La Casa de Don David

El Petén


Just west of the junction, this full-service outfit has spotless, modern rooms decorated with Maya textiles. All feature verandas and hammocks facing the broad garden that's been cultivated into an incredible aviary. Whether or not you're staying here, don't miss the ceiba tree and Maya calendar arrangement in the rear garden designed by owner David Kuhn (the original Gringo Perdido).

Those needing liquid refreshment need look no further than the 'Toucan Express,' a handmade beverage robot that zips your drinks out from the restaurant to the deck, several hundred yards away. Birders will enjoy the multiple feeders, with easy sightings of orioles and hummingbirds.

Substantial discounts in the slower seasons after Semana Santa.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby El Petén attractions

1. Parque Natural Ixpanpajul

11.47 MILES

At Parque Natural Ixpanpajul you can ride horses, mountain bikes or tractors, or zip line your way through the jungle canopy. The big attraction is the…

2. Nuestra Señora de los Remedios

13.9 MILES

The double-domed Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (the Spaniards' original name for the isle of Flores) stands at the isle's summit, anchoring the Parque…

3. Municipalidad

13.95 MILES

Flores' stately town hall, just below the Parque Central, is the place where citizens go to conduct official business.

4. San Miguel & Tayazal

14.08 MILES

Covering the western end of the San Miguel peninsula are the remains of Tayazal, among the last of the Maya capitals. The chiefly Classic-era mounds are…

5. Museo Santa Bárbara

14.29 MILES

On an islet to the west of Flores, this little museum holds a grab bag of Maya artifacts from nearby archaeological sites, plus some old broadcasting…

6. Cuevas de Ak'tun Kan

14.85 MILES

Try spelunking at the impressive limestone caverns of Ak'tun Kan, which translates from Q'eqchi' Maya as 'Cave of the Serpent.' The cave-keeper provides…

7. Templo VI

16.05 MILES

Templo VI is one of the few temples at Tikal to bear written records. On the rear of its 12m-high roofcomb is a long inscription – though it will take…

8. El Mundo Perdido

16.15 MILES

About 400m southwest of the Gran Plaza is El Mundo Perdido (Lost World), a complex of 38 structures with a huge pyramid in its midst, thought to be…