ECOTOURISM AND ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS
|
|
|
|
TOURS FOR EVERYBODYYou will enjoy these tours no matter your fitness level or age because these tours are soft expeditions, where your comfort is our main concern. You will explore nature and return to quite comfortable accommodations in the evening to get a good rest. For information on prices and departures please write us at info@ecotourism-adventure.com
Explore Guatemala’s traditional main highlights in the colonial city of Antigua, beautiful Lake Atitlan and the colorful market of Chichicastenango. Visit the Tikal National Park in the northern region of El Peten. DAY 1 Arrival in Guatemala. Transfer to Antigua Guatemala. DAY 2 Enjoy Antigua’s colonial atmosphere. Visit Antigua’s surrounding villages. DAY 3 Early transfer to Atitlan. Take a fast boat across the lake to the Tzutuhil-Maya village of Santiago. Visit an alternative community in San Marcos La Laguna. DAY 4 Early departure to Chichicastenango. Brief stop at the Butterfly Sanctuary. Enjoy a colorful market day. Visit the Santo Tomas Church. Transfer to Guatemala City. Brief stopover at Iximche archaeological site. DAY 5 Early transfer to the airport for flight to Tikal National Park. Guided archeological tour. DAY 6 An early morning start is optional for birdwatching. Explore more of Tikal and see its museum. Fly back to Guatemala city or stay and continue with any of our extensions. What's included? All domestic flights, ground, horse, river, lake and sea transfers, lodging* in Guatemala City, Antigua, Panajachel and Tikal. Park entrance fees when accompanied by a guide. All meals in far-off jungle areas (boxed or hot). Permanent access to soft drinks, purified water, snacks and first aid kit. *Changes of hotels or other services are possible without prior notice in order to insure the best quality of service. What’s not included? Personal expenses, personal and travel insurance, meals in places where there is a choice of restaurants (such as in cities, unless otherwise specified) tips to porters, drivers, guides and waiters. International airfare. This trip promises to be everything you expect and more. What to bring... Casual and informal dress is appropriate. Bring light clothes for hot tropical climate, boots and canvas pants or jeans, long-sleeved shirts and trousers for the jungle, a swimming suit, mosquito repellent and a wind breaker. Warmer clothes for a bit of a chill in the Guatemalan highlands are definitely necessary. Bring your flash light, binoculars, a bird book and photographic equipment. ( Top ) TIKAL, ITZA & MANABIQUE ADVENTURE The focus of this adventure is to visit protected areas and to meet real people whose work is making a difference in protecting our environment and local culture. Explore the wonders of Guatemala's Peten region and Caribbean, experiencing first-hand what it means to be an environmentally and socially responsible traveler. Day 1 Arrival in Guatemala Day 2 Early flight to Tikal National Park Guided archeological tour Boxed lunch Day 3 Early morning start for birdwatching Explore more of Tikal and see its museum Enjoy swimming and lunch at Cerro Cahui Biotope Arrival in Maya Itza town of San Jose Day 4 Visit the Bioitza reserve Free afternoonand open bar Day 5 Free morning for birdwatching, swimming or relaxing. Board Rey Kanek Visit the city of Flores Charter flight to Puerto Barrios Special activity Day 6 Board fast boat and visit La Graciosa Bay, Canal Ingles, San Jose del Mar, Punta de Manabique, Cabo Tres Puntas and Estero Lagarto* Day 7 Board fast boat to visit La Buga, Livingston, the Chocon river and Chocon Machacas Biotope Reserve (established for the protection of manatees.) Sail to Izabal Lake and anchor at Finca Paraiso Visit Finca Paraiso’s Hot Waterfalls Day 8 Visit an old Spanish Fort, Castillo de San Felipe Visit archaeological site of Quirigua Transfer to Guatemala City Day 9 Transfer to Guatemala City’s International Airport and farewell or continue on to other adventures... What's included?
What's not included?
( Top ) Degree of difficulty: easy to moderate/ Type of accommodations: 3-5 star hotels and ecolodges/ Focus: Maya Archaeology exploring sites in:/ Peten- Guatemala, Belize and Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Chiapas- Mexico Visit over 19 archaeological sites in 3 countries... TIKAL- YAXHA- HOLTUN- TOPOXTE- EL KUCH -XUNANTUNICH-CUELLO- LAMANAI- CERROS- SANTA RITA- CHETUMAL-TULUM- COBA- CHICHEN ITZA- UXMAL- KABAH- LABNA-PALENQUE- MOTUL DE SAN JOSE DAY 1 Flight to Tikal National Guided visit to the archaeological site DAY 2 (B) Visit the Sylvannus G. Morley Museum Transfer to the Yaxha Lagoon and visit a hidden Maya face en route Visit the sites of Yaxha and Topoxte by boat Overnight at Ecolodge DAY 3 (B/L) Visit the site of El Kuch Transfer to the Belizean border Visit the ruins of Xunantunich Proceed to resort on the banks of the Macal River for overnight DAY 4 Transfer to Orange Walk District and visit the site of Cuello Visit Lamanai, the most impressive archaeological site in Belize Night spot light boat tour to appreciate wildlife DAY 5 (L) Transfer to Corozal District to visit the sites of Santa Rita and Cerros, longest lasting occupations in Maya history Proceed to the mexican border Visit the Maya Museum in Chetumal. Charter flight over the Caribbean Coast of Quintana Roo to the fortified site of Tulum and overnight DAY 6 (L) Visit the archaeological site of Tulum Proceed to Coba and marvel at its ancient roads Visit the Dzitnup cave and reach village of Valladolid by the end of the day DAY 7 (L) Transfer to Chichen Itza, hybrid city of Puuc Mayan and Toltec styles Shuttle to Merida in Yucatan for overnight DAY 8 (L/D) Transfer to the impressive sites of Kabah and Labna and Sayil Proceed to Uxmal, place of great pomp and splendor At night transfer back to your hotel in Merida DAY 9 DUE TO FLIGHT SCHEDULES TODAY MUST BE THURSDAY Optional city tour around Merida Flight to Palenque DAY 10 Visit the archaeological site of Palenque, the Westernmost Maya City State Flight back to Flores, Peten in Guatemala Transfer to the island city of Flores and boat across Lake Peten Itza for overnight DAY 11 Discuss the plight of Mayan artifacts Visit the unexcavated Motul de San Jose, of which very little is known Relaxing afternoon DAY 12 Transfer to Santa Elena International Airport for flight back to Guatemala City Farewell at your hotel ( Top ) TIKAL, BELIZE, CHICHEN ITZA & UXMAL A 22 day Journey through Maya History and Nature in Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and Honduras Degree of difficulty: easy to moderate/ Type of accommodations: 3-5 star hotels and ecolodges/ Focus: Maya Archaeology, Architecture and History, Natural History, Geography and contemporary Maya Culture/ exploring sites in:/ Peten- Guatemala, Belize and Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Chiapas- Mexico Visit archaeological sites in Guatemala: Tikal, Uaxactun, Yaxha, Topoxte & Iximche... in Honduras: Copan... in Belize: Xunantunich, Cuello, Lamanai, Cerros and Santa Rita... in Mexico: Tulum, Coba, Chichen Itza, Kabah, Labna, Uxmal, Palenque, Yaxchilan and Bonampak. See the natural beauty of the Maya Biosphere Reserve and the Yaxha Lagoon in Guatemala, the New River Lagoon in Belize and the mystic Dzitnup cave and the falls and ponds of Agua Azul and Misol-ha in Mexico. DAY 1 Fly to Guatemala City DAY 2 (B/L) Transfer to Antigua Guatemala Guided colonial history tour of the city and neighboring villages Visit coffee farms, ornamental plants, macadamia plantations, textiles, handicrafts and the town’s Central Square and Jade Factory DAY 3 (B/L) Transfer to Lake Atitlán Visit the ancient capital of the Caqchiquel kingdom, Iximche, en route Explore the lively colors on the streets of Panajachel Sunset over Lake Atitlán Sunset over lake Atitlan DAY 4 (B/L) Cross over Lake to appreciate the Tzutuhil village of Santiago and the crystal clear waters of Cerro de Oro Visit the alternative village of San Marcos la Laguna DAY 5 (B/L) Visit the Butterfly Sanctuary and the Buenaventura Cascade Proceed to Chichicastenango, seat of religious and political identity of the Quiche Maya people Enjoy the market day Transfer to Guatemala City DAY 6 (B/L) Fly to the ancient city of Copan, in Honduras Visit the Late Classic Maya City, famous for its well preserved stone carved monuments and its grand hieroglyphic stairway Flight back to Guatemala City DAY 7 (B/L) Flight to Flores Peten Proceed to the Tikal National Park Guided tour of the archaeological site, known for its enormous temples surrounded by an impressive jungle DAY 8 (B/L) Optional early start for birdwatchers Explore more of the impressive Maya City of Tikal and the Sylvannus G. Morley Museum DAY 9 (B/L) Transfer to Uaxactun Visit the archaeological site and the private collection turned into the town’s museum Continue to El Remate on Lake Peten Itza to visit the town’s woodcarvers DAY 10 (L) Transfer the Yaxha lagoon to visit the sites of Yaxha and Topoxte, this area has some of the richest biodiversity in Guatemala DAY 11 (L) Transfer to the Belizean border and visit the archaeological site of Xunantunich Visit the archaeological site of Xunantunich Continue to the Macal River for overnight DAY 12 Transfer to Lamanai Visit the pyramid of Cuello en route Enjoy the pristine New River Lagoon and its wildlife Guided visit to the archaeological site of Lamanai Night spotting boat tour to appreciate wildlife DAY 13 (B) Head toward the Chetumal Bay to visit the ancient archaeological sites of Cerros and Santa Rita Proceed to the Mexican border Visit the Museum of Maya Archaeology in the present day town of Chetumal Charter flight over the Caribbean Coast of Quintana Roo to Tulum DAY 14 (L) Visit the fortified Maya city of Tulum Proceed to Coba and marvel with its ancient roads Continue to the colonial town of Valladolid DAY 15 (B/L) Guided visit to the Maya Cave of Dzitnup Proceed to Chichen Itza and appreciate its architectural features both Maya and Toltec in origin Guided tour of the archaeological site Transfer to Merida DAY 16 (L/D) Explore the archaeological sites of Labna, Kabah and Sayil. Transfer to the site of Uxmal, the triumph of Mayan architecture Return to Merida DAY 17 Time to relax or see the city of Merida Flight to Palenque DAY 18 (B/L) Guided tour of the Westernmost Mayan city state, Palenque. DAY 19 (B/L) Drive to Frontera Corozal on the Usumacinta River Board boat to the Classic Maya site of Yaxchilan Continue to the Lacandon Maya Indian village of Lancan-ha Set up camp DAY 20 (B/L) Eleven mile hike through the Lacandon Jungle to Bonampak, famous for its painted murals Return to Lacan-ha for transfer back to Palenque Visit the Village of Lacanha Chansayab and swim in the Lacan-ha river if you dont’t feel in fit to hike through the jungle DAY 21 (L/D) Relax in the beauty of the pristine geologic formations formed by water running through karstic soil (limestone) in the lagoons of Agua Azul and Misol-ha Transfer back to the village of Palenque DAY 22 Transfer to airport Board connecting flights to Guatemala, Mexico or Cancun to join your flights back home ( Top ) TIKAL, DOS PILAS, TEOTIHUACAN & TULA A 22 day Journey through Maya History and Nature in Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras Degree of difficulty: easy to moderate/ Type of accommodations: 3-5 star hotels and ecolodges, 5 star camping on the Usumacinta River/ Focus: Maya Archaeology, Architecture and History, Natural History, Geography and contemporary Maya Culture/ exploring sites in:/ Peten- Guatemala, Belize and Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Chiapas- Mexico Visit archaeological sites in Guatemala: Tikal, Ceibal, Dos Pilas, Aguateca and Iximche... in Honduras: Copan... in Mexico: Palenque, Yaxchilan, Bonampak, Teotihuacan and Tula. See the natural beauty of the Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatemala and the Lacandon Jungle in Mexico. DAY 1 Fly to Guatemala City DAY 2 (B/L) Transfer to Antigua Guatemala Guided colonial history tour of the city and neighboring villages Visit coffee farms, ornamental plants, macadamia plantations, textiles, handicrafts and the town’s Central Square and Jade Factory DAY 3 (B/L) Transfer to Lake Atitlán Visit the ancient capital of the Caqchiquel kingdom, Iximche, en route Explore the lively colors on the streets of Panajachel Sunset over Lake Atitlán Sunset over lake Atitlan DAY 4 (B/L) Cross over Lake to appreciate the Tzutuhil village of Santiago and the crystal clear waters of Cerro de Oro Visit the alternative village of San Marcos la Laguna DAY 5 (B/L) Visit the Butterfly Sanctuary and the Buenaventura Cascade Proceed to Chichicastenango, seat of religious and political identity of the Quiche Maya people Enjoy the market day Transfer to Guatemala City DAY 6 (B/L) Fly to the ancient city of Copan, in Honduras Visit the Late Classic Maya City, famous for its well preserved stone carved monuments and its grand hieroglyphic stairway Flight back to Guatemala City DAY 7 (B/L) Flight to Flores Peten Proceed to the Tikal National Park Guided tour of the archaeological site, known for its enormous temples surrounded by an impressive jungle DAY 8 (B/L) Optional early start for birdwatchers Explore more of the impressive Maya City of Tikal and the Sylvannus G. Morley Museum DAY 9 (B/L) Early start, highly recommended for bird lovers Time to wander around Tikal on your own Visit the Sylvannus G. Morley Museum and see the stelae at the Visitor’s Center Transfer to the island city of Flores En route visit the ecoartisan village of El Remate Visit the island city of Flores and the center for the Peten’s Research, Culture and Handicrafts DAY 10 (L) Transfer to the Itza Maya village of San Jose to learn about the Itza culture Transfer to the village of San Andres and proceed to El Triunfo to visit the Itza Maya elder Don Zacarías Quixchan and his Maya Agroforestry system DAY 11 (L/D) Transfer to the archaeological site of Ceibal Head over to the Pasion River in the Petexbatun Lagoon DAY 12 (B/L/D) Transfer to Paso Caribe Jungle expedition to the archaeological site of Dos Pilas Explore the sites of Arroyo de Piedra and Dos Pilas If you don’t feel fit, you may stay at the hotel relaxing, swimming and exploring the surroundings at the Petexbatun Lagoon DAY 13 (B/L/D) Day to rest and relax Navegate down Pasion River to the Salinas river, together theses two rivers form the great Usumacinta River Camp in a white sand dune by the shore in La Estrella DAY 14 (B/L/D) Continue down river toward Yaxchilan Stop at Los Chorros, a real geologic wonder Set up camp near Yaxchilan and explore the city DAY 15 (B/L) Continue through Lacandon country, in Mexico Visit the Lacandon community of Lacanja-Chansayab Discover the Maya paintings in the ancient city of Bonampak Transfer to Palenque DAY 16 (B/L) Full day exploring the wonders of Palenque DAY 17 (B/L) Visit the archaeological site of Tonina Discover the beautiful cascades and Lagoons of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha DAY 18 (B/L) Fly to Mexico City DAY 19 (B) Transfer to the archaeological site of Teotihuacan Appreciate the Pyramids dedicated to the Sun and the Moon as well as the Frescos that have survived the passage of time Visit a tequila and mescal distillery DAY 20 (L) Transfer from your hotel to the archaeological site of Tula Guided tour of the Toltec City Transfer to Tepozotlan Discover the Chirriguresque style barroque jewels of this colonial village DAY 21 (L) Guided visit to the Maya exhibit at the Archaeology Museum in Chapultepec Transfer to El Zocalo and explore the vestiges of the great city of Tenochtitlan DAY 22 (D) Airport transfer Join your flights back home ( Top ) 2 Days / 1 Night Howler Monkeys live high on tree-tops around archaeological sites in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, enjoying a healthy diet of fruits and green leaves. They resemble humans in that they, too, have five fingers, distinct faces and a "personality"... Their awesome roar can be heard miles away. Our Howler Monkey Trails consist of two days and one night, the first day in Tikal, overnight at Ni’tun Ecolodge on Lake Peten Itza and on the second day visit another Mayan Site or Nature Preserve in the region. FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE AND CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR TIKAL-NITUN-UAXACTUN
What’s included? Hotel-airport-hotel transfers and domestic flight if starting your tour in Guatemala City. Ground transfer to Ni’tun, Tikal and to chosen archaeological site or nature preserve. Airport transfer to and from Flores or Santa Elena International Airport. Lunch and dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2. Overnight in Ni’tun Ecolodge. Permanent access to purified water and first aid kit. What’s not included? Park entrance fees the 1st day, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, tips to porters and drivers. OPTIONS PLEASE CHOOSE AMONG THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS FOR DAY TWO, USING THE ABOVE ITINERARY AS A MODEL. UAXACTUN Archaeological site 23 kilometers north of the Tikal National Park. Several architectural complexes may be appreciated as well as a private collection of Maya ceramics turned into the town’s museum. The site was studied by prominent Mayan scholar Sylvannus G. Morley during the 1930’s, who gave it its current name, which means "Stone 8" after a date found on one of the site’s stelae. However, Uaxactun’s ancient Maya name is known to epigraphers: Si’aan K’aan, which means "Born in Heaven". YAXHA Yaxha, which means "Green Water" in the Maya language. It is one of the largest Maya cities discovered so far in the lowland jungles of the Peten. The Yaxha Lagoon is one of the areas bestowed with some of the richest biodiversity around Guatemala. The views over the jungle’s canopy from the top of structure 216 are truly impressive. CEIBAL Ceibal is partially cleared and restored and beautifully landscaped into a mixture of open plazas and untamed jungle. Many of the largest temples still lie burried under the jungle, but what the eyes can see are unique structures such as a round pyramid along with some of the stelae that depict odd characters whose non-Mayan features have puzzled scholars for years. BUENA VISTA CLIFF A truly impressive view of the Peten jungle may be appreciated from the Buena Vista Cliff at whose feet the San Pedro River springs into the surface at the edge of the Laguna del Tigre National Park. This is an adventurous and scenic drive up to the cliff and back in one day for the truly energetic individual who prefers not to camp after a beautiful day. Available from February to mid August. BIOITZA This is an adventurous drive to the Maya Itza people’s Nature Preserve. We support the Bio Itza Committee in their efforts to preserve this small, yet interesting forest, which is found in the buffer zone area right next to the Tikal National Park and El Zots Biotope. The Maya Itza are the descendants of the ancient Maya, who built impressive temples over a thousand years ago and still live in the region speaking the Maya Itza language, the only Maya speaking people in the lowlands of Northern Guatemala. ( Top ) |
|
|
