El Mirador, Nakbe, and El Zotz in the Peten Rainforest of Guatemala
This five day adventure will take you to one of the most remote areas of the Maya world. If you've visited many Maya ruins, you probably know the the largest of all the ruins were built very early and in the heart of the Peten rainforest. The Pre-Classic cities of El Mirador and Nakbe are both gigantic and wonders to behold with your own eyes. While MEC will make every effort to provide a comfortable trip, the journey out to see them is not easy. It will involve helicopters, jungle camps, and long treks through the rainforest. However difficult the road will be, one thing is for sure - it will be the experience of a lifetime! In addition to these Pre-Classic mega-cities, participants will also visit the site of El Zotz, which made big news because of the 2016 discovery of the red painted "Diablo Temple" and the royal tomb found within.
The guide for this tour will be Archaeologist and former El Zotz Project Director Dr. Edwin Roman
El Mirador and Nakbe - Mega-cities of the Pre-Classic Maya | |||
Price | $3900 per person (based on double occupant lodging. Add $300 for a private single room/tent.) $600 deposit due upon registration, balance due 60 days before the trip |
||
Date | June 1-6, 2017 | ||
|
June 1, Thursday: Arrival Arrive in the evening to the Flores International Airport in Guatemala. Private transport will meet you and drive you to the island of Flores and the Hotel Casona del Lago. |
|
June 2, Friday: El Zotz 8-11am: Transport to El Zotz 11-1pm: Exploring the El Zotz excavations 1-2pm: Picnic lunch at the site 2-5pm: Return to Flores 6-7pm: Lecture - Maya Preclassic Cities of the Peten Overnight at the Hotel Casona del Lago in Flores |
|
June 3, Saturday: Nakbe 7-8am: Breakfast at hotel 8-9am: Prepare for flight 9-9:30am: Helicopters to Nakbe 10-12pm: Exploring Nakbe 12-1pm: Picnic lunch 1-3pm: Exploring Nakbe 3-3:30pm Helicopters to El Mirador 4-6pm: Camp set up and relax 6-7pm: Dinner at the camp Overnight at El Mirador in tents |
|
June 4, Sunday: El Mirador 7-9am: Breakfast hours in camp 9-12pm: Hike to La Danta, explore 12-2pm: Hike back and lunch 2-5pm: Hike to El Tigre, explore 6-7pm: Dinner at the camp Overnight at El Mirador in tents |
|
June 5, Monday: El Mirador 7-9am: Breakfast hours at camp 9-12pm: Stucco facades and new excavations 12-2pm: Lunch and pack up at camp 2-2:30pm: Helicopter to Flores 3-7pm: Free time in Flores 7-9pm Final Dinner at La Luna Overnight at Hotel Casona del Lago |
|
June 6, Tuesday: Departure Morning departures from the Flores Airport |
Includes:
- Lodging at the Hotel Casona del Lago in Flores
- Tents at the El Mirador Research Camp
- Helicopter flights to Nakbe and El Mirador
- Camp staff and cooks at El Mirador
- Private ground transportation
- All meals
- Archaeologist tour leader
- Local guides
- Evening Lectures
- All entry fees
- Optional for a fee: horses during the treks in El Mirador
Does Not Include:
- Airfare to/from Flores, Guatemala
- Gratuities (maids, drivers, guides, etc..)
- Travel insurance (optional for an extra fee)
Proceeds from MEC Tours are the center's primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center's 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.