Exploring the Mayan ruins of el Mirador

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Exploring the Mayan ruins of el Mirador
A brief overview
While volunteering in Guatemala we encourage all
of our volunteers to travel as much as they can
while in the country. For the more adventurous
folks we recommend visiting this jewel of in the
middle of the Jungle, the Mayan Ruins of el
Mirador.X
Why go there?
If you truly love adventures, going to el Mirador
is a must. El Mirador boasts La Dantathe
largest pyramid of the Mayan civilization with a
bigger volume than the Egyptian pyramids! . Not
totally uncovered El Mirador has mystic feel to
it ,as opposed to other parks that have been
turned in to more popular archaeological sites.
El Mirador is unlike anything we have visited
before,,along the hike you will see many wild
animals including toucans,foxes, coaties and
more. The hike itself is challenging but quite
worth it. The Mayan ruin complex is amazing with
a nice mixed of dug structures and untouched
ones. The most amazing of all the structures is
the massive pyramid of La Danta, that travelers
can go up to and gaze at the sunset in a very
untouched and magic environment .
The park rangers are very knowledgeable and
helpful and will gladly show you other parts of
the complex.
How many days will you need?
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When you are volunteering in Guatemala, most of
your week is spent working at your project so
this trip is better off after your project work
or during a long holiday.
We recommend at least a week , the hike itself is
4 or 5 days depending on your pace .
Day 1-Travel to the city of Flores
Day 2- Transport to Carmelitas village
Day 3- Hike to Mayan Complex el Tintal . Camp out
at el Tintal
Day 4 -Hike to Mayan complex el Mirador.Camp out
at el Mirador
Day 5-Time to Explore el Mirador.Camp out at el
Mirador
Day 6-Hike back to Carmelitas. Overnight stay or
camp in Carmelitas.
Day 7- Transport from Carmelitas to the city of
Flores
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How to get there?
While you are volunteering in Guatemala, you will
be lodged around Antigua Guatemala. We recommend
booking the hike in advance either from Antigua
and/or a reputable tour agency. There is also
the option to book this hike once in Flores,
which is the starting point for this adventure.
To get to the city of Flores first as it will be
your starting point for this adventure. The city
of Flores can be reached by bus or shuttle from
Antigua Guatemala in about 10 hours or it can be
reached by short 45 min flight from Guatemala
city. Once you have booked your guided tour you
are set to go. I would not recommend this hike
on your own as the logistics are quite daring.
The tour will assure you have water, food, tents
and support through the trip.
A few things to consider Go during the dry
season(late oct-May) , unless you like hiking in
really tough and muddy conditions.
Mosquito repellent is your friend. Boots are
must. Bring an extra pair of shoes or sandals to
walk around el mirador as most likely your boots
will be very muddy and dirty There is no water
in the hike, so you must bring all of the water
for your trip. The good thing, is that if you
booked a tour your guide will most likely have a
donkey where you can carry your stuff. Bring
red-filters for your lamp and backup lamp. Its
good if you spot some wildlife and dont want to
scare them off.
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Bring a first aid kit. There is nothing on the
hike. Hydration is key as the jungle can get
very hot, so bring some hydration salts that you
can mix in your water.
Pack as light as you can. If you booked a tour,
they will give you food, but bring some extra as
there are no stores in the whole trek.