Where to find a Sloth in Peten...?

We saw one at the ruins of Yaxchlan on the Usumacinta river.

Sloths tend to be easiest to see in cecropia trees. Indeed, they were so commonly seen in cecropias and so rarely in other types of trees that it used to be believed that sloths lived mainly or exclusively in and around cecropia trees. That is apparently not true - they are also common in other types of trees, but because cecropias are relatively open trees sloths are much easier to see in them.

Cecropias are most common in disturbed areas, on the edges of rainforest or in areas of regenerating rainforest. Therefore, if you are looking for sloths this would be the best place to start, rather than in the middle of primary rainforest.

Cecropias are also easy trees to recognise. This is a picture of a cecropia:

cecropia

Thanks, I've always kept a look out in the Cecropias in the rainforests of South America but never seen one.

I'll look up Yaxchilán ruins tonight, you've got me thinking of heading that way...

Worth it even if you don't see the sloth. Lovely jungle setting, spider monkeys and toucans.

I like the look of Yaxhá too, sounds like a pristine area compared to the bigger lake near Santa Elena.

Has anyone been to both Yaxhá and Yaxchilán?

Any preference?

I've been to Yaxhá, but not Yaxchilán. Didn't see any sloths there, but lots of Spider Monkeys (and also some Howlers, but not as many as at Tikal). It's very good for birds, if that's your thing, and I saw various birds I didn't see at Tikal (honeycreepers, euphonias, Laughing Falcons, Blue Buntings, etc).

The northern side of the lake at Yaxhá (where the ruins are) is relatively pristine. But the southern side of the lake has various cleared areas of field, etc on it - much more human activity there.

I have been to both Yaxha and Yaxchilan a time or two, and I didn't notice any sloths, but then I wasn't looking for them. Presuming that there are sloths at Yaxchilan across the border in Mexico, you might also go a bit further past Frontera Corozal to Chansayab, the Lacandon village. Arranging a hike to the Lacanha ruins AND the Rio Cedro waterfall will take you through a nice chunk of jungle. Telling your Lacandon guide about your interest in seeing sloths would probably help them point something out. I don't know the Yucatec word for sloth, but if the Spanish words do not work, try ba'alche' chanbeel for slow animal.

Apparently Tikal also has these trees and sloths as well. If you have a compass and a map, you can head out on some of the odd trails there that take you away from the masses and you should be able to find more wildlife.

I have been twice to both Yaxchilan and Yaxha. I would rate Yaxchilan slightly higher but both sites are among my favorites. I saw more wildlife at Yaxha, including a couple troops of howler monkeys and some spider monkeys. You can stay at an ecolodge (www.ecosombrero.com) at the edge of Lake Yaxha, about 3kms from the ruins. Troops of howlers have passed over the camp both times I have stayed there. Not sure about sloths in the area though.

If you head to Yaxchilan, it is certainly worthwhile to take an extra day and to do a hike to the Lacanha ruins, as Mayaphile recommends. If there are sloths in the area, a Lacandon guide would probably be your best bet for spotting one.

Just to warp up the Sloth query...it turns out there are absolutely NO sloths this far north.
Yes, anteaters (like the little silky) and various other tree dwellers but no sloths.

Thanks for the other tips though.

Yaxhá it is.