This trail is operated by people from Carmelita, the northernmost village of the Petén located close to the Mexican border. This community was founded 60 years ago as an important base for chicle collection and processing. Chicle is the resin of the Chico Zapote tree, which forms the natural base of chewing gum. Another rainforest product is the xate palm frond which is used in floral arrangements. The villagers of Carmelita have always depended on the surrounding forest for their livelihood and have extracted these non-timber forest products in a sustainable manner. Read more.