| Description: Located in the Motagua Valley around the Thorn Dry Scrub biome, it is one of the most fragile biomes in the country. It is an arid zone with warm temperatures and a unique bird fauna. Guaytán is a destination that can be easily visited because of the small area, but offers archaeological importance and distinctive biological characteristics. Although, some archeological monuments have been pillaged, one can still enjoy some remnants of the Middle Motagua Valley Culture constructions that flourished between 400 BC and 1500 AD.
Access: Take the Atlantic Highway (CA-9) and make a left at Km 92 which will take you to a dirt road (look for the sign Parque Arqueológico). On the road you will see some houses along the roadside; one of these houses will have a sign reading Parque Arqueológico Guaytán– Instituto de Antropología e Historia” (Guaytán Archaeological Park– Anthropology and History Institute). You must register at this site in order to visit the Park.
Services: Lodging and restaurants can be found in San Agustín Acasaguastlán or in the town of Zacapa.
Tourist facilities: There are no established birdwatching trails but you can see birds while visiting the archeological monuments, due the easy access terrain; close by you will find a flood plain covered by different sorts of fruit trees which are a delight for the variety of birds from the area.
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Other features: The Park is close to other destinations of the Thorn Dry Scrub biome and is on the way to other destinations of the Caribbean slope. In Guastatoya, the main city of the department of El Progreso, you can refresh in nearby Aqua Park.
Contact: Ministry of Culture and Sports: Natural and Cultural Heritage Headquarters (Dirección General de Patrimonio Cultural y Natural del Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes DGPCN).
Telephone: (502) 2251-6624;
http://www.mcd.gob.gt
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© Photos: Mayan Trail
