Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
three-hour hike down the 12-kilometer trail to the site. You can do the trip for about $26
per person per day including horses and mule skinner. Contact the Posada Caribe (tel.
5304-1745, www.posadacaribe.com ) to arrange this option. Along the way, you'll pass the
smallersitesof Arroyo de Piedra, withaplazaandtwostelae,andTamarindito,thesiteof
another hieroglyphic stairway. Camping is permitted at Dos Pilas and is free. There is also
a trail from here to Aguateca, which is about 12 kilometers away.
Thanks to the Guatemalan government's efforts to make remote Mayan sites more ac-
cessible, a road also leads to the vicinity of Dos Pilas. Heading south from Sayaxché, the
road is paved for the first 34 kilometers to the small community of Las Pozas. From there
it's a 21-kilometer dirt road west to El Nacimiento and a further three-kilometer foot trail
to Dos Pilas to round out the journey.
Accommodations and Food
All of the area's accommodations are in the vicinity of the Petexbatún Lagoon. Family-
owned and operated by the very helpful and friendly Julián Mariona, Posada Caribe (tel.
5304-1745, www.posadacaribe.com , $60 d) is the first place you'll come across as you
navigate the river network leading from Sayaxché to Petexbatún Lagoon. Comfortable
thatched-roof cabanas with private bath are set among tropical landscaping at the river's
edge. There are packages for $45 per person including one night's stay and three meals,
butyoumustarrangeyourowntransportation.PackagesincludingtransfersfromSayaxché
startat$150andincludeaguideandonenightatthelodgewithmeals.Whetherornotyou
stay at the lodge, Don Julián can help you with planning and logistics in the Petexbatún
area, which he knows quite well. Farther toward the Petexbatún Lagoon, the next place
you'll come across is Petexbatún Lodge (tel. 7926-0501 or 5806-5860), where the rooms
in stucco and wood cottages are slightly nicer and include ceiling fan, mosquito netting,
and large private bathrooms with a semioutdoor shower. Rates are $44 d in cabins or $12
p/p in shared-bath dormitory. Breakfast in an attractive open-air dining room costs $5 and
lunch/dinnerare$12.ThePetexbatúnarea'sfinestaccommodations areatthegorgeous
Chiminos Island Lodge (tel. 2335-3506 or 5750-8628, www.chiminosisland.com ) , where
you'll find six comfortable thatched-roof bungalows with lovely views, firm beds, colorful
Guatemalan blankets, and wood and tile accents in your private hot-water bathroom. The
rooms are made from tropical hardwoods and have beautiful wooden decks overlooking
Petexbatún Lagoon. The elegant open-air restaurant serves delicious set meals and is adja-
cent to a pleasant hammock area overlooking the fantastic lakeside setting. Rates are $110
per person, including one night's accommodations and three meals. Children under 12 are
$55 each.
Flores
 
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