The ultimate jungle trek to the lost Mayan city of El Mirador, six times larger than Tikal and home to La Danta, one of the world’s tallest pyramids. This 8 day adventure takes you deep into the rainforest of Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve past the hidden ruins of Uaxactun and Nakbe to reach this ancient metropolis. Trek along narrow jungle trails and Maya causeways, camp under the stars next to crumbling pyramids and marvel at the spectacular array of wildlife that accompanies you along the journey.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore the extraordinary site of Tikal
Camp alongside long-lost Mayan temples
Hike along an ancient Mayan causeway
Climb up La Danta, one of the world’s largest pyramids
Marvel El Mirador, for centuries lost to the outside world
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
7
Nights
Price Guide
Prices on demand
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Arrive
Guatemala
Day 1
The magnificent site of Tikal
On early arrival into Flores, you will be met and driven to the magnificent Mayan site of Tikal, arguably Central America’s most iconic temple complex with close to 3,000 ancient archaeological ruins hidden amidst dense rainforest. You will tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site with your guide and acclimatise to the surrounding jungle and wildlife.
Day 2
Uaxactun & the start of your jungle trek
Leaving the tourist centre of Tikal behind, you will be driven out to the remote Maya village and impressive ruins of Uaxactun. Here, you will enjoy a delicious local lunch amidst the temples and pyramid structures before by continuing by 4×4 deep into the Maya Biosphere reserve. As the road ends, you leave the vehicle behind and start the trek with an one hour hike through lush rainforest to reach your first jungle camp.
Day 3
Jungle Trek to Nakbe
Waking to the sounds of birds and howler monkeys, you will set off along an ancient Mayan footpath. A small lagoon inhabited by Morelet’s crocodiles marks the half-way point before the climb to the El Mirador plateau begins. Walking ever higher offers glimpses across the surrounding forest before you reach your second camp at the Nakbe ruins in time for sunset atop the temples.
Day 4
Hike the Mayan causeway to El Mirador
After exploring Nakbe, a remote site that receives little to no tourists, you will follow the remnants of an ancient Maya causeway some 13 km to reach El Mirador and the famous La Danta, one of the tallest temples on the planet. You will celebrate your arrival with a dinner and a glass of wine and perhaps have the chance to meet a resident archaeologist excavating the site.
Day 5
The mayan mysteries of El Mirador
Today, you will experience more of El Mirador’s wonders and perhaps climb to the top of El Tigre Temple for breathtaking views across the complex and rainforest. The rest of the day is at leisure to recover from the walking or explore the site at your own pace.
Day 6
El Tintal & the journey back
After two nights, it’s time to bid farewell to El Mirador and begin your trek back to civilisation. Here, you will join the official route, a well-marked trail that leads you on to the ruins at El Tintal which offers yet more wonderful temple-top views of the neighbouring sites amidst virgin rainforest. You will enjoy a final meal under the stars as your trek draws to an end.
Day 7
Carmelita & the end of your trek
A final 2-hour walk brings you to the secluded community of Carmelita where you will meet your support vehicle for the return transfer to Flores where a comfy bed and warm shower awaits.
Day 8
Return to Flores airport for onward connections
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Prices on demand
When to travel
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Generally-speaking, you can visit Guatemala all year-round although in the lowlands conditions are hotter, stickier and wetter during the rainy season (May to October) often results in heavy downpours in the late afternoon. In the highlands, these months coincide with warmer temperatures which can drop down to zero during the dry season – November to April.
In Guatemala, January is typically a cool month with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 23 degrees Celsius. The weather in January is generally dry with little to no precipitation, making it a great time to visit the country. It's important to note that temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country. Overall, visitors can expect comfortable weather conditions during this time of year.
February is a slightly warmer month in Guatemala, with average temperatures ranging from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius. It is also a relatively dry month with minimal precipitation. As with January, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country. Visitors can expect pleasant weather conditions in February, making it a good time to visit.
March in Guatemala is typically a warm month with average temperatures ranging from 13 to 27 degrees Celsius. It is also a relatively dry month, similar to February, with minimal precipitation. However, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country. Visitors can expect pleasant weather conditions in March, making it a good time to visit.
In April, the weather in Guatemala is generally warm with temperatures ranging from 14 to 28 degrees Celsius. Precipitation levels tend to increase slightly compared to March, but overall, it remains a relatively dry month. As with March, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country.
In May, Guatemala experiences warm temperatures averaging between 16 to 29 degrees Celsius. The weather remains relatively dry with occasional rainfall, making it a great time to explore the country's beautiful landscapes. However, temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country, so it's best to pack accordingly.
In June, Guatemala experiences a warm and humid climate with an average temperature of 24°C to 28°C. During this month, rainfall is common and thunderstorms are frequent. It is recommended to bring light and breathable clothing, as well as a raincoat or umbrella when visiting Guatemala during this time of year.
In July, Guatemala experiences warm temperatures with an average high of 27°C and an average low of 16°C. It's a great time to visit and explore the country's stunning landscapes, but be prepared for occasional rain showers as July is also part of the rainy season. Make sure to pack light clothing and a rain jacket to stay comfortable during your travels.
In August, Guatemala's weather is generally warm with average high temperatures of 27°C and lows of 16°C. However, it is still part of the rainy season, so occasional showers are expected. It's recommended to bring light clothing and a rain jacket to stay comfortable during your travels.
The average temperature in Guatemala during the month of September is around 21-23 degrees Celsius. It's usually cooler in the highlands and warmer on the coast. However, it's important to note that the country experiences a rainy season during this month, so there may be occasional showers throughout the day. It's always a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella if traveling during this time.
The temperature in Guatemala during October ranges from 20-24 degrees Celsius. It's generally cooler in the highlands and warmer on the coast. However, it's important to note that October is still part of the rainy season, so travelers should be prepared for occasional showers throughout the day. It's recommended to bring a raincoat or umbrella to stay dry.
In November, Guatemala experiences a slightly cooler climate with temperatures ranging from 18-22 degrees Celsius. The highlands remain cooler than the coast, but travelers should still be prepared for occasional rainfall as it's part of the rainy season. It's advisable to pack a raincoat or umbrella for any unexpected showers.
In December, Guatemala experiences a mild climate with temperatures ranging from 18-23 degrees Celsius. The highlands remain cooler than the coast, but travelers should still be prepared for occasional rainfall as it's part of the rainy season. It's advisable to pack a raincoat or umbrella for any unexpected showers.
Add on’s
No visit to Guatemala is complete without visitng the ruined colonial city of Antigua and the sacred lake of the Maya, Lake Atitlan. Continuing across the border into Belize, you can visit the caves, jungle and roaring rivers of the Cayo District which in turn leads you on to the golden beaches and breathtaking marine life of the cayes and Belize’s Mayan Reef. Alternatively, from Tikal why not take embark on an adventurous journey north to cross into Mexico to visit the picture-postcard Mayan site of Palenque. From here, travelling south-west takes you through to Mexico City via San Cristobal and Oaxaca, while north-east opens up the glorious colonial cities of Campeche and Merida and the powder soft sands of the Riviera Maya.
From Guatemala, there are direct flights to the breathtaking national parks and wildlife of Costa Rica such as Arenal and the Osa Peninsula and also to Bogota in Colombia where you can spend a few days exploring the famous coffee triangle and colonial gem of Cartagena.
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