El Mirador trek is a five day minimum trek in the Maya Biosphere Reserve to visit El Mirador National Park and El Mirador Archaeolgical Site in northern Petén, Guatemala. Two days trekking in the jungle are needed to reach this monumental site of the Maya Pre-Classic Period still under intense research.
The trail is operated by the people of Carmelita, the northernmost village of Petén located close to the Mexican border. This community was founded 60 years ago as an important base for chicle collection and processing. Chicle is the resin of the Chico-zapote tree, which forms the natural base of chewing gum. Another rainforest product is the xate palm frond which is used in floral arrangements. The villagers of Carmelita have always depended on the surrounding forest for their livelihood and have extracted these non-timber forest products in a sustainable manner.
This trail explores the ancient Lost Maya Empire of El Mirador. Legend has it that at its height, El Mirador was four times as grandiose as Tikal. This impressive site remains one of the most isolated and understudied of the great Maya ruins.
The ruins, although largely unexcavated, are still predominantly intact, aided by the dense jungle canopy which covers them, protecting them from erosion. Probably the most impressive structure in the complex is the Tigre Pyramid, which stands at an unprecedented height of 18 stories, the tallest pyramid yet discovered in the Maya world, with a base the size of three football fields.
Over 200 other buildings in this gigantic complex still remain undiscovered and unmapped. Come and explore one of the greatest legacies left by the Maya Civilization, El Mirador!
Day 1
Early in the morning, the group will board a minivan for a two hour ride to the village of Carmelita. Upon arrival, we share a traditional Guatemalan breakfast in a local "comedor" or café and depart for El Tintal, a small stream in the jungle. After dinner, we will set up a chiclero-style camp.
Day 2
Hike or horseback ride all day to El Mirador (approx. 7 hours). Wildlife watching in late afternoon. Camping in El Mirador.
Day 3
Explore the giant Mayan pre-classic city of El Mirador. Over 2000 years old, many archeologists speculate that El Mirador was the first major organized settlement of the ancient Maya. The ruins are of such staggering size and proportion that they dominate more popular sites like the ruins of Tikal.
Their enormity suggests that a city-state government ruled the area, thus negating earlier held theories that only warring chieftains dominated the pre-classic Period. Among these buildings sits the temple El Tigre, the largest ever built by the Maya, over 18 stories tall with a base the size of three football fields.
The extensive site lies (for the most part) unexcavated and occupies over 16 sq. km. of primary forest. We rest in the evening and overnight at El Mirador camp.
Day 4 & 5
Return and camp near the archeological ruins of El Tintal (approx. 8 hrs.). Explore the nearby ruins and camp in El Tintal. We arrive in Carmelita in the afternoon of the fifth day.
El Mirador Trail is recommended to hikers in good physical condition, prepared to cope with long cups and rugged terrain. Virtually every day in the expedition is spent walking or riding horses. Eight hour treks are not uncommon. Enjoy more of the Jungle!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices per person in US$
$397.00 in a party of two
$327.00 in a party of three
$302.00 in a party of four
$275.00 in a party of five, up to ten
Prices include: transportation Flores-Carmelita, Spanish speaking guide, pack horses, all meals, purified water and camping gear (tents, mats, mosquito nets and bedding.)
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Guatemala
Hiking & Trekking
Archeology/History
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