In conjunction with Global Heritage Fund and Dr. Richard Hansen we can organize a private visit to the Pre-classic Mayan city in the Mirador Basin. Dr. Hansen is a specialist on the early Maya and is the Director of the Mirador Basin Project in northern Guatemala.

Climb to the top of highest pyramid in the Americas; stoop and gingerly make your way through the inner chamber tunnel to view original orange pigment carvings and ancient mythic images of jaguars and sacred animals. Over 880,000 acres of tropical forests, archeological sites and wildlife habitat is under the stewardship of Global Heritage Fund.

This is a rare treat to hike through the deep tropical forest with Dr. Hansen, sleep in a very rustic tent and live as the Mayans once did in this very spiritual site. Howler monkeys, poisonous snakes, one of the last virgin rain forests, and raw Mayan pyramids, not seen by many – this is not a tourist spot open to the public.

An intricate Mayan built capital El Mirador, was constructed centuries before Christ. Much of it is still buried under a deep growth of jungle, however many of the landmark origins of the enormous complex of dwellings, water causeways and tall temples are still visible today. The Mayan community that numbered in the 100,000’s, inexplicably abandoned the city about 150 a.d., however much can be seen still today amid the dense jungle.

Including the semi intact La Danta, one of the worlds largest pyramids; enormous mottled white stucco sculptures of jaguars and macaws; a 21 foot high stone wall behind the temple that is 2,000-years-old, and a collection of ancient tools and urns.

This amazing visit can be combined with a visit to Antigua or Tikal. A delightful World Heritage Spanish colonial town, Antigua is a wonderful base for day travel. Religious holidays are celebrated here in amazing colorful pageantry.

Helicopter to coffee plantations for a picnic lunch, soar over the luxurious rain forests and tall volcanoes that ring Lake Atitlán. Sail fishing, off road exploration, amazing activities, river rafting…the list is long, including meeting with shamans.

Shop for native crafts in the colorful Mayan market at Chichicastenango, stay in exotic jungle retreats and explore the towering temples of Tikal with expert guides.

Global Heritage Fund, GHF is dedicated to ensuring that Mirador tourism is responsible and sustainable and that local communities benefit directly. GHF-sponsored conservation and training employs over 220 Guatemalans each year, providing meaningful employment and an alternative to logging, poaching, looting and other illegal activities.

Conservation Science 
Conservation efforts are aimed at stabilizing and preserving some of the most significant monuments within the archaeological site of El Mirador, with the complex of La Danta, the pyramid of El Tigre and the building known as Structure 34 (“Jaguar Paw Temple”) receiving particular attention with oversight and guidance provided by leaders in the field of conservation science.

This slice of Guatemala is very suitable for families with older children – the jungle experience is primitive, however if I managed to spend a night in a pup tent in this raw jungle, anyone can manage it – and how often can you explore a remote rain forest with the esteemed project director, Dr. Richard Hansen, at Mirador Basin?