ECOTOURISM AND ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS
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MEDIUM TOURSYou will be in nature and explore exciting destinations while you walk, hike and climb moderately. You will be combining accommodations in hotels, ecolodges and camping. The distances between the places you will visit will be only a short drive away. For information on prices and departures please write us at info@ecotourism-adventure.com
6 days / 5 nights Degree of difficulty: medium to hard/ Type of accommodations: 3 nights camping and 2 nights in ecolodges/ Focus: Maya Archaeology and Nature Trekking, birdwatching and swimming/ See the Petexbatun Lagoon, the Pasion river and the archaeological sites of Dos Pilas, Ceibal and Aguateca... This tour starts in Tikal or in the Flores airport. DAY 1 Transfer from Tikal National Park or Flores airport to our Ecolodge on Lake Peten Itza for overnight sleep and relaxation DAY 2 Transfer to the archaeological site of Dos Pilas Set camp Discover the most outstandig features in the great Dos Pilas DAY 3 Short hike to explore the ceremonial center of Dos Pilas Continue to El Duende, interesting because of the contain of its stelae Free time to continue exploring and discussing the events of the day DAY 4 Break camp Travel through the jungle to visit the archaeological site of Ceibal, on the Pasion river Set up camp Explore the site and in the afternoon wander around on your own peace DAY 5 Depart to Sayaxché, from where boats will take us through the Pasion river and the Petexbatun Lagoon to visit the archaeological sites of Aguateca and Punta Chiminos See unique species of birds and vertebrates, even a crocodile basking in the sun DAY 6 Wake up call and breakfast Departure to Santa Elena airport to take flight back to Guatemala City, Cancun or Belize for your connecting flights back home... ( Top ) 5 days/ 4 nights Degree of difficulty: medium/ Type of accommodations: camping and ecolodges/ Focus: Birdwatching, Spectacular photography, Hiking, Nature Observation at the edge of the Laguna del Tigre National Park/ *Available during dry season only, from February to mid August See the Buena Vista Cliffs in the Maya Biosphere Reserve and look out for scarlet macaws from February to June and other unique bird and animal species year round! This tour starts in Tikal or at the Flores airport. DAY 1 Departure from the Tikal National Park toward Ecolodge on Lake Peten Itza for overnight sleep and relaxation DAY 2 Transfer to Peñon de Buena Vista, located north of San Andrés. Set up camp. Hike to the cliff Time for birdwatching, flora and fauna DAY 3 Day dedicated to the observation of bird species,flora and fauna. Special emphasis in Ara macao (Scarlet macaw) Discuss conservation issues and ecology DAY 4 Explore the jungle while we break camp Visit Don Zacarias Quixchan, an Itza elder, and its Agroforestry System Return to Ecolodge in Flores Island DAY 5 Visit the island city of Flores and the CINCAP, Center for Peten’s Nature, Culture and Handcrafts Fly back to Guatemala City, Cancun or Belize to catch your flights back home ( Top ) 5 days/ 4 nights Degree of difficulty: medium/ Type of accommodations: camping and ecolodges/ Focus: Bat watch, Nature Hiking, Nature Conservation in El Peten and archaeology/ *Available during dry season only, from February to mid August See El Tzots Biotope, visit the Forest Society of Uaxactun and the Tikal National Park in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Swim in Lake Peten Itza and look out for different neotropical bird species in the Cerro Cahui biotope! This tour starts in Tikal or at the Flores airport. DAY 1 Departure from Tikal National Park to our Ecolodge on Lake Peten Itza. Overnight stay and relaxation DAY 2 Transfer to the natural reserve named Biotopo El Zots Set up camp Visit the water reservoir Hike to El Zots cliffs to observe millions of bats coming out of a cave Return to camp DAY 3 Visit the archeological site of El Zotz Hike up to El Diablo, a pyramid with an impressive view of the jungle and the distant yet imposing Tikal Return to camp DAY 4 Break camp and take-off to the archaeological site of Uaxactun En route we will visit the Poza Maya Explore the site’s architectural complexes and visit a Mayan pottery collection Proceed to the Tikal National Park. Enjoy the sunset over temple 54 DAY 5 Transfer to the ecoartisan village of El Remate, on Lake Peten Itza, for a quick look at their handcrafts made on fine jungle woods Fly back to Guatemala City, Cancun or Belize to join your flights back home ( Top ) GEOLOGY AND NATURE ADVENTURE IN GUATEMALA 5 days/ 4 nights Degree of difficulty: medium/ Type of accommodations: ecolodges and hotels/ Focus: Archaeology, Caving, Spectacular Geology and Nature/ See Ceibal archaeological site, the Candelaria Grotto, the Semuc Champey Natural Monument and the Lankin Cave. Visit the city of Coban and explore the Quetzal Bird Sanctuary or biotope! This tour starts in Tikal or at the Flores airport. DAY 1 Depart from the Tikal National Park to our Ecolodge on Lake Peten Itza for overnight stay and relaxation DAY 2 Depart to Ceibal National Park on the Pasion river Explore the site with its unique structures Our geology experts will take over and lead you to the land of the Queq’chi, full of impressive geologic formations Overnight at an ecolodge surrounded by an impressive jungle and managed by the indigenous local community in the vecinity of the Candelaria Grotto DAY 3 Full day exploration of the Ancient Maya caves and discover the chambers of the "Cueva del Mico" and the Ceremonial Center Swim in the river at the mouth of the grottos and explore the beautiful grounds of Candelaria DAY 4 Drive to Semuc Champey Appreciate the cascading waterfalls that fill the myriad emerald, green and blue lagoons in this unique geologic formation Transfer to Lanquin Visit the impressive Lanquin cave and see millions of bats as they exit to go on their nightly hunt DAY 5 Drive past coffee, cardamom, and cacao farms to Cobán Explore the city and the Vivero Verapaz, a botanical wonderland DAY 6 Visit the village of Tactic and the strange geologic formation of the Pozo Vivo Hike in the subtropical cloud forest at the Biotopo del Quetzal, dedicated to preserve the habitat of the elusive national bird, the quetzal Birdwatching Transfer to Guatemala City DAY 7 Transfer to airport for international flight back home ( Top ) 6 days/ 5 nights Degree of difficulty: soft to medium/ Type of accommodations: hotels and ecolodges/ Focus: Archaeology, Culture, Tropical Nature, Conservation and swimming/ See El Canal Ingles, Punta de Manabique, Rio Dulce National Park and the Chocon Machacas Biotope for the preservation of manatee. Visit the archaeological sites of Quirigua and Copan. in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Swim in Lake Peten Itza and look out for different neotropical bird species in the Cerro Cahui biotope! This tour starts in Tikal or at the Flores airport. Day 1 Charter flight to Puerto Barrios Free afternoon DAY 2 Board fast boat to visit La Graciosa Bay, Canal Inglés, San José del Mar, Punta de Manabique, Cabo Tres Puntas and/or Estereo Lagarto Weather permitting we should go out to high sea DAY 3 Fast boat to visit the Chocon River and Chocon Machacas Biotope Reserve, dedicated to the protection of manatees
( Top ) MAYA ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE HIGHLANDS 9 days/ 8 nights Degree of difficulty: soft to medium/ Type of accommodations: hotels and ecolodges/ Focus: Maya Archaeology, Living Maya Culture, Soft Nature Trekking/ See the Archaeological sites of Tikal, Yaxha and Uaxactun. Visit Antigua and Guatemala City's Archaeological Museum. Day 1 Flight into Guatemala City and overnight Day 2 Domestic flight to Flores, Petén Transfer to Tikal National Park Drive to Uaxactun Guided visit to Uaxactun Return to Tikal National Park Sunset over Tikal Day 3 Guided tour of Tikal National Park and to the Park’s Sylvannus G. Morley Museum Day 4 Early morning rise for birdwatching at the reservoir or the temples Full day exploring more of Tikal and its surroundings on your own pace Day 5 Transfer to the Yaxha Lagoon Guided visit tour of the archaeological sites of Yaxha and Topoxte Overnight at Ecolodge in Yaxha Day 6 Brief visit to the site of El Kuch Transfer to Flores and visit the islands, the CINCAP (Petén’s Nature, Handicrafts and Cultural Center) Visit the Sacbakekan lookout point Free time to enjoy Ni’tun beach Day 7 Explore Motul de San Jose & Balaantun archaeological Sites Transfer to airport and fly to Guatemala City Transfer to the colonial city of Antigua Day 8 Free morning to explore the fascinating colonial ruins and cultural centers of Antigua Guatemala Guided walking tour of the colonial city Visit the jade factory Day 9 Transfer to Guatemala City Airport to join your flights back home Time permitting we should visit the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology What’s included? Domestic Airfare, ground and lake transfers, park entrance fees when accompanied by a guide. Museum entrance fee in Tikal. One night in Guatemala City hotel upon arrival. Three nights in the Tikal National Park including all courtesy breakfasts while in Tikal, Guided visit to Uaxactun, Guided visit to Tikal on Day 3, One night in Ecolodge El Sombrero on the Yaxhá Lagoon, Guided visits to Yaxhá, Topoxté and El Kuch. Guided walking tour of Antigua. Guided tour of Guatemala City’s Archaeology Museum. Snacks, soft drinks and first aid kit permanently at your disposal. What’s not included? International airfare. Personal expenses, most meals in Tikal, meals in El Sombrero Ecolodge, meals at Ni’tun Ecolodge, domestic flight airport taxes, meals in Antigua or Guatemala City. Alcoholic beverages. Travel or personal insurance. ABOUT THIS TOUR... This tour is designed for people who have a keen interest in archaeology and like the outdoors but want to return to a comfortable bed within walking distance after their hikes. It has been designed to cater to travelers who want to have sometime to experience on their own and just enough guiding and company to become informed and to better enjoy their leisure independent outings. It is a moderate weave of ecology and nature with living culture while remaining essentially an archaeology oriented tour. ( Top ) NATURE, CULTURE AND ARCHAEOLOGY 13 days/ 12 nights 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, Atitlán 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. ( Top ) |
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