Join Maya Expeditions in visiting this site while the project
is making fascinating new discoveries every day. We will also visit
the Caves of Candelaria, the entrance to Xibalba, where rituals
appear to have been held by the people of Cancuen, La Union, and
Raxruja.
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
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 CAVES
7:00 breakfast. Early departure to entrance of cave system Veronica.
Four to five hours of the longest cave system on the Rio Candelaria.
Experience the 150 meter Brain room, Marvel at the 25 meter "waterfall"
of flow stone. All combined in mixture of darkness and natural light.
A light bag lunch is carried by each participant. (Time permitting
we will explore the Deer Cave.) Return to eco-lodge for dinner.
Day 5 CANDELARIA CAVES
6:00 breakfast. Early departure to entrance of Deer Caves 1 &
2. Enjoy the morning traversing through the variance of rock formations
at leisure paddling through the mild current. A light lunch is carried
by each participant. Arrive at exit of the Deer Cave for a short
hike to awaiting vehicles. Afternoon hike through walking section
of Mico cave, return to eco-lodge for dinner.
Day 6 CAVES / GUATEMALA
Breakfast, early departure for Coban. Picnic lunch en route. Arrive
Guatemala City or Antigua.
Includes:
All ground transportation aboard tourism buses with a/c and experienced
drivers, fully equipped Vehicles for 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. *Cavern Head Lamp + Small backpack. 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.
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