El Chiclero Camp |
Uaxactun, Peten -
Maya Biosphere Reserve
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BRIEF STORY
| Uaxactun is an ancient archaeological
site in the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Along
with the great ceremonial site of Tikal, 23 kilometers
south of Uaxactun, the area began to develop during
the Pre-Classic Period around the year 900 B.C., when
the first groups of hunters and collectors began to
establish more permanent settlements.
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It wasn’t until about 100 years ago that a group
of chicleros- or gum sap extractors- discovered the site,
overgrown by a dense jungle. Uaxactun is one of the oldest
Mayan sites, whose ancient name was Siaan K’aan or
"Born in Heaven", according to epigraphers. The
chicleros gave it the name of Bambonal, because of the many
bamboo plants they found around the site. The next group
of chicleros named it San Leandro. It was renamed Uaxactun
by Sylvannus G. Morley, one of the archaeologists who worked
here with Carnegie Institution in the 1930s. Uaxactun means
8-Stone, an incription found by Morley in one of the stellas
he deciphered. Uaxactun is famous for its sculpted monuments
and an astronomical observatory.
Today the people of Uaxactun are dedicated to the extraction
of gum, xate, an ornamental palm, and all spice. There are
some people who are starting to work with wicker to make
baskets, hats and furniture. The community is looking to
ecotourism as a productive activity, as well, an effort
that has Ecotourism and Adventure Specialists full support
and enthusiasm.
At El Chiclero Camp...
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There are 7 double and
4 single rooms, plus all the equipment needed to go
on a great jungle expedition. Its walls has been made
of Bajareque, small wood covered by earth, with a
rustic stucco, in Maya style. Ceilings were made with
guano palm leaves, extracted from the surrounding
jungle, like all the other materials. You're also
welcome at our campground, with comfortable big blue
hammocks with mosquito nets, the same ones chicleros
use in the jungle. |
Take a horse-back ride or hike trough the jungle using
the trails made by the chicleros and enjoy the great biodiversity
of one of the most important natural reserves in the world.
Here you might get a glimpse of the Keel-billed toucan,
different species of hummingbirds, ferns, Howler Monkeys
and why not, maybe even a Jaguar!
You will also find...
- Ecotourism & Sustainable Non-Timber Forest Activities,
such as Chicle and Xate extraction
- Jungle Trekks and Expeditions
- Horseback Riding
- Birdwatching
- Home stay & Jungle Camping
- Museum, with 365 registered pieces including objects
in shell, jade, bone and ceramics from the Uaxactun and
Dos Lagunas area, mostly from the early Classic Period
(250-550 B.C.)
- You may also visit the community camping and eco-cultural
guides in Uaxactun...
DISCOVER THE JUNGLE AND THE ANCIENT MAYA SITES
From El Chiclero Camp’s strategic location you may
travel to Dos Lagunas, Rio Azul, Mirador, Nakbe... This will
be your life's most fascnating jungle adventure, and you will
be in close touch with the chicleros and xateros of Uaxactun...
http://www.tikalpark.com/sites.htm
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