This is the fun part
Our Painted Island Escape excursions are planned, private, and designed just for our retreat guests.
All you have to do is show up and experience them.
Lake Petén Itzá
This is where our experience really begins.
We’ll start just off Flores Island, stepping onto a private boat and heading out across Lake Petén Itzá. We’ll see Flores from the water, with its color, history, and setting right on the lake.
From there, we’ll head to ARCAS, a wildlife rescue center focused on protecting animals from the Petén jungle. Many of the animals here have been rescued from poaching, and it’s a chance to see them up close while learning more about the work being done to rehabilitate and protect them.
Then we move into the jungle.
We’ll make our way to the Actun Kan caves and walk through natural rock formations that have been there for thousands of years. It’s a completely different setting and a nice contrast to everything outside.
We’ll wrap up at El Chechenal beach, where the water is crystal clear and gentle to float in. It’s the perfect place to get in the water, cool off, and just enjoy some time on the lake before heading back.
Tikal
We’ll spend the day walking through one of the largest Mayan archaeological sites, once a major city at the height of the Mayan civilization and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We’ll move through the Great Plaza and see the main temples rising above the trees, along with other structures spread throughout the site.
These were places of ceremony, astronomy, and daily life, and you start to get a sense of how it all functioned as you walk through it.
There’s a mix of open spaces and jungle paths, so it never feels repetitive, and most of it is shaded and easy to move through.
We’ll break for lunch on-site, then continue exploring before heading back.
It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime places you’ve probably seen photos of, but being there in person will give you a completely different perspective.
Crater Azul
We slow it down at Crater Azul.
We’ll head out early and make our way to El Pucté, where we’ll take a boat through the reserve to reach the crater.
The water here is as crystal clear as it gets, some of the most beautiful water you’ll ever see.
Deep blue and turquoise, with visibility straight to the bottom.
We’ll float, swim, and relax. It’s perfect for underwater photos and taking it all in without the rush.
It’s a chance to reset, be in nature, and soak up a completely different side of the island and the retreat.
Wander & discover
Looking for your own adventure? There’s so much more to see…here are a few of our favorites.
Monkey Island
This one is included for all of our guests.
You’ll have the option to head out on the lagoon by boat, where two small islands are dedicated to the preservation and breeding of spider monkeys.
You’ll get to see them up close, feed them, and take in the views from the water at the same time.
It’s an easy, fun experience and something you won’t want to miss.
Jorge’s Rope Swing
If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, Jorge’s rope swing is a fun one to check out.
It’s a spot Lake Petén Itzá, where you can swim, relax, and, if you’re feeling up to it, take a swing out over the water and jump in. There’s also a casual spot for food and drinks, so you can hang out for a bit and make an afternoon of it.
You’ll head there by boat, and the hotel will be happy to arrange transportation…all you have to do is ask.
Wander through Flores
If you want to get off the water for a bit, Flores is definitely worth exploring.
It’s a small island town you can walk end to end, with colorful streets, lake views around every corner, and an easy, laid-back feel.
You can wander through local shops, stop for coffee, or grab a drink and just take it all in.
If you don’t feel like walking, tuk tuks are everywhere and an easy way to get around or head across the bridge into Santa Elena to see a more local side of the area.
There are plenty of great spots to stop along the way. Stop for coffee at Cool Beans Café, head to Sky Bar for a drink around sunset, or plan a dinner at Nativo Restaurante.
It’s one of those places where you don’t need a plan. Just start walking and see where it takes you.
