TRAVELS 2014 THE WORLD OF THE MAYA Mexico, Guatemala and Belize With with HAA lecturer Mark Van Baalen January 26 - February 5, 2014 HARVARD ALUMNI association 2014 WORLDWIDE TRAVEL PROGRAM
THE WORLD OF THE MAYA January 26 - February 5, 2014 THE MAYA WERE, IN MANY WAYS, among the most advanced people living in the world during their time, with remarkable transportation networks, important scientific achievements, and stunning temples and palaces. The mysterious demise of Maya domination has long been one of history s great uncertainties. This journey through the Maya world is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for those who are both fascinated with ancient genius and curious about the diverse people that thrive today in the jungles and lowlands of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. The itinerary ignores national boundaries and focuses on the different Maya cities and subgroups that competed for dominance over a thousand years of history. There is a wonderful diversity amongst the archaeological sites and romantic ruins: many are buried deep in beautiful tropical jungles, halfexcavated at best; others are carefully managed major tourist destinations. Some feature soaring pyramids or enormous ball courts, while others boast colorful murals, unique stone carvings, or ancient brickwork. Alongside your Harvard study leader and expert local guides, you will learn about the Maya people of the ancient past, as well as their descendants living today, and interact with fascinating local people in markets, villages, and artisan workshops. Explore the world of the Maya - the history and culture - at the ruins of Palenque (cover) and its extensive complex (above). TO book A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
FEATURED STUDY LEADER Mark Van Baalen Associate in Earth and Planetary Sciences Mark Van Baalen, Ph.D., is a geologist and astronomer by training. He has been at Harvard since 1962 and has lectured to great acclaim on many HAA travel study programs. Mark has worked on a variety of research projects over the years, and has taught popular courses on physical and environmental geology. On this trip he will be accompanied by his wife Louisa, who recently retired as Director of Doctoral Programs at the Kennedy School of Government. Mark and Louisa have traveled extensively in Mexico and Central America, both on their own and as leaders of HAA trips. On these trips, they have visited many remote Mayan archeological sites. As an astronomer, Mark has studied the Mayan cosmos and its calendar, while as a geologist he has considered agricultural limitations and climate change as factors in the decline of Mayan civilization. Both Mark and Louisa look forward to sharing this new adventure with you. WHY TRAVEL WITH THE HAA? Expert Harvard faculty and study leaders Over 80 destinations on all 7 continents Choice of land & rail, cruises, rivers & lakes, and family adventures Travel with fellow Harvard alumni Local culture, history, and cuisine at each stop Relationships that last beyond your itinerary For FOR DETAILED detailed itineraries VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/traVEL
SCHEDULE BY DAY Sunday, January 26 U.S.A./Villahermosa, Mexico Take independent flights to Villahermosa and transfer to the city s five-star Hotel Camino Real. Hotel Camino Real Monday, January 27 Comalcalco Explore Comalcalco, the only Maya city built with bricks of baked clay instead of stone. At a charming hacienda renowned for its chocolate, enjoy lunch, a chocolate tasting, and a demonstration. Visit the famous La Venta Park to see an amazing collection of sculptures from the ancient Olmec civilization, including four colossal Olmec heads. Continue to Palenque and check into Chan-Kah Resort, a four-star ecological resort. Attend a welcome dinner. Hotel Chan Kah (B, L, D) Tuesday, January 28 Palenque Spend the day exploring Palenque, one of the most remarkable ancient Maya kingdoms, gorgeously situated in a lush jungle setting. After a comprehensive tour of the site s grand temples and tombs, visit its impressive on-site museum. Hotel Chan Kah (B, L) Wednesday, January 29 Rain Forests of the Lacandon People Drive to the romantic ruins of Bonampak to see Mesoamerica s finest and bestpreserved ancient murals. Continue to the remote village of Lacanja and check into a cabaña at Campamento Top Che, a forest lodge run by a Lacandon family. Following lunch, hike into the rain forest to see a nearby ancient Maya site largely hidden from the outside world. Learn about Lacandon people, one of the original surviving Maya groups who uphold their ancient traditions. Observe an ancestral Maya cleansing ritual followed by dinner at the lodge. Campamento Top Che (B, L, D) Thursday, January 30 Yaxchilán / Santa Elena, Guatemala Take a boat along the Usumacinta River to Yaxchilán, one of the most elegant examples of classic Maya architecture, famed for its ornamental stone lintels carved with images of royal dynasties. Cross into the Petén region, the epicenter of the Maya civilization in Guatemala. Check into the four-star La Casona del Lago, overlooking Lake Petén Itzá, and dine together. La Casona del Lago (B, L, D) Friday, January 31 Uaxactún and Tikal Visit the incredibly remote Uaxactún, the longest-inhabited Maya city, and see its stunning astronomical observatory, considered the oldest in Mesoamerica. After lunch, visit the grand ruins of Tikal, the power center of Maya rule during the Classic period that thrived as a military and commercial center. Roughly 100,000 people inhabited Tikal at its height in the 6th century, but, by 900 A.D., it was mysteriously abandoned. La Casona del Lago (B, L) Saturday, February 1 Caracol, Belize Drive to the ruins of Caracol, the pride of Belize and one of the largest Maya cities, immersed in an endless green forest canopy. Amazingly, Caracol is less than 10% excavated, and new discoveries are constantly being made. Learn about Caracol s many conflicts with its great rival Tikal. Check into the Black Orchid Resort situated along a beautiful, tropical river famous for its rare birds. Black Orchid Resort (B, L) Sunday, February 2 Riviera Maya Drive north back into Mexico, and enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant in Chetumal. After stopping at the smaller Maya site of Oxtankah, check into the Barceló Maya Palace, an expansive luxury beach resort on the Riviera Maya. Dine in one of the resort s attractive seaside restaurants. Barceló Maya Palace (B, L, D) Monday, February 3 Chichén Itzá Enjoy an in-depth exploration of Chichén Itzá, one of the largest and most active cities in the ancient Maya world. Explore the site s complex of structures, including its great ball court and the iconic El Castillo step-pyramid, which exemplifies the Maya s remarkable achievements in astronomy. Stop in Valladolid, one of Mexico s Magic Towns, and enjoy a late lunch and city tour. Dine back at the resort. Barceló Maya Palace (B, L, D) Tuesday, February 4 Tulum Explore Tulum with its incomparable cliff-side setting overlooking the Caribbean. Tulum was one of the last cities built by the Maya and is presently one of the best-preserved Maya archaeological sites. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at our beachfront resort before gathering for a memorable farewell dinner. Barceló Maya Palace (B, L, D) For detailed itineraries VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/traVEL
Chichen Itza Tulum La Venta Palenque Bonampak México Tikal Belize Caracol Guatemala Honduras El Salvador Wednesday, February 5 Departure for U.S.A. Check out of the hotel and transfer to Cancún International Airport for independent return flights to the United States. (B) Discover the ruins of Tulum (over left), and the colorful, contemporary foods of the region (above) as well as the traditional food production of the Maya (below). DETAILS GROUP SIZE: up to 25 guests PRICING: $ 5,795 per person, double occupancy $ 895 per person, single supplement HIGHLIGHts Travel with a Harvard study leader who will provide insight and context for your journey. Tour the most renowned archaeological sites of the Maya world, including Palenque, Chichén Itzá, Tikal, all UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as several additional off-the-beaten-path sites still shrouded in jungle growth and removed from the large tourist crowds, including Tikal s rival city: Caracol, Belize. Cross from Mexico into Guatemala into Belize and back into Mexico to gain a comprehensive understanding of the distinctive cities and sub-groups that existed at the height of Maya society. Spend a night in a remote village in Lacandon Indian Territory and.learn from a Lacondon Elder about the traditions of these descendants of the ancient Maya. Enjoy Maya-influenced cuisine and traditional Mayan recipes. Learn about the harvesting of cacao and the production of traditional chocolate, complete with a tasting. Spend your last three nights at a beautiful beach resort on the Riviera Maya, a well-earned luxury after several days exploring the jungles of Maya territory. ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate/Strenuous WHAT to EXPECT This is an active program involving walks of one to three miles over uneven terrain, often in tropical forests. Archaeological sites may have high thresholds and stairs without handrails. All the hotels are charming, but some are only partly equipped with modern amenities. Some motorcoach rides between destinations are several hours long and can be over small bumpy roads.
Discover the vibrant culture through local artisans and traditional craft (above) and through the native species of the Maya world (above left) GENERAL INFORMATION TOUR COST INCLUSIONS: Ten nights accommodations as outlined; breakfast daily, nine lunches, six dinners. Beer with lunches and beer/wine with dinners. Bottled water and coffee/tea with all meals; escorted sightseeing and entrance fees for visits; one group airport transfer upon arrival and departure; porterage; taxes and services; $50,000 emergency medical assistance and evacuation insurance; gratuities to local guides and drivers. TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS: International airfare; passport fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than local beer at lunch and house wine/local beer at dinners; personal items and expenses; airport transfers for those not on suggested group flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve your space on this program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806, or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Your final payment is due 120 days prior to departure and must be made by check. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Written cancellation received by 100 days prior to departure: full refund minus $500 per person administrative fee. Written cancellation between 99 and 45 days prior to departure: full refund of any recoverable land costs, less $1,500 per person cancellation charge (includes administrative fee). Cancellations received 44 or less days prior to departure are fully non-refundable. Costs for promotion, staff, and other group expenses are not refundable. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of HAA Travels and the tour operator. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfare, and currency exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing and are subject to change. While the tour operator will do everything possible to maintain the published trip price, it may be necessary to institute a surcharge. INSURANCE: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. An application for insurance will be provided by HAA Travels upon confirmation. RESPONSIBILITY: Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA Travels and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at http://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/ maya-2014. If you are not able to access the Internet, please call HAA Travels at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806. DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. Neither HAA Travels nor the tour operator is responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this brochure is subject to change. QUESTIONS: Please call HAA Travels at 800.422.1636 or 617.496.0806, email: haatravels@harvard.edu. PHOTOS BY: Mexico Tourism Board: Photo/ Ricardo Espinosa-reo. TO book A TRIP CALL 800-422-1636 OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/HAA/TRAVEL
A sampling OF HAA 2013 & 2014 TRIPS LAND & RAIL: CARNEVALE traditions IN VENICE FEB 18-24, 2014 LEO DAMROSCH & JOYCE VAN DYKE EXPlorinG MYANMAR: LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGODA MAR 10-23, 2014 PETER BOL Qatar, OMAN & UNITED ARAB EMirates: A MIDDLE eastern EXPloration MAR 14-26, 2014 Grand SOUTH AFRICA WITH ROVOS RAIL MARCH 24-APRIL 5, 2014 GERMANY: BERLIN & LEIPZIG APR 2014 TURKISH treasures APR 25-MAY 9, 2014 JAY ELLISON THE UltiMate SILK road JOURNEY: XIAN to istanbul MAY 19-JUN 8, 2014 INSIDE THE RUSSIAN SPACE ProGraM MAY 22-30, 2014 DAVID AGUILAR LANDSCAPes & literatures OF ENGLISH GARDENS JUN 7-14, 2014 MICHAEL WEISHAN santa FE: ART & LANDSCAPE IN THE CITY OF ENCHANTMENT JUL 23-27, 2014 JOHN STEWART HIDDEN DOLCE Vita: TUSCANY & UMBRIA SEP 10-18, 2014 JOURNEY THroUGH THE south CAUCASUS: AN IN-DEPTH look AT AZERBAIJAN, GeorGIA, & ARMENIA SEP 27-OCT 11, 2014 SPAIN & PortUGAL: Paradores & Posadas SEP 27-OCT 11, 2014 SOUTHERN AFRICA ODYSSEY OCT 23-NOV 9, 2014 EGYPT & Jordan BY PRIVATE AIR DEC 26, 2014-JAN 3, 2015 RIVERS & LAKES: INDIA S HOLY RIVER GANGes ON BENGAL GANGA JAN 1-17, 2014 DIANA ECK AMAZON RIVER EXPEDITION JAN 17-26, 2014 ZARIN MACHANDA THE ELBE RIVER: PraGUE TO BERLIN ON SWISS RUBY APR 29-MAY 10, 2014 ROBERT KIELY PortUGAL & SPAIN: THE ENCHANTING DOUro RIVER ON AMA VIDA MAY 5-13, 2014 WATERWAYS OF RUSSIA, MOSCOW to ST. PetersBURG ON VOLGA DREAM JUL 16-26, 2014 JULIE BUCKLER FAMILY ADVENTURES: FAMILY tanzania SAFARI DEC 26, 2013-JAN 5, 2014 BRIAN FARRELL VOYAGE to THE LANDS OF Gods & Heroes ON CORINTHIAN JUL 3-14, 2014 JONATHAN WALTON GALAPAGos FAMILY ADVENTURE ON santa CRUZ JUL 7-15, 2014 SCOTT EDWARDS Registration form To register, fill out this form and return to haa travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. please note that for some programs an additional deposit may be requested after you book. Please return this form by mail to: HAA travels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th floor, Cambridge, MA 02138 Or by FAX: 617.496.4011 Please call with any questions: 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806 I am not able to make this trip, but please add me to your mailing list PROGRAM name FIRST PERSON NAME ON passport EMAIL address STREET address CITY / state / ZIP OR postal CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON passport EMAIL address STREET address CITY / state / ZIP OR postal CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT start date date OF BIrth WORK TELEPHONE date OF BIrth WORK TELEPHONE CHECK (please enclose check) mastercard VIsa CARD NUMBER EXPIratION date NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD 3 DIGIT SECURITY CODE I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCept THE general INFORMATION FOR THIS tour, INCludING REFunds AND CANCellatIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY Clause at alumni.harvard.edu/haa/travel. SIgnature SIgnature ACCOMMODATIONS Category PREFERENCE double room SINGLE room SHARE A room WITH: roommate
Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor Cambridge, MA 02138 Book your next journey with the HAA today! Call 800.422.1636 or visit us at alumni.harvard.edu/haa/travel