A Return to the Mayan Jungle in a Nissan Patrol GQ/Y60 SWB (Shorty) TD42

[Patrollife]

In eight days I will be making my annual trek back to the Mayan jungle of Peten, Guatemala. This year the plan is to head further north, passing Dos Lagunas and making an arrival to Naachtun, which is basically right on the border with Mexico. We will be three cars this year: 1) Nissan Patrol GQ/Y60, 2) Toyota FJ Cruiser, and a 3) Land Rover Defender. This is the first time that I will be entering right ********** in the middle of the rainy season, so it will be interesting to see how the trails compare this time of year versus the months of December/January when I normally enter. From what my guide tells me it hasn't been raining that much (yet) in Peten, but I guess we'll soon find out.

Here's our itinerary:

September 15 - Xela to El Remate, Peten
September 16 - El Remate to Yaxha
September 17 - Yaxha to Nakum
September 18 - Nakum to Tikal
September 19 - Tikal to Dos Lagunas
September 20 - Dos Lagunas to Naachtun
September 21 - Naachtun to Dos Lagunas
September 22 - Dos Lagunas to El Remate
September 23 - El Remate to Semuc Champey
September 24 - Semuc Champey to Xela

Regardless of a muddy or non muddy trail, visiting the Mayan ruins is always a treat for me. It's a spiritual uplifting, and of course, hearing the wildlife and camping under the stars with the ruins in the background just can't be beat.

 

[PGtroll1]

Im super excited to see all the photos and read about your journey through the jungle!

 

[Patrollife]

Looks like there will be rain after all. The systems in the Atlantic could make this trip unpredictable. This rain band is right up the alley we'll be heading.

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[Patrollife]

Im super excited to see all the photos and read about your journey through the jungle!

Thanks! I plan to make another video this year. Hopefully capture some different scenes and add a different narrative.


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[Patrollife]

****ty news. Winch isn't working. Last year I was able to power through without her. Let's see if the Maxtrax gods are good to me again this year.


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[Patrollife]

I decided to mount the spare tire of the Patrol to the roof rack of the FJ. The 35" size and weight give the rear door a beating during these longer and bumpier trips.

The signature Pelican case always rides shotgun on the roof rack of the Patrol. This is to give homage to my Ridgeback, Zimbo, who passed away 2.5 years ago.

I stained my fold out table (not very good obviously). Man that sucker took like 3 days to dry.

Maxtrax and rubbish bag are on.

And of course the jungle always calls for a lil G&T, along with the beverage essentials needed for the trip.


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[kootenay]

Looks like you are ready for a good time

 

[Patrollife]

....and more rain

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[cozydog]

Makes me miss the jungle...
Have fun and good luck

 

[Patrollife]

Thanks @ kootenay and cozydog!

I had a pair of max trax scheduled for delivery this week but unfortunately Hurricane Irma delayed the shipment. I'm not complaining. The lives, safety and well-being of our fellow Americans are more important than a pair of Maxtrax. So as a work around, a friend of mine is lending me a pair to complete the set and cover all four tires.

Since only 1 out of the 3 cars will have a winch, I am taking a bit of a gamble relying solely on the maxtrax and the capability of our vehicles. I'm confident we will find ways to get us unstuck.

- I plan to lead the convoy since I have the highest diff clearance, am locked up front with a LSD in the rear. I'm running 35x12.50R15 Cooper STT Pros
- The Defender is not locked but has the winch. It's running 285 Kumhos. My biggest concern with the Defender is the diff clearance since it has no aftermarket suspension. Diff clearance is really important on these trips since the trails are already marked with deep grooves. Having that extra diff clearance prevents the vehicle from dragging mud and slowing momentum.
- The FJ is factory locked in the rear with A-trac up front. It is running Toyo O/C MT's that have around 50,000 miles on them. The size is 295/70R17.

 

[Patrollife]

2nd pair of Maxtrax now in our possession


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[WENTwindrock]

PATROL <3

 

[Patrollife]

Like horses in a stable. Just itching to get out!


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[Patrollife]

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[Ryan Rogers]

This looks like it could be fun