Attention all adventure seekers! Get ready for the ultimate 3-day, 2-night journey into the heart of the Guatemalan jungle! This epic tour offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, archaeology, and adrenaline. As you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, prepare to tread the ancient Maya trails and immerse yourself in the symphony of sounds from the jungle's diverse wildlife. Listen to the calls of colorful birds, the chatter of playful monkeys, the rustling of elegant deer, and if you're lucky, the roar of majestic jaguars and tapirs! The Maya Trek covers a distance of approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) and takes you through some of Guatemala's most stunning natural landscapes. You will be hiking from 6 to 7 hours per day in dense forests surrounded by temples and structures hidden in the lush vegetation. This unforgettable expedition culminates with your arrival in Tikal by foot – a rare and incredible feat that few travelers get to experience! Explore the magnificent ruins of this ancient city and witness the splendor of the Maya civilization. Don't miss out on this incredible adventure – book your Maya Trek today and experience the ultimate journey into the heart of the jungle!
This experience begins from Flores island in Peten. If you require assistance with local flights, accommodation and visiting other sites please let us know before booking.
Day 1 - Trek to El Peñón bat caves
You'll depart from Flores Island and will meet your expert guides before beginning your journey to the Cruce Dos Aguadas. From there, you'll start hiking to San Miguel La Palotada-El Zotz Protected Area, this will be your first taste of Guatemalan wilderness and outdoors. As the sun sets, you’ll venture to a cave where you'll witness the spectacular sight of thousands of bats of over 39 different species, soaring through the dark skies in search of their prey. It's a sight that will leave you in awe . Afterward, you’ll continue your trek to base camp, where you'll enjoy a delicious, freshly made outdoor dinner surrounded by the wild beauty of the jungle. As you dine, listen to the sounds of nature and take in the stunning scenery of the protected area.
Day 2 - El Zotz Exploration
After fueling up with a hearty camp breakfast, you'll journey deep into the lush jungle for a visit to the incredible El Zotz archaeological site. Your destination? The breathtaking "Devil's Hill," where the tomb of the legendary ruler P.A. Chan awaits. This uncharted temple is a true marvel of the Maya civilization, shrouded in mystery and surrounded by the vibrant jungle. As you explore this incredible site, you'll be transported back in time to a world of ancient wonders and forgotten secrets. And after enjoying a delicious lunch, you'll continue your journey to the next base camp at El Yesal, nestled on the border of the San Miguel la Palotada Nature Reserve and the iconic Tikal National Park. Here, you'll be surrounded by the enchanting sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening under the stars!
Day 3 - Arrival at Majestic Tikal
Get ready to be mesmerized as you continue your trek towards the magnificent Maya city of Tikal! The jungle pathways become narrower, and the sounds of the exotic wildlife will surround you. Keep an eye out for jaguars and tapirs as you follow the impressive Maya trails. You'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the tallest temple in the site, Temple 4. Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for both its cultural and natural significance, and you'll have the opportunity to explore its massive ancient city, climb its emblematic temples, and appreciate the local fauna. After a delicious lunch inside the park, it's time to head back to your hotel and unwind from this incredible adventure.
BOOKING AGREEMENT
A booking is only effective and confirmed once a deposit has been paid by the customer/traveler. Once we collect your deposit or initial payment, we will proceed to confirm all offered services with our local partners and suppliers.
We will only make room blocks and proceed to reserving hotels once we collect a deposit or full installment payment guaranteeing booking. All hotels mentioned in trip proposals are subject to dates and availability. If by any chance we are in the need to change hotels, we will notify you in advance and will choose an accommodation option that is the same category and pricing.
Be advised we do not operate overnight transfers or do long transfers during nighttime.
High risk activities such as active volcano hikes, paragliding, and other active adventures may require you to sign a liability waiver. If this is not signed we cannot be responsible for your participation in such activities and it will be your responsibility to book them.
Once we confirm your booking with the deposit or installment payment, we proceed to securing all offered services. All payment installments must be completed 15 days prior to your arrival date in Guatemala or Mexico. 10 days prior to your arrival we will share your detailed travel program and pre-departure recommendations.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Each traveler / customer is responsible for acquiring a valid travel insurance that will provide coverage during their time traveling. We are not responsible for international travel delays, missing luggage or cancellations.
ENTRY TO GUATEMALA AND MEXICO
Check the validity of your personal travel documents and if you require a visa for visiting Guatemala or Mexico. If this is the case, each traveler/customer is responsible for acquiring a valid travel visa before booking a trip and payment. We do not provide invitation letters or any documentation for such procedures.
Guatemalan or Mexican authorities may require upon entry:
-a copy of your itinerary (printed or digital)
-the trip payment receipt (itinerary or digital).
CANCELLATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS
In order to cancel a package for which you have made a booking, please email us at hello@lokaltravel.com stating your order reference and “Cancellation” in the title of the email. You may telephone us to discuss your desire to cancel the package but cancellation will only be effective when we have received from the person who purchased the package a written confirmation of his or her decision to cancel the package. An email to us stating that you desire to cancel a package is an irrevocable notice and you cannot subsequently change your mind even if we have not yet acknowledged the cancellation in writing.
If you cancel your tour:
We will apply the airline’s cancellation policy to any flights in your package and reimburse your ground arrangements in accordance with the penalty timeline
For cancellation of ground-only arrangements:
(a) 90 days or more prior to the stated departure date, we will retain an administrative fee of $100 per traveler and reimburse the remaining amount;
(b) Between 30 and 89 days prior to the stated departure date, we will retain 50% of the total booking cost and reimburse the remaining amount;
(c) Less than 30 days prior to departure, we will retain 100% of the price paid by you for the package.
If you leave a trip for any reason after it has started, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services.
We may cancel a package at any time prior to departure by giving you notice by email, letter or (if very close to departure) by telephoning you, if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events it is not viable or safe for our local partner to operate the planned itinerary. If we cancel a package prior to departure, in your sole and absolute discretion you may choose between (i) us applying the amounts paid towards an alternative trip, or (ii) receiving a full refund. We are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.
AMENDMENTS TO BOOKED PACKAGES
If you wish to change the date, route, services or itinerary there is a fee of
(a) $100 per traveler if done at least 90 days prior to the scheduled date of departure, subject to availability; and
(b) $300 per traveler if done between 30 and 89 days prior to the scheduled date of departure, subject to availability.
If you wish to change the name of one or several travelers of the trip, there is a fee of $100 per passenger if done at least 90 days prior to the scheduled date of departure. No name changes. are permitted within 89 days prior to the scheduled date of departure. No amendments are permitted to your booking within 29 days of departure.
If changes are necessary while you are traveling they will be assessed by us and our suppliers beforehand and communicated to the customer.
ALL CUSTOMERS ARE REQUIRED TO AGREE WITH THESE POLICIES UPON BOOKING.
Includes:
-Round trip transportation from Flores to hike starting point and finish.
-All park entrance fees.
-Specialized local Spanish-speaking community guide*.
-Porters and horses will carry luggage and camping gear.
-First aid kit.
-Filtered, clean and fresh drinking water.
-3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
-Sleeping bags, sleeping pads and comfortable tents for camping in humid climate.
**This is a private experience.
*Local, experienced and English-speaking guide is available at an extra cost.
Includes:
-Round trip transportation from Flores to hike starting point and finish.
-All park entrance fees.
-Specialized local Spanish-speaking community guide*.
-Porters and horses will carry luggage and camping gear.
-First aid kit.
-Filtered, clean and fresh drinking water.
-3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
-Sleeping bags, sleeping pads and comfortable tents for camping in humid climate.
**This is a private experience.
*Local, experienced and English-speaking guide is available at an extra cost.
Includes:
-Round trip transportation from Flores to hike starting point and finish.
-All park entrance fees.
-Specialized local Spanish-speaking community guide*.
-Porters and horses will carry luggage and camping gear.
-First aid kit.
-Filtered, clean and fresh drinking water.
-3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
-Sleeping bags, sleeping pads and comfortable tents for camping in humid climate.
**This is a private experience.
*Local, experienced and English-speaking guide is available at an extra cost.
Includes:
-Round trip transportation from Flores to hike starting point and finish.
-All park entrance fees.
-Specialized local Spanish-speaking community guide*.
-Porters and horses will carry luggage and camping gear.
-First aid kit.
-Filtered, clean and fresh drinking water.
-3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
-Sleeping bags, sleeping pads and comfortable tents for camping in humid climate.
**This is a private experience.
*Local, experienced and English-speaking guide is available at an extra cost.
Have a specialized, local and experienced English-speaking guide join you in your adventure for interpretation purposes and extra insight.