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

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)