Maya Exploration Center: Education Through Exploration
Tours
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.
Date February 10-18, 2012
MAKE A RESERVATION PAY TOUR BALANCE


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.
 
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
 
Feb 12, Sunday: Palenque
Morning: Tour of Palenque
Afternoon: Palenque's onsite museum
Evening: Free time
Overnight at Hotel Maya Tulipanes
 
Feb 13, Monday: Bonampak
Morning: Tour of Bonampak
Afternoon: Cross the Usumacinta River into Guatemala
Early Evening: Arrive to Flores
Overnight at Hotel Santana
 
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
 
Feb 15, Wednesday: Tikal
Morning: Tour of Tikal
Afternoon: Tikal tour continued
Evening: Free time in Flores
Overnight at Hotel Santana
 
Feb 16, Thursday: Yaxchilan
Morning: Transport back to Mexico
Afternoon: Tour of Yaxchilan
Evening: Return to Frontera Corozal
Overnight at the Hotel Escudo Jaguar
 
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
 
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 Park
Palenque: 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.

Other Tours
» March 2024 - Olmec Tour

» July 2024 - Oaxaca Tour

» September 2024 - Machu Picchu Tour

» October 2024 - Peten Maya Tour

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