Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Takalik Abaj's Altar 9
Takalik Abaj was sacked sometime around A.D. 300 and its Mayan-style monuments
were ritualistically defaced. Some were rebuilt after A.D. 600. The site is still an important
ceremonial site and many highland Mayans perform ceremonies there.
TogettoTakalikAbaj,driveortakeabusheadingoutfromRetalhuleutothetownofEl
Asintal, 12 kilometers northwest of Reu and 5 kilometers north of the Carretera al Pacífico
(Pacific Coast Highway, CA-2). The turnoff is at Km. 190.5. Buses leave from 5a Aven-
ida “A” southwest of the town plaza about every half hour during daylight hours. From El
Asintal, pickups cover the remaining four kilometers to the site. You can also take a taxi
from Reu's main plaza for about $30 round-trip, including waiting time.
Takalik Maya Lodge
Just two kilometers up the road, on the site's ninth terrace, is the exquisite
Takalik
Maya Lodge
(tel. 2333-7056 or 2337-0037,
www.takalik.com
)
, where you have your
choice between two different concepts, both on lands occupied by the working Montes El-
iseos coffee farm. The
Kacike Maya
concept is built in a heavily forested area near the
lodge'srestaurant.Therearetwobeautifulandcomfortablerooms,eachwithuniqueinteri-
or paint and decor. Both have a winding staircase leading to a second-floor balcony, where
you can lounge away soothed by the sounds of the surrounding jungle. The rooms are truly
aworkofartandthewallsarepaintedwithmotifsinspiredbythenaturalbeautyallaround.
Indigenous bedspreads, gas lamps, and tile floors complete the ambience. You can stay at
the Kacike Maya for $80 d, but there are packages including one night's stay, three meals,
and a tour to Takalik Abaj by tractor for $87 per person based on double occupancy.
Atthe
Paseo del Café,
justuptheroad,youcanstayintheheartofa19th-centurycoffee
farm in comfortable wooden buildings with charming red tin roofs centered around a small
plaza.Thesevenroomsherehaveelectricity andshareabathroom.Theyarealsojuststeps
from a refreshing swimming pool surrounded by lush jungle and coffee bushes. Rooms
here cost $32 d and include breakfast. A package including one night's stay, three meals,
a coffee tour, and a visit to Takalik Abaj by tractor-pulled cart costs $57 per person in a
double room.
Therestaurant,ontheKacikesideofthelodge,servesasomewhatlimitedmenu,though
the food is quite good, with entrées in the $6-9 range that include kebabs and salads. The
homemade lemonade is particularly thirst-quenching after a visit to the ruins.
Numerous nature trails wind their way through the farm and there is a small but refresh-
ing waterfall just a 10-minute hike away. In addition to Takalik Abaj tours, the lodge can
