Hotel Bolontiku integrates into the jungle on Lake Peten Itza Credit Hotel Bolontiku
Lost Kingdoms of the Maya A short flight then takes us to Mundo Maya International Airport in Flores, an island city that’s a jumping off point for exploring the Petén, a vast unexplored region in northern Guatemala dotted with archeological sites. The most famous of these sites is within Tikal National Park. An important city in the Maya empire until its collapse in 900 A.D, this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site features 3000 structures including palaces, temples, plazas and ceremonial platforms, many such as El Mundo Perdido (Lost World) not fully excavated. Shrouded by silk, cotton and mahogany trees, Tikal is also home to a range of wildlife including jaguar, coatimundis, wild turkeys and 333 species of birds. At days’ end, we return to Bolontiku Boutique Hotel and Spa, a posh resort set at the edge of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. As I relax in my cabana overlooking mist-shrouded Lake Peten Itza, it feels as though I’m in my own “lost world” although one with modern amenities of room service, sumptuous linens and a free-form infinity pool. It’s an atmospheric way to conclude a luxury immersion into Guatemala’s landscape, heritage and culture. A majestic pyramid of Tikal, an ancient Maya city Credit Michele Peterson Michele Peterson is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in food, drink and sun destinations. Her work has appeared in several major magazines, guidebooks and travel anthologies including Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, Fodor’s Tavel, Conde Nast, National Geographic Traveler and many others. Get recipes, travel tips and tour discounts on her A Taste for Travel blog or via Twitter/ Instagram @atastefortravel
Travel Planner Bella Guatemala Travel: Bella Guatemala Tours (BGT) is a leader in smallgroup and custom tours to Guatemala. Their immersive, all-inclusive tours are led by professional, bilingual guides who are experts in archaeology, culture and history. Tours include domestic transportation by bus, boat, plane as well as luxury hotels, resorts and eco-lodges, 3 meals daily (one alcoholic drink at lunch/dinner), entrance fees, taxes and gratuities. Customizable options are available and hotels may vary from those described above. www. bellaguatemalatravel.com/ Official Guatemala Tourism Site: www.visitguatemala.com