El Mirador & El Tintal: 5 Day Hiking Tour

Immerse yourself in the expansiveness of the jungle as you journey through some of the most significant Mayan ruins in Guatemala on a 5-day trek to El Mirador and El Tintal.

Tour Overview

Day 1: From Flores to El Tintal

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel in Flores, followed by a scenic 4-hour drive to the community of Carmelita. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your knowledgeable guides who will lead you throughout the trek. We shall then proceed to the Florica and Uacute campsites for a well-deserved lunch break.

Post lunch, we’ll continue our walk along the Zacbé road until we arrive at El Tintal. Here, you’ll explore an impressive Mayan archaeological site featuring over 2,000 edifices, including three grand pyramids. The day concludes with dinner, after which you’ll settle into your tent for a restful night.

Day 2: Trekking to El Mirador

Awaken to the tranquility of nature as we enjoy breakfast to energize for the day ahead. Once ready, we’ll embark on a trek through the lush forest, traversing trails that follow sections of the Mayan road. Are you prepared for the 23.5 km (14.6 mi) hike?

Midway through the journey, we’ll pause at the El Zompopero picnic area for lunch, followed by a visit to La Muerta, an archaeological site dating from the classic period, known for its two historically significant monuments.

Continuing onward, we will finally reach the magnificent archaeological site of El Mirador. After checking in at the camp, the day will close with a comforting dinner and restful night.

Day 3: Exploring El Mirador

Rise and shine! Our day begins with an exhilarating climb up the El Tigre Pyramid to witness the stunning sunrise from a height of 55 m (180 ft). What a remarkable way to commence your day!

Following breakfast, we’ll delve into the core of one of the most paramount pre-Hispanic settlements within the Maya Biosphere Reserve: El Mirador.

You will observe the ball game fields and buildings that stood as astronomical observation points. It’s fascinating to think this site was pivotal in the exchange of granite, shells, salt, obsidian, and jade!

After this exploration, we’ll make our way back to the campsite for lunch. In the afternoon, further discoveries await as we check out other intriguing areas, including the frieze of the Hero Twins and a decorative segment of the central acropolis, illustrating narratives from the Sacred Book of the Maya. As the day concludes, we’ll hike to the concealed La Danta Pyramid, standing at 72 m (236 ft), to enjoy an enchanting sunset.

Eventually, we’ll return to camp for dinner followed by a well-deserved slumber.

Day 4: Return to El Tintal

Good morning! After breakfast, we will bid farewell to El Mirador and begin our journey back to El Tintal. The return trek spans 23.5 km (14.6 mi), with a midday lunch stop at the Zompopero area.

After our break, we will resume our hike and soon find ourselves entering the lost Mayan city of El Tintal. Upon arrival, we’ll take a moment to unwind and later—around evening—share a delightful dinner together. Until tomorrow!

Day 5: From El Tintal to Flores

Following breakfast, our last trek covers 17.5 km (10.8 mi) back to the community of Carmelita, where we’ll part ways with our local guides and enjoy our final lunch together.

After our last meal, we’ll board a vehicle for the journey back to Flores. A drive of about 4 hours will take us back to your hotel by approximately 4 pm.

Lodging and Dining

This expedition provides 4 nights of fully catered accommodation at campsites located in El Tintal and El Mirador, featuring tents suited for two people and sharing restroom facilities.

Meals throughout the tour include a variety of options such as pasta dishes, meat, chicken, rice, sandwiches, and fresh fruit.