Explore the inside of one of Central America’s most amazing regions, Mirador Basin at Petén, Guatemala. The archaeological site El Mirador is considered the most important prehistoric settlement with evidence of the origin of the Maya Culture in this area.
The biggest pyramid yet discovered in the world (according to National Geographic). “La Danta” It was discovered in 1930 by an expedition airway of the Carnegie Institution of Washington while flying over the region. La Danta has maximum dimensions of 314 m. in front of (first platform), 600 m deep and from the first platform leveling until the top has approximately 72 m. high.
The site was known as the Kingdom Kan – today as El Mirador - It covers nearly 3,000 square kilometers of territory and possession of at least 200 Preclassic Maya sites.
Have you seen the movie Apocalypto? The big city that is depicted at the end of the movie is based on The Mirador.
Highlights: |
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Starting at Flores: |
We will meet you at the airport Mundo Maya or any hotel at Flores, El Remate or Tikal. Private transfer to Carmelita village 2.5hrs dirt road. Time to departure: 7:00am (If you are already at Flores). |
Pick up: At your hotel or airport.
Departure at 7:00 am from Flores by 4WD pick-up trucks or mini-bus for larger groups to the Community of Carmelita 2.5hrs.
Welcome meeting upon arrival to Carmelita (village) to meet your local guide; all gear will be packed on mules for the trip and off we go! to Tintal 25km.
09:30 am – Trek departure.
01:00 pm – Box-Lunch on the way.
02:00 pm – Continue to El Tintal.
04:00 pm – Arrival El Tintal Camp.
06:00 pm – Optional sunset view from a top the temple return for dinner.
Overnight – Camping at El Tintal.
El Tintal archeological site is known for its Causeway that runs for over 13 miles or 22 kms. Besides archeologists have found the 3rd largest ball-court yet discovered.
Hike or horseback ride all day to El Mirador 30km (approx. 7 hours). Wildlife watching in late afternoon.
06:30 am – Leave el Tintal camp. (Lunch on the way)
04:30 pm - Approx. Arrival time.
06:00 pm - Optional sunset climb at pyramid El Tigre.
Overnight – Camping at El Mirador Camp site.
Optional activities at no cost (just ask for them):
-Sunset
-Sunrise
-Night walks
One of the world´s largest ancient cities ever. It covers over 12.5 square miles with more than six thousand buildings including palaces and temples and markets and roads. It is over 3,000 years old…
Sunrise hike to the top of the pyramid “El Tigre”; from where we’ll listen to the roars of howler monkeys and nature waking up while the sun rises on the horizon. La Danta as a pyramid is considered one of the largest. From its top…the world below your feet!
Overnight – Camping at El Mirador Camp site.
Early morning (7:00 am) leave El Mirador; on the way to El Tintal you will visit “La Muerta” a Maya archaeological site, located on a promontory 3.5 km (2.2 mi) south of the El Tigre complex of El Mirador, and it is considered a satellite of that city. Continue and camp near the archeological ruins of El Tintal (approx. 8 hrs.). Explore the nearby ruins and camp in El Tintal.
Overnight – Camping at Campamenton Perez “El Tintal”.
Breakfast (7:00am) and continue to Carmelita, your 4WD vehicle waits to transfer you to Flores to your hotel or airport if flying.
End of expedition!
B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner.
Many travelers interested on trekking to El Mirador have questions about the experience and what to need bring. We’ve answered a few of the more common ones here.
El Tintal camp has better facilities now and in the camp of El Mirador you can buy a shower at the park guards.
Daily walking between 5-6 hrs. Is a challenging five-day from the Carmelita village through maya jungle that tests the limits of mind, body, and spirit. While it is physically demanding, approx. 55km (35 mi) total distance. Hike remains within the reach of most reasonably fit travellers.
June, July, August, September, and October: It is our rainy season therefore all your clothes may get soaked. We recommend you to put two or three sets of clothes in water-proof-bags so you can have dried ones at any time. Rain gear and towels.
November, December, January, and February: This are transitional months, we get affected by cool fronts, and therefore we recommend to bring sweaters and warm-clothes. We recommend you to put two or three sets of clothes in water-proof-bags so you can have dried ones at any time. Rain gear and towels.
March, April, and May: This is the hottest and most humid time of the year, and therefore light-clothes. As we tend to have occasional showers it is recommended to bring rain-gear.
Water container always with you, flashlight and batteries, broad-brim or peaked cap, sunblock, insect repellent, toiletries.
You also have to bring a copy of your passport with you on the trek, is preferable to leave the original I a safe deposit box or luggage (at the hotel).
We deliver a detailed menu and the list of products that you wear for the trip. (Vegetables, eggs, fruit, milk, coffee, tea, sports drinks, etc.) This is very important to ensure that the quality and quantity of food during the trip. The cook or the guide cannot say no food or water, etc. because you know exactly what we deliver in their hands.
However, as a responsible trekking company Turismo Aventura does not accept reservations for children under the age of 9 years old and adults over 67 years old.
All children under 18 years old must also be accompanied by an adult. We require that all of our trekkers over 60 years old hire the service of an extra muleteer with horse and bring a letter from your doctor confirming that you are fit to participate in the trek.
Bookings must be made as far in advance as possible. To be able to ensure a spot on the trek to El Mirador we recommend that you purchase your trip at least 3 or 2 months in advance in low season (between May – June and September - October) and at least 4 or 3 months in advance in high season (Nov. to April).
The time with less rain and suggested best times to visit is from November to April. The rainy season is from June to October, rainfall is sporadic a couple of hours a day, and our trips are operated normally, keeping in mind occasional showers. In the Petén region the climate is generally hot throughout the year. December and January are the coolest months, ideal for travel time with blue skies and sunny days.
2. Scheduled Departures
On-trip meals are prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients and we suggest the menu. High-quality tents and camping gear are set up and maintained by our support staff, freeing you up to get the most out of your experience. We add cushions in the tents for better comfort. Slipping bag are not necessary but feel free to bring your own.
Why Turismo Aventura?
Turismo Aventura-TA is a Tour Operator based in Guatemala has been providing successful tours since 2004. We offering adventure, nature, cultural tours and transfers around our beautiful country. Try us!