At Most of these sites you will find archaeologists at work. Many sites are reached via boat on jungle rivers and lakes. Some hiking is required. Participants must be physically fit. This program is scheduled on request. Expert guide. Most meals are included.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1 SAT ARRIVAL TO GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala
Meet at Guatemala City International Airport. Transfer to hotel in Guatemala City finest district. Overnight in Guatemala City. Welcome Dinner. (D)
DAY 2 SUN COBAN – MAYA PRINCE MUSEUM, Guatemala
Transfer to Northern Guatemala area called The Verapaz. The Motagua River Valley, where obsidian, visible by the road in an area known as El Chayal, and Jade were and still are mined. In the City of Coban, visit to the Maya Prince Museum, a private collection of Maya artifacts with Cancuen Panel 1 as highlight. In the mid-afternoon arrival to the Candelaria Lodge for overnight. The Candelaria River that flows through nearby caves, is the beginning of a water system that flows towards the Gulf of Mexico. (B.L.D.)
DAY 3 MON CANCUEN & CANDELARIA CAVES, Guatemala
Aprox. 45 minutes ground transfer over dirt road, followed by boat on the La Pasion River to reach the Cancuen Archaeological Site, located where the river becomes navigable. Known since 1905 and labeled as a site of minor importance, Cancuen has become a place of interest to understand the trade routes during the Classic Maya time, its position as a center of transformation of goods and its position during the Terminal Classic time. Cancuen has been confirmed as an allied of Calakmul, the powerful enemy of the also powerful Tikal. In the afternoon return to the Candelaria Lodge, with time to visit the caves. (B.L.D.)
DAY 4 TUE DOS PILAS & CEIBAL, Guatemala
Using 4x4 vehicle, transfer to visit Dos Pilas Archaeological Site. Although not located by the river, during the 6th and 7th centuries it dominated the political scenario of the middle La Pasion Basin. Founded by the Tikal Royal Family, Dos Pilas turned its back to its origins and became an allied of Calakmul. It is here where evidence of warfare during the Terminal Classic has brought important information to the events that lead to the “collapse”. Afternoon visit to Ceibal (Seibal in some older maps). It was the main city of the area before Dos Pilas foundation and again after Dos Pilas destruction. Remarkable stelaes, some dated in the 10th Katun and showing influences that came from out of the Maya realm. Later boat ride to the Petexbatun Lake. Overnight at Chiminos Island Lodge, by the lake. (B.L.D.)
DAY 5 WED AGUATECA & CHIMINOS, Guatemala
Morning boat ride to visit Aguateca Archaeological Site, located over a cliff. With Dos Pilas, Aguateca was a twin capital of the region. It also shows the defensive constructions from warfare during the Terminal Classic. Back to Chiminos Lodge, visit to the small site next to the Lodge and the incredible earthworks that artificially transformed a peninsula in an island. (B.L.D.)
DAY 6 THU ALTAR DE SACRIFICIOS, Guatemala
Most of the day transfer will take place on a boat running downs stream on the La Pasion River. Just before the La Pasion meets the Salinas and will be called from there on the Usumacinta River, Altar de Sacrificios will be visited. Strategically located, it played an important roll in the trade routes bringing highlands goods towards the lowlands cities. In the Mexican side of the Usumacinta River, the day’s journey ends with a ground transfer to the Escudo Jaguar Lodge, owned and run by a cooperative of the Lacandon Maya People. (B.L.)
DAY 7 FRI YAXCHILAN & BONAMPAK, Mexico
The Usumacinta River defines the border between Guatemala and Mexico. After a brief boat ride on the river, visit Yaxchilan in Mexico. Yaxchilan, set above the jungle banks of the river, was first inhabited around 200 AD and the central plaza holds statues of jaguars and crocodiles. Adventurous travelers will want to climb Yaxchilan's highest temple as the view of the Rio Usumacinta and surrounding jungle is magnificent. Afternoon boat ride to Frontera Corozal Town to continue with a scenic ride into the Lacandon Forest Reserve, home to the Lacandon people and Bonampak Archaeological Park. Bonampak’s ruins are situated around a rectangular plaza. The southern buildings are well preserved. The "Templo de los Frescos" contains three rooms covered with paintings depicting ancient Maya ceremonies and customs. Overnight in the Valle Escondido Area. (B.L.)
DAY 8 SAT PIEDRAS NEGRAS, Guatemala & SAK TZI, Mexico
An all terrain vehicle is required to drive through a rural area in Mexico to reach again the Usumacinta River, followed by a short boat ride to visit a hidden jewel of Piedras Negras Archaeological Site in the Guatemalan side of the river. Extensively explored and excavated during the 1930’s, very little has been done since then, making it the largest unrestored Classic Maya city and a magic place to visit. Every visitor must climb the tallest structure, where Tatiana Proskuriakov ashes were buried following her will. Back to mainland, visit to Plan de Ayutla Archaeological Site, which is believed to be a site called Sak Tzi in the steles of Piedras Negras. Overnight in the Valle Escondido Area. (B.L.)
DAY 9 SUN PALENQUE, Mexico
Although not a river city itself, Palenque was the Classic Maya dominant polity over the Tabasco coastal plains and wetlands were the Usumacinta and Grijalba Rivers meet and form a fertile delta. Palenque is a World Heritage Site prized for its well-preserved buildings, carved stucco ornamentation, delicate bas-reliefs and lengthy hieroglyphic texts. Palenque reached its zenith during the reign of Pacal the Great (AD 615-683). His tomb in the Temple of the Inscriptions opened in 1952 and stands as one of the greatest discoveries of Mayan archaeology. Overnight in Palenque. (B.L.)
DAY 10 MON DEPARTURE FROM VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico
Transfer to Villahermosa International Airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
INCLUDED: Bilingual expert guide, all land and boat transportation, flight from Flores to Guatemala City, entrance fees, eight nights accommodations, meals as per itinerary.
SCHEDULE: Tour can be scheduled upon request. Tours begin on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Arrive to Guatemala City, Guatemala. Depart from Villahermosa, Mexico 10 days later on Monday.
PRICE PER PERSON, Double $2,800; Single $3,250.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Guatemala
Mexico
History Whiz
Archeology/History
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