archaeological sites.

Colombian Amazon leaders visited in July 2024, sharing 61% deforestation reduction strategies. Guatemala operates 16 forest concessions protecting 619,000 hectares. Tikal's UNESCO dual inscription (biodiversity + archaeology) represents both global significance and preservation challenge.

2026 trajectory: Archaeological tourism expands with new site accessibility. Deforestation continues despite concession programs. Drug trafficking routes evolve regardless of conservation efforts. The department tests whether heritage value can compete with immediate extraction incentives.