Bahia de Huatulco, Mexico - Tikal, Guatemala - Flores 1 - 3 Dec 2005

Magic Maya ruin sunrise in Tikal

We negotiated a bus for the return to Flores at half the price charged by Jungle Lodge. We booked into the Casona de la Isla Hotel overlooking the beautiful lake and walked down to the water’s edge to arrange a boatride for that afternoon.
Our friendly boatman, Sebastian, took us to an interesting zoo on the other side of the lake with animals that are almost impossible to see in the wild. As a bonus, he spotted a praying mantis that we would have mistaken for a twig, perched on one of the fences. Later he took us to the other side of the lake where we climbed to a lookout point with great views of the pretty town of Flores.
Back at the hotel we chatted to fellow travellers over a piña colada and watched the glorious sunset.
Christmas was around the corner and this was a special evening for the locals as they were going to set up the Christmas tree in the main square. We joined the crowds in the square and mingled with the families with small children, all dressed up in their party clothes. However, the live music was rather ear-shattering and it was time for dinner. We ate a very respectable meal at La Luna restaurant and watched the fireworks from their window.