Motul de San José

Motul de San José is a Classic Maya archaeological site in the Petén Department of northern Guatemala, located on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá. It is known as a regional ceremonial and political center dating to the Classic Maya period.

The site contains monumental architecture, plazas and carved stone monuments that are the main features visitors examine during visits. Excavated areas reveal residential groups and public buildings over a compact area rather than a single massive pyramid complex.

Built and occupied by the Maya during the Classic period, the settlement functioned as a local center for administration and ritual activity and was later partly abandoned during the Terminal Classic. Archaeological investigation and conservation work have taken place in stages since the mid 20th century.

Motul de San José sits on the lakeshore in the Petén lowlands beside the modern community of the same name, within the lake basin of Lake Petén Itzá in northern Guatemala.

• Setting: Located on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá in Guatemala’s Petén Department, accessible from the nearby modern village of Motul de San José.
• Period: Primary occupation dates to the Classic Maya period (roughly 250-900 CE) and the site contains ceremonial architecture and carved monuments.