Ixpanpajul Natural Park: A Petén Adventure
Discover Ixpanpajul Natural Park: Explore hanging bridges, zipline through the jungle, and immerse yourself in Petén's biodiversity.
Ixpanpajul Natural Park, situated just outside Flores and Santa Elena in the Petén region of Guatemala, spans 3.5 square miles (9 sq km) of protected subtropical rainforest. The park is known for its impressive network of six suspension bridges that provide visitors with a unique aerial view of the forest canopy. From these bridges, one can appreciate the complexity of the rainforest and potentially spot diverse birdlife and other animals. Beyond the bridges, Ixpanpajul offers a range of activities for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Trails wind through the forest, leading to a lookout point atop a mountain with panoramic views of the Petén Itzá basin. For those seeking more adrenaline-pumping experiences, the park features ziplining, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATV riding. Camping and nighttime wildlife viewing are also available. The park is home to over 200 species of trees, 150 species of birds, and around 40 mammal species, including spider monkeys and howler monkeys. Ixpanpajul provides a great balance between thrilling activities and immersion in a natural environment, making it a popular destination for travelers to Petén.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking on potentially inclined and uneven paths.
- Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other bugs.
- Visit in the morning to avoid the heat and see more birds.
- Consider bringing binoculars for enhanced birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Book the park's shuttle service in advance to secure transportation from Flores.
A brief summary to Ixpanpajul
- V5FM+QQH, Flores, GT
- +50240629812
- Visit website
Getting There
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Flores, taxis or ride-sharing services offer a direct route to Ixpanpajul Natural Park. The journey typically takes around 15-20 minutes. A typical taxi fare will cost around Q50-Q75.
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Shuttle
Ixpanpajul Natural Park offers a shuttle service from Flores at 8 am and 2 pm daily. Contact the park in advance to reserve a spot and arrange pick-up from your hotel. Prices vary.
