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ELCHICLERO CAMP
Uaxactun, Peten - Maya Biosphere Reserve
 BRIEF
STORY
Uaxactun
is an ancient archaeological site in the heart of the
Maya Biosphere Reserve. Along with the great ceremonial
site of Tikal, 23 kilometers south of Uaxactun, the
area began to develop during the Pre-Classic Period
around the year 900 B.C., when the first groups of hunters
and collectors began to establish more permanent settlements.
It
wasn’t until about 100 years ago that a group
of chicleros- or gum sap extractors- discovered the
site, overgrown by a dense jungle. Uaxactun is one of
the oldest Mayan sites, whose ancient name was Siaan
K’aan or "Born in Heaven", according
to epigraphers. The chicleros gave it the name of Bambonal,
because of the many bamboo plants they found around
the site. The next group of chicleros named it San Leandro.
It was renamed Uaxactun by Sylvannus G. Morley, one
of the archaeologists who worked here with Carnegie
Institution in the 1930s. Uaxactun means 8-Stone, an
incription found by Morley in one of the stellas he
deciphered. Uaxactun is famous for its sculpted monuments
and an astronomical observatory.
Today
the people of Uaxactun are dedicated to the extraction
of gum, xate, an ornamental palm, and all spice. There
are some people who are starting to work with wicker
to make baskets, hats and furniture. The community is
looking to ecotourism as a productive activity, as well,
an effort that has Ecotourism and Adventure Specialists
full support and enthusiasm.
At
El Chiclero Camp...
There
are 7 double and 4 single rooms, plus all the equipment
needed to go on a great jungle expedition. Its walls
has been made of Bajareque, small wood covered by earth,
with a rustic stucco, in Maya style. Ceilings were made
with guano palm leaves, extracted from the surrounding
jungle, like all the other materials. You're also welcome
at our campground, with comfortable big blue hammocks
with mosquito nets, the same ones chicleros use in the
jungle.
Take
a horse-back ride or hike trough the jungle using the
trails made by the chicleros and enjoy the great biodiversity
of one of the most important natural reserves in the
world. Here you might get a glimpse of the Keel-billed
toucan, different species of hummingbirds, ferns, Howler
Monkeys and why not, maybe even a Jaguar!
You
will also find...
- Ecotourism
& Sustainable Non-Timber Forest Activities, such
as Chicle and Xate extraction
- Jungle
Trekks and Expeditions
- Horseback
Riding
- Birdwatching
- Home
stay & Jungle Camping
- Museum,
with 365 registered pieces including objects in shell,
jade, bone and ceramics from the Uaxactun and Dos
Lagunas area, mostly from the early Classic Period
(250-550 B.C.)
- You
may also visit the community camping and eco-cultural
guides in Uaxactun...
DISCOVER
THE JUNGLE AND THE ANCIENT MAYA SITES
From
El Chiclero Camp’s strategic location you may
travel to Dos Lagunas, Rio Azul, Mirador, Nakbe... This
will be your life's most fascnating jungle adventure,
and you will be in close touch with the chicleros and
xateros of Uaxactun...
RESERVE |
