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La Lancha near Flores, Guatemala   Accommodations

ABOUT LA LANCHA ACTIVITIES - in their own words:

TIKAL
Perhaps the most visually stunning and impressive of all Maya sites, Tikal’s five monolithic temples pierce the jungle canopy (Temple IV reaches a height of almost 230 feet) and ancient plazas, stelae and ball courts tell of a rich and powerful history when Tikal’s population reached almost 100,000. Today the site is recognized as one of the archeological wonders of the Americas.  Its unspoiled jungle setting within the Tikal National Park makes it a paradise for birders, nature lovers and amateur archaeologists

YAXHA & TOPOXTE
The important ceremonial center of Yaxhá is located between the two lakes of Yaxhá and Sacnab. Upon arrival, a Cayuco (motorized canoe) will transfer you to Topoxte, a site with a rich history of Maya culture and influence.  We will then explore Yaxhá, an important Maya site that has over 500 structures including 40 stelae, two ball courts and nine temple pyramids. Structures at Yaxhá show the influence of Teotihuacan and include the only twin-pyramid complex outside of Tikal.

OTHER MAYAN EXPERIENCES THAT CAN BE ARRANGED

TIKAL AT SUNSET
This tour offers special access to the magical Maya site of Tikal at sunset, allowing guests to enjoy the tranquility of the site and to marvel at the special ‘sense of place’ that the majestic temples, spacious courtyards and towering forest canopy create. The silence is frequently punctured by the call of howler monkeys and it’s easy to step back in time and imagine causeways bustling with life and shamans’ holding court atop the monolithic limestone temples. 

MYSTIC TIKAL
Experience a full day of ancient Tikal in the company of mystical Shaman AJ Kin. AJ Kin is roughly translated as 'the day keeper' and he learned the ways of the ancients from his grandparents. This tour of Tikal will introduce you to the fascinating world of Maya culture and beliefs. Starting as an archaeological tour you will be led through the veil of time to experience the citadels' most sacred and atmospheric sites. Your tour will culminate in a sacred ceremony where time and man become 'one.'

YAXHA AT SUNSET
Departing from La Lancha, we drive east through rolling countryside and small farming villages toward the Belizean border before arriving for a guided tour of the ancient Maya site of Yaxhá set on the banks of the beautiful Yaxhá lagoon. Sipping wine from atop Temple 216 as the sun silently slips below the horizon you’ll be able to enjoy views of both lakes and the Temple of the Red Hand Prints. 

UAXACTUN
Located just two hours from La Lancha, the history of Uaxactún lies entwined with its near neighbor and greatest rival Tikal. While excavating the site, Archaeologists discovered remarkable late Pre-classic sculptures and elaborately decorated temple platforms featuring large plaster masks representing the sacred Witz Monster. The grounds of the site are beautifully maintained and the on-site museum contains a wonderful collection of unique artifacts. 

SEIBAL / EL CEIBAL
The impressive ruins of Seibal lie on an important trade route linking the Petén Lowlands of Guatemala with the Caribbean coast and Mexico.  We travel by vehicle to the banks of the Pasión River, and then take a scenic boat trip to the isolated yet well maintained Maya site of Seibal.  Seibal is located just inland on a large bend in the river. It’s a beautifully landscaped, partially excavated site comprised of three main ‘groups’ occupying different hilltops. Numerous stelae depict events after the Classic Maya collapse of the Petexbatún kingdom while monuments at the site show influences from non-Maya cultures of central Mexico and the Gulf Coast.  

AGUATECA
The trip to Aguateca is an exciting full day adventure combining nature and archaeology. From the river port town of Sayaxche on the Rio Pasión we board a motorized boat for the three-hour trip downstream to the ruins of Aguateca, the capital city of the dynasty founded in 645 AD by the prince of Tikal. Today, Aguateca is a fortified Maya city located close to Dos Pilas on a plateau overlooking the river steep escarpments and a 200-feet deep chasm, the inhabitants also erected wooden palisades helping to defend their land. 

IXCUN, MAYA MUSEUM & MOPAN WATERFALLS
Close to the Belize border and the Maya site of Caracol lays Ixcún, boasting some of the largest Maya stelae in Pétén. After exploring the site we’ll drive to Dolores and take a tour of the fascinating Maya Museum, which houses artifacts from nearby Maya sites, before stopping at the Rio Mopan Waterfalls for a refreshing swim.

NAKUM
This genuine adventure begins along a paved highway to the ‘Cultural Triangle’ of the Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo Natural Monument. Comprised on wetlands as well as low and high forest, the Monument is a critical habitat for rare and endangered species such as Morelet’s crocodile, Baird’s tapir and black howler monkeys. Nakum is an impressive and beautiful site located on the banks of the Holmul River, boasting the second most restored Maya structures in Guatemala (after Tikal). Excavations lasted 14 years with over 300 workers employed by the research teams involved. The majority of structures unearthed date back to the Late Classic period and includes 15 stelae, a 44-room palace and a residential complex.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Beginning on a neighboring 70-acre farm adjacent to La Lancha, this guided horseback ride will take you through hilly pastoral land used for cattle ranching and into the lush tropical forests that hug the hillsides overlooking Lake Petén Itzá. Your guide will point out medicinal plants as you ride along and small overgrown Maya ruins bare witness of the region’s ancient inhabitants

BIRDWATCHING
Experience Guatemala at daybreak with a bird watching adventure that will take you by canoe along the lakeshore and then onto the hiking trails. The birdlife along the shores and steep forest slopes above Lago Peten Itza is excellent and your guide will help identify many species such as blue-crowned motmot, rufus-tailed jacamar, red-crowned ant tanager, and pale-billed woodpecker.

SPECIALIST BIRDWATCHING
We can arrange for a specialist birding guide to accompany you to a range of excellent birding habitats. Many of these are at Maya sites due to the diverse environment, well-maintained jungle trails and excellent elevated viewing atop pyramids. All tour pricing includes transport, expert birding guide, birding checklists, lunch and park fees.

CANOEING & KAYAKING
Explore the beauty of Lago Petén Itzá at a leisurely pace by canoe. Two-person canoes and kayaks are available complimentary to all our guests staying at La Lancha.