El Mirador / Wakna / Nakbe / La Muralla / El Tintal

EL MIRADOR - Wakná guests of Dr. Hansen Code:MIR10
Archaeological Sites: Wakná / Nakbé / El Mirador / El Tintal
No. Days Places visited
1 Guatemala / Flores / Carmelita / La Florida Camp
2 Carmelita / Trail / Wakná Camp
3 Wakná / Trail /Nakbé Camp
4 Nakbé Camp
5 Nakbé / Trail / El Mirador Camp
6 El Mirador (Can visit site La Muralla) Camp
7 El Mirador Camp
8 El Mirador / Trail / Nacimiento Camp
9 Camp / Trail / Carmelita Camp at Posada Nakbe
10 Carmelita / Flores / Guatemala
11 Option Tour Tikal / Guatemala City
12 Option 2 days Tikal

†Denotes renown archaeologists as special guide for tour and donation.

EL MIRADOR Wakná guests of Dr. Hansen Code:MIR10
DAY 1 GUATEMALA CITY / SANTA ELENA / CARMELITA / La Florida
Breakfast (on your own) and transfer to airport to board short air flight to Santa Elena, Petén. Meet expedition leader at airport. Last minute shopping in civilization. Transfer to the sleepy jungle outpost of Carmelita. Lunch. Visit the archaeological project of fertilized raised terrace fields based on recent archaeological findings. (now in ruins) After breakfast, We begin our jungle trek. Hiking is alternated with riding on horses and shared with another member of the expedition's. (Extra fee for personal horse) The pace is leisurely to ensure a full appreciation of the surroundings. Visit newly reconstructed residence at site, La Florida. All meals on trail and dinner in camp
Hours on trail: 3

Day 2 TRAIL / WAKNA
Breakfast and load pack mules. A full day on trail for arrival to Wakna. visit the recently discovered site. This is where archaeologists discovered a looted tomb with early classic inscriptions half hidden on the walls of the tomb. The first season of systematic excavations are taking place in the year 2002. Be there for first hand discoveries. Lunch at the project camp. All meals on trail and dinner in camp
Hours on trail: 6-7

Day 3 WAKNA / TRAIL / NAKBÉ
After breakfast, Continue on trail for arrival to Nakbé, the former ruling city-state of the area who saw decline to the rising El Mirador. Pass by the largest watering holes of this area, and various old looting trenches at the different small ruins that are the outlying villages of the Nakbé and El Mirador reign. Hike a small detour to the permanent watering hole of Sacatal. Here it is apparent how the Maya formed or broadened these holes for use for their large population in the pre-classic era.
Camp and dinner in camp within the site close to archaeological camp.†
Hours on trail: 4

Day 4 NAKBÉ
Early breakfast at the archaeological camp. Morning time to visit the large temple of the site. View the high peaks of La Danta and El Tigre structures towering over the jungle canopy within the site of El Mirador 10-15 km away. Tour the West, Codice, and Benson complex as well as structure 27 with it's impressive looters tunnel. We will take our time visiting the site and watching the ongoing excavations.† Lunch, dinner and camp overnight at the project camp. For those who wish to hike another 7 hours to the site of La Murralla, late morning departure for round trip hike can be arranged.

Day 5 NAKBÉ / TRAIL / EL MIRADOR
Breakfast, load pack mules. Giving a final farewell to Nakbé, you will walk in the footsteps of the Ancient Maya as we trek along the recently excavated Sacbé (causeway) between El Mirador and Nakbé. Because of its remoteness, difficult access, and slight disturbance by humans, the bird life is astonishing. All afternoon to explore this monumental site that encompassed the largest area in square miles than any other known Maya site, and what is considered the ultimate Mayan archaeological destination. All meals and overnight at campsite within the ruins
Hours on trail: 3-4
Option: La Muralla
If group decides we can take this day to ride/walk to the archaeological site called La Muralla. It is a full day of travel and exploration to a site with a large temple crest with original stucco dancers visible in the lower section of the ¨wall¨. Camp would be again in El Mirador.

Day 6 EL MIRADOR
All Day to visit this immense site. Explore fortification walls, causeways, temples of Danta, El Tigre, Mono, and all other sections discussed in the September 1987, issue of "National Geographic". All meals and camp within the past splendor of El Mirador.

Day 7 EL MIRADOR
All Day to visit All meals and camp within El Mirador.

Day 8 EL MIRADOR / TRAIL
Breakfast and continue on trail. Since the trail passes through lowland rain forest, there is ample opportunity to spot numerous varieties of bromeliads and orchids along the way. Our goal to arrive at Nacimiento site by early evening. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the large spring. All meals on trail and dinner in camp
Hours on trail: 8-9

Day 9 Nacimiento / TRAIL / CAMP
After breakfast, pack up for our last day on the trail. Arrive in Carmelita late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in comfortable camp-lodging at the ecological lodge run by the local cooperative of Carmelita. All meals.
Hours on trail: 4-5

Day 10 CARMELITA / FLORES/GUATEMALA
Breakfast, Board bus to the town of Flores, day free for visiting the various sites surrounding Lake Petén It´za. Suggestions: Actun Kan caves, Lake cruise, visit to the zoo located in the middle of the lake, attempt wind surfing on the lake, or simply relax by the water. Late afternoon flight to Guatemala City. Can extend your visit to include Tikal or Uaxactún.

†During Feb. through May we will be hosted by the Archaeological site project within the El Mirador Basin, and will camp within their project camps. They request a tax-deductible donation of $300.00 per person. This donation goes to supporting the project and providing the salary for the Guatemalan guards posted at the site to protect the area from looters all year round. It is payable directly to the project.

Note: Hammocks with fine jungle mosquito netting are the normal mode of sleeping for this excursion, however, Tents are available upon request.
* Small changes in itinerary may occur where deemed necessary.

Pre-or Post-Tour Options: 1- 2 Day Tikal
1 to 2-D Chiquibul white water rafting
Post tour Options:
3 to 4-Day Dos Pilas/Caves of the Pasión
3 to 4D Belize Keys Diving

Tikal Option 1 day/1 night before or after tour: TIK1 $145.00†
Museum tour one day before tour: MA $136.00†

INCLUSIONS
Land transportation from Flores to Carmelita and return. All meals from lunch first day to lunch last day, all park and archeological site entrance fees, services of professional bilingual guides and all other personnel. Special guiding service of tour archaeologist where stated. Hammocks with fine mosquito netting (tents available with advance notice), All kitchen and community camping equipment, 1 horse to share between two people. All community pack horses, Local guides from eco-tourism project Posada Nakbé, taxes.

EXCLUSIONS
Domestic air flight to Flores, Petén, Alcoholic and soda beverages, personal clothing and equipment, all personal expenses, extras in hotels, tips to guides, drivers and hotel personnel. Each person should bring a light sleeping bag or blanket. (Available for rent.) Our food is plentiful and excellent tasting, many clients have described it as "Wilderness gourmet".

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.

SLEEPING Hammocks with fine jungle mosquito netting are the normal mode of sleeping for this excursion, however, Tents are available upon request. You will need to provide either a light sleeping bag or a light sheet and blanket.

NOTE: Personal clothing and equipment should not exceed 25 pounds. Bulky and heavy loads are difficult to transport. Pack all into a soft duffel. They will have to be loaded onto the backs of horses or mules.

Photography: If you are planning on bringing an unusual amount of camera equipment, please advise us in advance. The horses have limited space to what they can carry.

This is an excursion where the group works together as a team and the collaboration of all the group will be needed. How to set up your tent instructions will be given beforehand. Participants should be in good physical conditions and be able to judge wisely their abilities. One horse is provided to be shared by two people. The option, for those who prefer their own horse and do not wish to trade off, is available for an extra fee.

WHAT TO BRING:
- Wet wipes for cleaning without water
- 2 or 3 T-shirts
- 1 Long sleeve shirt
- 1 Shorts or Bermudas
- 1 Swimming suit
- 1 Pair of long pants
- 1 Pair of light shoes for camp
- 1 Pair of light hiking boots for jungle treks.
- Sweater or a light weight jacket
- Rain gear or synthetic pants suit
- 1 Pair of sleeping pants(optional)
- Blanket or light sleeping bag
- 3 or 4 pairs of socks (we suggest a inner wick-away sock)
- Cap or hat
- Personal identification (legalized photocopy)
- Personal toiletry articles
- 1 Towel
- flashlight (extra batteries)
- 2 liter canteen with rope to hang from horse (we can arrange at site)
- Mosquito repellent and tick repellent
- Sunscreen (strong), lip protection and lotion
- Sun glasses (with safety cord)
- Extra pair of glasses /contacts, extra solutions
- Small knapsack or small waterproof bag
- Several garbage and Ziploc bags
- Medications you need
- Personal cup with handle for clipping
- Small pillow (optional)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera and films (optional)
A HUGE SMILE AND GOOD ATTITUDE!