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Nakum: The archeological site, Nakum is situated at 17 km north of Yaxhá, in front of the river Holmul. The main feature is the abundance of visible architecture like the restored building with roofcomb which is best preserved besides the ones in Tikal. The southern part, connected with the northern part by a causeway, is the most concentrated and monumental part.

In the southern section you can find the Acrópolis central, a monumental artificial hill which contains 11 patios, numerous buildings and another Acrópolis situated in the upper part in the centre.

The visible architecture dates from the Classic Period and contains also several stelae and altars. The site has access for all vehicules in the dry season as it can only by visited by foot during the wet season.

(based on Editorial de Galería Guatemala, Fundación G&T)

Ceibal: Although Ceibal didn't know an important population explosion in the Classic Period, it grew fast afterwards until it consisted out of a population of 10,000 around the year 900. An explanation of this growth can be found in the immigration out of a region which is known now as Chiapas, in Mexico, because of the noticeable changes in artistic and cultural facts in Ceibal that took place around the same period. In the post classic period Ceibal knew its decline and soon afterwards the ruined temples were quickly covered by a thick carpet of jungle.

Ceibal is not one of the most impressive Mayan sites, but the river journey to it is among the most memorable: A one-hour ride up the Rio de la Pasión (in the middle of the dense forest) from Sayaxché (64 km from Flores) brings you to a primitive dock.

After landing, you clamber up a narrow, rocky path beneath gigantic ceiba trees and other tropical trees to reach the archaeological zone.

Small temples, many of them still covered with jungle, surround two principal plazas. In front of a few temples and standing seemingly alone on paths shaded by the jungle canopy, are magnificent stelae with their intricate carvings in excellent condition.

LOCATION / MAPS

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.