Santa Elena, El Petén facts for kids

Santa Elena is a town located in the Petén area of Guatemala. It sits right on the edge of a beautiful body of water called Lake Petén Itzá.

Santa Elena is very close to two other towns: Flores and San Benito. In fact, Santa Elena is connected to Flores, which is the capital city of the Petén department, by a special road called a causeway. Because they are so close and connected, people often refer to Santa Elena, Flores, and San Benito together as just "Flores."

One important feature of Santa Elena is that it's home to the Mundo Maya International Airport. This airport is located just outside the town and is a key gateway for people traveling to and from the Petén region, especially for tourists visiting ancient Mayan ruins like Tikal.

What is Santa Elena Like?

Santa Elena is a busy place, acting as a hub for travel and trade in the Petén department. It has many shops, markets, and places to stay for visitors. Because of the airport, it's often the first stop for people exploring the area's natural beauty and historical sites.

How Santa Elena Connects the Region

The causeway linking Santa Elena to Flores makes it easy to travel between the two towns. Flores is an island town in Lake Petén Itzá, and Santa Elena on the mainland provides the main connection to the rest of Guatemala. This connection is vital for bringing goods and people into the region.

The Role of Mundo Maya International Airport

The Mundo Maya International Airport is very important for the Petén region. It helps bring tourists from all over the world who want to see the amazing ancient Mayan cities hidden in the jungle, such as the famous Tikal. The airport also helps local businesses by making it easier to transport products and supplies.