Join us as we enter the Maya Mysteries through travel to temple ruins, some deep in the jungle, explored by few. Learn about Ancient Maya cosmology, or world view, and how it manifested at these locations. Experience the very rare opportunity of engaging in Lacandón Maya ceremonies and storytelling, that are all but extinct, through Don Antonio Martinez, the last elder faithfully practicing his indigenous rituals. He has graciously consented to share his traditions that they may be witnessed and live on.
We will begin against the dramatic backdrop of Palenque and move into the Lacandón Rainforest village of Najá where we will meet our Lacandón host and participate in the sacred Balché Ceremony and more. Tucked into the jungle, right on the border of Mexico, Yaxchilán awaits us. If you're quiet you may hear the howler monkeys that hang around this once-great Maya city. Floating down the Usumacinta River, we move across the Guatemala frontier into El Petén as our expedition continues on to Tikal, some say one of the true wonders of the world.
Here we will experience a dawn in the temples unlike any other when the misty shroud of night gives up its secrets. A short distance away, we are introduced to Uaxactún, an ancient rival of Tikal. We end our journey in Flores, built on the site of Tayasal, the last Maya hold-out to the Spanish. On this small island town in the lake, with its twisting streets and low-key atmosphere, we'll savor where we've been.
January 7-18, 2009 dates only. Adults only.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1, January 7: Leave home/ Arrive Villahermosa.
Day 2, January 8: Arrive Palenque/ group meeting 4 PM.
Day 3, January 9: Palenque ruins.
Day 4, January 10: Maya Culture Discussion with Carol Karasik/ Surprise Event.
Day 5, January 11: Palenque-Najá.
Day 6, January 12: Najá.
Day 7, January 13: Najá-Yaxchilán.
Day 8, January 14: Cross Guatemala frontier/ Travel to Tikal.
Day 9, January 15: Tikal.
Day 10, January 16: Uaxactún-Flores.
Day 11, January 17: Flores/ free time/ closing circle.
Day 12, January 18: Fly home from Flores.
Notes: Contact us to see past trip photos, testimonials and articles. Detailed document provided with registration which includes preparation, logistics, suggested reading, etc.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- An automatic donation (tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers) of $700 toward a nonprofit program that seeks to honor and preserve indigenous wisdom and sacred cultural practices.
- Tuition includes all group work with spiritual teacher/ author Carla Woody.
- Instruction in Maya cosmology by anthropologist Alonso Mendez.
- Discussion on present-day Maya with author/anthropologist Carol Karasik.
- Balché ceremony with Lancandón elder Don Antonio Martinez.
- Simple lodging in double rooms or other shared arrangements depending on location.
- All breakfasts, meals in Najá.
- Any entrance fees.
- Pre and post-trip interface with Carla Woody regarding intent and re-entry.
- Transport in Mexico and Guatemala during formal group time.
Price Excludes:
- Airfare to Mexico/from Guatemala or transportation between the airport and the starting/ending points (Palenque/Flores).
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Guatemala
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
Cultural Journey
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