EL MIRADOR / NAKBE / LA FLORIDA
No. Days Places visited
1 Guatemala / Flores / Carmelita / Trail / La Florida Camp
2 Trail / Camp / Nakbé Camp
3 Nakbé Camp
4 Nakbé / Trail / El Mirador Camp
5 El Mirador Camp
6 El Mirador / Trail / Camp
7 Camp / El Tintal / Camp
8 Carmelita / Flores / Guatemala
9 Tikal option 1 or 2 days
*MIRAR This trip is the same trip as the 8 day El Mirador - Nakbe
trip with special Archaeologists as your Tour Guide
Archaeology Jungle Trek
Site:El Mirador
SEASON: All year round best time FEB./MARCH - AUGUST
MIN. AGE:12 years
CODE: MIR8 and MIRAR*
LOCATION :PETEN
TRIP NAME: Sakbe of the Mayas
No OF DAYS: 8 days/7 nights
CLASS: Advance
DAY 1 GUATEMALA CITY / SANTA ELENA / CARMELITA
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. Visit the archaeological project of fertilized
raised terrace fields based on recent archaeological findings. Load
pack mules and start trek to Nakbe. Lunch on trail. Overnight at
Jungle camp-lodge at Archaeological site La Florida where reconstruction
of a AD600 site has recently been finished.
Hours on trail: 3
Day 2 TRAIL
Breakfast and continue hike towards Nakbe. We get out early to ensure
a full appreciation of the surroundings. All meals on trail and
dinner in camp
Hours on trail: 7-8
Day 3 TRAIL / NAKBE
Early breakfast and continue on the trail to Nakbe. . 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. Arrive to the site of Nakbe. Dinner and camp at
the site.
Hours on trail: 6-7
Day 4 NAKBE
Nakbé, the former ruling citystate of the area who saw decline
to the rising El Mirador. Tour the West Codice, and Benson complex
as well as structure 27 with it's impressive looters tunnel. We
will see various chultuns dug by the Maya and the quarry still partially
cut close by the center of the site. Camp and dinner in camp within
the ruins.*
Day 5 NAKBE / TRAIL / EL MIRADOR
After breakfast Giving a final farewell to Nakbe, you will walk
in the footsteps of the Ancient Maya as we trek along the recently
excavated Sacbé (causeway) between El Mirador and Nakbé.
In early afternoon visit the temple of of el Danta on the way into
the city of El Mirador. View the temple of Nakbé 10 km away.
Because of its remoteness, difficult access, and slight disturbance
by humans, the bird life and orchid abundance is astonishing. Late
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. Explore
fortification walls, causeways, temples El Tigre, Mono, and all
other sections discussed in the September 1987, issue of "National
Geographic". All meals and overnight at campsite within the
ruins.
Hours on trail: 3-4
Day 6 EL MIRADOR
All Day for exploring the immense site of El Mirador. All meals
and camp with the ruins.
Day 7 TRAIL / CAMP
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. All meals on
trail and dinner in camp
Hours on trail: 7-8
Day 8 TRAIL / CARMELITA / FLORES / GUATEMALA
Early breakfast and do the last trek to Carmelita where out vehicle
is waiting for our return drive to Flores. Late afternoon flight
to Guatemala City. Can extend your visit to include Tikal or Uaxactún.
Hours on trail: 5-7
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