Pillars of the Classic Maya: Palenque to Tikal
A Tour led by Maya Archaeoastronomer Alonso Mendez
This eight day tour will take you between two of the major capitals of the Ancient Maya world, Palenque and Tikal. Running during the first week of February, the weather will be as cool as Chiapas ever sees and the trees will be full of the flowers that only bloom at this time of year. The journey will begin with Palenque in Southern Mexico and make its way through ruins, rain forests, and indigenous towns to the border. Crossing the Usumacinta River into Guatemala, you'll arrive to the island of Flores in time to settle in and watch the beautiful sunset over Lake Peten. The entire next day will be dedicated to exploring and learning about Tikal's vast metropolis. Along the journey back to Mexico, you'll visit the remote ruins of Yaxchilan, accessible only by boat. The last day of the trip will be back in Palenque, with a chance to explore the ruins' museum and relax. A final dinner party with MEC archaeologists will bring the adventure to a celebratory close.
Pillars of the Classic Maya Palenque to Tikal | |||
Price | $2200 per person (add $300 for single lodging) $400 deposit due upon registration, balance due 30 days before the trip. |
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Date | February 10-18, 2012 | ||
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Feb 10, Friday: Arrival Land at the Villahermosa airport in the evening and take a cab to the Hotel Cencali in the heart of town. MEC representatives will meet you there and help you check into your rooms. |
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Feb 11, Saturday: La Venta Park Morning: Tour of La Venta Park Afternoon: Transport to Palenque Evening: Lecture: Ancient Maya History Overnight at Hotel Maya Tulipanes |
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Feb 12, Sunday: Palenque Morning: Tour of Palenque Afternoon: Palenque's onsite museum Evening: Free time Overnight at Hotel Maya Tulipanes |
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Feb 13, Monday: Bonampak Morning: Tour of Bonampak Afternoon: Cross the Usumacinta River into Guatemala Early Evening: Arrive to Flores Overnight at Hotel Santana |
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Feb 14, Tuesday: Lake Peten Morning: Tour of Flores Afternoon: Boat tour to Tayasal, Santa Barbara Museum, and Petencito Zoo Evening: Lecture: History of Tikal Overnight at Hotel Santana |
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Feb 15, Wednesday: Tikal Morning: Tour of Tikal Afternoon: Tikal tour continued Evening: Free time in Flores Overnight at Hotel Santana |
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Feb 16, Thursday: Yaxchilan Morning: Transport back to Mexico Afternoon: Tour of Yaxchilan Evening: Return to Frontera Corozal Overnight at the Hotel Escudo Jaguar |
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Feb 17, Friday: Palenque Morning: Transport back to Palenque Afternoon: Free time at the ruins Evening: Return to Villahermosa and final dinner Overnight at Hotel Cencali |
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Feb 18, Saturday: Departure Early morning transport back to the Villahermosa airport for flights home |
LODGING
Villahermosa: Hotel Cencali - AC, private bath, onsite restaurant, pool, telephone, cable TV -
luxury hotel located in walking distance from La Venta ParkPalenque: Hotel Maya Tulipanes - AC, private bath, cable TV, pool, onsite restaurant, and internet services - located in Palenque's La Canada neighborhood
Frontera Corozal: Escudo Jaguar Hotel - Bungalows with private bath, fans, and onsite restaurant - a little rustic but the only hotel in town! Nice restaurant
Flores: Hotel Santana - Hotel rooms with AC, cable TV, phone, pool, and onsite restaurant - beautiful sunset views over Lake Peten
Includes:
- All lodging
- Ground and water transportation
- Entry fees into all ruins and museums
- Breakfast and lunches
- Final dinner
- Archaeologist/Anthropologist guides
- Evening lectures
Does Not Include:
- Airfare to/from Villahermosa
- Dinners
- Tips for Service Providers
- Travel insurance
Proceeds from MEC Tours are the center's primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center's 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.