MAYAN LIVES - THEN & NOW

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1 17 days

2 Countries visited Mexico Tour Highlights The archaeological site of EK alam Ría Lagartos iosphere Reserve Explore the Homún Cenotes The caves of Loltún Isla Aguada and Isla de Pájaros ID P a g e 1

3 Visit the indigenous Tzotzil Maya people in Chamula The Montes Azules iosphere Reserve The ancient ruins of Calakmul Maya ruins of ecán The historic Maya settlement of Muyil The walled city of Tulum Places visited Sisbichén Ek alam Valladolid Yucatan Ría Lagartos iosphere Reserve Uxmal Chichén Itzá Homún Cenotes Loltún Siho Playa Villahermosa Isla Aguada and Isla de Pájaros San Cristóbal Simojovel Chamula Zinacantán Sumidero Canyon Comitán de Dominguez Lakes of Montebello Las Nubes Canto de la Selva Montes Azules Yaxchilan Lacandon rain forest Río Lacanja Frontera Corozal Palenque Calakmul Chicanná San Felipe ecán Chetumal acalar Mahahual Tulum Señor Muyil What's included Arrival & departure transfers Ground transport with driver Accommodation (refer to itinerary for meal plan) English-speaking guides Entrance fees to sites & parks What's not included not mentioned in itinerary Drinks Visa fees Tipping Camera / video camera fees Personal items (laundry, telephone, etc.) Medical expenses Any services not mentioned in itinerary All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking. ID P a g e 2

4 Your Itinerary Map ID P a g e 3

5 Your Itinerary Explained Date Place visited : The first part of the text in each day is the itinerary schedule and will explain what you will reakfast normally see/do during this day of your itinerary. --L: The part of the day s text in italics (and usually comes after the three dashes --- ) is Lunch background information on the places or sites on that day of your itinerary. It is not part of D: your itinerary and may mention places that will not be visited on your itinerary. If you have Dinner any questions please ask us. Travel times where noted are only meant as a guideline. Tour Itinerary Day 1 Cancun Arrive in Cancun airport where you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cancun. N/A Overnight in Four Points, Cancun Cancun Day 2 Cancun Drive on to Valladoid, en route stopping to visit the village of Sisbichén and the archeological ruins of Ek alam. Continue your journey on to Valladolid for your overnight stay. Cancun EK alam is an archeological site in the northern Maya lowlands. Excavations of these ruins began in 1997, which exposed the ancient settlement - including its defensive walls, Oval Palace and chapel. Ths site is renowned for the preservation of the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tok, a king who is buried in the largest pyramid. During excavations, luxurious relics and pieces of jade and bone were found, suggesting that EK alam was a wealthy and influential Mayan town. Overnight in El Meson del Marques, Valladolid ID P a g e 4

6 Day 3 Yucatan Valladolid Spend the day exploring the wildlife of Ría Lagartos iosphere Reserve, taking a boat trip through the national park through the offshore islands. Later enjoy local delicacies of the Yucatan peninsula, including fresh fish soup. Overnight stay in Valladoid. --The "city of hills" is one of the oldest towns in Yucatán. Once the religious centre of the peninsular Mayan population, the city boasts the pyramid temple of Kinich Kakmó, the god of the Sun, while the monastic church San Antonio de Padua in the town centre has one of the largest church forecourts in all of Mexico. The Ría Lagartos iosphere Reserve protects almost 150,000 acres of forest land and beaches - being declared as a national park in The biosphere includes fishing villages, many rare animals and migratory birds. Its 35 miles of protected beaches are important nesting sites for endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. The salt water lakes of Ria Lagartos are distinctively pink in colour. This is a result of water evaporating, which then leads to an increase in marine micro organisms within the lake that give the water this unique colour. Overnight in El Meson del Marques, Valladolid Day 4 Valladolid - Uxmal Spend the morning exploring the jungle ruins of Chichén Itzá, before travelling on to the village of Homún. Navigate through the Yucatan jungle to discover the Homún Cenotes. In the evening, enjoy a sound and light show in the ruins of Uxmal. Overnight stay in Uxmal. Uxmal To date, only about 30 of the many buildings of Chichén Itzá buried and overgrown by the jungle have been uncovered and restored. "El Castillo," the most impressive building (30m high), reaches towards the sky, while "El Caracol" resembles a snail shell. The observatory was used by the Maya to observe Venus and her orbit. The Homún Cenotes lie near to the village of Homún. These natural sinkholes in the limestone bedrock have revealed secret pools beneath. The second of the three cenote is more hidden - reached only by ladder that leads deep down through an opening in the rocks. The third cenote is believed to be the most scenic, providing visitors with an idyllic spot for swimming in the turquoise waters. Overnight in Hacienda, Uxmal Day 5 Uxmal Uxmal - Siho Playa Immerse yourself in the history of the late Classic Maya period on a tour of Uxmal. Later, travel on to Loltún, where you will explore its extensive cave system. Continue your journey on to Siho Playa for overnight stay. --The name Uxmal means "built three times," being re-modeled and added to between the years of AD and thus showcasing an extraordinary variety of architectural styles as well as testifying to the glory of the Classical Maya Period. The buildings are a myriad of decorated façades, vast terraces, squares, columns, and archways. ID P a g e 5

7 The caves of Loltún is one of the largest cave systems on the Yucatán peninsula. To date, archeologists have explored 2km of the system. Carbon dating of the artifacts that have been found here indicates that the cave was used by humans 2,200 years ago - once believed to have been a religious place of santurary. Some of these caves of Loltún are now open to visitors, where ancient murals and rock paintings can still be seen today. Overnight in Tucan Siho-Playa, Siho Playa Day 6 Siho Playa - Villahermosa egin the day with a boat trip around the Isla de Pájaros, looking out for dolphins and spotting a variety of bird species. After this, pay a visit to the lighthouse museum on the Isla Aguada and enjoy views across the lagoon. Overnight stay in Villahermosa. Villahermosa Day 7 Isla Aguada is a large fishing town. The town is known for its lighthouse - dating back over 100 years, this lighthouse has recently opened as a museum. Visitors can take a boat from the Isla Aguada around Isla de Pájaros to experience the rich marine wildlife that the region is famed for. This includes many native and migratory birds, along with the great number of dolphins who use the Aguada lagoon for mating, feeding and resting. Overnight in Viva Villahermosa, Villahermosa Villahermosa Embark on a journey on to Simojovel, where you will learn of the regions history. egin by exploring its amber mines before later hiking through the coffee fields to visit a plantation. Overnight stay in San Cristóbal. San Cristóbal Day 8 The municipality of Simojovel was historically renowned for its coffee harvesting, along with the mining and trading of amber - evidence of these industries can still be found throughout the region today. The cultural traditions and cuisine throughout Simojovel have been inherited from ancient Mayan ancestors. Overnight in Ciudad Real Centro Historico, San Cristóbal San Cristóbal de las Casas egin your day with a visit to the village of Chamula, where you will learn of fascinating Catholic and Mayan rituals. You will then explore more of your surroundings on a hike to Zinacantán. End your day with a tour of Zinacantán, where you will encounter natives and learn indigenous skills, including weaving. Overnight stay in San Cristóbal. L San Cristóbal ID P a g e 6

8 Nestled in the Chiapas Highlands, the small town of Chamula is home to the indigenous Tzotzil Maya people. The town has its own police force as it has unique autonomous status within Mexico and no outside police or military are allowed. Chamula serves as the main hub of commerce and religion for the indigenous population of the state. It is most famous for the town s fascinating mix of pre-hispanic and Catholic beliefs and there are no pews or alter inside the church. Instead, worshippers kneel on the floor, chanting and lighting candles. Rituals often include drinking ceremonial cups of Coca Cola, Pepsi or Posh, an alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane - and prayers are chanted in an archaic Tzotzil dialect. Many of the rituals practised involve a Curanderos (medicine man) who diagnoses medical and psychological afflictions and prescribes remedies such as certain coloured candles and specific petals and feathers. The main landmark of the town is the Church of San Jan which is filled with colourful candles and statues of saints in wooden boxes many of whom wear mirrors to deflect evil. Zinacantán is a Nahuatl name that dates back to the times of the Conquista, and translates to mean 'land of bats'. Almost all of the population in this town are Tzotzil Mayans, who still speak the indigenous Mayan language, wear traditional dress and celebrate their strong ties to ancient Mayan culture. Overnight in Ciudad Real Centro Historico, San Cristóbal Day 9 Sumidero Canyon San Cristóbal - Comitán de Domínguez Take a boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon and enjoy the views of Sumidero National Park. Later, travel on to take a tour of the city of Comitán de Dominguez. Overnight stay in Comitán de Dominguez. --The magnificent Sumidero Canyon leads to the deep gorge carved by the Río Grijalva. Its steep cliffs, rising up to 1,000 m (3,280 ft.), are reminiscent of Nordic fjords. The area is composed of high waterfalls and rocks copiously overgrown with fern and moss. Next door is the Sumidero National Park, which boasts tropical vegetation and exotic animals, such as little alligators, toucans, pelicans, and herons. The city of Comitán is located in eastern Chiapas, near the Guatemala border. It was originally named 'alún Canán', but later renamed 'Comitán' when it came under Aztec control. The city sits high on a hillside and it surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside scenery. Comitán is home to many examples of historic colonial architecture, including Iglesia Santo Domingo - the 17th century church. Other highlights for visitors include the Museum for modern Mexican art and the Centro Cultural Rosario Castellanos. Overnight in Hacienda de los Angeles, Comitán de Dominguez ID P a g e 7

9 Day 10 Lakes of Montebello Comitán de Domínguez - Canto de la Selva Embark on a rafting trip along the lake trails of Montebello. Later in the day, hike around the beautiful Las Nubes and enjoy views across distant waterfalls. Overnight stay in Canto de la Selva. --In a hilly forest area on the border of Chiapas and Guatemala, you come across the Lakes of Montebello - formed from collapsed cretaceous caves. In the park there are about 70 large and small lakes, which are partly connected by surface or underground channels. A scenic area, with some outstanding viewpoints, here you can truly enjoy the unique colours of the Lagos de Montebello. Las Nubes, meaning 'clouds' in English, is a picturesque region that lies in the Chiapas. Visitors can hike off the beaten track deep in its jungles, meandering along the banks of the Lacantún River and stumbling upon its magnificent waterfalls. Overnight in Canto de la Selva Jungle Lodge, Canto de la Selva Day 11 Montes Azules Spend the day exploring the Montez Azules iosphere Reserve. Hike through the jungle, wander along the beach and kayak on the river. Later take an afternoon hike around Tamandua before returning to Canto de la Selva where you will stay overnight. Canto de la Selva The Montes Azules iosphere Reserve is located in the Selva Lacandona region of southeastern Chiapas. Montes Azules is said to have the tallest trees in Mexico, some of which reach heights of over 200 ft, along with many hidden lagoons and winding rivers. The reserve became a designated Natual Protected Area in 1992 and is home to many endangered species - including, tapir, river otter and the spider monkey. The Mexican government gave large parts of the land in Montes Azules to the native Lacondon tribe to oversee its protection. The Lacandon leaders have limited the number of non-tribal visitors who enter the region, which has made the experience for those who do all the more enjoyable. Overnight in Canto de la Selva Jungle Lodge, Canto de la Selva Day 12 Yaxchilan Canto de la Selva - Lacanja Embark on a boat trip in the Montes Azules biosphere reserve, meander through the Lacandon rain forest whilst looking out for crocodiles and macaws. Stop to take a tour of the Maya city, Yaxchilán. Continue your journey by boat, passing Frontera Corozal on your way to Lacanja. Overnight stay in Lacanja. --Yaxchilán is reached via the Usumacinta River. In its golden age, the Mayan city controlled Palenque as well as Tikal and Copán in Honduras. Situated in the rain forest on the border with Guatemala, this ancient city is famous for its stelaes, reliefs, and sculptures. Prominent buildings are the Acropolis, the Royal Palace, and the hieroglyphic stairs with panels illustrating ball game scenes. ID P a g e 8

10 Among the most interesting sights of the ruins of onampak in the Lacandon rain forest, are the fascinating murals in the "Temple of the Paintings". They show scenes from the classic period of the Mayan Empire and were restored by a disciple of the famous painter Frida Kahlo. The town of Frontera Corozal is located on the Usumacinta River on the Mexico-Guaremala border. The town is situated within the Lacandon jungle and is surrounded by tropical rainforest. It is renowned for its dock, where boats - called lanchas - ferry people across to the ancient Mayan ruins of Yaxchilan. Overnight in Campamento Rio Lacanja, Río Lacanja Day 13 Palenque Lacanja - Palenque Enjoy a rafting on Río Lacanjá before taking a hike through the rainforest, where you will find the ancient mayan site of Lacanjá. Travel on to Parador Vallescondido, where you will taste local delicacies before taking a maya cookery lessons. Later, take a tour of the village of Palenque where you will stay overnight. --Close to the village of Palenque are the most beautiful ruins in all of Mexico. Founded around 300 C, Palenque flourished in the 7th and 8th centuries AD. All buildings that are still visible date from this period. Among them are the "Temple of Inscriptions", with more than 620 hieroglyphs depicting King Pacal s history, the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Sun, and the North Temple with its stucco remains and military scenes. The Río Lacanja river lies at the heart of the Lacandon jungle, bordering the Montes Azules iosphere Reserve. The Lacandon tribal leaders must grant permission to visitors who wish to raft along the river and visit the many mysterious, ancient Mayan ruins that lie beside the river. Overnight in Ciudad Real Palenque, Palenque Day 14 Chicanná Palenque - Chicanná Spend the day exploring the ancient town of Calakmul. Wander through the rain forest, climb the pyramids and enjoy views over the jungle. Overnight stay in Chicanná. --The ancient ruins of Calakmul lie deep within the Tierras ajas jungle. This city played a key role in the history of this region and was once home to over 50,000 people. Its wellpreserved structures give a real insight into the Maya way of life and include the largest and tallest known pyramid in the Yucatán region. Today, the ruins of Calakmul are set within the Mesoamerica biodiversity hotspot and is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna. Overnight in Chicanna Ecovillage Resort, Chicanná ID P a g e 9

11 Day 15 Chicanná - Mahahual Visit the ruins of ecán before travelling on to Chetumal and take a tour of the Museo de la Cultura. Make the journey to the town of acalar to see the fortress of San Felipe acalar. Finally drive on to Mahahual, where you will stay overnight. --- San Felipe The ancient Maya ruins of ecán lie in the state of Campeche. It was given its name, meaning 'ravine or canyon', due to the large ditch that surrounds the settlement - which is 16 ft wide and 32 ft wide. The archeological site contains many monuments that were built throughout the pre-classical Maya period and is believed to have grown to become an important ceremonial centre. Chetumal is the capital city of Quintana Roo, which lies on the east coast of the Yucatán region. Situated at the mouth of the River Hondo, Chetumal is an important port that has become Mexico's main trading gateway with elize. Ancient Maya ruins are hidden in the expanse of jungles not far from Chetumal - whilst visitors can also try and spot manatees in the city's muddy mangroves. The small town of acalar is situated on the acalar lagoon. This tranquil town was once the city of Maya civilisation during the pre-colombian times - evidence of this can be seen in the fortress of San Felip acalar. This fortress was built in 1733 as protection against pirates and marauding wood traders. Visitors to acalar can enjoy beautiful views of the lagoon from the fortress. Overnight in Matan Ka'an, Mahahual Day 16 Mahahual - Tulum Learn the history of mayan agricultural cultivation and way of life for locals living in Señor. Travel to Muyil, where you can watch craftsmen using traditional methods of tapping latex in the woods of Quintana Roo. Overnight stay in Tulum. Tulum Muyil, also known as Chunyaxché, stands as one of the most ancient Maya sties on the eastern coast of the Yucatan region. It was one of longest inhabited settlements of its kind where artifacts can date back to as early as 350 CE and to as late as CE. Within the settlement of Muyil, visitors can see ruins of pyramids which provide an example of ancient Petan architecture. Overnight in Papaya Playa Project, Tulum ID P a g e 10

12 Day 17 Tulum Tulum - Cancún The morning will be free for you to spend at your leisure. Later, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tulum, stopping at the maya rock fortress of Templo del Dios Descendente, and the Templo de los Frescos. efore then travelling on to Cancún for your departure flight and onward journey. --Tulum is the site of a pre-colombian Mayan walled city that would once have been an important port for Cobá. The ruins can be found on the cliff tops along the west coast of the Yucatán region in the state of Quintana Roo. Tulum is among some of the best preserved coastal Maya settlements and is thought to have been the last cities that was built by the Maya. ID P a g e 11 Powered by TCPDF (