Petén Itzá, Lake

Petén Itzá, Lake

Lake, northern Guatemala. It is about 22 mi (35 km) long and covers an area of about 40 sq mi (100 sq km). The region was a stronghold of the Maya Itzá Indians, who were not conquered by the Spanish until 1697. The lakeshore is now dotted with towns such as Flores and San Benito. Much of the surrounding land is covered with dense rainforest, but there is some cultivation of cacao, sugarcane, and tropical fruits around Flores.