logo

Overview

the Cradle of Maya
Petén, Guatemala
Jan 6 - 14, 2024
Naturally Smart Travel image
Naturally Smart Travel
$1,899
Deposit: $450

About your trip

**Scroll below to explore the itinerary 


Arriving at Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores, Guatemala, your Naturally Smart Host will be waiting to greet you as you exit the airport doors. Our first stop is the island of Flores, the crown jewel of Lake Peten Itza, just a 15-minute ride away.


Once settled into our hotel, we'll take a quick siesta before enjoying our Bienvenidos Dinner at one of the most celebrated restaurants in town. With an eclectic menu, inventive cocktails, and an outdoor terrace to welcome the night.


After an early breakfast, we'll begin our trek to Carmelita to begin our 5-day jungle trek. Along the way, we'll learn about Mayan history and cosmology, understand life in the jungle, and explore several unearthed ruins leading to El Mirador.


Finally, our trip will conclude by returning to Flores for a night on the town before heading to Tikal National Park. There, we'll take the sunrise tour to hear the jungle awaken before celebrating our epic journey during a very special Feliz Viaje dinner.

About our Jungle Hike

Each day of our journey ensures a blend of anthropological study, traveling and hiking through the Petén region, viewing wildlife, and rest over a 25-mile loop


During our Jungle Hike, guests will be provided

  • Meals and snacks 
  • A mule for transporting belongings up to 25lbs
  • Room (4 nights camping/3 in hotel)

Other highly notable points

  • There will be no wifi or cell service available 
  • The level of activity is considered challenging 

*a full list of suggestions will be sent in advance so guests can prepare well 

What's included

7 Nights Accommodation

3 nights hotel stay and 4 nights camping

Private Transportation

We coordinate transportation throughout your journey with carefully vetted and trusted drivers on land and captains by water.

Meals & Dining

From welcome dinner to our “Feliz Viaje!” celebration, we’ll enjoy authentic Guatemalan fare, as well as cross-cultural staples.

24/7 Tour Guide & Host

Spanish being the official national language, your local tour guide will accompany you every step of the way, while your host ensures a smooth experience behind the scenes.

Local Fees & Gratuities

Our Naturally Smart team coordinates and facilitates payments for all local fees and gratuities, so your only priority is living your best impact life abroad.

Scholarship Contribution

A portion of every trip contributes to scholarships for Guatemalan primary school and university students.

Carbon Offset

We calculate the total carbon emissions for the trip and purchase carbon credits to offset them.

BONUS

Guests arrive to a collection of locally-sourced goodies that will serve them along the adventure.

What's not included

Airfare

International airfare not included

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are not included in this package

Tips

For guides, drivers, or captains

Travel Insurance

We encourage you to purchase travel insurance.

Day 1

Day 1  image

Bienvenidos a Guatemala!

Once arrived at the airport, one of our trusted drivers will be waiting just outside the airport doors to sweep you away to the island of Flores. In Flores, we’ll settle into our hotel and take a tour of the town. 

Guests who need to visit the ATM or other vendors,  simply let your guide know and they'll offer assistance. Should you arrive early in the morning and would like us to coordinate a day of exploration, let us know and we will make it happen! 

After a quick siesta, we will enjoy a welcome happy hour before indulging in the delicious menu of a local favorite with scenic views of the town. Meanwhile, you will meet your guide and host, as well as mingle with fellow travelers

Your host will also share more about the week ahead and review itinerary details.

Day 2

Day 2 image

Beginning Our Jungle Trek

Getting an early start the following morning, we’ll leave Flores for Carmelita, the starting point of our trek into the jungle. 

Hiking from 9 am to midday, we’ll stop to enjoy lunch in the Guacute camp before continuing on to our location for the night. 

Once arrived at El Tintal Camp, we’ll have downtime to rest, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night. 

Day 3

Day 3  image

Connecting Old and New Worlds

Once we've taken in an early breakfast, we’ll continue our hike to El Mirador. Stopping for lunch at midday before visiting the archaeological site La Muerta

That afternoon, we’ll arrive at El Mirador Archaeological Site and camp before taking in the sunset at the El Tigre pyramid. 

After dinner, we’ll spend the night at the camp, under the stars.

Day 4

Day 4 image

the Magic of El Mirador

We’ll rise to watch the sunrise over the ruins (weather permitting) before breakfast. 

Guests will explore the park for the day, with a break for lunch together before continuing to learn about Mayan rule and the mysticism surrounding El Mirador. 

After dinner, guests are welcome to enjoy a night or sky watching and mingling.

Day 5

Day 5 image

Return Trek to Carmelita

After breakfast, we begin our hike back to Carmelita

For lunch, we’ll stop for a rest at El Zompopero before arriving at El Tintal to enjoy dinner, rest, and relax. 

Day 6

Day 6 image

Arriving to Carmelita and Tikal National Park

Once arrived back to Carmelita, just before midday, we will depart for Tikal National Park. 

Enjoying an afternoon of rest, guests will also have the option to visit nearby Uaxactun ruins for sunset followed by dinner at our hotel. 

Day 7

Day 7  image

Wake Up with the Mayan World

To welcome dawn breaking over the jungle, we’ll trek to the famous Temple IV during a short, starry hike to the Tikal ruins. 

We’ll have time to enjoy the site before the gates are open. Returning to our hotel for breakfast, rest, and preparing for check out. 

After lunch, guests are welcome to revisit the park before celebrating our “Feliz Viaje” dinner to reflect on and share our favorite moments from our trip.

Day 8

Day 8  image

Feliz Viaje!

All good things must come to an end, but it doesn't mean you can't take a part of Guatemala with you. We'll be sharing a (bonus) folder of candid pictures from throughout our trip along with a special thank you message. 

Please confirm your departure date and time with us so we can coordinate your transportation to Mundo Maya International Airport for a safe return home. 

Location

Loading Map…

1. Petén, Guatemala

Petén, Guatemala

About your organizer

Naturally Smart Travel coordinates sustainable group and private impact tours to create culturally immersive experiences throughout Latin America. With our unique recipe for blending culture, adventure, and community impact into every trip, we inspire opportunities for both conscious guests and social or environmental initiatives to thrive. Join us to explore the hospitality and culture LatAm has to offer and add purpose to your next travel experience!

Reviews

Photo gallery

Image 0
Image 1
Image 2
© 2026 Naturally Smart Travel