USUMACINTA RIVER & MAYA WORLD EXPEDITION

7 Days

July 18th, 1999 to July 24th, 1999

Degree of difficulty: moderate; Types of accommodation: Beautiful ecolodges and our Five-Star Camping; Focus: Nature and Maya Archaeology. See the fascinating Maya Sites of Yaxchilan, Ceibal and the natural beauty of the Usumacinta and Pasión Rivers. See the beautiful Petexbatun Lagoon and visit the impressive Maya ceremonial site of Tikal.

July 18^th (L,D) (Optional: Transfer from your hotel to La Aurora International Airport at 5:00 a.m.) Register at the airline’s counter for your flight to Flores, PeténActual flight time: 30 minutes Arrival in Santa Elena International Airport We will take you from the airport to the town of Sayaxche, where we will embark on a Peten style lancha (small boat) with an outboard motor that will take us down the Rio La Pasion. We will make a quick leg-stretching stop at the archaeological site of Altar de Sacraficios before we enjoy a delightful lunch and carry on until we reach the Usumacinta River. We will set up our camp on a sandy white dune, where we will spend our first night watching the clear skies, listening to the sounds of the jungle, all gathered around a cozy bonfire...(CAMP 1)

July 19^th (B,L,D) After breakfast we will board our canoe and continue down river. We will reach the Guatemalan community of Bethel by midday, where we will have lunch and learn about community-based ecotourism. We will proceed to the immigration check point and only half an hour after checking customs (at the Mexican Corozal border) we will be able to enjoy a walk around the magnificent Maya Classic site of Yaxchilan. This unique site is strategically located atop a knoll set on a natural omega formed by the Usumacinta River. Once the park closes, we will return for a dip in the waters of the Usumacinta, which will refresh us before an exquisite dinner at our camping site. (CAMP 2)

July 21^st (B,L,D) We will start the day afresh. Our river adventure will take us up river for a refreshing afternoon stop at Los Chorros, where lovely cascades pour into the powerful river’s stream. Surrounded by a dense subtropical vegetation we will focus on the natural balance that is so brutally being destroyed, even while most of the species contained in it aren’t fully known to science. A stop at a local woman’s home will enhance our understanding of how humans interact with nature. Then we will proceed to set up our beautiful camping spot at Los Chorros to enjoy a wonderful evening by listening to the the babble of the creek  and the sounds of Nature. (CAMP 3).

July 22^nd (B,L) Early in the morning we will start upriver until we reach the pristine Pucte River, with water so clear you can see the movement of the water lilies and their many hues of green and red dancing with the current. We will make a quick stop at Sayaxche.  After our explorations we will proceed to the Petexbatun Lagoon's Posada Mateo, where we will sleep.  Posada Mateo is a beautiful ecolodge in the middle of the jungle.

July 23^rd  We will start very early this morning from Posada Mateo towards the Ceibal Archaeological Monument and National Park, before returning to Peten’s Central area and Lake Peten Itza. We will enjoy sunset at Punta de Piedra or Ni’tun, which is also a small archaeological site and nature preserve. Overnight at beautiful Ni’tun Ecolodge.

July 24^th (L)  After early breakfast we will bid the Peten farewell at the magnificent city of Tikal, where we will go on a full day exploration. We will enjoy watching birds early in the morning and then have time to discover this fascinating natural and archaeological paradise before catching our afternoon flights back to Guatemala City. Transfer from Tikal to airportRegister at the airline’s counter for your flight to Guatemala City.

What’s included? Domestic airfare, all ground and river transfers in El Peten, all accommodations in camping and ecolodges. All meals while camping. Entrance to National Parks. Permanent access to purified water, light snacks and soft drinks.

What’s not included? Transfers in Guatemala City are not included but may be added at your convenience. Personal expenses and travel insurance. Meals while at ecolodges or cities. (Breakfast July 18^th, Dinner on July 22^nd, Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner on July 23^rd, Breakfast July 24^th. Alcoholic beverages. International airfare.

For information on prices or reservations write: usumacinta@ecotourism-adventure.com

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November 7th to November 16th, 1999

Degree of difficulty: moderate. Types of accommodation: Beautiful ecolodges and hotels. Focus: Spirituality and Self Growth, through Yoga and Meditation in Nature and Maya archaeological sites. See the fascinating Maya Site of Tikal, Lake Atitlán, the colonial city of Antigua and the natural beauty of the Guatemalan highlands.  Meet with Maya elders and Mayan peoples from around the country.

International flights to Guatemala, some meals. Alcoholic beverages, tips to porters, waiters and drivers.