How difficult is the 5-day trek to El Mirador in the Kingdoms of the Maya Jungle tour?

The El Mirador trek covers significant distances through the Maya Biosphere Reserve, with daily hikes ranging from 17.5 to 23.5 kilometers through jungle terrain. The trek follows ancient Maya trails and sacbés (stone causeways) used for millennia, requiring a good fitness level. You'll camp for 4 nights under the jungle canopy with provided tents, sleeping pads, and blankets.

What is La Danta Pyramid and why is it significant on this Guatemala tour?

La Danta Pyramid at El Mirador is the largest pyramid in the world by volume, located in one of the most important Preclassic Maya cities ever discovered. The pyramid is only accessible via a 5-day trek through the Maya Biosphere Reserve, making it one of the most remote and exclusive archaeological experiences available. You can climb to its summit for sunrise views over the endless jungle canopy.

What should I expect when exploring Actun Tunichil Muknal cave in Belize?

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is recognized as one of the most extraordinary sacred cave experiences in the world, requiring swimming through underground pools and navigating passages with certified local guides. You'll encounter ancient Maya ceramic artifacts left exactly as positioned by the Maya, and reach the Crystal Maiden - a fully calcified skeleton believed to be from a ceremonial sacrifice. This is both a physical adventure and profound archaeological encounter into Maya ritual practices.

What wildlife can I see during the Kingdoms of the Maya Jungle expedition?

The expedition takes you through some of Central America's most biodiverse areas, including Tikal National Park and the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. You can expect to encounter howler monkeys (whose calls echo through the jungle), toucans, coatimundis, and diverse tropical bird life. The Maya Biosphere Reserve and jungle areas around Caracol offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along the ancient trails.

How do border crossings work between Guatemala and Belize on this tour?

The tour includes a private transfer from Flores, Guatemala to San Ignacio, Belize, which takes approximately 2.5 hours and handles the border crossing logistics. All private ground transfers between destinations are included in the tour price. You'll need to check visa requirements for both Guatemala and Belize, as visa fees are not included in the tour cost.

What accommodation is provided during the Maya jungle trek portion?

During the 5-day El Mirador trek, you'll camp for 4 nights in the Maya Biosphere Reserve with all camping equipment provided, including tents, sleeping pads, and blankets. The remaining 7 nights are spent in selected hotels and lodges, including boutique accommodations in Guatemala City and comfortable lodges in Flores and San Ignacio with breakfast included.

What makes El Tintal and La Muerta special stops on this Guatemala archaeology tour?

El Tintal and La Muerta are significant archaeological sites that almost no travelers reach, accessible only on foot during the El Mirador trek. El Tintal was once a powerful Maya city now reclaimed by the jungle, while La Muerta is a smaller ceremonial complex hidden deep in the Mirador Basin. Both sites are reached along trails that have been walked by Maya people for more than two thousand years.

How does the Xunantunich visit work and what is the Stone Lady legend?

Visiting Xunantunich begins with crossing the Mopan River on a unique hand-cranked cable ferry, followed by climbing El Castillo temple for panoramic views over the Belize River Valley. Local legend tells of La Dama de Piedra (the Stone Lady), a mysterious woman in traditional Maya huipil said to wander the site after dark. This gives Xunantunich its enduring nickname and adds mystique to the archaeological experience.

What is included in the meals during the Kingdoms of the Maya Jungle expedition?

The tour includes specified meals as indicated in the daily itinerary (marked as B/L/D for breakfast, lunch, dinner), with all meals provided during the 5-day jungle trek. Hotel accommodations include breakfast, and you'll dine at local community restaurants during the trek portion. Meals not specified in the itinerary and personal dining choices are at your own expense.

What makes Caracol significant compared to other Maya sites in Belize?

Caracol was once the most powerful political center in what is now Belize, serving as a rival to Tikal and key ally of Calakmul during the Classic Period. The site features the towering Caana temple, which remains the tallest man-made structure in Belize, along with grand plazas and royal tombs. Located deep within the biodiverse Chiquibul Forest Reserve, it combines significant archaeological importance with exceptional jungle wildlife viewing.

Guatemala

Kingdoms of the Maya Jungle

Duration

12 Days

From

$2,510

Group Size

2-12 Guests

A 12-day cross-border expedition through Guatemala and Belize, tracing ancient Maya cities, a 5-day jungle trek to El Mirador, and the sacred ATM cave system

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Ecovoyager Experiences

Tour Highlights

The moments that make this journey unforgettable.

5-Day Trek to El Mirador and La Danta Pyramid

Sunset from Tikal's Mundo Perdido Pyramid

Actun Tunichil Muknal — Into the Maya Underworld

Caracol in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve

Remote Sites: El Tintal and La Muerta

Xunantunich and the Hand-Cranked Ferry Crossing

Guatemala Tour Overview

Kingdoms of the Maya Jungle

A 12-day cross-border expedition through Guatemala and Belize, tracing ancient Maya cities, a 5-day jungle trek to El Mirador, and the sacred ATM cave system

Duration

12 Days

Price

$2,510

Difficulty

Hard

Best Time

April – August

This 12-day expedition crosses Guatemala and Belize along ancient Maya trade routes, combining archaeological depth with genuine jungle immersion. The centerpiece is a 5-day, 4-night trek from Carmelita through the Maya Biosphere Reserve to El Mirador, home to La Danta Pyramid, the largest pyramid in the world by volume, passing the remote sites of El Tintal and La Muerta. Cross into Belize for the Actun Tunichil Muknal sacred cave system, Caracol’s jungle-set temples in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, and the hilltop ruins of Xunantunich before returning to Guatemala City.

Kingdoms of the Maya Jungle

Your Guatemala Tour Itinerary

Route Overview 12 Days · Guatemala

Day 1

Bienvenidos — Arrival in Guatemala City

Your expedition begins with a private transfer from Guatemala City International Airport (La Aurora) to your hotel in the city center. The drive is approximately 20 minutes. After settling in, take time to explore the neighborhood and try local Guatemalan cuisine at one of the nearby restaurants. An optional three-course welcome dinner of elevated Guatemalan cuisine is available in the evening. Meals: - / - / D (optional)

Guatemala City cathedral and central plaza with large crowd gathered for ceremony, Guatemalan flag flying

Grilled meats and vegetables on cast iron grill with hands using tongs to serve

Ornate stone fountain illuminated at night with colonial cathedral in background, Guatemala City

Day 2

Local Flight to Flores and Sunset Tour in Tikal

After breakfast, a private transfer drives you to La Aurora International Airport for a one-hour local flight to Mundo Maya International Airport near Flores. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes you directly to Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for both its cultural and natural significance. Explore the ancient Maya kingdom of Tikal, known as the City of Voices, which reached its apogee during the Classic Period and dominated much of the Mesoamerican region politically, economically, and militarily. Keep your eyes open for wildlife along the ancient Maya trails. Recent discoveries at Tikal have uncovered thousands of previously unknown structures and a wall that surrounds the city and connects it to allied Maya kingdoms. Climb the Mundo Perdido pyramid, the only point in the site offering a 360-degree view over the jungle canopy, for sunset. As howler monkeys echo in the distance, the scale of this ancient civilization begins to take hold. Transfer to your hotel on Flores Island for the night. Meals: B / - / -

Ancient Mayan pyramid temple rising above jungle canopy with tall tree in foreground at Tikal, Guatemala

Howler monkey sitting in tree branches in Tikal Guatemala jungle canopy

Red sun setting over silhouetted Maya temple ruins and jungle canopy at Tikal Guatemala

Day 3

Trek Day 1 — Carmelita to El Tintal

Your expedition into the Maya Biosphere Reserve begins with a private transfer from Flores to the remote community of Carmelita, gateway to the Mirador Basin. After breakfast at the community restaurant and introductions with your local and bilingual guides, the trek begins. The trail leads through ancient forest corridors of towering ceiba trees and rich biodiversity, following paths used by the Maya for millennia. A boxed lunch at El Guacute camp provides a midday break before continuing deeper into the jungle toward the archaeological site of El Tintal, a once-powerful Maya city now reclaimed by the rainforest. Explore the site before settling into camp for the first night under the jungle canopy. Camping equipment including tents, sleeping pads, and blankets is provided. Distance: 17.5 km Meals: B / L / D

Pack horses carrying supplies through dense jungle forest on muddy trail with hikers

Ancient Mayan ruins emerging from dense jungle canopy in Guatemala's rainforest

Blue tarps and camping shelters set up among trees in jungle clearing at El Mirador Guatemala

Day 4

Trek Day 2 — El Tintal to El Mirador via La Muerta

After an early breakfast at camp, continue your journey deeper into the Mirador Basin along ancient sacbés, the white stone causeways that once connected powerful Maya kingdoms across the jungle. En route, stop to explore La Muerta, a smaller but significant ceremonial complex hidden within the forest. By mid-afternoon, arrive at the legendary city of El Mirador. As the day winds to a close, climb El Tigre Pyramid to watch the sunset above the endless canopy. All meals and camping equipment provided. Distance: 23.5 km Meals: B / L / D

Forest trail winding through dense jungle with fallen logs and lush green vegetation

Ancient Maya stone pyramid ruins covered in moss surrounded by tropical rainforest trees

Ancient Maya pyramid structure covered in vegetation surrounded by jungle trees in Guatemala

Day 5

Exploring El Mirador — La Danta and the Preclassic Kingdom

Rise before dawn for an optional sunrise from La Danta's summit, watching the jungle awaken in mist and golden light. After breakfast, spend the full day exploring the vast archaeological complex of El Mirador, one of the largest and most important Preclassic Maya cities ever discovered. Stand before La Danta Pyramid, the largest pyramid in the world by volume, and move through a city that flourished more than 2,000 years ago. Guides provide context on the city's history, its political dominance during the Preclassic period, and the ongoing conservation efforts protecting the basin. As evening falls, watch another sunset from the ruins before a final night in camp. Meals: B / L / D

Group of tourists sitting on ancient Maya temple ruins at sunset overlooking jungle canopy

Ancient Maya stone ruins with pyramid structure surrounded by dense jungle vegetation and trees

Rustic jungle camp with tarp shelter, cooking fire with smoke, and person preparing food in forest

Day 6

Trek Day 4 — Return Through the Maya Forest

After breakfast, begin the return trek through the Maya forest toward El Tintal. The journey back offers new perspectives, wildlife encounters, and time to absorb the scale of what you have walked through. Pause for lunch along the trail before reaching El Tintal once again, where you revisit the site in afternoon light. Spend a final night camping in the jungle before the last stretch back to Carmelita the following morning. Distance: 23.5 km Meals: B / L / D

Hikers walking through dense tropical jungle on muddy trail surrounded by palm fronds and vegetation

Day 7

Trek Day 5 — Back to Carmelita and Flores

Enjoy a final morning hike back to Carmelita, completing the Mirador Basin expedition. Upon arrival, celebrate with lunch at the local community restaurant before a private transfer drives you to Flores Island, where a comfortable bed and a well-earned rest await after five days in the ancient Maya world. Distance: 17.5 km Meals: B / L / -

Day 8

Rest Morning and Transfer to San Ignacio, Belize

Enjoy a slow start and a relaxed morning after five days in the field. At midday, a private transfer drives you across the border to San Ignacio in the Cayo District of Belize, approximately 2.5 hours from Flores. Check into your accommodation and spend a free evening exploring the town at your own pace. Meals: B / - / -

Day 9

Actun Tunichil Muknal — The Sacred Cave of the Maya

Recognized as one of the most extraordinary sacred cave experiences in the world, Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is a living museum preserving the ceremonial legacy of the ancient Maya. Guided by certified local specialists, journey deep into the cave system, swimming through underground pools and moving through passages to reach ceremonial chambers. Along the way, encounter ancient ceramic artifacts left in place exactly as the Maya positioned them. At the deepest point of the cave rests the Crystal Maiden, a fully calcified skeleton believed to be the remains of a Maya ceremonial sacrifice, surrounded by other human remains. Exploring ATM is as much a physical adventure as it is an archaeological encounter, offering rare and visceral insight into Maya beliefs and ritual practice. Meals: B / L / -

Day 10

Caracol — Belize's Most Powerful Ancient Kingdom

Drive deep into the Chiquibul Forest Reserve to explore Caracol, once the most powerful political center in what is now Belize. With a specialized English-speaking guide, visit grand plazas, royal tombs, and the towering Caana temple, still the tallest man-made structure in Belize, while learning about the city's history as a rival of Tikal and a key ally of Calakmul. The surrounding forest is rich with howler monkeys, toucans, coatimundis, and tropical bird life. This is a full day combining genuine archaeological depth with one of Belize's most biodiverse jungle reserves. Meals: B / L / -

Day 11

Xunantunich and Return to Guatemala City

Depart San Ignacio and drive toward Mundo Maya International Airport, stopping en route at Xunantunich, one of Belize's most impressive Maya sites. The visit begins with a short hand-cranked cable ferry crossing over the Mopan River before an uphill walk through the site to the summit of El Castillo, the main temple. From the top, panoramic views extend across the surrounding jungle and rolling hills of the Belize River Valley. Local legend speaks of a mysterious woman in traditional Maya huipil seen wandering the site — the reason Xunantunich is sometimes called La Dama de Piedra, the Stone Lady. After the visit, continue to Mundo Maya International Airport for a one-hour domestic flight back to Guatemala City. A private transfer takes you to your hotel for a free final evening. Meals: B / L / -

Day 12

Farewell Guatemala

Savor a final cup of Guatemalan coffee at your hotel before a private shuttle transfer to La Aurora International Airport for your departure flight. End of services. Meals: B / - / -

Guatemala Tour Details

What's Included

Everything included in the tour, and what to budget separately.

What's Included

7 nights accommodation in selected hotels with breakfast included
4 nights camping in the Maya Biosphere Reserve (tents, sleeping pads, and blankets provided)
All listed tours and activities (private)
Entrance fees where applicable
Private airport transfer on arrival in Guatemala City
Private airport transfer on departure from Guatemala City
All private ground transfers between destinations as indicated in the itinerary
One-way local flight Guatemala City (La Aurora) to Flores (Mundo Maya International Airport)
One-way local flight Flores (Mundo Maya International Airport) to Guatemala City (La Aurora)
Specialized local guides and bilingual guides for all activities
Local community guides during El Mirador trek
Specified meals as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary (B/L/D)
Certified guide, gear, and entrance fee for Actun Tunichil Muknal cave tour
Local taxes
24/7 English-language assistance in-country throughout the expedition
Interactive day-to-day travel program via app with real-time itinerary, maps, and direct team chat

Not Included

International airfare to/from Guatemala City International Airport (GUA)
Travel insurance (required)
Visa fees (check requirements for Guatemala, Belize, and any transit countries)
Personal expenses and personal laundry
Alcoholic beverages
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and trek support staff
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Medical evacuation costs

Guatemala Tour Details

Tour Pricing & Departures

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June 14 – June 25, 2026

12 days

Available

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July 19 – July 30, 2026

12 days

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August 16 – August 27, 2026

12 days

Available

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Prefer your own dates and itinerary? Our private expeditions offer full flexibility with the same expert guides, exclusive access, and conservation partnerships — tailored entirely around your group.

Starting From

$2,510

Based on group of 4

CurrencyUSD

Private Group Rates

Group Size	Per Person	Notes
2 travelers	$2,510	Per personStandard package
4 travelers	$2,510	Per personStandard package
6-8 travelers	$2,510	Per personStandard package
9-12 travelers	$2,510	Per personMax group size
With expedition leader	$4,235	Per personIncludes dedicated English-speaking tour leader

Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior. ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.

Cancellation: 90+ days: full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60-89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.

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Duration

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Each stop on this journey through Guatemala, and the country that ties them together.

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Where ancient Maya cities rise from the world's largest tropical forest north of the Amazon, 37 volcanoes sculpt cloud forests sheltering the resplendent quetzal, and 22 living Maya cultures weave…

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El Mirador

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Kingdoms of the Maya Jungle

Tour Highlights

5-Day Trek to El Mirador and La Danta Pyramid

Sunset from Tikal's Mundo Perdido Pyramid

Actun Tunichil Muknal — Into the Maya Underworld

Caracol in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve

Remote Sites: El Tintal and La Muerta

Xunantunich and the Hand-Cranked Ferry Crossing

Kingdoms of the Maya Jungle

Request More Information

Bienvenidos — Arrival in Guatemala City

La Inmaculada

Local Flight to Flores and Sunset Tour in Tikal

Isla de Flores

Trek Day 1 — Carmelita to El Tintal

Trek Day 2 — El Tintal to El Mirador via La Muerta

Exploring El Mirador — La Danta and the Preclassic Kingdom

Trek Day 4 — Return Through the Maya Forest

Trek Day 5 — Back to Carmelita and Flores

Isla de Flores

Rest Morning and Transfer to San Ignacio, Belize

Falling Leaves Lodge

Actun Tunichil Muknal — The Sacred Cave of the Maya

Falling Leaves Lodge

Caracol — Belize's Most Powerful Ancient Kingdom

Falling Leaves Lodge

Xunantunich and Return to Guatemala City

La Inmaculada

Farewell Guatemala

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What's Included

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Private Group Rates

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