Guatemala 2018

Sunday11November

So here we are in Flores ("flowers" in Spanish) for a day of rest since we postponed the start of our "El Mirador" trek by a day. We'll be able to stroll around this small town, which is actually a small island, a very renowned place in the region, and for good reason, the place is a small enchanted interlude surrounded by the waters of the lake, a haunt for egrets and cormorants.

A Manila palm (Adonidia merrillii) and its dates.

Lake Petén Itzá overflows onto the first streets of Flores, giving the city its little "Venice" feel.

The shores on the other side of the lake.

The colorful houses and cobbled streets contribute greatly to the island's charm.

Still in service???

A Chinese hibiscus (Rosa sinensis)

It's only November 11th and the Christmas tree already proudly stands in front of the white Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios Cathedral.

Lunch by the water at La Casa de Enrico restaurant. Then a nap at our hotel Posada de la Jungla.  

The afternoon will be even more bucolic with 2 hours of navigation in a lancha guided by its owner and his son.

The city is even more splendid seen from here, with the cathedral crowning the island with its two bell towers.

We are not the only ones enjoying the beautiful sunny setting. This green iguana (Iguana iguana) does so loudly but from a bit higher up...

And even higher and in all majesty, a little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) plays the tightrope walker on its light stilts. 

A short stop to gain height and access the viewpoint to better appreciate the grandeur of the island.

And indeed, from here this island looks tiny!

Neotropic cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus).

A great egret (Ardea alba).

The Sun has begun its race towards the horizon, its light amplified by the reflections on the immense expanse of water. Petén Itzá is the third largest lake in the country with 99 km². It stretches lengthwise from east to west for 35 km and is only 5 km wide.

A little blue heron much more discreet than the fishermen who do not hesitate to immerse themselves in the water.

On the left, a great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus). On the right, a northern jacana (Jacana spinosa).

Cormorants are numerous, but only a few, who would largely deserve the title of top models, wish to have their portrait taken.  

The end of the day is approaching. It has been very relaxing, and that's a good thing because tomorrow morning the day will start at 5 am for the departure from Flores to the Carmelita community where we will begin 5 days of trekking in the jungle to reach the Mayan site "El Mirador"...