El Peten and Tikal
Mayan Ruins of Guatemala

The portion of Tikal that has been excavated and studied is about the size of Central Park in Manhattan, and a guide is highly recommended.

Tikal (meaning Place of the Voices) is located about 40 miles from Flores on Lake Peten Itza, and is in the middle of the 230 square mile Tikal National Park.

In addition to the mystery of the ruins, wildlife and exotic tropical birds such as Howler Monkeys and Toucans are abundant in the Park and among the ruins themselves. 

(The last time we were there, we saw flocks of Toucans, a group of Spider Monkeys, and definitely heard a troop of Howlers late in the day.  The trip TO Tikal was also an eventful one full of wild turkeys, pigs, a rare Orange Breasted Falcon, goats and even a herd of cattle.)

The El Peten Department of Guatemala is a beautiful one that includes not only the Tikal Mayan ruins, but also:

• The Maya Biosphere Reserve, the largest area of continuous tropical rain forest in Central American (22,280 square miles)
• Lake Peten Itza, a 38 square mile lake that offers fishing and boat tours
• Ixpanpajul Nature Reserve, tropical forest experiences with canopy walks (one suspension bridge over 200 meters long), a zip line, and jungle horseback riding
• Flores, a picturesque small university town on the banks of Lake Peten Itza
• Uaxactun and Yaxha Mayan ruins
• Biotopo Cerro Cahui Park, a great area for birdwatching (and stopping at woodcarvers stands in El Remate)
• El Retiro Sanctuary and Snake Exhibit Petencito Zoo (rescued wild animals only on a small island in Lake Peten Itza)

The close proximity of the Peten region to Belize means that Belize visitors with a few days to spare can easily experience some of the remarkable richness and beauty of El Peten.

So, we've put together a special 5-day El Peten mini Vacaciones that we think provides a good overview of the high points of El Peten, and that can be easily added to the beginning or end of a Belize trip. 

(As with all of our tours, we can customize our El Peten tour to fit your schedule and budget, although we generally recommend at least two nights in the region.  Contact us for more information.)

Also, please note that our El Peten Vacaciones does not include transportation to Flores where this side-trip begins.   The best way to reach Flores from Belize depends on a variety of factors including budget, amount of time available and personal preferences, and will be addressed when planning your tour.

Flores/Tikal Accommodations

Lakeview Casita
Verandah, La Lancha

Accommodation for your El Peten adventure is at Francis Ford Coppola's lake resort on the banks of Lake Peten Itza. 

Lodging is in a thatched Lakeview Casita overlooking Lake Peten Itza.  Breakfast and dinners are included.

La Lancha Lakeview
Casita Bedroom

View of Lake Peten Itza from Verandah of Casita

View of Lake Peten Itza
from La Lancha Beach

Pool and Jacuzzi
(photo courtesy Graham Cabral)

Guests at the La Lancha Bar

La Lancha Dining Room
(courtesy G. Cabral)

Flores/Tikal Itinerary

Flores, Guatemala

Day One

• Arrive Guatemala (contact us for information on travel arrangements to Guatemala)

• Ground transfer to La Lancha

• Overnight in Lakefront Casita at La Lancha

• Dinner at La Lancha

Day Two

• Breakfast at La Lancha
• Day touring Flores area with private driver - activities can include
  • Walking exploration of Flores
  • Boat tour of Lake Peten Itza
  • Petencito Zoo
  • Ak tun Kan Caves
  • Molul de San Jose (minor ruins)
  • Local villages
• Overnight in Lakefront Casita at La Lancha
• Dinner at La Lancha

Tikal

Guided Canopy Tour
 

Day Three

• Breakfast at La Lancha
• Tikal exploration with private guide
• Overnight in Lakefront Casita at La Lancha
• Dinner at La Lancha

Day Four

• Breakfast at La Lancha
• Guided jungle canopy tour (morning)
• Biotopo Cerro Cahui Park (afternoon)
• Stop at El Remate for woodcarvings
• Overnight in Lakefront Casita at La Lancha
• Dinner at La Lancha

Day Five

• Sunrise bird watching by boat

• Breakfast at La Lancha

• Depart Guatemala

• Lodging:  Four (4) nights lodging in Lakeview Casita at La Lancha, double occupancy
• Meals:   Breakfast and dinner beginning with dinner on the day of arrival through breakfast on the day of departure
• Activities:
  • Private guided tour of Tikal
  • Private guided jungle canopy tour
  • Private guided tour of Biotopo Cerro Cahui Park
  • Sunrise birding by boat on Lake Peten Itza
• Transfers: 
  • Round-trip ground transfers between Flores and La Lancha
  • Three (3) full days private driver for other activities as desired
• Other:  IVA and INGT Guatemala taxes

• Note on Guides and Driver:  private guides and driver are natives of the Peten and speak both English and Spanish fluently

Contact us for more information.