.        Large wood carvings of Ixchel and Itzamna.

Traveler's checks accepted, Guatemala, and U.S. money. We are located along the lake in the village of El Remate right on the road to Tikal just 15 min. before Tikal National park entrance. Collective minibus and private taxi services pick up and return from the front of the hotel. Most people find our prices low and a great value. Hope you come and stay with us. If  you arrive and we are full, we will help you find another acceptable place.

  

Pitaya  Dining Room 
Mixed Fruit
                                      

 ---David is originally from Florida and has been in Guatemala for twenty five years. He built the first Jungle Hotel on the lake.  Locals named him "The Gringo Perdido" (the lost gringo).  He no longer owns the Gringo Perdido Hotel or has any association with it, but now has a small 10 room hotel/bungalows called "La Casa De Don David Hotel and Bungalows" in El Remate. (1999)
---David's Guatemalan wife and their daughter help run the place.  He arranges horseback rides to the jungle,  boat rides touring the lake, fishing trips, and excursions to Tikal and other ruins. On request he will take small groups on his legendary tarantula tour. ---E. Lawrence (2000)
 

There are flights daily to and from Guatemala City, Cancun, and Belize. Try American, Delta, TACA and others to Guatemala City.

TACA International (Guatemala, Cancun): Tel. 2332-6034, 7926-1238, web site http://www.grupotaca.com/

Tropic Air (to and from Belize): http://www.tropicair.com

Warning. Be sure to check immigration requirements for re-entry to Belize. We have had Swiss and Argentina visitors who had a one entry visa and were required to get a new visa for re-entry. If you bring the form we can make your pictures (no charge if you are staying with us) and you will be prepared for re-entry. Cost varies  depending the country.

Guatemalan airport tax of $2.50 for the flights to and from Tikal,

Guatemala International Airport departure tax ($30 per person).

Upon arriving in or near Flores area get a collective minibus to El Remate. Beware of high pressure ticket salesmen who will offer you some deals that may not work out.

It is 560km or 7 hr drive to El Remate. If you haven't traveled in Latin America its probably best to fly. Car rental is available in most areas.

When arriving by air, ask for Fermin Cante o Jose Cordova in the airport.  They will bring you to La Casa De Don David for $25 ( up to 4 people) Fermin Cante Tel (502) 5516-2986  (for taxi or minibus service) (502) 5696-1658
Or the hotel will send a taxi for about the same price if you request. If you're not traveling with much luggage, you can catch local buses on the main road in front of the airport. (about one hundred yards.)

BY LAND

MINIBUSES to El Remate from Flores: There are minibuses that go to El Remate colectivo regularly and cost about $2.50.

EXPRESS BUS...  From Belize City $25 U.S.; from Chetumal, Mex. $30 U.S.  >From Guatemala City, take Pullman bus at 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM for 7 to 8 hour trip. The best is Linea Dorada or ADN bus companies and third choice is Fuente Del Norte or Rapidos del Sur.
We offer everyday bus service to and from Guatemala City, Antigua, Chetumal, Palenque, Belize City, San Ignacio Belize, and Cancun. Various tourist catering bus services cover the entire area   and some are very informal, especially between Chetumal, Belize, Flores & Palenque. For comfort its best to get a first class bus when available. 
 

BY LOCAL BUS - Everyday  bus service to and  from Guatemala City, Antigua, Chetumal, Palenque, Belize City, San Ignacio Belize, and Cancun. Many times road conditions aren't the best and the trip is almost always somewhat slower than in more developed countries (check schedules). There are several local buses serving the area. To El Remate from the airport or Flores area there is taxi, minibus, and public bus service for a 20 minute ride to El Remate. The public buses leave from Santa Elena (on the mainland side at Flores) several times each day. Minibuses go colectivo almost hourly.   Public buses run  at 8:30 am, 11 am, 12 noon, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm. There is not a formal bus station. Wait in the pickup area or along the main street. To El Remate from San Ignacio or the Belize border you can get crowded local buses in route to Flores that run about every hour.

You can take local buses from San Ignacio and at the border of Belize and Guatemala you will change to Guatemala local buses en route to Flores that run about every hour. Or take a minibus with other tourists, expect to pay $40 to $60 for 1 to 8 persons.

Arriving from Palenque, Mexico

FROM PALENQUE. Traveling to Flores , there is collective minibus/boat/minibus transportation daily (in the early morning hours), check with travel agencies once you are in Palenque for what’s available. 

In Palenque , Mexico, buy your tickets Viajes Misolja, Kukulcan or other agency, on the main street in Palenque . The service to Flores is not so good and varies from time to time. We get complaints regular on slow or varied service. The trip is about 8 hrs. by mini bus--boat--minibus. ($35-$40 per person to Flores )  You'll arrive to Santa Elena ( Flores)

If spending the night in this area we recommend crossing the causeway and staying in Flores.  

From Chetumal Bus Station.......Chetumal has a large modern bus station. You can take either bus. The 6 am Mundo Maya / Linea Dorada ($30) buses or the 7 am San Juan buses for the 7 hr bus ride to El Remate and arrive at the hotel entrance. See below for exiting Belize. If you are just in transit you won't pay the $3.75 conservation tax but will pay the $15 fee.

To Chetumal, You can take the 6:00 am Mundo Maya bus from the hotel entrance to Belize City or the San Juan Travel bus 6:00 am or 8:00 am. $30.

From El Remate.....You can take the 6:00 am Mundo Maya bus from the hotel entrance to Belize City or the San Juan Travel bus 6:00 am or 8:00 am. $25. Buy tickets for the Linea Dorada service at the hotel the day before you wish to travel.

By Air 

Crystal Auto Rental will let their cars cross to Tikal. 

When exiting Belize by land expect to pay exit tax of $15 exit plus $3.75 conservation tax. If returning to Belize within 30 days, you should keep the receipts and you may get credit against the second exit tax. 

Entering or exiting by land in Guatemala. At present time, the charges are none or minimal, however, there is talk of an increase in the entrance fee. To enter with a car you have to pay a car permit (about Q50 or Q60). Exit by sea $10.

Expect a little disorder on this border.

When you bring a vehicle into Guatemala customs is now requiring a photo copy of your passport and drivers license. They will direct you to a copier if you do not have one, but it is easier if you have one prepared. After passing immigration and getting the vehicle papers (prepare to pay between 30 to 50 Quetzales) and after exiting the border station drive across the bridge and you may or may not pay for crossing. The charges vary a lot. Most people pay Q5 or Q10 but some have paid Q150 for the entire vehicle. You can ask for a 'factura' (receipt) and look to see if its correct.

Driving From Belize: Crossing the border at Melchor-Benque, for the first 20 km the road is being paved. It is about 60 km to El Remate and takes about 1 hr. 15 min. by car, slightly more by bus. La Casa De Don David hotel is about 2 km. on the left from the intersection of the roads to Flores, Tikal, and the border. Just follow the route to Tikal and you will see our signs.

US dollars are OK in Belize and usually the same exchange rate everywhere (1 US dollar = 2 BH dollars). Sometimes you can get 2.15 Belize dollars for 1 US although the normal rate is 2 to 1. BE CAREFUL - many Americans pay double on their first visit. If the sales talk does not say US (meaning US dollars) when telling you the price, it is Belize (BH) dollars they are talking about. In Guatemala it's best to pay in Quetzals. Also at this border don't exchange more than you need.  You will be swarmed by money exchangers if you exit Belize by land, so change some US to Quetzales  present rate is approx. 1 US dollar = 7.35 Quetzales. We will change your US cash or Travelers checks.

Entering and exiting by land in Guatemala. The charges are none or very minimal, but there is talk of an increase in the entrance fee.

There is a Bank window to right of the immigration desk when entering Guatemala. You may want to change some US cash into Quetzales. Best not to change large sums.

Expect most things in Belize to be considerably more expensive than in Guatemala.

We believe is the only car rental company who will let its vehicles cross the border from Belize into Guatemala. They have good vehicles at reasonable prices and will come get you if you should break down.  crystal@btl.net www.crystal-belize.com
Tel: 501-223-1600; Fax 501-223-1900   Belize toll free: 0-800-777-7777

Driving Directions to the Hotel from Flores or Santa Elena: Follow the signs to Tikal.  About 30 km. from Flores or 1 mile past the intersection with the road to the Belize border, you will enter the wood carving village of El Remate. La Casa De Don David is on the left, about 300 yards after passing the craft shops. The shops are the first buildings on the left along the lake shore as you enter El Remate.
Driving From Belize: Crossing the border at Melchor-Benque, the road is being paved. It is about 60 km and takes about 1 hr. 15 min. by car, slightly more by bus. La Casa De Don David hotel is about 2 km on the left from the intersection of the roads to Flores, Tikal, and the border.

In case of emergencies:
Hotel Cellular Phone: 502-5306-2190 or 502-7928-8469

For more details about travel arrangements email: info@lacasadedondavid.com or  lacasadedondavid@yahoo.com

Transportation around El Remate: There are bicycles at the hotel for use (free) and there is minibus services to and from Tikal and Flores in front of the hotel for about $7.00 U.S. round trip.

To & From Flores-El Remate
Getting to El Remate from Flores, the last local bus leaves Santa Elena/Flores at 4:00 pm. There are other local buses and crowded shuttle buses headed to Belize Border that operate until 6 pm or sometimes later (cost Q20). These local buses after 4pm will drop you off at the crossroad 3 km. from El Remate and the hotel. If you catch a shuttle and talk to the driver, he may drop you off at the hotel entrance for an extra Q5. These shuttles are not the normal tourist shuttles that go to/from Tikal. Depending on the hour, you may very well find one of these where you get off the Poptun or Guatemala City buses . They usually charge Q20-25 to El Remate. Taxis vary from $25 for 2 or 3 persons in a small car or $30 in minibus for 1 or 4 persons. Always ask price and you can bargain sometimes.

Getting to Flores from the hotel, there are four local buses every morning at 6:00, 7:00, 8:30 and 9:30 am.; 1:00 and 2:00 pm. $1 pp Taxi service varies from $10 for 2 or 3 persons in a small car to $25 in minibus for 1 or 4 persons. Most want $28 for taxi to Flores or airport for up to 4 persons.

Sunrise and Birding in Tikal
From October thru March, you can get to Tikal by sunrise on the collective minibuses. They leave the hotel entrance at 5:30 am & 8.00am , returning at 2pm.& 4 pm.. cost Q50 R/T. There are many minibuses in the am hours headed to Tikal that will pick you up just in front of the hotel, returning in the afternoon at almost any hour you wish before 6:00 pm. Q30 ea. way. Private minibus up to 6 persons $50.00 R/T . Go and come when you like.

Hotel Cellular Phone:  502-7928-8469  or  502-5306-2190
Hotel Accommodations: We will hold reservations by e-mail with no deposit for three or less rooms.  The only requirement is that you must reconfirm three days before arrival.

You may write by snail mail (USPS) to:
La Casa De Don David Office, 6146 Old Tampa Hwy., Davenport, FL 33896
or
La Casa De Don David Hotel, El Remate, Flores
Peten, Guatemala, C.A.

Best to write e-mail... We answer email at least two times daily.

Telephone: 502-5306-2190
website: http://www.lacasadedondavid.com/
Email: info@lacasadedondavid.com or  lacasadedondavid@yahoo.com 

NOTE. Our customers say we have the best service and value accommodations for lodging in the Flores and Tikal area. Most hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and other accommodations charge considerable more for similar lodging. Travel agents save 10% on our above prices if not in the holliday season. 

We have information and will help you with Guides, Spanish Schools, Birding, Horseback Riding, archaeology tours, Medicinal plants tours, Anthropology, Tarantulas, Fishing, and Internet Service.

Compared to Belize our accommodations offer a much better value for lodging and in most cases a better lodging option  than accommodations in Antigua, Guatemala.
 

We here at La Casa De Don David will help you in any way possible, anytime upon your arrival, just ask.

  Survivor Guatemala ...El Remate is the nearest village with hotel accommodations that is near YAXHA where the filming of the CBS program Survivor which was done It was in filmed in Yaxah in May and June of 2005. You can take Survivor Guatemala tours to Yaxha from serveral hotels in El Remate offer Survivor Guatemala  Tours and "El Mundo Antigua" Tours

• Horses and guides are available that will pick you up at the front door and a number of trail rides are easily accessible through some of the nearby forests and mountainous areas. El Remate is famous for its woodcarving shops that you can wander through, watching the master carvers create beautiful pieces that are for sale or made to order.
• There are open-air restaurants and many use candles for lighting.
• Swimming in the cool clear waters of the lake is a favorite past time for many or just resting in the numerous hammocks furnished at the hotel.
• Hiking trails through the area are rich with birds, flowers, tropical plants, and trees.
• After Tikal... The best birding is in Biotopo Cerro Cahui Park. It is great for bird watching and is an easy walk from the hotel or you can use one of the courtesy bicycles furnished by the hotel.
• Boats and guides for fishing, sightseeing, birding, and searching for crocodiles are available.
  Herbal and medicinal plants abound around the hotel and throughout the area. A tour providing information about local plants and herbs is available.
  

Mayan Calendar
Read about the Mayan civilization as you plan your trip.

More -- Tikal Hotels La Casa De Don David Hotel and Bungalows are 15 km from the entrance to Tikal Park, Peten, Guatemala. This beautiful hotel is only 20 minutes from the town of Flores and Santa Elena. Tikal tours are readily available and it represents one of the very best values available for the adventurous traveler. Hike to the top of Temple IV (212 ft.) and explore the over 25 square miles of ruins. There are hundreds of structures in Tikal, many of which have been rebuilt to near their original condition. Tikal has a wonderful artifact museum on the grounds and a great diorama displaying a mapping of the original site. There are several hotels in the area, but the best value is La Casa De Don David Hotel and Bungalows about 20 minutes due south of the entrance to Tikal National Park. There is a bus that takes anyone directly from the hotel to Tikal park that leaves the hotel at 5:30 each morning and other hours. The gate opens at 6:00 am. This allows visitors time to scale the taller temples and view the ground mist burning off the other temples. It is quite a sight. Tikal is a great treasure in that so much as been done to restore many of the temples to their original condition, yet there are hundreds of sites that have been left as discovered. The trails are marked and one can spend an infinite number of hours walking through the jungle canopy coming up on new sites, monkeys, birds, and other jungle animals and never see the same view. There are quite a number of animals and birds roaming the park grounds, giving a sense of a well kept natural zoo. It is a great experience for all ages. At La Casa De Don David we make box lunches everyday for those wishing to picnic on the park grounds. This makes a wonderful day trip, returning to the hotel for a nice dinner to round off the day. The hotel is one of the very nicest in the Tikal area.
Be sure to visit the village of Remate. La Casa De Don David hotel is located in Remate and Remate is becoming world famous as a wood carving center. Beautifully done wood sculptures are available both on display and made to order. The artisans are local and have a wonderful grasp of the many animals, insects, Gods, and other items depicted in their carvings. Tikal is a large influence on the area, so look for replicas of some of the temples and the dressed figures from the many images in the museum at Tikal.
For shopping, spend the day in Flores, visiting the shops. The cloth, carvings, clothing, jewelry, and pottery are wonderful bargains in Flores. Many of the shop owners live behind their shops and are also the artisans of the wares that are for sale. Flores boasts a old Spanish cathedral, cobblestone streets, in a setting well out from shore in the clear-water lake Peten Itza. Boat rides are available for a nice change from your hiking in Tikal, to neighboring villages or visit Petencito (a small zoo) with native animals. The restaurants are generally of good quality and low price, specializing in local fish, chicken, and beef. The town of Santa Elena is a short walk over the causeway back to the mainland. It has mostly shops, businesses, and services you might need. It has several bank branches with ATM's and telephones. The airport is about 1 mile south of Santa Elena. Taxis are readily available. Information on Santa Elena, El Remate, Flores, and Hotels in the Tikal area is available from David or any of his staff. He has information in his lobby on area attractions. He can either make arrangements from the hotel or put you in touch with several guides. He can put you in touch with Spanish language schools, or give you directions on most any of the many activities in the area, including birding, swimming, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, archaeology, anthropology, ruins, Ruta Maya tours, wood carving, artifact hunting, tropical or medicinal plants, spiders, tarantulas, native fruits and vegetables, and just meeting new friends.

ABOUT THE VILLAGE OF EL REMATE
El Remate is a small village of 250 families located on the east end of Lake Peten Itza, 30 km. from Flores, Peten, Guatemala. Since its location is on the road to Tikal ruins, it is now turning in to a destination for tourists, especially for those who want to avoid the congestion of Flores and surrounding areas.
Since all transportation en route to Tikal passes by El Remate, it is easy to travel by bus or taxi to/from Tikal, Flores, etc. Tourist buses from Chetumal, Mexico & Belize pass through El Remate twice daily, and coming from Guatemala City, there are pullman buses and airplanes arriving in Flores.
There are 14 or more different places to stay in El Remate. A nice room will cost from $30-$80 double, and camping is available from $2-6 per person. When making reservations for staying in El Remate, be sure to ask and understand clearly what you are getting, since here, as in other areas of Latin America, a place to stay may be called a hotel or bungalow, and may actually be a thatch roof with makeshift beds, with no windows or doors. Even if the hotel is registered as a hotel with INGUAT, The Institution of Tourism for Guatemala it may not be a formal hotel. Even a nice camp site may be called a hotel, with only half-walls, a roof and a locker. Just make sure you ask before you reserve.
You will find El Remate a pleasant alternative to the congested Flores/Santa Elena area. The village of El Remate is just beginning to grow into an attractive tourist area making it an ideal place to base your vacation time in the area. Bus stops just 30 meters directly in front of the hotel. A police sub station has recently been added to the village for additional security. El Remate has about 150 beds costing from $6 to $80 dbl. Some hotels accept travel checks or U.S. cash. Be sure to shop for a good exchange rate.