Archaeology Dos Pilas - 4-wheel Drive Code: Dos4B

DOS PILAS - CEIBAL - aguateca - PUNTA DE CHIMINO (only available in the dry season March-June)

No. Days Places visited Where stay
1 Flight Flores/Dos Pilas / Sayaxche Hotel Guayacan
2 Boat Ceibal / Lake Petexbatun Islas de Chimino
3 Aguateca Islas de Chimino
4 Punta de Chimino / Flores / Guatemala

SEASON: MARCH - MAY
DAYS:4 days/3 nights
CLASS: Intermediate
MIN. AGE: 7 years
CODE:DOS4B
LOCATION :PETEN
TRIP NAME: 4-wheel Dos Pilas

ITINERARY
Day 1 GUATEMALA / DOS PILAS / SAYAXCHE
Breakfast on your own, 6:00 am transfer to airport to board short air flight to Santa Elena, Petén. Transfer overland in 4-wheel drive to the archaeological site of Dos Pilas. All afternoon devoted to studying the, as yet un restored, important sites of Dos Pilas and neighboring, El Duende. Lunch at the site. In late afternoon, return to 4-wheel for drive to the frontier town of Sayaxché, on the banks of the río Pasión. Overnight and dinner at Hotel Guayacán.

Day 2 PETEXBATUN /CEIBAL / PETEXBATUN
Breakfast, board boat for upstream travel to the site of Ceibal. a 20 Min walk through the protected jungle takes one to the site. All morning at the site to study the unusual stelae and experience the surrounding rain forest's flora and fauna. Lunch at the site. Afternoon return to boat for transfer to the Lake Petexbatún. Lodging and dinner.

Day 3 / aguateca /
Board outboard boat for short trip to the Lake to explore the intriguing ruins of Aguateca. Lunch en route. All day to walk in the protected jungle, visit the plazas and experience the natural cliff boundaries that eventually lead to it's demise. Return to boat for short trip to jungle lodge and dinner.

Day 4 / PUNTA DE CHIMINO / FLORES / GUATEMALA
Early breakfast, visit the small yet important site of Punta de Chimino. Marvel at the man-mad moats the Maya built for added defense. Lunch at Lodge. Return to Sayaxché by boat and transfer to vehicle for overland transfer to Flores for afternoon flight to Guatemala City.

*Dos Pilas was the base for the extensive Archaeological Project which excavated Dos Pilas, Aguateca, Arroyo de Piedra, Tamarandito, various caves in the area and Punta de Chimino. The Project under the direction of Dr. Arthur Demarest and Dr. Steve Houston, with capable archaeology students, such as Kevin Johnson, Takeshi Inomata, Joel Palka, and Teresita Robles found marvels of the Maya World.
The findings of an unknown tomb site, with the aid of Hieroglyphic writings is an historical use in combining archaeology and epigraphy. Their findings of tombs full of jade and ceramic artifacts pointing to war alliances, heir bloodletting rituals depicted on lintels, a defense wall hurriedly constructed on top of sacred buildings, and one beside a man-made moat brings many new insights into the Maya Noble life. The 4 year project has sprouted more individual projects by the members of the original team concentrating on individual sites. Their findings of evidence of continual warfare within the río Pasión region helps to show that War played its part in the downfall of the Maya.

Venus was represented to be associated with war at Dos Pilas: The original STAR WARS

SLEEPING:
Hotels in the area are used. They are 3 star quality. NOTE: Personal clothing and equipment should not exceed 25 pounds. Bulky and heavy loads are difficult to transport.

WHAT TO BRING: Maya Expeditions has compiled a complete list of what to bring

PERSONNEL:
Our personnel have many years of experience leading expeditions on remote sites through white-water rivers and in far-flung regions. They are highly experienced, specialized and trained in USA standards. A well stocked first-aide kit and qualified guides accompany the group. Insurance: We strongly recommend you protect yourself and your baggage with a short term traveler's insurance policy. Baggage is carried entirely at owner's risk; Maya Expeditions assumes no liability whatsoever for damage, loss or delay of property beyond our control. Trip cancellation insurance will cover your losses on non refundable air and land costs on trips canceled due to illness or other emergency.

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