Located in the remote forests of Northern Petén, El Mirador archaeological site has the largest monumental pyramid ever found in the Maya World and it was one of the most important sites during the Pre Classic Maya period (2000 B.C.- 250 A.D.). The community of Carmelita is the gateway to this site and two local organizations, Carmelita Cooperative and ACTUNAC, offer quality tourism services to visit the site in an adventurous 5-day journey through one of the last pristine Guatemalan forests.

El Mirador archaeological site is the main site of the complex cultural and natural area known as the Mirador Basin. This is a geographically-defined elevated basin found in the remote forests of the northern Petén. The region is a part of the Maya Biosphere and   guards one of the last large areas of intact tropical forest left in Mesoamerica. Other archaeological sites such as Nakbe, Tintal, Wakna, the recently discovered site of Xulnal, Naachtun, and dozens of other smaller sites are dispersed within the Basin.  

The sites of the Mirador Basin are noted by the presence of architectural constructions as large as, or exceeding, any known Maya structures in size and scale. Major causeways, ranging from 25 to 50 meters (75 -150 feet) wide and 1-4 meters (3-12 feet) high join many of the ancient sites within the Basin, forming a nucleus of closely integrated economic and political polities that formed what is believed to be the first state-level society in the Maya Lowlands.

At least 200 structures, distributed in eight groups, form the core area of El Mirador archaeological site. The largest pyramid, called The Tiger Pyramid, reaches a height of 75 meters (225 feet) and has a base as wide as three football fields (not yet restored). El Mirador was the largest ceremonial center during the Pre-Classic era of the Maya civilization.

The community of Carmelita is your gateway to El Mirador. Two organized groups, the Carmelita Cooperative and ACTUNAC, offer an adventurous 5-day hiking journey through the Petén jungle to visit the site. In this tour you'll be able to enjoy nature at its fullest, observe different species of birds and mammals such as howler and spider monkeys, admire a wide variety of trees and flowers such as mahogany, orchids and heliconias, and take pleasure in the peacefulness of the natural world that surrounds you.

You'll walk through the trails used by Chicleros and Xateros during two days until you reach El Mirador. You'll be able to explore the site during one day and then start the two day journey back to Carmelita. You'll sleep in a hammock or tent at the Chiclero and Xatero camps and have the opportunity to share with the local guides their amazing stories from their work extracting chicle (gum) and Xate (palms).

The Carmelita Cooperative and ACTUNAC community offer a variety of other tours to some of the archaeological and cultural attractions of the Mirador Basin and all proceeds go toward community projects. Services available for visitors include:

•  Trained local guides that lead you through nature trails

•  Lodging in Chiclero and Xatero camps on a hammock or tent under a palm ranch. Mosquito nets, towels and clean sheets are provided.

•  Mules for carrying water, food and equipment

•  Horses for riding if you are too tired

Food service. The food is simple but delicious. Breakfast menus include cereal, fruit, toast, eggs or pancakes. Lunch includes a sandwich, juice and fruit, and dinner menus vary including pasta, rice, vegetable soup or canned meat with fruit and fresh tortillas.  

The fascinating nature hike, the amazing history of El Mirador archaeological site as well as sharing your experience with local people make your visit to this area an unforgettable one.