Ceibal and La Pasión River

This tour begins in Sayaxche or Flores, where you'll be picked up and driven to the town of Sayaxché. Once here you'll board a boat and cruise down the La Pasión River en route to Ceibal. This river was once a major trade route for the Maya and helped establish a number of cities throughout the river basin, including Ceibal. The river is also very biologically diverse, with more than 300 species of endemic birds living near its banks. As you ride along, keep your eyes peeled for animals on the shoreline.

The archeological site of Ceibal was a major ceremonial center for the Mayans. Ceibal was one of the largest cities in Guatemala's southern lowlands—at its peak, the population was close to ten thousand. Archeologists have found some the best preserved Late Classic stelae here.

Ceibal's four groups of structures are connected via causeways through the forest. There are 57 stelae in total, many of which have excellent carvings. There is a notable outside influence in some of the monuments, including waist-length hair and straight noses, which are not usually found in Mayan carvings.

After exploring Ceibal, you'll return to Flores or stay near Sayaxche for lodging.