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.
Get in
Bus from Santa Elena.
Get around
See
- Motul de San José. Largish unrestored Maya ruins some 4km north of the village. Currently (January 2016) no entry fee. 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.
Do
Buy
Eat
- Flores Pizza, San Jose-across Lake Peten Itza. The friendly owner cooks your pizza in a outdoor wood fired smoker/oven, for an outrageously delicious flavor.
Drink
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, hi wood roofs and ceiling fan. Chill Out Lounge. You can ask for Mauricio. $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. $20-30 per person.