Located along the outer part of Petén Itzá Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of the Flores area. It gives the visitor the chance to see close hand the fauna which is characteristic to Petén : jaguars, monkeys, maccaws, pizotes, foxes, etc. One very interesting feature of this zoo is that some of these beautiful creatures, such as the jaguar, are exhibited in a special habitat without bars or cages !!!

In addition, flora lovers will find various regional species along beautiful paths, which guide the visitor by the hand through the environment.

For those that wish to do something different and fun, Petencito offers them giant waterslides for splashing refreshingly into Petén Itzá Lake.

The “Guitar Lagoon” is another Petencito attraction. An oasis within the zoo itself, one can marvel at it from a nearby overlook.

The first stop on the way to the zoo is on Hidden Paradise Island, where the visitor will get a chance to see squirrels, turtles and alligators. The island is bridged to Petencito by an ingenious series of pontoons that lets one cross the lake on foot !!!

Returning from Petencito Zoo, one can stop off at King Canek Overlook, where Flores Island and its neighboring areas become a true spectacle to behold.

While visiting Petén, don’t miss Petencito Zoo !

 

How to get to Petencito Zoo from Hotel Sabana ? The zoo is only 15 minutes, by out- board motorized boat, to the other side of Petén Itzá Lake !!!

By outboard motorized boat :

Ask for a boat ride in the Hotel Sabana lobby to visit Petencito Zoo. The launch will arrive in about 15 minutes. Cost: Q.150.00 per group , maximum 15 people. Recommended times to visit the zoo between 7 A.M. and 4 P.M.

Admission is Q 20.00 for visitors. The boat fee does not cover entrance to the zoo.

THE ACTUN KAN CAVES

Two kilometers from Flores Island, in the town of Santa Elena, are located the Actún Can Caves, where one can tunnel oneself through the earth’s belly in order to observe curiously attractive figures that have been sculpted by nature throughout the ages.

Actún Kan in the Mayan language means “Rock of the Serpent” or “Cave of the Serpent”. The caves are kept lit constantly from 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. to facilitate movement within. Thus, the 50 curiously formed stalagmytes and stalactytes are readily visible. They’ve been dubbed with picturesque names such as: “Elephant’s Foot”, “Lady of the Grotto” and “Rain God” among others.

The Actún Kan Caves are another attraction of Petén that one has to see !

CANOPY

Have you ever dreamed of flying over a jungle ? Now you can ! Glide over folliage trying out this unique experience !

Located at 50 mts. from Tikal National Park’s entrance. The Tikal Canopy Tour gives the visitor the opportunity to glide over the Petén jungle along 1 km. of slide cables at an altitude of 25 mts. ! One of the most novel and different adventures in the region.

The lay out is made up of 10 slides or jumps which vary from 100 to 175 mts. each in length, reaching a maximum velocity of 40 k.p.h. Concluding each slide, the rider may rest on the following platform. There’re 11 in total.

The cable used withstands tension up to 2,000 kg./in. , so there’s really no weight limit !
To take the tour, you’ll be given all the necessary equipment: a highly secure harness and heavy gloves. You’ll be accompanied by cordial and skilled guides as well.

Take the Tikal Canopy Tour and let the adventure take you !!!

How to get to Tikal Canopy Tour from Hotel Sabana ? It is only 45 minutes away along a paved highway !!!

By your own vehicle :
Go 46 kms. on the way to Tikal National Park. The road is paved the entire way. The Canopy is 50 mts. before the park’s entrance.

By cab ( Includes transportation to the Tikal National Park ) :
Ask for a cab to Tikal Canopy Tour in the Hotel Sabana lobby. The taxi will be ready in 15 Minutes ! Carries one to four people for Q 350.00 ( The whole group ! ) to the Canopy, round trip. Take your tour at your leisure while the cab driver waits. Then, return homeward to Hotel Sabana. See footnote.

Note: The Tikal Canopy Tour service costs Q 100.00 per person. This is additional to the transportation fee.

 

 

 

 

 

How to get to Ixpanpajul Natural Park from Hotel Sabana Lobby! It is only a 15-minute dash along a paved highway!!!

By your own vehicle:
Leave Hotel Sabana. In approximately 15 minutes at km. 468 on the road to Guatemala City, you’ll encounter the entrance to the park. By cab:
Request a cab to Ixpanpajul Natural Park at the hotel lobby desk. The cab will be there waiting in 15 minutes. Carries one to four passengers for Q.200.00, round trip, (The whole group!!!) to the park. Take your tour at your leisure while the cab driver waits. Then, return homeward to Hotel Sabana. See footnote.

By mini-van:
Ask for one in the hotel lobby 24 hours in advance and the busline that the park offers. The cost is Q. 25.00 per person. See footnote. Note: Entrance to the park is extra and costs Q. 100.00 for adults and Q. 50.00 for children. This is not part of the cost of transportation.

IXPANPAJUL NATURAL PARK

So ! Now that you´ve flown over the jungle… you will most likely want to walk over it. Wait no longer. Sky Way is here !!!

Located in Ixpanpajul Natural Park, Sky Way is a one- of- a- kind service. Going round a lush, natural environment, the visitor traverses impressive freely-hanging bridges. Some are 40 mts. high on which one may perceive the lushness of the panorama of Petén for which there is no rival !

In Ixpanpajul there is horseback riding, mountain biking ( equipment is rented in the park ). There´s a tropical bird observatory, a camping area, and a canopy tour, too, called Tarzan Tour !

For nature lovers, family groups and visitors overall, this park is another important tourist haven in Petén that must be roamed.