Fed by numerous tributaries, including the Rivers Aguateca and El Faisán, the Rio de la Pasión is a long river which crosses the Petén region. Not many visitors include this neck of the woods during their trip to Guatemala, mainly because it's situated mid-way between the popular destinations of Cobán in Alta Verapaz and Isla de Flores, which is a short stop from Tikal.
Rio de la Pasión boasts an impressive natural habitat, where you can spot hundreds of bird species and turtles, whilst winding your way through mangrove swamps and different types of tree. Sitting on a little boat, I watched wild duck and spider monkeys, who swung between the branches above my head. It was by heading down some of the river's tributaries that I got the chance to explore several well-preserved sites, including Dos Pilas, El Ceibal, Aguateca and Tamarindito.