Traveling around Guatemala is fascinating! From the cobblestone streets in the colonial UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua Guatemala to Lake Atitlan noted as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world to the ancient Maya civilization at Tikal, a visit to El Mirador is definitely at the top of the magical sites in Guatemala.

After flying to Flores to enjoy this lovely island, we helicopter to the breathtaking site of El Mirador. An hour away by chopper, the views of the protected rain forest are amazing! Landing, we begin our trek into the canopy where the ancient walls, causeways and stelae dot the landscape. We had the honor of the Director Site, Dr. Richard Hansen, and Guatemalan archeologist, Carlos Morales Aguilar, tour us to explain how El Mirador was one of the most important sites and that it was functioning as early as 2650BC and at its height from 300BC to 100BC. A visit with an archeologist is a must to get a feel for how remarkable the ancient Maya and to get to the top of La Danta temple – one of the oldest and largest temples in the world at 72 meters high!.

Guatemala has been in the news this year with LiDAR technology which allows us to see the area without the vegetation bringing the intricate causeways and temples to life. Archeologists agree that it is the biggest discovery since Carbon 14 dating. We will stay tuned to their calculations as they work on a new estimate of how many inhabitants lived in the ancient Maya civilization and where they moved their products.

The Mesoamerican rainforest is full of birds including the magnificent scarlet macaws, tucans, howler monkeys, ocellated turkeys and reptiles. Guatemala also has one of largest populations of jaguars in the world – although I have never come face to face with a wild jaguar!

We offer trips to El Mirador – contact us for more information.

Check our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/antiguatours/ as we will be posting all the fun!