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Aguateca - Dos Pilas

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Aguateca: The Aguateca ruines can be found at 15 km from the Sayaxhé village, just passing the lake Petexbatún, the Tamarindo and Aguateca kreeks. In Aguateca it are not the temples and palaces that impress by their magnitude, but the magnificent stelae and a beautiful tropical forest as well as a geological gash that serves as a natural defense of the site. The trip to the site is considered to be an extra attraction because it passes some rivers on his way and a large quantity of characteristic birds of the region.

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Dos Pilas is situated in a protected area of 32 km, at 17 km southwest of Sayaxché, where you can also find Arrollo de Piedra, la Amelia and Tamarandito. Dos Pilas was a military base, which the mayas left at the conquest of their neighbours and therefore the site has a compact design with defense walls, a unique settlement in the lowlands.

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The engraved characters in Dos Pilas suggest that the founders probably came from Tikal. A large part of the ruins still remain covered by the jungle but the carvings in the stairways, the beautiful tropical forest and the creeks with cold water make the site very attractive. The site can be entered by the river from Sayaxché till the Paso Caribe and further on by horse or by a 12 km or 4 hour walk. Another possibility is by 4X4 vehicle that will bring you to the site.

El Mirador: Situated at 100 km north of Tikal, the ruins of El Mirador can be found. The metrópolis of El Mirador houses a number of buildings which are superior to others found in other Mayan sites.

One of these buildings is the biggest pyramide ever constructed by the mayas: The Pyramide El Tigre, which is 60 m high while the base covers 18,000 sq meters. El Tigre's twin, La Danta, though technically smaller, soars higher because it is built on a rise, 105 m above sea level. Looking out from the top, you have a magnificent view over the Mayan forests. The site can be reached by a 82 km road to the community Carmelita where a hike of two days or 15 hours will lead you to El Mirador.

Martsam Tour & Travel and Rainforest Alliance have established an alliance to work with the operator's suppliers in Best Management Practices in Sustainable Tourism Program since May 2,006.




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