 In 1618 two Franciscan friars set out from Mérida on a mission to attempt the peaceful conversion of the still-pagan Itza in central Petén.Bartolomé de Fuensalida and Juan de Orbita were accompanied by some Christianised Maya.After an arduous six-month journey the travellers were well received at Nojpetén by the current Kan Ekʼ.