Adventure5 days, 4 nights
Petén · Lost Maya city deep in jungle
A vast Preclassic Maya city hidden deep in the Petén rainforest, reached by multi-day jungle trek or helicopter. Its La Danta pyramid is one of the largest structures of the ancient world.
Overview
Long before Tikal reached its peak, El Mirador was the great power of the Maya world. Flourishing from around 300 BC to AD 150, it was a sprawling city linked to neighbouring centres by raised causeways, or sacbeob, that still run arrow-straight through the forest. Then, for reasons still debated, it was largely abandoned.
Today El Mirador lies deep within the Maya Biosphere Reserve, close to the Mexican border, and remains one of the most remote archaeological sites in the Americas. Its La Danta complex rises about 70 metres from the forest floor and, by volume, ranks among the largest pyramids on Earth. From its summit, the canopy stretches unbroken to the horizon.
There are two ways in: a five-day round-trip trek of around 120 km from the village of Carmelita, camping in the jungle with mules carrying the gear, or a helicopter flight from Flores in around 40 minutes. We arrange both, with experienced guides and comfortable camps, for travellers who want a true expedition.
Best time to visit
- JanBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
- FebBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
- MarBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
- AprBestBest time to visit. Dry season.
- MayBestRainyBest time to visit. Rainy season.
- JunRainyRainy season.
- JulRainyRainy season.
- AugRainyRainy season.
- SepRainyRainy season.
- OctRainyRainy season.
- NovDry season.
- DecDry season.
Best months● Rainy season (May–October): mornings usually clear, afternoon showers
The trek is best from January to May, when the trails are driest, though March to May are very hot. During the May to October rainy season, and often into December, the trails can become deep mud and some routes are effectively impassable on foot. Helicopter access is possible for much of the year, weather permitting.
Highlights
- 01
La Danta
Climb one of the largest pyramids in the world by volume and watch sunset over a sea of jungle stretching to Mexico.
- 02
A true jungle expedition
Trek through primary rainforest, camping beneath the canopy, with only howler monkeys and birdsong for company.
- 03
El Tigre and the Great Central Acropolis
Explore massive Preclassic temples and carved stucco friezes depicting Maya creation myths.
- 04
Ancient causeways
Walk sections of the raised sacbeob that once connected El Mirador with Nakbé and other cities across the basin.
Things to do
- 01Trek through the rainforest from Carmelita
- 02Fly over the Maya Biosphere Reserve by helicopter
- 03Climb La Danta for sunset
- 04Explore the El Tigre pyramid complex
- 05See the stucco friezes of the Great Central Acropolis
- 06Visit the Preclassic sites of Nakbé and La Florida on the trail
- 07Camp under the jungle canopy
Practical tips
- Be fit and prepared
- The trek involves long days of walking in heat and humidity. Good fitness and broken-in footwear are essential.
- Pack light and smart
- Mules carry the camping gear, but you carry your day pack. Bring quick-drying clothes, a head torch and strong insect repellent.
- Consider the helicopter
- If time or fitness is limited, a helicopter visit lets you experience El Mirador in a day or with one night on site.
El Mirador FAQ
The classic trek takes five days and four nights from Carmelita, covering around 120 km round trip. Longer routes include additional sites such as Nakbé.
More questions? See our Guatemala FAQ.
Every tour is private and fully adjustable around your dates and pace.
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