Tag: Poptún

6 reasons why you have to visit El Petén

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El Petén is without a doubt the wildest part of Guatemala. Deep in the jungle lies the heart of what was once a thriving Maya civilization. Stumbling upon one of their old temples or stone structures, covered with vines and vegetation or neatly excavated, is the highlight of any trip through this land.

Anete walks on Cerro Witz, during a self-guided hike around Finca Ixobel, Poptún.

But Petén is more than just temples. Its rainforests teem with birds and wildlife. They are the perfect playgrounds for adventurers, water lovers and ornithologists. Even a couple of months are not enough to discover this vast region, to explore the ancient Maya world and to have endless meetings with some of Guatemala’s most pristine nature. Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side?

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One Morning at Finca Ixobel: A Report from Behind the Scenes

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The monsoon is in full swing and it has rained all night. But the rain stops as soon as the night guard flicks on the lights, as if the switch also controls the weather. “Hay cafe,” he says. His twelve-hour shift is almost over. If coffee is life, then Finca Ixobel is ready for a bright new morning. But for now, it’s still dark outside. The sunrise is an hour away, the earliest bird has yet to sing its first song. It seems like the world is asleep. But that’s not entirely true, Isabel and Paula are already kneading dough.

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8 birds to spot in Poptún, Guatemala

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Resplendent quetzals, ocellated turkeys, scarlet macaws – Guatemala has no shortage of iconic birds that will feature highly on the wish lists of many birdwatchers and ornithologists. According to Bird Checklists of the World, Guatemala hosts no less than 762 species of birds.

You can spot plenty of those in El Petén, the northernmost department of the country. The tranquil environment of Finca Ixobel, just outside of Poptún, is home to more than a hundred birds, both migratory and permanent residents. Why not try to find one of these?

[Read more about our experience volunteering for Finca Ixobel.]

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Workaway at Finca Ixobel: how we became carpenters in Guatemala

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We dab through the mud under a starry night when our treehouse comes into sight. Soon, we can fall down onto our bed. And soon, we will enjoy the relaxing evening cabin life at Finca Ixobel. Soon, yes, but not quite yet. Because all of a sudden, Anete says: “Damn, we forgot to fill our water bottles.”

Thus, we have to postpone our repose for half an hour and hike back to the main building in search of the necessary hydration. It is our reality at Finco Ixobel, as ours is the furthest tree house of the lot. Mundo Perdido, quite literally the lost world. Continue Reading →