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Simple transport on Lago Petén Itaz
For thousands of years the lake has provided a transportation link for
the local inhabitants. One can still find canoes dug out from a single
tree. More recent craft like the one pictured here are assembled from
planks. Rick has wondered whether sailboats were used here but so far
has not yet found convincing evidence. But boats are popular. A
little village north of Flores called San Miguel has a regular
"commute" as people take their posts in business and government
offices. On the south side of the island is a causway to Santa Elena,
which can be seen in this photograph. Santa Elena a rather dusty place but it is here the traveler will find bus and air connections to the capital and elsewhere. Centro Universitario de Petén has its campus here, archaeology and tourism being big programs. |