El Mirador – La Danta Expedition

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

Overview

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition deep into the heart of the Maya Biosphere Reserve to discover El Mirador, home to La Danta, the largest known pyramid in the Maya world. This extraordinary journey through ancient jungle trails connects you to lost cities such as El Tintal, La Muerta, Nakbé, and La Florida, revealing the grandeur of the earliest Maya civilization.

Trek through pristine rainforest alive with howler monkeys, tropical birds, and the whispers of history. As you follow the footsteps of ancient travelers along sacred causeways, you’ll witness monumental architecture and untouched nature in one of the world’s last true wildernesses.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Carmelita to El Tintal
Depart Carmelita at 9:00 AM for a scenic journey toward the archaeological site of El Tintal. Enjoy lunch en route and set up camp upon arrival. Explore the impressive ruins before a hearty dinner under the stars.

Day 2 – El Tintal to La Muerta & El Mirador
After breakfast, begin your trek toward the site of La Muerta, stopping for lunch and rest along the trail. By late afternoon, arrive at the majestic site of El Mirador, where camp will be established for the night.

Day 3 – Exploration of El Mirador (La Danta Complex)
Experience sunrise over the jungle canopy before exploring El Mirador’s monumental structures, including the awe-inspiring La Danta Pyramid. Enjoy guided interpretation, lunch in camp, and sunset viewing before dinner and rest.

Day 4 – El Mirador to Nakbé & La Florida
After breakfast, depart toward Nakbé, one of the oldest Maya cities known. Continue to La Florida, stopping for meals and wildlife observation along the route. Camp overnight in the heart of the forest.

Day 5 – Return to Carmelita
Enjoy breakfast and begin your return journey through the lush jungle. Arrive in Carmelita around midday and transfer back to Flores.

Includes

Round-trip transportation from Flores to Carmelita
All meals during the expedition (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, purified water)
Community guide (Spanish-speaking, certified by INGUAT)
Mules for carrying supplies and camping gear
Camping accommodation (tents, hammocks, mosquito nets, blankets)
Experienced cooks accompanying the group
Assistant for group support

Not Included

Alcoholic beverages
Personal mule for riding (optional)
English-speaking guide (available upon request)
Meals or services not listed in the itinerary

Additional Information

Terrain: Jungle trails, soft hills, and occasional muddy areas during rainy season
Temperature: Average 36°C (96°F)
Humidity: Around 85%
Physical demand: High – suitable for experienced trekkers
Wildlife: Howler monkeys, toucans, coatis, and a wide variety of tropical birds