Guatemala Holidays: the Maya sites of Aguateca, Dos Pilas and Ceibal in Guatemala

The jungle of El Peten was once the heartland of Maya civilisation. For the past millennium, however, it was a sparsely populated backwater in which ruins dot the landscape and nature reigns. Reaching some of these sites means driving down muddy roads along with boating and hiking past numerous wonders of tropical nature. The difficulty of getting to some of these sites actually enhances the feeling of adventure.

Upriver from Sayaxche is the impressive ruin of Ceibal that served as a tollgate for barges plying the river in ancient Maya times. Ceibal's beauty has much to do with its jungle surroundings, which offer visitors glimpses of the rain forests' seemingly infinite web of life. The site's archaeological attractions include several restored temples, plazas and intricately carved stelae, each of them showing a profound foreign influence, most likely from the Toltecs.
Next we visit Dos Pilas, with its magnificent staircase covered with hieroglyphics. Important recent archaeological finds indicate that continual warfare may have caused an ecological imbalance that led to the collapse of Maya civilisation. Finally, we visit the largely unrestored Aguateca on the southern shore of lake Petexbatun. The stelae and the journey make this trip a wonderful river adventure.

Day 1:
Welcome in Santa Elena Airport, where our representative will kindly assist and transfer you to Sayaxche, situated at the shores of La Pasion River surrounded with great natural beauty. Take a boat across La Pasion river to visit Ceibal, considerated "The Mayan Art Gallery" because of its fine and well-preserved steles, you can also admire the unique Tolteca circular structure found in Peten. Lunch. Back to Sayaxche crossing the Petexbatun small Lake, inhabited by turtles, crocodriles and a big variety of birds. Accommodation and Dinner at Petexbatun Lodge ( 03 *** ).

Day 2:
Breakfast. Transfer to take a boat crossing Paso Caribe to visit Dos Pilas, treeking in the jungle for 12 Kms, crossing the Piedra Stream. Tours visiting: Dos Pilas flight of steps, Central Group, Duende piramid, etc. Box Lunch. In the afternoon transfer back to accommodation and dinner at Petexbatun Lodge ( 03 *** ).

Day 3:
Breakfast. Take a boat to visit Aguateca, which has great forest vegetation. Tours visiting: Great Plaza, Ceremonial Center, Northern Compex, Necropolis and the Natural Fortress. Box Lunch. In the afternoon transfer to airport to take flight to Guatemala City.

Why not combine this journey with Tikal and Uaxactun by Air so that you cover the most important archaeological sites of the famous Peten region?
Additional night Hotel Del Patio per person per night (breakfast included): single room: USD70, double room: USD 40, triple room: USD 35.

Rated: Easy - hiking 12 km

Price per person
	1	2	3	4+
USD	$ 841	$ 503	$ 420	$ 293
EUR	€ 698	€ 418	€ 349	€ 243
GBP	£ 471	£ 282	£ 235	£ 164

(*) Price last updated on 08 April 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .

Included:
Specialised guide, park admissions, land and river transport, specified meals, taxes and accommodation.

Not included:
Meals not mentioned, tips, personal expenses, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, domestic flights etc.