cancuen WITH ONE DAY RAFTING

CUEN4

Day 1 antigua (or Guatemala City) - MARIO DARY CLOUD FOREST RESERVE - COBAN
At 6:00 am, we'll pick participants at their hotel. During the drive of two and a half hours, you will observe different ecosystems on which you guide will provide interesting information. The adventure begins when we visit the Mario Dary Reserve, a protected biotope, home of the resplendent quetzal, Guatemala's national bird. The ecosystem here is lush. A subtropical cool cloud forest with an abundance of coniferous and broad leaf trees houses great variety of orchids, mosses, bromeliads and ferns. Among the wide variety of plants, the biotope is home for some species of wildlife such as the howler monkey, coatimundi, brocket deer, tree frogs, reptiles and many species of birds including emerald toucanet, hummingbirds, blue-crowned motmot and woodpeckers. By hiking through the forest across well established trails, you will get the chance to experience the enormous bio-diversity of this natural sanctuary. After lunch, the group will visit Viveros Verapaz, the largest orchid nursery and rescue station in Central America (275 species and more than 50,000 plants) A tour led by a station's staff member will introduce participants to the fascinating world of orchids. Arrival to Cobán at the end of the afternoon. Overnight at the Hotel La Posada.

Day 2 One day River rafting on the Cahabon River.
Early continental breakfast at 6:00 am., departure to Lanquin at 6:30 am. Transfer to our put-in, a few kilometers out of town, on the banks of the Lanquin river. After a safety and orientation talk, board the rafts and begin descent of the rio Lanquin to its confluence with the rio Cahabon. Continue on the Cahabon, navigating some of the river's largest and most exciting rapids. The day is full of excitement, a perfect combination of rapids, tranquil pools, friendly Maya-Keck'chi Indians, and wildlife. Enjoy the subtropical jungle with large variety of orchids and bromeliads blooming throughout the year. Marvel at the local birdlife like Moctezuma Oropendula, Bluebelted & Amazon Kingfishers, Amazon Parrots or a glimpse of the Keelbilled Toucan. In the afternoon we arrive at the small village of Tamax, our take-out, where we transfer to awaiting four-wheel drive vehicle for a ride back to Lanquin. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel El Recreo.
For those who feel energetic, one can visit the caves of Lanquin where the bluish green river spills forth through one of the cave's openings. At dusk, one can observe the spectacular exodus of thousands of bats who fly out on their nightly hunts.

Day 3 CANDELARIA- cancuen- CANDELARIA

Early in the morning we depart aboard our bus until we get to the margins of the Pasión river. From here, the group and guides will navigate in native "Cayuco" (motorized wooden boats) to the ancient Maya City of Cancuén. A fantastic journey through time, history and nature awaits us. Amazing birdlike will be observed along the trip as well as occasional turtles sunbathing on the river shores. With a little luck you may even see a crocodile! In Cancuén the archaeologist from Vanderbilt and Del Valle universities will be touring us along their digs, taking us to explore the ancient buildings and showing us their new discoveries. Definitely a once in a lifetime chance! Lunch will be served at the archaeologists campsite and a brief lectures about the sites history will be given. Afterwards we'll return to Candelaria for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 CANDELARIA- COBAN - GUATEMALA CITY (or Antigua)
In the lush environment of Candelaria, we wake up to the song of numerous birds. After breakfast, we will explore the Campo Base (Base Camp) cavern. It was from here that the initial explorations of Candelaria took place in the middle 70's. A short hike into the jungle leads to the enormous mouth of the cavern. Remains of ancient Maya buildings can be observed as well as some objects left there by the Maya 1,500 years ago. For the ancient Maya, caverns were sacred places in where they performed ceremonies and sacrifices related with the deities of the underworld. After exploration, we will depart back to Cobán getting there at midday, ready for lunch. Afterwards, we will depart back to Guatemala City after an unforgettable adventure.

Option:
Day 4 Visit the Caves of Candelaria by boat (march- Aug) or the some more dry sections.

Day 5 return to Guatemala City

Includes:
All ground transportation aboard tourism buses with a/c and experienced drivers, fully equipped Vehicles for the tour and boats to navigate along the Pasion river. US Specially trained whitewater rafting guides and equipment for rafting. Well trained, knowledgeable, professional bilingual tour guides and local staff and boat men from the Keq'chi Indian communities of Candelaria, La Isla and El Zapote. Entrance fees to protected areas, archaeological parks and private reserves, All nights lodging as described in the itinerary, all meals from Lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day, first aid kit, trip booklet and reference material along the trip. Taxes.

Does not include:
Alcohol and soda beverages
Personal expenses
Tips to guides, drivers, restaurant and hotel personnel.

What to bring and wear:
Cobán is normally chilly, especially by night, so bring along a good sweater or warm jacket for the night we spend in town. The Cahabon river is a class III-IV rafting where you will get wet. Cap,shorts and t-shirt and either tennis shoes (to get wet) or buckled sandals for the river. The Machaquila cave is a wet cave so please bring shoes which have traction and can get wet. A good flashlight is a must with extra batteries. The Candelaria and Cancuén regions are hot and humid year round, so plan you baggage accordingly. We recommend to bring a good pair of hiking boots, light cotton shirts (one long sleeve), a pair of shorts, Khakis, sandals, swimsuit, personal items, and sunscreen. A rain jacket, flashlight, binoculars, water bottle, sunglasses and a hat are a good idea and don't forget your camera. And please, bring a big smile for every day!

About the Hotel and Campsite:

Hotel La Posada:
Beautiful colonial house located in the center of Cobán, decorated with antiques and handicrafts, cozy atmosphere, beautiful gardens, restaurant and bar service. 20 rooms, hot/cold water, parking lot , good service.

Candelaria Eco-Lodge:
A fantastic lodge built in the middle of the jungle. Comfortable shared cabins, great food and bar service, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and a river. Hundreds of birds and wildlife. The lodge and the protected area of Candelaria are totally managed by the Indian community of Mucbilhá. All the funds collected from the visits of the explorers remain within the community allowing them to independently sustain themselves and preserve their surroundings. Excellent service.

Hotel Villa de Los Castellanos:
Located on the banks of the Machaquila River it's design incorporates the native plant species and invites the birds and wildlife to take refuge among it't gardens. Medicinal plants have been identified along the walkways and one can take a tub ride in the crystal waters of the river. Jungle atmosphere, lush gardens, restaurant, and bar service, hot/cold Water, parking lot, good service.