YO AMO PETEN

A journey through the north of Guatemala often begins with a vibrant symbol of hospitality — the YO AMO PETEN sign. It is not just a decorative installation, but a colorful declaration of love for the country's largest department, famous for its dense jungles and ancient secrets of the Maya civilization.

Located at the entrance to the picturesque city of Flores, this landmark consists of giant letters with a bright heart. For many tourists, it becomes the first iconic landmark where they can capture the moment of arrival in El Petén against the backdrop of tropical nature and the mirror-like surface of Lake Petén Itzá.

The sign serves as an important landmark for travelers and is immensely popular due to its location. It symbolizes the region's warmth, inviting guests to explore the cultural and natural riches that the local population is so proud of.

Finding this vibrant landmark is easy, as it is located on one of the key routes at the entrance to the city. It is easily accessible on foot or by vehicle.

The main reason travelers come here is for a memorable photoshoot. The best time for pictures is early morning or during sunset, when the soft light emphasizes the bright colors of the letters and creates a perfect contrast with the surrounding landscape. This spot has become a real social media hit for everyone visiting Guatemala.

After checking out the sign, it's worth taking a stroll along the Lake Petén Itzá promenade. Here you can watch the boats go by or rent one for a water excursion. Very close by are the enticing narrow streets of Flores, home to cozy cafes and restaurants where guests can try traditional dishes of local cuisine.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the sign serves as an excellent starting point. Within a few kilometers are the mysterious Aktun Kan caves, a zoo, and the ancient Maya ruins at Motul. The site is often used as a meeting point before starting excursions deep into the Petén jungle.

The landmark is strategically located right at the entrance to Flores from the direction of Río Dulce. Most tourist buses and transfers stop here around 6:30 PM, making the sign a convenient landmark for those who have just arrived in the Petén region.

If you are flying into Mundo Maya International Airport, a taxi or local tuk-tuk ride to the sign will take only a few minutes. The road crosses a bridge about 500 meters long that connects Santa Elena to the island, offering excellent views of the lake's surface and the pyramidal hills.

You can even reach the site on foot from the city center during an evening stroll. For travelers coming from more distant areas, microbuses (colectivos) regularly run between the main towns of the department. It is recommended to plan your visit during daylight hours to fully enjoy the surrounding tropical scenery.

While the YO AMO PETEN sign itself is a modern installation, the history of the site where it stands dates back centuries. The city of Flores was founded on the ruins of Nojpetén — the last capital of the Itza Maya. For a long time, this island city remained an impregnable fortress, maintaining its independence from colonizers much longer than other regions.

It was only in 1697 that Spanish forces led by Martín de Urzúa were able to capture the settlement. The old temples were destroyed, and in their place grew a colonial city with characteristic architecture, red-tiled roofs, and narrow streets. Today's appearance of the city is a fascinating blend of ancient indigenous traditions and Spanish influence.

In the past, the Petén region developed through the extraction of rubber, precious wood, and fishing. Today, its primary value lies in its rich archaeological heritage. The sign itself emphasizes the modern identity of the region, which has transformed into the main tourism hub for explorers of ancient Tikal and other Mayan cities lost in the jungle.

To take a few great shots by the sign and enjoy the lake view, you will need very little time — literally 15–30 minutes. It is a short but pleasant stop before immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Flores.

However, we recommend combining your visit to the photo zone with a full walk along the promenade and through the central quarters. In this case, you should set aside 1–2 hours in your schedule to feel the rhythm of local life, have a refreshing drink overlooking the water, or browse the nearby souvenir shops.

A huge advantage of this attraction is its accessibility. The YO AMO PETEN sign is located in an open area, so you can visit it and take photos 24/7, any day of the week.

No tickets or reservations are required. Nevertheless, visitors are advised to keep an eye on local news or official city websites if any festive events are planned, as these may attract large crowds to this popular photo spot.

Exploring the area around the YO AMO PETEN sign will allow you to deeper experience the flavor of this unique corner of the country. The island city and its outskirts are full of historical artifacts and natural beauty, all literally within walking distance.

Nearby, you will find both cozy park areas for relaxation and significant archaeological sites that tell the story of the Maya civilization's great past.