Itinerary Maya: Ancient & Living
ITINERARY
Dates: 20th February – 1st March 2017 (10 days)
COST OF TOUR: US$2400
DAY 1 Monday 20th Feb
Arrive Villahermosa. You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to our hotel, the Villahermosa Hilton. This evening we will all get acquainted at our Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Please try to arrive by 5 so we are all sorted by dinner. If you are not able to arrive 5pm try arriving a day early. We will be happy to organise your accommodation for you.
DAY 2 Tuesday 21st Feb
This morning we relax after our long flights, then after lunch we visit the Parque La Venta in Villahermosa. This outdoor museum and zoo features carved stone monuments from the Olmec site of La Venta. The colossal heads, thrones, and stelae now over 2000 years old, give you a hint of the magnificence of the Olmec culture. Then we have a well-deserved break as we hop on the bus for a 2 hour journey to Palenque in the late afternoon. Dinner is at our hotel, Villas Kin-ha.
DAY 3 Wednesday 22nd Feb
Today we will visit the magnificent site of Palenque. This magical site is nestled at the base of the foothills of the Chiapas mountains. We will explore the center of the ancient city, with such important structures as the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Palace, and the Cross Group, and visit the site museum, home to many of the beautiful artifacts and carvings found in the excavations. After lunch you have the option of returning to the ruins, or you can relax back at the hotel. Evening free to either go into town or stay at hotel.
DAY 4 Thursday 23rd Feb
Today is a full day as we head out to the ancient sites of Yaxchilan and Bonampak. Yaxchilan is located on the banks of the Usumacinta River, and can only be reached by a boat. It has many of its beautifully carved stone monuments, both stelae and altars, still in place. After lunch we continue onto to Bonampak, famous for the mural paintings that cover the three rooms of one of its buildings and commemorates a series of ceremonies during the late 8th century AD. Afterwards we head to the town of Ocosingo where we will spend the night. Evening is free for you to explore Ocosingo or stay at hotel.
DAY 5 Friday 24th Feb
This morning we visit the archaeological site of Tonina, famous for its pyramid which reaches 70 meters in height, considered one of the tallest buildings of Middle America. (or alternatively we can visit Miso Ha falls), after lunch we head up into the Chiapas highlands to the beautiful colonial town of San Cristobal de Las Casas, which will be our base for the remainder of the journey. We will have dinner together at our hotel Casa Mexicana.
DAY 6 Saturday 25th Feb
This morning we will have a guided tour of San Cristobal so you can get your bearings and check out some of the great art galleries and cafes. Then after lunch we will have an printmaking class (beginners to advanced) tutored by a Mayan artist at the Muy Galleria, a San Cristobal art gallery which exclusively supports traditional Mayan artists. Evening is free for you to explore the city.
DAY 7 Sunday 26th Feb
The Sunday markets at nearby towns of Chamula and Zinacantan are famous throughout the region….and today being Sunday, It’s market day! Both towns have impressive churches where Catholicism and Mayan religion blend to create a unique version – they are a sight to behold. Evening is free to what you please.
DAY 8 Monday 27th Feb
This morning we visit the village of Amatenango, famous for its pottery and African inspired textiles. After lunch you will have the option of visiting a textile museum or a museum of Maya medicine. Evening is free to continue you exploration of this lovely city.
DAY 9 Tuesday 28th Feb
Today we head back to Chamula to watch a Mayan Fire walk, and join in on Fat Tuesday celebrations. Then after lunch we will visit a Mayan Shaman who will do a healing ceremony for us and explain the importance of Mayan medicine. This evening, our last night together, we will enjoy a Farewell dinner at our hotel where we will have a ‘show and tell’ of all our wonderful Mayan inspired masterpieces created on the trip.
DAY 10 Wednesday 1st Mar
Our last day, after breakfast you are free to continue on your own private travels or transfer to Tuxtla airport, one hour away.
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