San José offers three distinct perspectives: handicrafts in the municipality, the municipality’s location on Lake Petén Itzá, and the archaeological site of Motul de San José near the present-day town. These connections are not all on the same level. The lakeside location describes the municipality; Motul de San José is about four kilometers from the present-day town of San José, Petén.
Handicrafts in the municipality
In the municipality of San José, the family of Adolfo Suntecún is among the families that began making handicrafts there. They make chairs, hats, baskets, tables, bags, backpacks, brooms, bracelets, and sliding blinds from Mimbre, Bayal, and Bejuco de pimienta. This range of products includes everything from furniture and household items to bags, hats, baskets, and other everyday objects. This makes it possible to understand local handicrafts as a diverse practice, rather than focusing on just one type of product. The materials—Mimbre, Bayal, and Bejuco de pimienta—are as much a part of the local profile as the finished items. If you are interested in culture, it is worth keeping both aspects in mind: the different types of products and the materials used. This gives you a concrete picture of the kind of craftsmanship associated with San José.
The lake and archaeological surroundings
The municipality of San José lies on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá. To get your bearings, be sure to distinguish between the municipality and the town: the lakeside location refers to the municipality. Motul de San José, an archaeological site about four kilometers away, is near the present-day town. This makes Motul a separate point of interest for travelers interested in archaeology, while the lake describes the municipality’s geographic location. If you would like to include Motul in your travel plans, check the current access conditions before visiting.
Parque Acuático San José
Another possible focus is Parque Acuático San José. On March 30, 2026, the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) provided equipment and materials for park maintenance to support its cleaning and upkeep and improve visitor services. If you want the park to be a fixed part of your itinerary, check its current opening status beforehand.
Plan around your interests
The planning considerations differ for each visit: Motul de San José can be put in context by its approximate distance from the town; for Parque Acuático, check the current opening status beforehand. This can help you decide whether the archaeological site or the water park should shape your stay. Choose San José as your destination for accommodations and plan the rest of your trip around the interests that matter most to you. The handicrafts provide a concrete connection to the cultural theme, while Motul and Parque Acuático each offer their own reasons to visit.
Discover more destinations: San Andrés, El Remate, Poptún, El Chal, Melchor de Mencos, Boca del Monte, Santa Ana, Flores
For the broader travel overview: Petén.
