Guatemala Holidays: trek to the Maya sites of El Zotz to Tikal

The main attraction of the El Zotz Biotope are its enormous limestone cliffs from which millions of bats (zotz) fly out at every sunset and return at sunrise. One must live to see and listen to this event in order to understand it greatness. From the top of the main pyramid of El Zotz archaeological site, one can observe the vast Peten forest and with a little luck you can see the tallest temples of Tikal away in the distance.

Al trips are operated with both a local community and bi-lingual guide. The reason we use local community guides is two-fold. As well as the fact that local guides know the rainforest trails, wildlife and sites better than anyone, our employment of them helps to support the communities in the area and we hope will help to slow down the deforestation of the rainforest as local people can earn a good wage guiding tours instead of farming.

Day 1: Flores to El Zotz
You will leave Flores in the early morning and journey to the village community of "Cruce dos Aguadas" where you will begin the hike to the ancient site of El Zotz. The trek will take you through the rainforest and along many of the routes used by the "Chicileros" who work to collect sap from trees to produce chewing gum. Upon arrival at El Zotz you will help to set up camp and prepare for the amazing dusk performance as thousands upon thousands of bats fly out of the nearby cave on their nightly search for food. This is truly an amazing sight!

Day 2: Exploration of El Zotz
Today you will have time to explore the overgrown ruins of the El Zotz site with its pyramids as they must have been found the first time explorers came across them. You can also learn about medicinal plants in the area and keep an eye open for some of the varied wildlife such as toucans, parrots, spider and howling monkeys, tapir and jaguars!

Day 3: El Zotz to Tikal
An early start today to begin the jungle trek across to the Mayan Temple site of Tikal. You can take your time as you trek through this beautiful rainforest scenery and enjoy the excitement of arriving at the huge temples of Tikal from the middle of the jungle! We would suggest that upon arrival at Tikal you take the rest of the day to relax, perhaps entering the site to enjoy the sunset from one of the temples but leaving the main exploration until the next day.

This trip can also be done over 7 Days by extending the trek via Nacbe and Wakna sites.

Why not combine this journey with El Ceibal, Aguateca and Dos Pilas Jungle Trekking , Yaxha, Nakum & Tikal Jungle Trek , Scarlet Macaw Trail - El Peru or El Mirador 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: Only recommended for hikers with good physical condition who are prepared to cope with long days and rugged terrain

Price per person without bilingual guide
	2	3	4	5+
USD	$ 267	$ 223	$ 196	$ 186
EUR	€ 222	€ 185	€ 162	€ 154
GBP	£ 149	£ 124	£ 109	£ 104

(*) Price last updated on 15 March 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .

Price per person with bilingual guide
	2	3	4	5+
USD	$ 409	$ 317	$ 266	$ 243
EUR	€ 339	€ 263	€ 221	€ 202
GBP	£ 229	£ 177	£ 149	£ 136

(*) Price last updated on 15 March 2006. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .

Included:
* Driven transport to the trail head and back
* All meals described in the above itinerary
* Local Maya guide
* Camping Equipment, Hammocks and Mosquito Nets
* Purified Water & First Aid Kit
* Horses to carry equipment
* Entrances to Tikal

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