Archaeological excavation is oftentimes a quiet affair, working in small groups to uncover the material culture and architectural remains that lie beneath the surface. In the Maya Biosphere Reserve of Guatemala, we situate our excavations so that we do not cut down trees and at the conclusion of the research season, all of the pits are filled back in and the forest is minimally disturbed.

A morning at the east group © 2025, Proyecto Regional Arqueológico San Bartolo-Xultun. All rights reserved. Video by Riley Mallory. Filmed on location at San Bartolo, Petén, Guatemala, fieldwork authorized by the Dirección General de Patrimonio Cultural y Natural de Guatemala. Featuring Miguel Angel Caal Xo, Disidoro Ramos, and Marlon Eduardo Ramírez Miranda.