4-Day Maya Trek To 3 Archeological Sites From Flores: Uaxactún + Tikal + El Zotz

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day Maya trek through the captivating landscapes of Guatemala. Explore the archaeological wonders of Uaxactún, Tikal, and El Zotz, enjoying the rich heritage of the Maya civilization. This guided journey offers private transportation, certified guides, and logistical support, allowing you to fully immerse in the natural beauty and cultural significance of these remarkable sites. With the right gear and physical fitness, you’ll navigate the trails and uncover the mysteries that lie within the Guatemalan jungle. The experience promises to be both remarkable and transformative.

About Your Stay

• The 4-day Maya Trek from Flores visits three major Mayan archaeological sites: Uaxactún, Tikal, and El Zotz.
• The tour includes private transportation, hotel pick-up/drop-off, expert local and English-speaking guides, and camping equipment.
• Muleteers and cargo mules carry up to 25 pounds of luggage per person, providing support during the trek.
• Participants must have a strong physical fitness level and be prepared with the recommended trekking gear.
• The tour operator has acknowledged past communication issues and aims to improve the overall experience for travelers.

Tour Highlights

The 4-day Maya Trek takes adventurous travelers on an exciting journey through the Guatemalan jungle, visiting three renowned archaeological sites – Uaxactún, Tikal, and El Zotz.

This all-inclusive tour provides private transportation, hotel pick-up and drop-off, expert local guides, and camping equipment.

Hikers will be accompanied by muleteers and cargo mules to carry up to 25 pounds of luggage per person.

Throughout the trek, you will enjoy delicious meals and have the opportunity to learn about the rich Mayan heritage.

A strong fitness level is required, and proper gear is recommended to navigate the challenging terrain.

Itinerary Overview

The 4-day Maya Trek begins with hotel pick-up in Flores or Santa Elena at 6:00 AM.

Travelers then embark on a private transportation journey to the first archaeological site, Uaxactún.

Over the next four days, the group will explore three remarkable Mayan ruins: Uaxactún, Tikal, and El Zotz.

Along the way, they’ll be accompanied by a certified local community guide (Spanish) and an English-speaking tour guide.

Muleteers and cargo mules will assist with a 25-pound luggage limit per person.

The tour includes camping equipment, meals, and gratuities.

However, participants should be aware of the physical demands and bring appropriate gear for this challenging trek.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This 4-day Maya Trek includes private transportation, hotel pick-up and drop-off, a certified local community guide (Spanish) and an English-speaking tour guide, muleteers and cargo mules with a 25-pound luggage limit per person, cooks and services assistant, camping equipment, and meals (3 dinners, 4 lunches, 4 breakfasts).

Gratuities are also included. However, the trek isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions.

A strong physical fitness level is required, and the recommended gear includes cascade explorer-type pants, trekking shoes, mosquito repellent, sun protection, and waterproof jacket.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions
• Strong physical fitness level required
• Recommended gear includes cascade explorer-type pants, trekking shoes, mosquito repellent, sun protection, and waterproof jacket

Pickup and Start Time

Pickup for the Maya Trek takes place from the hotel lobby in Flores or Santa Elena, Peten Department, with a start time of 06:00 AM.

This early departure ensures participants make the most of the day’s activities. The trek visits three remarkable archaeological sites: Uaxactún, Tikal, and El Zotz, immersing trekkers in the rich Maya history of the region.

Travelers should prepare for a demanding hike, requiring a strong fitness level and appropriate gear, including sturdy trekking shoes, mosquito repellent, and sun protection.

Despite challenging trail conditions due to recent heavy rainfall, the local guides are committed to providing assistance and ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.

Participant Requirements

Participants of the Maya Trek must possess a strong physical fitness level, as the experience isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it does provide an opportunity for adventurous travelers to explore the Maya archaeological sites of Uaxactún, Tikal, and El Zotz.

To fully enjoy the trek, it’s recommended to bring the following:

• Cascade explorer-type pants
• Trekking shoes
• Mosquito repellent
• Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen)

Feedback and Insights

One review highlighted communication issues with the tour operator, TTC Travel, and booking platform Viator regarding trail conditions.

Recent heavy rainfall had made 20 km of the 55 km trail muddy, making trekking difficult with standard shoes. Though local guides provided assistance, they’d limited options for proper footwear.

The host acknowledged the feedback and expressed a commitment to improving communication and service.

Despite the challenges, the tour still allowed travelers to explore three remarkable Maya archaeological sites – Uaxactún, Tikal, and El Zotz – in the Guatemalan jungle.

Booking and Contact

Travelers can book this 4-day Maya trekking tour through the Flores office of TTC Travel or via the Viator booking platform.

The tour package includes:

• Pickup and drop-off from hotels in Flores or Santa Elena
• Services of a certified local community guide and an English-speaking guide
• Camping equipment and meals throughout the trek
• Muleteers and cargo mules to carry up to 25 pounds of luggage per person

Prospective participants should review the physical fitness requirements and recommended gear before booking.

The host has acknowledged past communication issues and is committed to improving the experience.

Questions About Your Stay

What Types of Archaeological Artifacts Can Be Found at the Sites?

The archaeological sites on the tour likely contain a variety of Mayan artifacts, including stone carvings, pottery, tools, and architectural remains that provide insights into the ancient Mayan civilization and its culture.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no explicit age restrictions for participants on this tour. However, it is recommended that participants have a strong level of physical fitness, as the trek involves challenging terrain and strenuous activities over several days.

Can Vegetarian or Other Dietary Requirements Be Accommodated?

The tour provider can accommodate vegetarian and other dietary requirements with advance notice. Travelers should communicate any special dietary needs when booking the tour to ensure the appropriate meals are provided during the 4-day Maya trek.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. However, it appears to be a private tour with a local community guide and English-speaking tour guide, suggesting a small group size is likely.

Are There Opportunities for Independent Exploration at the Sites?

The tour includes guided visits to the archaeological sites. While independent exploration may be possible at some sites, the extent of free time for independent exploration is not clearly specified in the tour details provided.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This Maya Trek offers an immersive exploration of Guatemala’s rich archaeological heritage. Participants can discover the captivating sites of Uaxactún, Tikal, and El Zotz, surrounded by the breathtaking Guatemalan jungle. With private transportation, certified guides, and support from muleteers, this 4-day journey provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience the ancient Maya civilization in a stunning natural setting.