San José

San José is a small village on the north shore of Lago Petén Itzá in the Petén department of the Northern Lowlands of Guatemala.

Carved stone in ruins of Motul de San José

Get in

Bus from Santa Elena.

See

• 1 Motul de San José. Largish unrestored Maya ruins some 4 km north of the village. It is possible to walk, but safer to take a taxi or tuk-tuk, and take plenty of water. Some large pyramids, all overgrown, and a few badly damaged stelae. The major groups are signposted. Nice view to the lake from the southern of the Twin Pyramids in Group C. Free. (updated Feb 2016)

Eat

• Flores Pizza, San Jose-across Lake Peten Itza. The friendly owner cooks your pizza in an outdoor wood fired smoker/oven, for an outrageously delicious flavor. 

Sleep

• Bahía Taitzá, Barrio El Porvenir,San José, Petén 17002, ☏ +502 7928-8125, fax: +502 7821-0056, info@taitza.com. With a beach on Lake Petén Itzá, Regular and Family rooms, private bathrooms, hot/cold water, high wood roofs and ceiling fan. Chill out lounge. You can ask for Mauricio. US$25-35 per person. 
• Casa Américas Itzá, 4 km from San José, ☏ +502 5595-8251, itza@casaamericas.com. Fronting Lake Petén Itzá, it has 6 spacious units with living room, bedroom, bathroom and patio. US$20-30 per person. 

Go next

• San Andrés (Guatemala)