San José: Handicrafts and Archaeological Surroundings

San José brings together a local handicraft tradition and a range of interests to consider when planning a trip. In the municipality of San José, handicrafts and Lake Petén Itzá are among the features that shape the character of the area: the municipality lies on the shore of the lake. Other attractions include San José Water Park and the archaeological site of Motul de San José, about 4 km from the present-day town. You can organize these points of interest according to the kind of discovery you would like to make the focus of your stay.

Handicrafts as a cultural highlight

The handicraft tradition includes the family of Adolfo Suntecún, one of the families that began making handicrafts in the municipality of San José. They make chairs, hats, baskets, tables, bags, backpacks, brooms, bracelets, and blinds from wicker, bayal, and pepper vine. The list brings together items of different kinds, from furniture and blinds to bags and bracelets. Together with the materials mentioned, it gives the cultural theme a concrete connection to the municipality.

If you are interested in local traditions, you can consider this focus alongside the landscape and archaeology of your stay. Handicrafts offer a different perspective on San José than the geographic setting by the lake or a trip to an archaeological site. For a trip that brings together different interests, this cultural perspective is a distinct point of reference.

The lake, archaeology, and the park

The municipality of San José lies on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá. The lake is therefore part of the geographic setting of the municipality and complements the cultural perspective with a landscape feature. Together with the other points of interest, this offers a choice between different travel interests without treating them as the same kind of experience.

The archaeological site of Motul de San José is about 4 km from the present-day town of San José. The approximate distance helps place Motul as a destination in the nearby area. Check the specific travel arrangements separately when planning your time; if you plan to visit, check current visitor information in advance. This way, you can include the site as a separate point in your itinerary.

San José Water Park adds another, water-related point of interest. On March 30, 2026, the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT) provided equipment and materials for maintenance to support the park’s cleaning and upkeep and improve visitor services. If you are considering a visit, check the current visitor status in advance. This makes the park a separate point to consider in your plans, based on your interests and specific plans for your visit.

Travel interests and finding accommodation

When looking for a vacation rental in San José, you can first decide whether culture, the nearby archaeological site, or the park is most important to your stay. The handicraft tradition offers a cultural connection to the municipality; Motul is about 4 km from the present-day town and can be considered as a separate destination. Checking the current visitor status is part of planning for San José Water Park. If you are traveling as a family, you can decide together which of these interests will make the difference.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Laguna Yaxjá, Jobompiche, San Benito, El Chal, El Remate, Melchor de Mencos, Santa Ana, San Andrés

For the regional travel overview: Petén.