Located on the banks of the Passion River, in Sayaxché, Petén , Cancuen archaeological site was an important commercial hub between the highlands of Guatemala and the lowlands of Petén and México during the late Maya classic period. The site offers excellent eco-friendly tourist infrastructure, like no other in Guatemala.
During the late Maya classic period (650 - 810 A. D.) this site was a remarkably affluent and influential commercial hub. Strategically located along a main navigable route within the Maya World, the site controlled the traffic of valuable jade, quetzal feathers and obsidian materials between the highlands of Guatemala and the lowlands of Petén and Mexico. The palace of Cancuen is considered to be one of the largest and most impressive ones of the Maya world. Its architectural style is unique, featuring a meticulous aesthetic touch, uncommon in the Maya world. Recent findings include jade workshops, royal burial sites, stucco reliefs, three ball court markers and one of the best preserved panels ever found in a Maya site.

The pioneer archaeological project in Cancuen allows tourists to observe and share experiences with archeologists (depending on the season) and understand the importance of restoration and protection of cultural heritage while enjoying beautiful scenery and contributing to the socio-cultural development of three local communities.

The site offers excellent eco-friendly tourist infrastructure like no other in Guatemala. It has a Visitors' Center with fascinating archaeological information, elevated wooden trails with interpretive signs, a camping area, clean toilets and showers, and a small restaurant.

The "Development and Tourism Association" of La Unión (Chisec) provides daily boat services to the site. The community also has a shaded parking lot and a small convenience store where they sell beautiful models of carved Maya art replicated with perfect precision. Local guides from the communities of El Zapote, Santa Isabel and La Unión provide interpretative guiding services for the site.

Remarkable history, archaeology and mystic environment make Cancuen archaeological site an extraordinary experience