Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
private bathroom, fan and porch, are spaced well apart from one another and reached
along trails through the forest.
Built of natural hard woods and equipped with wraparound screened windows, they
give the feeling of sleeping in the jungle without all those nasty bugs and bats. Naturally
prepared food is served in an open-air restaurant/clubhouse, and folders full of absorbing
archaeological information and articles about the area are available to peruse.
Getting Around
Getting to all of these places involves making arrangements with boatmen at Sayaxché, or
taking a tour. Viajes Don Pedro (
Click here
)
offers a straightforward half-day return trip
from Sayaxché to Aguateca, charging Q600 for up to five people. You could, for example,
arrange to be dropped at one of the lodges afterwards and be picked up the next afternoon
after making a trip to Dos Pilas. Martsam Travel (
Click here
)
and other outfits in Flores
offer one-day tours to Aguateca, including lunch and guide.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Finca Ixobel
hemian hideaway amid pine forests and patches of jungle in southeast Petén, between
Flores and Río Dulce. Its friendly, relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to meet other
travelers from around the globe, with a wide range of activities, accommodation options
and lip-smacking homemade meals. American Carole DeVine founded this hideaway in
the 1970s with her husband Michael, who was tragically murdered in 1990 during the
civil war, when nearby Poptún was a training ground for the antiguerrilla forces called
Kaibiles.
There's plenty to do around here. The grounds contain a natural pool for swimming,
and horseback riding treks (from two hours to four days), cave trips, and inner- tubing on
the Río Machaquilá (in the rainy season) are all organized on a daily basis. One of the
most popular excursions is to the caves of Naj Tunich (
Click here
)
with their galleries of
Maya painting; the cost of Q300 per person (minimum of four) includes admission, guide
and lunch. Another trip combines a visit to ruins at Ixcún, with swimming at the waterfalls
on the Río Mopán.
