The Polochic basin at the top of Lago Izabal is a vast area that by law is a preserve. All laws are in place to protect this area, but as with the rest of the national parks here, there is nobody to enforce any of these laws. Less than 25 years ago this area was rich in jaguar, crocodile, coati mundi, deer and hundreds of other animals natural to Guatemala. There are still manatee, monkey, white pelican, toucan, and many other animals which can be seen. To find the manatee as they are extremely shy, you need smooth, clear waters because they can hold their breath for about 20 minutes at a time.

Within the past 30 years the wildlife here has decreased approximately 90% from destruction of land through logging, poaching, clearcutting various areas. Large cane fields have just been planted above this area and Canada is attempting to reopen a nickel mine above it as well. At this rate, we may see the end of this rich refuge within the next 10 t0 20 years.

For best viewing of the animals we need to stay in El Estor for the night as we leave by boat before sunrise. Since this is an overnight tour, it is extremely customizable! You can include Boqueron Canyon on the way there, we can stop by a fish farm where you can net your own Tilapia fish to be cooked for lunch before heading to El Estor for the remainder of the day. Then watch the sunrise on the lake on the way to the Bocas in the morning. We are normally done there by 10:00 am when we return to El Estor for breakfast and tour the town. Then, if you like, we go to Finca Paraiso to spend the remainder of the day before returning to Rio Dulce.

Key Information:

Tour duration: Overnight trip. We will be back in Rio Dulce the following day.
Accomodations: There are several hotels to choose from ranging from 35 Quetzals with private bathrooms to 400 Quetzals for private bungalos with lake front cottages on lago Izabal (advance notice and deposit must be arranged)
Group size: 8 maximum
Departure point: Rio Dulce
Meals: Snacks are provided, but meals will depend on your pallette and personal preferences. There is a fair selection of restaraunts to choose from as well as a nice produce market in El Estor.
Transportation: (launcha into Bocas del Polochic; Q187 or 25 Dollars per person), (price of transportation to El Astor; (local bus= 35 Quetzals per person round trip depending upon the stops in between) (Private transportation is 600 Quetzals to be divided among group, this is subject to change because of increasing gas prices.)
Guide Fee:
Entry Fee to Finca Paraiso: 10 Quetzals per person
Tour Customizable: of course!
Total Cost: Contact me with your specifics, there is a minimum fee for groups of four or less, then prices can be negotiated depending on what else you would like to include in your tour package.