Rio Azul Regional Archaeological Project

The Río Azul Regional Archaeological Project (RARAP) is a multidisciplinary project dedicated to the scientific exploration and preservation of natural and cultural heritage of the Mirador–Río Azul National Park in northern Petén, Guatemala. Through research, community engagement, and conservation initiatives, we strive to protect and celebrate the cultural legacy of the ancient Maya civilization.

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Our mission is to understand how past communities interacted with their tropical environment, how they built cities and urban centers, managed resources, and shaped the landscapes that still define the region today. By combining archaeology, geography, and environmental science, we seek to reveal the deep connections between people and environment across centuries.

 

​Working in close collaboration with local communities, park rangers, and Guatemalan and international institutions, we aim to preserve both the cultural and natural treasures of northeastern Petén. Integrating cutting-edge technologies such as LiDAR and remote sensing with traditional fieldwork, our efforts contribute to the sustainable preservation of this remarkable, World Heritage–worthy landscape.​