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El Ceibal
We take a car to visit the site of "Ceibal" since the access road is not paved and not recommended to campers.
The ruins are isolated in the jungle : in a rather poor state of conservation, but they are nevertheless a remarkable testimony of the richness of the Mayan culture.
We meander between the gigantic kapokiers and palm trees to reach the observatory, a circular temple where the Mayas studied the stars and elaborated their famous predictions.
The site is especialy worth visiting for the wekll kept stelaes .It was for several centuries the most important ceremonial centre of Petén.
We take the road at the end of the morning , back to the ferry, but without waiting, in the direction of "Rio Dulce".
Aguateca
Discovered in 1957, the site consists of a platform 100 m wide, and 3 m in height where the "Plaza Mayor" sits.
Founded at the end of the 7th century or the beginning of the 8th century, this Mayan city was the second capital of the political entity, housed at Dos Pilas.
It hostes some beautiful steles.
To get there, we take a "lancha" to go up the "Rio Passion" for more than 1h30.
Throughout the trip we see a multitude of birds such as: kingfishers, pelicans, egrets and cormorants.
It is a natural reserve where birds nest in peace.
A wonderful ride down the river.
Sayaxche
Before leaving "Flores" we buy an insurance for the camper.
Here, car insurance is not compulsory and it is very difficult to find a company insuring foreign vehicles.
We only can get a "Third Collision" insurance, but it’s better than nothing !!
We reach the small town of "Sayaxche" by a beautiful road with varied landscapes.
We cross the "Rio Passion" on a ferry. Today is a crowdy day and it takes us
1 h 30min to cross the river.
Upon arrival we organize the next two days excursions
Flores
Morning : hiking in the "Biotope Cerro Cahui".
Nothing exceptional except a beautiful view over the lake in the company of spider monkeys.
" Flores " is the gateway to the jungle of Petén and the Mayan world. Laying on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, the historical centre is located on a small island connected to the continent by a very narrow artificial isthmus.
Organized around the central park, the small town of Flores doesn’t have any exceptional buildings.
To get there we take a "tuc-tuc", very common in Guatemala, but also in Belize and Mexico.
Fast and cheap, the "tuc-tuc" is a popular means of transport in the daily lives of the inhabitants in small towns or villages.
We stroll through the alleys full of colorful houses.
Then, shopping in a real supermarket !!!
ROAD BOOK 074
MAVROS ODYSSEE