Nature, Culture And Archaeology

Degree of difficulty: medium/ Type of accommodations: camping, hotels and ecolodges/ Comfortable scenic drives through remote jungle/ Focus: Conservation and park managemente, Ecotourism Planning, Spectacular Photography, Maya Archaeology, Living Maya Culture, Soft Nature Trekking/

See the impressive Buena Vista Cliff, visit the Archaeological sites and nature preserves of El Zots and Tikal. Visit Antigua, Chichicastenango and Panajachel.

Day 1

• Flight to Guatemala City

Day 2

• Domestic flight to Flores, Petén
• Transfer to the island city of Flores
• Short briefing at CINCAP, the Center for the Peten’s Nature, Culture and Handcrafts
• Free morning to rest and acclimate in our Ecolodge
• Visit the Itza elder Don Zacarías Quixchán Agroforestry
• Project
• Short visit the Eco-escuela in San Andrés

Day 3

• Departure to El Peñon de Buena Vista. (Buena Vista Cliff)
• Set up camp
• Short hike to the cliff for observation of Ara macao (scarlet macaw)

Day 4

• Hike to the cliff to see the sunrise
• Full day hiking and exploring Buena Vista
• Continue on the look out for Scarlet Macaws and other unique bird and animal species

Day 5

• Break camp
• Transfer to El Zots Biotope
• En route visit the community of El Cruce A Dos Aguadas and drive through San Miguel La Palotadas
• Set up camp
• Proceed to the bat cave and cliff at El Zots
• See the bats exit the cave in their food hunt

Day 6

• Exploration of the archaeological site of El Zots
• Enjoy the view of Tikal, from the top of El Diablo pyramid
• Hike up to cliffs to see the bats exit the cave again

Day 7

• Break camp
• Jungle drive to the archaeological site of Uaxactun
• Explore the archaeological site
• Continue to the Tikal National Park

Day 8

• Full day exploration of Tikal

Day 9

• Flight to Guatemala City
• Transfer to Antigua
• Walking tour of the city’s fascinating colonial ruins and cultural centers
• Visit some of the surrounding pueblos to see coffee and macadamia plantations

Day 10

• Transfer to Chichicastenango to see the Quiche’s colorful market
• Short hike to Pascual Abaj, ceremonial site
• Proceed to the village of Panajachel on Lake Atitlán

Day 11

• Tour the lake’s villages of Santiago, Atitl‡n and participate in an ancient tradition
• Visit the alternative community of San Marcos La Laguna
• Brief stop at the Mariposario or Butterfly sanctuary at Hotel Atitlán

Day 12

• Free morning in Panajachel
• Transfer to Guatemala City

Day 13

• Airport transfer, join your flights back home
• What’s included?
• Domestic flights, all ground transport, camping showers and equipment, all meals while camping. Two nights at hotel in Tikal. One night in Antigua Hotel. Boat transfers and lunch while visiting Atitlán Lake Villages. Breakfasts in Lake Atitlan. Park entrance fees when accompanied by a guide. Professional bilingual archaeology and nature guides. Permanent access to first aid kit, purified water, soft drinks and snacks.

What’s not included?

International airfare. Airport taxes. Alcoholic beverages. Most meals while staying at ecolodges and hotels. Personal and travel insurance. Personal expenses. Tikal Museum entrance fee. Tips to porters, drivers and guides.

What to bring?

Light clothes for warm weather is appropriate. Long sleeved shirt and canvas pants for the jungle. Binoculars, photographic equipment and mosquito repellent. A backpack and personal toiletries and items. Sunglasses. Extra socks and undergarments are essential. A swimming suit. A windbreaker. Warmer clothes for cooler weather in the highlands. Good walking shoes and a pair of sneakers.

MAKE SURE...

You hold valid passport. You may not need a visa for Guatemala, however please call the Guatemalan consulate or ask your travel agent before you travel. Consult your physician before travel. Although many doctors recommend immunization this is a bit exaggerated in our opinion. Just taking precautions to prevent bites and ensuring high standards of hygiene shall be enough.