El Mirador
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This ancient Mayan city flourished from 200 BCE to 150 CE, but is largely unseen due to its inaccessibility in the jungle.
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles161 reviews
Excellent
129
Very good
14
Average
5
Poor
5
Terrible
8

valerio c
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
Dinastia Khan offers a service of rare quality, in a way that really respects and values the local history, culture and nature. The team is made of really humble people, with high ethics that really believe and love what they do and take great care of hikers.

We did 5 days hiking with Dinastia Khan Agency. We really enjoyed the experience because the team of Antonio, Havel, Maria and Candelario (and the rest of the team) were really well prepared and accomodating. We felt well taken care of in such a challening experience. For example one of our group could do part of the hike on the mule when they felt sick (because of reasons not related to the hike).

Havel the guide has an inexhaustible knowledge of the various plants and animals in the jungle, and was often pointing us to birds, trees and other unique elements of Peten's landscape, telling stories and anecdotes. He also gave us incredibly fascinating and exaustive explanations about the ancient Mayan civilization through the ruins of El Mirador.
Maria was really lovely in cooking delicious and abundant meals every stop, sharing tips and funny stories accrued through her long experience of El Mirador. She really creates a lovely and familiar environment where people feel well served and at ease.

In summary, the agency really respects the local nature, offers a great service with deep care for the customers, extensive knowledge of the jungle and Mayan history. We loved the experience and 100% reccomend it!
Written 5 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jokeV1994
Antwerp, Belgium7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022 • Friends
From the 15th to the 19th of July 2022, we hiked from la carmelita to the site of el mirador. In 5 days we got to see an amazing part of Guatemala, full of fauna and flora you never thought you would see in such a natural habitat.
Thanks to the organization of Dinastía Kan, their amazing guids, cooking equipe and donkey handlers, we had an amazing time. The whole trip was supplied with enough, and more important, very good food (muy rico!). We always felt safe, knew what we could or couldn't do and got a lot of information along the way. Every question you ask them, is answered with a smile. Upfront we got all the information we needed to get us through those 5 days, meaning from beginning to end everything was arranged. Of course you do have to get over the heat and mosquitos, but you get a lot in return. I highly recommend this organization and want to give a big shout out to the people who guided us. Thanks Walter, Hannibal, José Hannibal, Rudi, Azucena, Luciana!
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jonas P
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
I highly recommend doing this hike with Dinastia Kan! A local family run business with high ethical standards.

My girlfriend and I went on a 5 day hike with Dinastia Kan into the jungle to see the ruins of El Mirador. We had a fantastic tour in great company, both with the other participants and the great team of Dinastia Kan.

We went in a small group of only six participants, our guide Abel, the cook Maria, and Candelario the mule handler. This gave a nice family feel to the tour, and made it easier to tour ruins and jungle at our own pace. This was in stark contrast to the huge groups with seemingly disinterested guides we crossed on our way back.

Our guide Abel is very knowledgeable and told us many details about the flora and fauna of the jungle as well as about the ruins and mayan beliefs and history. He was also very good at answering all our questions despite our very limited spanish. Maria made sure we were all well fed with exceptionally good food and may just be the kindest person I have ever met.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jason P
Cairns Region, Australia26 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Look, El Mirador is excellent but its a LOT of effort to get there. It rained heavy prior to our trek so it was really really tough getting through the mud. Did I mention the bazillion mosquitos...They are just un relenting. For me its just too much hard work for the reward given.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kalea M
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023
If you are looking for a unique experience off the beaten track, this will surely fill your needs and offer a rare look into life in the jungle! Amazing Carmelita locals guide you through the history of Mayan civilizations that rose and fell right along the path you walk. From howler and spider monkeys at night, toucans, tiger cranes, coatimundi and oscillated turkeys, and horses carrying your goods, this is a full experience shared by so many moving parts. You get the thrill of an expedition and create lasting friendships with those you share the path with! Treat yourself if you like to hike and don’t mind getting dirty ~ however there are bucket showers awaiting you at each camp! A real delight!
Written 25 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Harm S
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Friends
Very nice! everything is very well take care of (sleeping in tents, food, etc.) Our guide Abel told us a lot about the Maya culture, El Mirador and the Nature. Even though our Spanish is not very good he slowly explained everything so we still understood.
Written 26 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elizabeth P
11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Family
Dinastía Kan made our experience through the biosphere Maya remarkable. The company picked us up in a very comfortable van in Isla Flores, Peten and took us to Carmelita, where a delicious breakfast was waiting for us in a local village home. The entire team are natives of Carmelita and know their area very well. Our guide Abel was a true master. His knowledge of the Mayan culture and mythology, the animals, the plants and his care and dedication to us was priceless. He really made this experience magical. The hike we picked was the entire circuit of 6 days, 5 nights. The elements of the jungle where tough at times but will do it again in a heart beat. Light but long pants/socks/shirt and comfy sneakers made us need very little mosquito repellent and made the heat bearable. We saw tons of toucans, monkeys, birds, orchids, etc. Sunrise and sunsets in el Mirador was breathtaking. Dinastía Kan is the way to go; the camping tents where super comfortable, the 3 meals/day delicious and the siesta in the hammocks a treat. Not only will you support local Carmelita community but will gain vast knowledge of such impressive Mayan history.
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kirsten
Nijmegen, The Netherlands9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Friends
I went with two friends on the 5 day hike to El Mirador with ‘Dinastía Kan’ and it was amazing!! It was the perfect combination of nature, animals, culture, history and a fysical challenge. The people from ‘Dinastía Kan’ made the experience unforgettable and everything was perfectly taken care of. The campsites were good, our guide was amazing and very knowledgeable and the food was great!
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David K
Denver, CO4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Solo
I did a six day hike with two others to El Mirador two weeks ago. I used Reino Kan tours and probably paid more than I should have ($600) but I also had an English-language translator and a private ride to and from Carmelita which beats a chicken bus any day - especially when you're finished.

We hiked during the dry season which meant it was really, really hot. I craved water constantly. My guide was Abel Santano who I can't say enough good things about. He was a taciturn man wielding a mighty machete who would have carried all of us out of there if he had to.

Abel, who is from the cooperative, was extremely well-versed in Mayan history, jungle flora and fauna and the medicinal uses of local plants.

Our translator was the indomitable Melqui Recinos who works at Reino Kan. Melqui, 24, not only translated everything Abel said but he helped set up camp, made sure we had water and generally looked after us. He was also a very enjoyable and friendly guy to be around. Our cook was Rosa, a 20-year-old from Carmelita who was also very nice.

The hike was straightforward. We spent the first night in El Tintal and watched the sun set atop the pyramid. Bring a small flashlight or you'll be utterly lost. Showers (10 q) consisted of a large bucket of water and a small bowl to douse yourself with. The toilet was a hole in a box and there was no door. Again, bring a flashlight for those middle calls of nature.

We arrived at the Mirador camp the next day around 4 p.m. The food was basic. We had meat one night that I recall - a chicken thigh - but it was mostly pasta, tortillas and rice. I brought beef jerky and protein bars which helped. I ended up giving the jerky to the camp guards since they were really, really craving meat.

El Mirador was a fascinating place but read up on so you can appreciate the history. Much of it is still unexcavated so a good imagination is needed. The reservoir was incredible. There were solid white limestone friezes carved onto the side including characters from the Popol Vuh depicting the Maya creation story. Elsewhere, you could make out giant jaguar masks though most if not all of the paint is gone.

Rumor has it that when Richard Hanson, the US archeologist excavating Mirador, shows up he will allow visitors into areas usually off-limits including one that has a massive jaguar mask with the paint still ON. I missed him by a freakin' day. Dammit.

Hiked the next day to Nakbe. The trail was vastly superior to the muddy, mule hoof-pocked one to El Mirador. It was less a jungle than a broad forest with an airy feel to it. Nakbe, maybe the oldest Maya city on earth, is actually at a higher elevation. The highlight was climbing down into a tomb and being surrounded by ghastly looking whip scorpions. Nakbe isn't excavated much so bring your imagination. I found Maya pottery throughout the jungle. Leave it behind please.

We also crawled into tomb with vampire bats flying all over the place. Howler monkeys rasped all night. Birds cackled. Spider monkeys tried to scare us away from wherever we were. It was overall a great experience. The worst enemy was the heat. My companions got diarrhea and stomach problems. I didn't for some reason. The water you drink out there is filtered rain water which might be the culprit but again I didn't get sick. Abel made us tea from the pimienta tree which was outstanding. We slept in tents,ate by candle light and listened to Abel talk about the Mayas. It was downright magical at times.

When we returned to Carmelita we had lunch and a Gallo beer. We tipped our guides, the cook and muleteers (think that's the word). I handed out antibiotic, mosquito repellent and bandaids to the various guards at the campsites. One had a foot swollen the size of a football due to an untreated infection.

All things considered it was a great trip, a true adventure in every sense. Jungles, ruins, snakes, a swarm of bees that flew through us like a great gust of wind and wonderful people.

How often do you get than combination?

If you go try to get Abel Santano as a guide and Melqui as a translator (cost us $200 extra between three of us). If you can't understand Spanish fluently you will miss much of this experience. You can quibble about the food, the crummy trail conditions, mosquitoes etc but that's what an adventure is about. Do it before they put in a road.

Happy trails
Colorado Guy
Written 31 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

HermanNor
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2013 • Friends
I just finished the five-day hike from Carmelita to El Mirador.
Before the hike I was searching the web a lot for information on how to go there in terms of guides, costs and so on. There is a lot of confusing information going around, so I will take my time to clear it up, then I will write a bit about the trip itself.

1. You can go independently. Do not listen to people who say otherwise. The site is for everyone and there is a) A pretty good campsite after the first day of hike, at Tintal. You will have to bring your own water and food as well as equipment. If it has been raining, there will be rainwater for purchase both at Tintal and at El Mirador. No stress. The hikes take somewhere between 4 to 7 hours each day depending on physical condition as well as the conditions along the trail (amounts of mud). b) no people will throw you out, if anyone tries to scare you with that, they are doing something illegal.

2. If you do decide to go with a guide, or a guide and a mule to carry some stuff, you are completely free to choose the level of help you want. We went with one guide and one mule. DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE WHO SAYS THAT YOU HAVE TO GO WITH THE COOPERATION. THIS IS A SCAM AS THESE PEOPLE TRY TO CONTROL THE INCOME.
We went with a guide called Eric, who was the brother of the guy we contacted, Alex. They are local people in Carmelita and extremely nice. You stay with the familiy the first night if you come in the night before, and they serve you a meal and you sleep in the tent and everything. It is also very cheap. The number to Alex is 51997442, say hello from Herman and the norwegians :)
He will set you up with Ericm, his brother. Eric is a great guide. Very knowledgable, and very nice. He speaks only spanish, but that is absolutely no problem. He has done this so many times that if you want to, just leave everything up to him. In our case we pushed hard for doing most of the stuff on our own, as we actually didnt want a guide in the first place. We got the whole deal very cheap compared to the 280 dollar fee the cooperative charges. We met people in the jungle who went with the cooperative and they were envious because they were like 6 people with 2 guides and 7 mules plus a chef and a mule assistant. Total overkill. YOU NEED ONE MULE AND ONE GUIDE! NO MORE. If someone says you need a mule to pull the other mule (which was actually what someone tried to tell us), just decline it.

So, a little bit about our trip. It took five days. You walk the first day to the ancient site of Tintal, where there is a pretty good campsite. You have to remember that this jungle is FULL of Mayan sites - basically the whole jungle was a city in previous times. Next morning you get up early and walk the next bit to El Mirador. The third day you spend recuperating and you visit all the El Mirador temples etc. If you are expecting Tikal with well excavated sites, you have come to the wrong place. This is far more raw, only 10% has been excavated, which is what we wanted. It is veeeery interesting to see how the jungle has just swallowed a huge city like this. From the top of the temples you can see all the way to the other sites, as well as to Tikal. Try to get a good guide, there is a lot of cool random information you might miss out on if you dont! The trip is quite tiring, you walk for 4-7 hours all days except the middle one, but it is worth it. If you care too much about personal hygiene, you are out of luck. However, at El Mirador there is a possibility for showering as well as charging your camera/phone. Try to get good weather, it makes the experience ten times better. The moon/stars from top of one of the pyramids is out of this world. You are in the middle of a jungle on top of something which might be compared to Empire State Building of the mayans - watching the stars, with only jungle around you. No need to explain more, it is absolutely magic. Try also to read abit about the mayans on beforehand, you will enjoy it much more.
Thats it, totally recommend the trip, and totally recommend Eric and his beautiful family.
Written 3 February 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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El Mirador, Peten Department

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