Aguateca is a classic Maya archaeological site (250–900 A.D.) located in the southwestern Peten region of Guatemala.

Aguateca’s main feature is a series of stelae dedicated to its rulers. This site is unusual in that it contains the only known bridge formed in Maya civilization and is surrounded by a natural moat fortification formed by a fault line; it is believed that this fault line formed around the same time as Lake Atitlan when there was a lot of movement in the tectonic plates. Visitors can explore the natural fault, which is over 300 ft deep in some places, as well as a small selection of restored monuments and some intricate carvings.

Other highlights to see include a temple that was never finished (the Maya fled the site before completion) and some reconstructions offering visitors a good idea of what the houses would have looked like during the Maya occupation.

Aguateca is accessed by boat.

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