Maya Archaeology El Mirador Adventure

courtesy of National Geographic magazine

Maya Archaeology 6 Day Jungle Trek
/ Horseback Ride

Maya Sites:El Mirador / Nakbe / El Tintal / La Florida / La Muerta

Click here for 13 Day El Mirador Archaeological Special Exploration trip

SEASON: All year round best time FEB./MARCH - AUGUST

MIN. AGE:12 years

Itinerary

Lodging and Hours on Trail

Meals

DAY 1: SANTA ELENA, CARMELITA

Meet expedition leader at airport in Santa Elena, Peten. Transfer to the sleepy jungle outpost of Carmelita.

Load pack mules and start trek to Nakbe. There are mules for individual use or to share while on the trail.  Lunch on trail, at Archaeological site La Florida where reconstruction of a AD600 site has recently been finished. Pass by the largest watering holes of this area, and various old looting trenches at the different small ruins that are the outlying villages of the Nakbé and El Mirador reign. Overnight at Jungle camp on trail

Camp

Hours on trail: 6-7

LD

Day 2: TRAIL, NAKBE

Breakfast and continue hike towards Nakbe. We get out early to ensure a full appreciation of the surroundings. All meals on trail and dinner in camp Time Permitting we will hike a small detour to the permanent watering hole of Sacatal.

Here it is apparent how the Maya formed or broadened the watering holes for use for their large population in the pre-classic era. Arrive to the site of Nakbe.

Camp

Hours on trail: 7-8

BLD

Day 3: NAKBE, TRAIL, EL MIRADOR

After breakfast visit Nakbé, the former ruling citystate of the area who saw decline to the rising El Mirador. Tour the West Codice, and Benson complex as well as structure 27 with it's impressive looters tunnel. We will see various chultuns dug by the Maya and the quarry still partially cut close by the center of the site.
Giving a final farewell to Nakbe, you will walk in the footsteps of the Ancient Maya as we trek along the recently excavated Sacbé (causeway) between El Mirador and Nakbé. 
In early afternoon visit the temple of of el Danta on the way into the city of El Mirador.

View the temple of Nakbé 10 km away. 
Because of its remoteness, difficult access, and slight disturbance by humans, the bird life and orchid abundance is astonishing. Late afternoon to explore this monumental site that encompassed the largest area in square miles than any other known Maya site, and what is considered the ultimate Mayan archaeological destination. Explore fortification walls, causeways, temples El Tigre, Mono, the famous pre-classic stucco frieze  and all other sections discussed in the September 1987, issue of "National Geographic".

All meals and overnight at campsite within the ruins.

Camp

Hours on trail: 3-4

BLD

Day 4: EL MIRADOR

All Day for exploring the immense site of El Mirador.   We will visit the massive West Group, where we are camped -- the heart of El Mirador.  We will visit the most prominent complexes, many with tall pyramids offering their own unique vistas of the city, including the Monos, Leon, Cascabel and Tres Micos complexes, and an excavated section of the great Central Acropolis.  Here you will see the recently excavated structure 313 and a canal, which drains into a ceremonial pool constructed in the middle of the central Acropolis, associated with its very own sakbe or causeway. In the ancient ceremonial water course beneath this causeway we will view one of the greatest discoveries of Pre-classic Maya art, the life-size stucco panels showing the Hero Twins and other mythical creatures from the Maya creation story, the Popol Vuh.

Camp

BLD

Day 5: TRAIL, Tintal

Breakfast and continue on trail. Since the trail passes through lowland rain forest, there is ample opportunity to spot numerous varieties of bromeliads and orchids along the way.

Camp Hours on trail: 7-8

BLD

Day 6: TRAIL, CARMELITA, FLORES

Early breakfast and a quick visit to the pyramids of Tintal.  Then we do the last trek to Carmelita where out vehicle is waiting for our return drive to Flores. Late afternoon flight to Guatemala City. Can extend your visit to include Tikal or Uaxactún.

Hours on trail: 5-7

BL

*This tour is our Adventure tour which requires good physical condition to keep up the fast pace of walking - riding and the long hours on the trail. (most people like to alternate from riding to walking) The food for this expedition is plentiful, however, it is a simple local style. No ice or fresh meat is available.