the Cradle of Maya
January 21 - 29, 2023 : 8 days/7nights
$1899 ($450 deposit) : Visiting Flores, the Jungle of Petén, El Mirador, Tikal National Park
Deadline for Registration: December 21, 2022
About This Trip
Arriving at Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores, Guatemala, your Naturally Smart Host will be waiting to greet you as you exit the airport doors. Our first stop is the island of Flores, the crown jewel of Lake Peten Itza, just a 15-minute ride away.
Once settled into our hotel, we'll take a quick siesta before enjoying our Bienvenidos Dinner at one of the most celebrated restaurants in town. With an eclectic menu, inventive cocktails, and an outdoor terrace to welcome the night.
After an early breakfast, we'll begin our trek to Carmelita to begin our 5-day jungle trek. Along the way, we'll learn about Mayan history and cosmology, understand life in the jungle, and explore several unearthed ruins leading to El Mirador.
Finally, our trip will conclude by returning to Flores for a night on the town before heading to Tikal National Park. There, we'll take the sunrise tour to hear the jungle awaken before celebrating our epic journey during a very special Feliz Viaje dinner.
What is Included
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Coordination & Fees
From the moment of arrival to departure, we coordinate and facilitate exceptional experiences, so your only priority is living your best impact life abroad.
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Bi-lingual Guide & Host
Spanish being the official national language, your local tour guide will accompany you every step of the way, while your host ensures a smooth experience behind the scenes.
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Private Transportation
We coordinate transportation throughout your journey with carefully vetted and trusted drivers on land and captains by water.
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Meals and Dining
From welcome dinner to our “Feliz Viaje!” celebration, we’ll enjoy authentic Guatemalan fare, as well as cross-cultural staples.
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Accommodations
Rest assured, we partner with leading hotels to book ideal accommodations that will leave you ready for the adventure ahead.
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Connection
Direct connections to lending partners and small business owners to learn first-hand operations, needs, and growth opportunities.
Added Bonuses
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Grants and Scholarships
A percentage of proceeds from each booking supports the growth of our Guatemalan team and counterparts.
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Carbon Offset
We calculate carbon emissions for each guest and support a certified carbon offset organization focused on reforestation and access to smoke-free stoves.
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Introduction to Facilitators
Should an organization speak to you, we introduce facilitators of investment and donation for trusted financial exchange.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Each day of our journey ensures a blend of anthropological study, traveling and hiking through the Petén region, viewing wildlife, and rest over a 25-mile loop.
During our Jungle Hike, guests will be provided:
Meals and snacks
A mule for transporting belongings up to 25lbs
Room (4 nights camping/3 in hotel)
Other highly notable points:
There will be no wifi or cell service available
The level of activity is considered challenging
*a full list of suggestions will be sent in advance so guests can prepare well
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Once arrived at the airport, one of our trusted drivers will be waiting just outside the airport doors to sweep you away to the island of Flores. In Flores, we’ll settle into our hotel and take a tour of the town.
Guests who need to visit the ATM or other vendors, simply let your guide know and they'll offer assistance. Should you arrive early in the morning and would like us to coordinate a day of exploration, let us know and we will make it happen!
After a quick siesta, we will enjoy a welcome happy hour before indulging in the delicious menu of a local favorite with scenic views of the town. Meanwhile, you will meet your guide and host, as well as mingle with fellow travelers.
Your host will also share more about the week ahead and review itinerary details.
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Early the following morning, we’ll leave Flores for Carmelita, the starting point of our trek into the jungle.
Midday, we’ll enjoy lunch in the Guacute camp before continuing on to our camp.
Once arrived to El Tintal Camp, we’ll rest for the night.
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Once we've taken in a early breakfast, we’ll continue our hike to El Mirador. Stopping for lunch at midday before visiting the archaeological site La Muerta.
That afternoon, we’ll arrive to El Mirador Archaeological Site and camp before taking in the sunset at the El Tigre pyramid.
After dinner, we’ll spend the night at the camp, under the stars.
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We’ll rise to watch the sunrise over the ruins (weather permitting) before breakfast.
Guests will explore the park for the day, with a break for lunch together before continuing to learn about Mayan rule and the mysticism surrounding El Mirador.
After dinner, guests are welcome to enjoy a night or sky watching and mingling.
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After breakfast, we begin our hike back to Carmelita.
For lunch, we’ll stop for a rest at El Zompopero before arriving at El Tintal to enjoy dinner, rest, and relax.
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Once arrived back to Carmelita, just before midday, we will depart for Tikal National Park.
Enjoying an afternoon of rest, guests will also have the option to visit nearby Uaxactun ruins for sunset followed by dinner at our hotel.
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To welcome dawn breaking over the jungle, we’ll trek to the famous Temple IV during a short, starry hike to the Tikal ruins.
We’ll have time to enjoy the site before the gates are open. Returning to our hotel for breakfast, rest, and preparing for check out.
After lunch, guests are welcome to revisit the park before celebrating our “Feliz Viaje” dinner to reflect on and share our favorite moments from our trip.
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All good things must come to an end, but it doesn't mean you can't take a part of Guatemala with you. We'll be sharing a (bonus) folder of candid pictures from throughout our trip along with a special thank you message.
Please confirm your departure date and time with us so we can coordinate your transportation to Aurora International Airport for a safe return home.
Payment Options
Payment options below are offered to accommodate guests’ needs whether with a payment plan, paying in full, or preferring to pay via a bank transfer or check. We strongly encourage guests to read through Naturally Smart Travel’s terms and conditions before processing payment.
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Make a Deposit
Of the $1899 total, guests must make a $450 non-refundable deposit to confirm their booking. Once processed, an email confirmation will be sent with future payment dates and communications schedule to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Make a Full Payment
Guests who pay in full ($1899) contribute $450 of the payment received to a non-refundable deposit. Once processed, an email confirmation will be sent with a communications schedule to prepare you for the Land of Eternal Spring (Guatemala).
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Electronic Transfer or Check
If an electronic transfer or check is your preferred method of payment, please email us for relevant bank information and mailing instructions by clicking the button below.
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About
Naturally Smart Travel coordinates sustainable group and private impact tours to create culturally immersive experiences throughout Guatemala. With our unique recipe for blending culture, low or high impact excursions, and community empowerment into every trip, we inspire opportunities for both conscious guests and social or environmental initiatives to thrive.