The very word conjures up images of ancient pyramids towering over endless jungles and intricately carved monoliths standing as testimony to the intellectual and artistic achievement of an extremely advanced culture. Theories about the sudden and still mysterious collapse of many of the Maya's ancient cities only add to the intrigue and fascination of these people.
For well-over 1700 years, the Mayan Civilization flourished with a vibrant population of nobles, priests, artists, scribes, traders, farmers and warriors. The history of the "Mundo Maya", or Maya World, will be closely examined with visits to numerous museums, archaeological sites and on-going excavations. Many of the artistic and cultural accomplishments of the ancients have been handed down for thousands of years and are still cherished and vital parts of the modern day culture of the Maya.
The contemporary Mayan peoples are at least as remarkable as their ancestors. We will witness communal traditions and customs that have helped Mayan culture survive in this modern world. In their towns, villages and markets we will hear distinctive Maya dialects spoken, see trading and commerce as it has been carried on for millennia. Archaeologist J. Eric Thompson has very aptly described the situation:
"Maya culture...is still very much alive; one sees the present in the past and the past in the present".
Explorations Inc. is proud to offer comprehensive, educational adventures into the world of the Maya, or Mundo Maya. All of our Mundo Maya Explorations are designed with a well-paced schedule to provide a more interactive program, not "a see the highlights through a bus window tour". Professional resident guides and escort scholars accompany to help reconstruct the ancient world of the Maya and inform of today's indigenous cultures and the region's natural history.
Our next MUNDO MAYA EXPLORATION,
"GUATEMALA EXPLORATION"
is scheduled for December 29, 2006 - January 7, 2007
and is escorted by archaeologist Travis Doering.
An Exciting Opportunity to Explore an Ancient
Ruins & Witness the Living History of the Maya!
Explorations, Inc. and Travis Doering invite you to enter a world of color, culture and customs where two thousand years of history can be glimpsed from a series of exotic locales; from ancient shrouded Maya pyramids, a Spanish Colonial capital city, or from the secluded villages of the contemporary Maya as they continue to live in the rhythm of ancient traditions.
Explorations Inc. has customized this educational and cultural adventure to take advantage of some of the best that Guatemala has to offer. This unique journey is 10 days and 9 nights and covers a rich panorama of geographical and cultural beauty. The Highlands of Guatemala have some of our hemisphere's most beautiful landscapes and environments, including cloudforests, lakes, scenic and mountain vistas. You will witness dramatic and diverse landscapes in "The Land of Eternal Spring". As you travel over the Sierra Madres, breathtaking views of the lush tropical and temperate rainforests are around every turn. Few spots on earth so beautifully combine such rich diversity and abundance of flora and fauna as Guatemala
In addition to the impressive ancient Mayan ruins and the colorful present day Maya, the Spanish colonial period of Guatemala is well represented. Early Colonial churches, convents and haciendas are dramatically preserved in the splendid Spanish capital of Antigua. Architecture from the sixteenth century, world renowned artisans and a mixture of Spanish and Mayan culture are all present in this historic town. While strolling among historic buildings, not only can you trace history back in time, but you will also witness the colorful living history of the present day indigenous Maya.
We will not try to see every cultural site in Mesoamerica. Nor will we zip around Guatemala combining a multitude of distant sites with little time to see each. This journey is designed to be a cross-cultural experience, featuring a schedule that is practical yet active with time is allotted for personal exploration of the archaeological sites and their surrounding environs. Many of the sites are located in forested parks or preserves, providing an excellent opportunity to experience the native flora, plus extensive animal and bird life.
This custom itinerary is a blend of education, exotic travel, fun & individual exploration into the land & traditions of the Maya.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
Listed are some of the more well-known highlights of the trip. Not listed are "off-the-path" discoveries and short stops at small villages and lesser known natural wonders. These stopovers and daily encounters with the people of Guatemala sometimes become highlights of a trip themselves!
The living history of the modern day
Maya.
Our focus on education and exploration
gives you an in-depth experience into the ancient world of the Living Maya.
A well-designed itinerary takes you
to some of Guatemala's most
picturesque Highland villages, rich in history and tradition, where you will witness the exquisite beauty, extraordinary colors and excellent workmanship of Maya textiles and handicrafts.
Knowledgeable and personable escorts
will introduce you to the local customs, culture and cuisine of Guatemala,
within an atmosphere that emphasizes safety, cleanliness and comfort.
Small group size (approximately 8 -
14 participants) allows for greater personal attention, pursuit of individual
interests, and intimate access to the indigenous people in their homes,
markets and villages.
Great cuisine and excellent accommodations.
2 nights in the Zona Viva of Guatemala
City, an area full of first-class hotels, restaurants and shops within easy
walking distance.
3 nights in Antigua, the heart of Spanish
colonial Guatemala. Founded in 1542, it is among the oldest and most beautiful
cities in the Americas. Outstanding early-colonial architecture abounds,
including historic churches and monasteries.
2 nights in the internationally famous,
resort village of Panajachel on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlán.
Surrounded by majestic mountains and volcanoes with breathtaking and everchanging
scenery.
2 nights in Chichicastenango, This traditional
Quiché Maya town, high in the Sierra Madres Mountains, is where we
will enjoy our New Year's Eve festivities. It is also the site of the largest
and most colorful indigenous market in Mesoamerica.
Markets days in traditional villages
such as Sololá, Santiago Atitlán, and Tuxpan, among others
offer produce, textiles and handicrafts while providing a great spectacle
of color, culture and commerce.
While in the cloud forests of the highlands,
you will explore the imposing, mountaintop archaeological sites of Iximché,
Utatlán, and Mixco Viejo. You will learn about how these Kachiquel
Maya were conquered by Pedro de Alvarado in the 1500's, the Spanish Conquest
of the New World, and of Guatemala's colonial history.
Lectures and presentations prepared
specifically for this tour. Topics will include the history of the Ancient
Maya and an examination of the contemporary Maya of Guatemala. Also featured
will be an in-depth look at the textiles and traditions of the Maya from
500 BC to the present day and visits to ancient Maya ruins.
Outstanding opportunities for nature/wildlife/bird/geography
viewing and photography.
New Years in Guatemala, one you will
never forget!
Guatemala Exploration Itinerary
December 29, 2006 - January 7, 2007
DAY 1, Friday, Dec. 29, 2006
Fly from USA to Guatemala City. After arrival and welcome reception in Guatemala City, you are transferred into the Zona Viva (Zone of Life), for your overnight at the Hotel Biltmore Express. (No meals included this day.)
DAY 2, Saturday, Dec. 30:
Morning tours of the Ixchel Textile Museum (named for the Maya goddess of weaving and devoted solely to the display of textiles) and the Popul Vuh Archaeological Museum (with its extensive collection of Pre-Colombian pottery, carvings and artifacts). Afternoon drive through Guatemala's fertile central valley, an area of majestic scenery and verdant landscapes, to the traditional Maya town of Chichicastenango, for two overnights at the beautiful, colonial Hotel Santo Tomás. B/L/D
DAY 3, Sunday, Dec 31:
Witness (and shop) Chichicastenango's market day on the last day of 2006 and see why it is considered Guatemala's most famous native market. Also time to explore this colonial town's architecture, churches, shops and witness age old traditions and rituals. Through the veil of smoke from burning incense, experience the vitality of the vendors, along with the incredible color and variety of the textiles, handicrafts, and local goods. Afternoon drive through the highlands to historic Santa Cruz del Quiché and a visit to the Utatlán archaeological site. This hilltop site was the last capital city of the Quiché Maya. Tecún Umán, the last Quiché king, was killed in battle with Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado and the site was burned. Return to Chichicastenango for a special New Year's Eve dinner amidst the fireworks festivities. B/L/D
DAY 4, Monday, Jan 1, 2007:
A morning drive above Lake Atitlán to witness the historic trade center of Sololá, where various traditional dress identifies the participant's distant village homes. Then tour Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopó, two villages perched on the hills surrounding Lake Atitlán. Meet master Maya weavers and visit the local markets and art gallery. See demonstrations of both the backstrap and treadle, or foot-loom. Then on to Panajachel on the shores of picturesque Lake Atitlán, nestled amidst towering volcanoes for the next two overnights at the Posada de Don Rodrigo. After checking into the hotel, we visit the San Buenaventura Nature Reserve, which preserves and displays the Lake basin's unique ecology. This private reserve has more than 100 hectares of native forest. Its goal is the conservation of the natural surroundings in the Lake Atitlán Basin. The reserve also serves as bird refuge with a 23 meters (75 ft) high waterfall and three suspension bridges at the end of trails that go past an ancient coffee grove and a beautiful ravine. For bird sustenance and shelter, in 1995 some 600 native fruit trees and more than 5000 flowering and seed plants were planted. B/L/D
DAY 5, Tuesday, Jan 2:
A morning boat ride across the lake to Santiago Atitlán, the largest and most traditional of the lake-side towns, situated at the base of the San Pedro volcano. Santiago Atitlán is also home to the halo-style headdress, where a band 20 feet in length is continuously wrapped around the head, creating a disk effect with fabric. A walking tour takes us to the market, church and shrine dedicated to the modern Maya deity, Maximón. Witness demonstrations by some of the finest embroiderers in Guatemala. After lunch we tour the textile market in Panajachel. Late afternoon and evening free for personal relaxation, exploration and shopping. B/L (No dinner)
Day 6 - Wednesday, Jan 3:
Morning drive to Tecpán, Guatemala for market day and the Post-Classic Maya, archaeological site of Iximché to learn of its incredible history as the capital of the Kachiquel Maya at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Then on to the historic city of Antigua and overnight at the centrally located, colonial Posada de Don Rodrigo for the next three nights. Antigua is the heart of Spanish Colonial Guatemala, with tremendous early architecture including some of the oldest churches and monasteries in the New World. Enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, some of which are over 13,000 feet high. Afternoon introduction to the city. B/L/D
DAY 7, Thursday, Jan 4:
All day to explore Guatemala's ancient capital city of Antigua. A city rich in history with colonial churches and buildings dating back to the 1500's. A morning city tour of the colonial architecture will provide a background for Antigua's long and fascinating history. The afternoon is free for personal exploration, relaxation, shopping, and/or museums. You may stroll around the main plaza and cobblestone streets, visit the cathedrals, museums, markets and various interesting shops, all while enjoying the views of the neighboring volcanoes and splendid architecture. B/L/D
DAY 8, Friday, Jan 5:
A morning visit to La Azotea Cultural Center. Located just a few minutes from Anitgua, this lovely hacienda complex has three educational museums. The Coffee Museum, set in an old coffee mill, illustrates the history, process, brewing and marketing of coffee and includes a nature walk through a working plantation. The Casa K'ojom has a collection of Mayan musical instruments, from the Pre-Colombian to present. The Rincón de Sacatepéquez Museum has life size dioramas showing the customs and costumes from villages around Antigua. The afternoon and evening are free for personal exploration. B/L (No dinner)
DAY 9, Saturday, Jan 6:
Morning drive through the central valley to the villages of San Juan Sacatepéquez and San Pedro Sacatepéquez to experience their market day. Later, explore the important post-classic Maya ruins of Mixco Viejo. Then on to Guatemala City for overnight at the Hotel Biltmore Express. Say good-bye to new friends at the Farewell Dinner. B/L/D
DAY 10, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007:
Transfer to the airport for return flights to USA. (B)
What does the trip cost and what does it include?
What is not included?
What did past participants have to say about our Mundo Maya Explorations?
"Efficient, friendly and fun... The attention to detail was outstanding."
Phyllis W., Ontario, Canada"The educational element was important to me and it exceeded my expectations."
Virginia G., NH"This trip was perfect."
Consuelo P., Ontario, Canada"The preparation and research for this trip were exceptional and much appreciated....The attention given for our well-being and safety was recognized and valued by all."
Norma W., OKRegarding the best part: "The small group and the very personal contact we had with local people in various villages. Travis is a good host and excellent guide."
Lucille B., MNRegarding the best part: "The guide, Travis, and the people with us, the size of the group, well planned and carried out, both fun and fascinating." Regarding the worst part: "Can't think of any worst part."
Stuart R., CA"Travis Doering was delightful, fun, a perfect gentleman."
Catherine C., WITravis - what can I say- he should lead every trip you offer. He is so kind, informative and he took care of every detail. We lacked for nothing. He was terrific!"
Carolyn G., Mexico"Travis couldn't have done a better job."
Mary M., WI
Archaeologist Travis Doering began his study of the Maya over twenty-five years ago. He has participated in numerous national and international seminars, symposiums, conferences and workshops dealing with the history and traditions of the ancient and contemporary people of Mexico and Guatemala. While pursuing his passion for the Mesoamerica, Travis has visited hundreds of archaeological sites, countless museums, and has conducted excavations and investigations at numerous locales throughout Mexico and Central America. He completed his graduate studies in Anthropology at Florida State University in Tallahassee, and is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
He has great admiration for, and interest in the weavings and textiles of Mesoamerica and has publicly exhibited a portion of his expanding collection. His studies and personal relationships with native weavers have enabled him to gain a knowledge of the history and representations contained in these woven artworks. A recent exhibition at the Florida State University Museum of Fine Art he created can be found on the internet at http://www.anthro.fsu.edu/wovenvoices/wv.html. A second and significantly expanded exhibition also centering on his personal textile collection was presented at the prestigious Appleton Art Museum, in Ocala, Florida.
For the past 15 years, Travis has led countless groups through Mesoamerica on archaeological and cultural explorations. In addition, Travis has designed and coordinated ship-based voyages for Elderhostel International, and acted as guide and archaeological lecturer on Pathways of the Conquistadors. This 40-day sail along the coasts of South and Central America traces the history of the Spanish infiltration of the New World and the ancient indigenous cultures that preceded their arrival. With his extensive travel and individual investigation into the World of the Maya, Travis has developed a deep respect and affection for the land, its people and their history. He will bring you face-to-face with an ancient civilization whose customs and traditions continue to flourish today.
Click here to go our Mundo Maya Explorations photogallery,
or here to the main photogallery index.
About Explorations Inc.
We believe that our trips help to provide much needed income to the developing countries involved and such tourism also promotes preservation of natural resources and cultural traditions that may otherwise be lost under the pressures of the modern world. Explorations, Inc. is committed to providing quality adventure travel experiences and excellent personal service. By means of informal education and well paced travel, our goal is to facilitate a better understanding of the natural world and of cultures past and present. Explorations of distant places may not only teach us more about different cultures, we may also learn more about ourselves.
Explorations Inc. is licensed and registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. The phone number for the Florida Department of Commerce is 850-992-2966 and our SOT registration number is 15176. We are also registered in California as Seller of Travel #2021110-40. We are also an TSI Member of IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network). An escrow account for trip payments is available - call for details and account number. Additional professional and client references are available upon request. Our Email address is info@ExplorationsInc.com.
Explorations Inc.
27655 Kent Rd
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 1-239-992-9660
or toll free 1-(800)-446-9660 (in USA, Canada, P.R.)
Call anytime to receive detailed trip brochures or more information!
Also available are custom itineraries for small groups!
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