 EXTREME ADVENTURE |
Half the fun of extreme adventure is traveling to the site.
Difficult journeys have their rewards. Some of the rewards come to you immediately, like the endorphin rush when summitting a peak. While others come to you quietly, as you reminisce about your time in the forest or at a particular site. Today's travelers want something more out of their vacation.
The act of leaving behind the electronic world and entering a world that keeps time with the rising and setting of the sun is a welcome change for many.Walk beneath the emerald canopy that shelters the most exotic animals and birds as well as silent Maya cities. Pack well and leave the whining to the weak.'cause this kind of traveling isn't for everyone..
| The Archaeologist's Trail to Naachtún |
Where? This site is about as remote as they get. It lies in the northernmost region of Guatemala, near the border with Mexico. Traveling to the site will take you through the Maya cities of Tikal, Uaxactún, El Mirador and the still hidden, unexcavated sites of Manantial and Naachtún.
You'll camp out under the stars (and under mosquito netting). You'll hike on trails that take you on an intense discovery of the jungle, especially when accompanied by a true naturalist guide. You'll learn about the plants, animals and trees in the Maya world and how these ancient people used them.
From the small town of Dos Lagunas, it takes two days on horseback to reach the site of Naachtún and it is a trip that will stay with you for some time. The explorer in you will develop with each passing day.
This tour takes nine days and eight nights. Lodging varies from outdoor camping to staying at eco-lodges and hotels but conditions are modest within the jungle. Often called the archaeologist's trail, the tour to Naachtún is well worth the effort. Keep in mind that this and the following tours are not usual stops on regular tours. You won't push your way through any crowds on this trip. You'll be able to explore at your leisure both the Maya sites as well as the depths of the emerald jungle.
| High Archaeology Adventure in the Maya Biosphere Reserve |
Got twelve days to spare? That's how long this tour takes and after it's over, you'll feel fit to take on any challenge!
Hit the trail and explore the Maya world to the fullest on this journey. Begin at Tikal National Park with brief visit of the complex. Continue on to Uaxactún and camp there overnight. In the following days you will trek further into the Maya Biosphere Reserve and visit several sites, some being actively excavated by archaeological teams such as Nakbé and El Mirador. Naachtún and La Muralla are still held close by the jungle and remain unexcavated. Knowledgeable guides are essential on tours such as this in order to bring the forest and its inhabitants closer to you. Their keen eyes are unsurpassed in spotting elusive exotic birds and mammals. You will camp in the Dos Lagunas Biotope as you explore both the reserve and the Maya site of Naachtún.
Most of your nights will be spent under the stars and the hiking on this particular tour is frequent. Each step will take you deeper into the Maya world and it'll stay with you forever.
| The Chiclero Trip |
Chicleros are the individuals who take themselves, and often their families, deep into the forest to harvest chicle (rubber) trees. They set up small camps and stay for an indeterminate length of time while living off the forest and its resources.
Many of your nights will be hosted by chicleros at their camps. The exchange of stories and camaraderie are unique and invaluable to understanding this extreme way of life. Ecolodges and hotels are on the itinerary but don't get too cozy.
You're constantly on the move and your primary goal is to see as many sites as possible, including the most remote like El Mirador and Naachtún. From the small town of Carmelita, you'll hike to El Tintal, a nearby Maya site.
| The following day you're off to El Mirador and a thorough two day exploration of the complexes found here. El Mirador has been abandoned for over one thousand years but its splendor and beauty is timeless. The Danta, Tigre and Mono complexes all rise above the canopy affording you an unforgettable view that has to be seen to be believed.
Then it's off to explore the unexcavated site of Nakbé. While feasting your eyes on so many Maya sites, don't forget to take in the surrounding forest. Birders will have their binoculars up constantly and will have little problem ticking off several exotic species.
This expedition is not for the weak hearted. Trekking is a big part of the tour even though the operator offers the necessary transportation throughout. Whether you travel on horseback, in a 4X4 or on foot, the experience is awesome.
| just keep in mind |
The smaller the space for packing.the more you want to pack into it. It goes against reason and what's worse is that it's heavy! But that nagging afterthought looms large. "What if.?" Just fill in the blank. To help you out, a few experienced guides and travelers shared their wisdom and pointed out a few basics.
 Clothing |
Clothing has come a long way from polyester and rayon. Today's fabrics are high tech and are up to any challenge. They wick away sweat, dry quickly and withstand the harshest conditions. The only drawback is that they cost a pretty penny. If you can afford them, go for it. If not, keep it basic. Lightweight, cotton clothing works best in any climate. Take along at least two pairs of long pants, two long-sleeved shirts and several t-shirts. Plenty of socks are a must. Underwear takes up little space so pack as many as you want but leave the nice ones at home! Take along at least one heavy sweater or sweatshirt because the nights can get quite chilly especially at high altitudes. Layering is the key to unraveling the conundrum of clothing. Layers can be peeled off with the rising temperature.
No matter your destination, be prepared and pack rain gear. An anorak that folds into a handy pouch is perfect. A hat is quintessential. It serves to shield your head from the sun and also makes an excellent ladle for scooping water for bathing and cooling off.
Foot wear should be comfortable, sturdy and preferrably, old. If you've just bought the boots and haven't broken them in, your feet will suffer the consequences. Blisters, raw spots and sores will only hold you back when out on the trail. High, rubber boots are a must if traveling during the rainy season. Also take along a lightweight pair of comfy shoes for taking it easy at the campsite.
If you're on a river or on the coast, water sandals are fine. But they aren't recommended for hiking in the forest. Injury to a toe, sole or ankle can bring your trip to an end very quickly, or make the remainding days painful and bothersome. Is it worth the risk?
| Equipment |
If you're traveling with a tour specialist, they often provide all the equipment required depending on the destination and the transportation. If you're on your own, make sure to have everything you'll need to camp out in the open. There are eco-lodges scattered in the most extraordinary places, so when the going gets tough, swallow that pride and head for the lodge!
Many operators work closely with local individuals who offer rustic lodging. There are a few camps out there for travelers set up in the chiclero fashion. Denim hammocks with loads of mosquito netting. The after-dinner star show is on the house. If on your own, a detailed map and compass is indispensable. Yet even with a guide, it is a great way to hone your navigation skills.
| Medicine |
If you've got allergies or other medical conditions, you needn't be told to pack your medication. Serious conditions should be brought to the attention of your guide. Basics such as aspirin (or acetominophen), band-aids, gauze, and disinfectant are recommended but if you're traveling with an operator, the guide will have a fully-equipped first-aid kit. Insect repellant is essential and non-negotiable. One tip many guides offered is that Vicks Vaporub is a great for taking the itch out of bites.
| Cameras and Video Recorders |
You won't find any convenience stores out in the bush, so take along plenty of camera rolls, video tapes and extra batteries. Binoculars are essential for viewing wildlife at a safe distance.
| Personal Items |
These include sunglasses, collapsable walking cane or stick, hand-held flashlight (if caves are on your itinerary, head lamps are ideal and leave your hands free), plastic baggies for film and paper material, canteen for drinking water and sunblock.
For more information on these and other tours, visit www.ecotourism/adventure.com
All these informations are provided by courtesy of Destination Guatemala and Sol y Luna |
