We offer tours to Tikal, Yaxha and other Maya ruins, activities in the Petén area, and can arrange transportation to Flores, Tikal, Antigua, Guatemala, Belize, and other destinations.

Below are some of tours, transportation and activities available. Most tours are for a minimum of two persons. Prices and itineraries are subject to change. Please contact us for most updated information, info@lacasadedondavid.com

Click here for tours to Tikal

Yaxhá Ruins

Duration 5-6 hrs.
2 person minimum, leaves the hotel at any hour you wish

Includes:
-Private tour with English speaking guide
-Round trip private transportation El Remate to Yaxha
-Box lunch
2 persons: $60 per person
3 persons: $50 per person
4 persons: $45 per person
5 persons & up request quote

Not included: Park entrance fee

Survivor: Guatemala
The CBS program Survivor

Guatemala

was filmed in Yaxha in June & July 2005, 42Km (30mi) from Hotel La Casa De Don David in El Remate.

Filming of Survivor increased Yaxha's popularity, but that aside it is also one of the more important Maya sites. It is the second most-visited site after Tikal. Excavations, studies and restoration have been ongoing for many years.

Coban, Semuc Champey and Lanquín

3 days, 2 nights
Leaves the hotel at 8:00 am
Includes:
-Transportation El Remate - Cobán - El Remate
-Visit to Semuc Champey and Lanquin caves
-Park entrance fees
-Guide
-1 Breakfast and 1 box lunch

NOTE: Two night stay in Cobán required. Acommodation must be arranged separately on your own.

$87 per person
$64 one way - if you are not returning to Flores and want to continue traveling from Cobán

El Zotz: Ruins & Bat Caves

Note: This tour starts in Flores and ends in Tikal. Bat cave is not accessible. Bat viewing is from the cave entrance.

Please ask for pricing. Normally included in price are: Transportation from Flores-El Cruce/Tikal-Flores, Spanish speaking local guide, all meals, cargo horses for 3/4 of the trip, purified water and camping gear (hammocks, mosquito nets and blankets)

Day 1
Early departure from Flores. A 4x4 pickup will take us to Cruce Dos Aguadas or San Andres where our journey begins. A local assistant will prepare the pack horses. If requested ahead of time, we can also ride the horses. The 5-hour trail to El Zotz is quite a windy road and areas are sunny, with dense foliage and lively spider monkeys. Along the way to El Zotz, we will stop to eat a box lunch.

Upon arrival to the site, camp is set up near a ranger station. In the evening, we walk to the base of a bat cliff (about 500 meters from the camp) and set up to watch the hundreds of thousands of bats that leave their cave dwellings in the rocks and near by cliff for a night of foraging. Bat falcons can also usually be seen, diving at a high speed into the streams of bats as they hunt for their prey.

Bats are one of the most important elements in the reproduction of the rainforest. In one single night, a fruit bat can disperse the seeds of a tree along many square kilometers; nectar-eating bats also help the pollination of many other plant species.

Later in the evening, a hearty meal including fresh, hot tortillas is prepared by your guide over a wood fire. Friendly conversation with the members of the group and the always helpful staff of the station get you ready for a night in the jungle.

Day 2

After breakfast, there is the option to explore the nearby archaeological site of Zotz, observing its plazas and jungle-covered mounds. Climbing the tallest mound, the Devil's Pyramid, provides a glimpse of the summits of the temples of Tikal, 23 km to the East.

Later, we head to El Yesal, a small jungle camp located deep in the forest, about halfway between Zotz and Tikal. It takes about 4 hours to get there, and we make a stop on the trail for lunch. After camp is set, we climb the hill just above the camp for a view of the endless jungle and the temples of Tikal in the horizon.

El Yesal camp is composed of thatched roofs to hang hammocks and mosquito nets, and a latrine.

After dinner, we set up for the night in this remote camp and listen to the sounds of the jungle. sometimes we have even heard jaguars howling in the distance.

Day 3
After breakfast, we break camp and head for the final leg of our journey toward Tikal National Park, through rolling terrain covered by tall primary forest. Pack horses are not allowed in the park, so passengers have to walk and carry their own packs during this segment. At some point along the trail, we stop for a lunch break. After about 3 hours walking with backpacks, we arrive at the outskirts of the main Tikal ruins, having passed dozens of jungle covered mounds.

Approximately two hours later, we arrive at Temple IV on the West side of the restored area of the site.

Transportation back to El Remate/La Casa De Don David is best made in advance.

Most people that have taken this tour say that they were very tired when arriving to Tikal. It's better to plan a separate day to visit Tikal.

Tour El Mirador (Camping)

The trail is operated by people from Carmelita, the northernmost village of Petén located close to the Mexican border. This community was founded more than 60 years ago as an important base for chicle collection and processing.

Please ask for pricing.
Prices normally include: transportation (Flores-Carmelita), Spanish speaking guide, pack mules, all meals, and camping gear (hammocks, mosquito nets and blankets.)

Day 1
Depart Flores in a 4X4 vehicle (if needed) for a 2 hour ride to the village of Carmelita. Upon arrival, dinner at a local family's home and camp.

Day 2
Departure at 8:00 am. Hike or ride horse to camp and archaeological site El Tintal (approx. 5 hours). Afternoon visit to El Tintal ruins. Overnight stay.

Day 3
Hike or ride from El Tintal to El Mirador National Park (approximately 6 hours). Stop

Explore the giant Mayan pre-classic city of El Mirador. Over 2000 years old, many archeologists speculate that El Mirador was the first major organized settlement of the ancient Maya. The ruins are of such staggering size and proportion that they dominate more popular sites like the ruins of Tikal.

Their enormity suggests that a city-state government ruled the area, thus negating earlier held theories that only warring chieftains dominated the pre-classic Period. Among these buildings sits the temple El Tigre, the largest ever built by the Maya, over 18 stories tall with a base the size of three football fields.

The extensive site lies (for the most part) unexcavated and occupies over 16 sq. km. of primary forest. We rest in the evening and overnight at El Mirador camp.

Day 4 & 5
Return and camp near the archeological ruins of El Tintal (approx. 8 hrs.). Explore the nearby ruins and camp in El Tintal. We arrive in Carmelita in the afternoon of the fifth day.

Tour Uaxactún Ruins

Duration 5-6 hrs
Leaves the hotel any hour you wish

Includes:
-Private tour with English speaking guide
-Round trip private transportation El Remate-Uaxactun
-Box lunch

$65 per person, minimum 2 persons

Sky Way - Ixpanpajul

Visit Sky Way-Ixpanpajul swinging cable bridges in the jungle. Self-guided hike along trails marked with common and scientific names for trees, cross 5 bridges, one over 200 mts long. Also available here are canopy zipline rides and horseback riding.

Canopy Tour - Ziplines

There are three different canopy zipline rides through the jungle:

-At Tikal Park entrance, 11 platforms, including two ziplines over the main road - $25 per person
-Ruta del Mono, 40 km from El Remate, 13 platforms, 1 suspension bridge - $25 per person
-Tarzan Tour at Ixpanpajul Natural Reserve, 7 platforms - $25 per person

Macaw Trail - El Peru, San Pedro River, Laguna del Tigre National Park

This trip is into one of the most remote areas of Guatemala. The rivers and jungle are pristine and offer an almost unlimited opportunity for studying the Maya, the rainforest and wildlife. Scarlet Macaws can sometimes be seen during their nesting period running from February to June. The name "Macaw Trail" came about 15-20 years ago when macaws were abundant and easily seen. Now, there is probably only a 50% chance of seeing them and hardly ever more than 2-4 birds.

Prices normally include: Transportation by 4x4 pick-up truck and boat rides (Flores-Paso Caballos-Flores), Spanish speaking guides, all meals, purified water and camping gear (tents or hammocks, mosquito nets and blankets)

Day 1
Departure from Flores. Land transfer to Paso Caballos, a Maya Ke´kchí agricultural community located 80 km northwest of Flores. Arrival at Paso Caballos and for a traditional breakfast at the community. Motor boat journey down the Rio San Pedro, a sanctuary of flora and fauna. Landing at El Perú archaeological site and hike to the head camp for about 40 minutes. Arrival at the camp site where we will have lunch, rest and set-up accommodation for the night. Hammocks and mosquito nets are provided. Walk through the vast jungle surrounding the campsite. Observe diverse plant and wild life. Return to campsite for dinner and a relaxing evening in the jungle.
Day 2
Breakfast at the campsite. Head toward archaeological site of El Peru. From the base camp, it is a 30 min. hike to the Jobontún Cave, which we will explore before continuing on to el Mirador de los Monos (the Monkeys’ Lookout.) The lookout is an overgrown Maya temple perched on top of a small mountain in the midst of the vast jungle. The views of El Peru Lagoon and the surrounding jungle are spectacular. While descending from the temple, our trail meanders through a dense, tree-canopy tropical forest before spilling into the main plaza of the El Peru site. Lunch at the site. After lunch, explore the four plazas, which have some impressive stelae and abundant wildlife. Toucans, howler and spider monkeys and the Petén turkey inhabit this area. Scarlet Macaws can be seen during their nesting period from February to June. Return to campsite for dinner and a relaxing evening at the site.

Day 3
Breakfast at camp. Motor boat departure to the headwaters of the San Pedro River, towards Paso Caballos. Arrival at Paso Caballos. Traditional lunch will be served at the community. After lunch, a vehicle will take you back to Flores.

The operator and staff can make changes in order to keep comfort and well being of participants.<>

El Perú trek operates with a minimum of two people and a maximum of ten.

Macaw Trail, El Peru, San Pedro River & Las Guacamayas biological station

Please ask for pricing.

This trip is into one of the most remote areas of Guatemala. The rivers and jungle are pristine and offer an almost unlimited opportunity for studying the Maya, the rainforest and wildlife. Scarlet Macaws can sometimes be seen during their nesting period running from February to June. The name "Macaw Trail" came about 15-20 years ago when macaws were abundant and easily seen. Now, there is probably only a 50% chance of seeing them and hardly ever more than 2-4 birds.

This is an educational tour for biology student groups or other naturalist groups. The biology field station is generally well equipped and staffed for helping with all activities.

Itinerary (3 days 2 nights):

Day 1: Leave Flores to the community of Paso Caballos, approx. 2 hrs. Breakfast upon arrival. Go by boat to Las Guacamayas Biological Station, visit the lookout point and bird observatory. Visit to Laguna del Tigre. Lunch and dinner at Las Guacamayas. Overnight stay and nocturnal observation of fish (by boat).

Day 2: Breakfast at Las Guacamayas. Visit El Peru archaeological site by boat, also visit the nesting area of the Scarlet Macaw. Return to Las Guacamayas station and overnight stay.

Day 3: Breakfast at Las Guacamayas, visit by boat to Sacluc River and San Pedro Martir river. Lunch in Paso Caballos and return to Flores.

Lodging at the biological station is basic, in bunk beds with mosquito nets, usually with 4-6 people per room and a shared bathroom.

Rio Azul

3 day tour, can be arranged through Neria Guerra at El Chiclero in Uaxactun, Tel. 7861-2558. Cost $130 per person, with a minimum of 2 persons. Guide cost is $75 per day (1-4 persons)

Visit Uaxactun

You can catch a bus going to Tikal and arrange with the driver to take you to Uaxactun. There is a local bus going to Uaxactun that passes through El Remate at 2-2:30 pm, and returns the following morning at 5 am. There is one acceptable hotel (no private baths) for about $14 per night for 2 persons. You can also camp. Taxis from El Remate to Uaxactun cost about $65 with a 6 hour wait to visit the ruins. This site is good to see the summer and winter solstice. However, do not expect more wildlife than Tikal.

Private transportation to Tikal, Flores and other destinations can be arranged with your tour. Please contact us for pricing.

DISCLAIMER
Please note that when requesting services other than lodging, we only make arrangements for those services and do not accept any type of responsibility other than reserving your room and providing accommodation. To our knowledge most companies involved that perform the services do not have any type of insurance.

La Casa De Don David and its employees, tour guides, affiliates, assignees, cooperative agents, etc. act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation, tours and accommodation arrangements. The transportation providers, operators, guides and tour companies have full responsibility for individuals engaged in the conveying of passengers.

La Casa De Don David cannot be held responsible for personal injury in connection with the service of any type of transportation, tours and any other conveyances which are used in carrying out the booked arrangements.

La Casa De Don David cannot be held responsible for delays, accident, sickness, loss of personal property, strikes, armed conflicts, additional expenses due to weather, disruption of advertised schedules, refusal of visas, and all other causes beyond their control.