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24 Days Paths through the Past - featuring the Mayan pyramids of Copan Tour Package
Duration: 24 Days / 23 Nights
Priced From: $5,648 pp , dbl , Occ
Date: Jan, Oct /08
We travel through some of the most memorable sceneries on the continent on this 21-day adventure through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico's Yucatan region, bearing witness to historic sites that boggle the mind and mingling with friendly peoples whose bloodlines stretch back millennia and to the most notable ancient civilisations in the history of the Americas. Each of our three destination countries offers a wealth of well-preserved monuments dating back to the days of the great Mayan Empire: in Guatemala, we see ancient temples, pyramids and stone structures dating from 500BC; in Mexico, we come face-to-face with majestic palaces and perhaps the most beautiful of all Maya structures in Central America; and in Belize, we explore Maya ruins outside Caracol, where the number of ancient dwelling-places is greater than the total number of modern houses in the entire country. Along with browsing in local markets brimming with impressive arrays of beautiful hand-woven textiles and crafts, admiring traditional dress and learning about long-held customs of villagers, we see towering volcanoes, explore lush tropical jungle and take a boat ride to one of the oldest commercial sites, which dates from 400BC.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in San Pedro Sula
Arrive San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Overnight in San Pedro Sula. Dinner if required.
Day 2 San Pedro Sula - Copan
Today we travel by road from San Pedro Sula to Copan. During our time in Copan we will visit the World Bank funded Children's Museum in the town centre. Small but informative, it displays a Mayan rubber ball used in the famous ball games and a video presentation offers visitors the oppurtunity to see a re-enactment of the game. Overnight in Copan. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3 Copan: Site Tour
Copan is a superb site and the highlight if any visit to Honduras. The Copan Maya created a ceremonial center that is unparalleled in its architectural beauty. The architects who planned Copan wanted it to be distinctive, unlike any other Maya city, and the design for this ceremonial center was meant to be impressive. We will tour the legendary Archaeological Park of Copan, which consists of two main sites: the ruins and the sepulchres. We also learn about the impressive 63-step stairway with over 2,500 hieroglyphs and masterfully carved stelae, most of which date from AD 613 to 738. Many had vaults beneath them in which sacrifices and offerings could be placed. The Ball Court at Copan is the second largest in Central America; and nearby is Copan's most famous monument, the Hieroglyphic Stairway, the work of King Smoke Shell. The flight of 63 steps bears a history, in several thousand glyphs, of the royal house of Copan. One of the most interesting reliefs shows the 16 great kings of Copan, ending with its creator, Yax Pac. Nearby was a sacrificial vault in which archaeologists discovered the bones of 15 jaguars and several macaws which were probably sacrificed to the glory of Yax Pac and his ancestors. We have a guided walk through the Rosalia and Jaguar tunnels, one of the few opportunities to enter a Mayan pyramid to see upclose the layers upon layers of temples that make up these magical structures. Overnight in Copan. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4 Copan, Honduras - Guatemala City, Guatemala
Today we travel by road from Copan to Guatemala City. Overnight in Guatemala City. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5 Guatemala City - Chichicastanengo
This morning we travel to Chichicastanengo where we visit the famous market. This is one of Guatemala's largest local markets with an impressive array of beautiful hand-woven textiles and crafts for sale. It is also possible to see the 400 year-old Cathedral of Santo Tomas where Catholic and pagan beliefs mingle as one. Chichicastenango is an important centre of culture and religion for the local Indigenous population. It is also the home of a large population of Maya Quiche Indians, said to be the purest descendants of the ancient Maya. These people still maintain much of their ancestors' culture, including their religious beliefs and practices which are only mixed with the Catholicism forced upon them by the Spanish conquest. It is this relationship with the past, with the old traditions still omnipresent in everyday life, that makes Chichicastenango so fascinating to the outsider and a must for every traveller. About the 1000 people, mainly ladinos (people of mixed Indian and Spanish blood, who reject the traditional lifestyle), live in the village itself. They work as tradespeople or local officials, or they operate the small number of hotels, shops and bars in town. However, over 20,000 Indians live in the surrounding hills, most of them farmers on small plots of land. It is on market days that Chichicastanango comes alive, as Indians pour into the tiny village to sell wares, buy provisions and partake in religious ceremonies. Overnight in Chichicastanengo. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6 Chichicastanengo - Santa Catarina Palopo & San Antonio Palopo - Panajachel
Departing Chichi, we drive to Lake Atitlan and visit Santa Catarina Palopo and San Antonio Palopo, two traditional Kaqchikel villages on the south shores of the lake. Before the road was completed in 1980, access was only by boat or by footpaths. Due to this geographic isolation, women still wear backstrap loomed red striped huipiles, red headribbons, and blue skirts, while men dress in similar striped shirts and pants with a small woolen blanket called a rodillera around the hips. A similar garment of cotton was worn by the ancient Maya men. Tunecos, as they call themselves, raise onions and anise in terraced fields extending up from the lake that give the landscape a sculptural form. We continue to Panajachel. Overnight in Panajachel. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7 Panajachel: Lake Atitlan
Our journey today takes us across the shimmering waters of Lake Atitlan, nestled beneath the three volcanoes of San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman. When we visit Santiago de Atitlan you will notice the unusual headdresses that the locals wear which are called Tocoyal and consist of 12 metres/40 feet of material. This is easily the most beautiful and fascinating village on the lake, as well as the largest, with a population of almost 15,000 people if the outskirts are included. Built on the slopes of Volcano Atitlan, is it surrounded on three sides by water and faces Volcano San Pedro across a small bay. Originally the capital of the Tzutuhil Indian nation, Santiago was turned into an important missionary and trading outpost after the Spanish conquest. Today Santiago is one of the most traditional Indian villages in Guatemala, with a purely Indian population that lives much as it did hundreds of years ago. As our boat approaches Santiago's shore, you will see dozens of women standing knee-deep in water, washing their families' clothes against the rocks, often with babies in colourful slings on their backs. This sets the mood for the rest of our visit. Just wander through the streets of this village and you will catch a firsthand glimpse of indigenous life as it is today. As we walk around we see towering volcanoes and spectacular scenery. Flowers are abundant; the white blossoms on coffee plants, bright wildflowers and hibiscus cover the landscape. Once again colour is the focus, costumes which are very vibrant are worn by nearly everyone. The women's costume consists of white and purple huipiles embroidered with birds and flowers, bright red skirts and unique headdresses made from narrow, woven red bands (sometimes over twenty feet long) that are evenly wrapped around their heads until a wide brim is formed. The men's outfits are equally vibrant, with purple and white striped knee-length pants, white shirts and multi-coloured sashes worn nowadays with cowboy hats. While in Santiago we also see Maximon-the mayan "Judas Esacriot" diety. Maximon ("mah-shee-mon") is a popular post-Columbian Mayan folk deity who apparently blends aspects of the Christian Saint Simon with a Mayan god, perhaps Maam, an underworld god. Overnight in Panajachel. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8 Panajachel - Iximche - Antigua
This morning we travel to Antigua. We travel by bus through the spectacular volcanic landscape of Guatemala's western highlands to visit Iximche en route, an excellent Maya site which became a model of civic planning. Most of the buildings were erected around four large courtyards. There are also two smaller courtyards at Iximche that may have been used for religious ceremonies. Terraces were levelled from the natural terrain to accommodate platforms for temples, palaces, and other structures. The structures had roofs of thatch or of wooden beams and plaster and have long since perished. Ball courts were common at all civic and religious centres. At Iximche there are two ball courts, one of which has been restored. We also visit the Kojom (music) Museum in Jocotenango before continuing to Antigua. Antigua was a place where religious orders founded churches and monasteries, many of them dedicated to improving the life of the Indian population. Once the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala's capital city for more than 200 years until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Then called Santiago de Guatemala, Antigua was home to 70,000 people, 32 churches and convents, a fine university and magnificent estates. We spend the afternoon wandering through the cobblestone streets of the enchanting colonial town. We visit the superb Capuchinas Monastery and then walk through quiet cobblestone streets past rebuilt stucco homes with heavy, beautifully carved wooden entrances. Overnight Antigua. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9 Antigua: Free Day
Today you are free to explore Antigua. Sit and relax in the Plaza de Armas, the central square, and enjoy the view of the Palace of the Captains General, the old City Hall and the remains of the Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace, excellent examples of Spanish colonial architecture. NOTE: This days exists as a floating "contingency day" in the event that logistical factors necessitate changes to our itinerary. Ie, on some departures, we may fly to Tikal today and spend two nights there instead of one. Passengers continuing to Mexico's Yucatan on some tour combinations may spend one night in Tikal and a free day in Cancun. This situation will be indicated on your final HOTEL LIST and reviewed by your Tour Leader on arrival at destination. Overnight Antigua. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10 Antigua - Guatemala City - Flores - Tikal Site Tour
Today we transfer to Guatemala City for our flight to Flores. On arrival we embark on a guided tour to experience the mystiques of Tikal, possibly the most magnificent of all Mayan sites. Here we discover ancient temples, pyramids and stone structures dating from 500 BC. The five great pyramids of Tikal give this ceremonial centre a majestic grandeur unique among Maya cities. The height of the temples, crowned with tremendous roof combs; the complicated assemblage of the palace structures of the central Acropolis; and the complexity of the chronology of the North Acropolis are staggering to anyone visiting Tikal for the first time. In ancient times Tikal functioned mainly as a ceremonial centre in which the aristocratic elite and their priests ruled, dictated, and directed the activities of the architects, builders, craftsmen, and labourers. All endeavours in the region of Tikal were directed to enhance the city, to glorify the gods, to amass wealth, and to acquire tribute for the ruling upper strata of society. To sustain this activity for over a thousand years demanded a well-disciplined peasantry. Overnight near Tikal. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11 Flores, Guatemala - Cancun, Mexico
Today we fly from Flores, Guatemala to Cancun, Mexico. Overnight Cancun. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12 Cancun - Chichen Itza
Today we travel to Chichen Itza. This is a wonderful archaeological site incorporating the ruins of two different cultures, the ancient Maya and the later arriving Toltecs. The substantial fusion of highland central Mexican and Puuc architecture make Chichen Itza unique. The El Castrillo, the temple of Panels and the Platform of Venus are superb architectural feats. The most impressive monuments here are the Temple of the Warriors, the group of a thousand columns, the Temple of Kukulcan, the Temple of Chac-Mool and the Ball Court. The Toltecs interest in astronomy and mathematics is evident with a visit to the Astronomical Observatory, perhaps one of the most impressive revelations is the phenomenon occurring during equinoxes, when shadows cast across the ramp of the castle appear to form the shape of a slithering serpent. Tonight we include a visit to the Sound and Light show. Overnight in Chichen Itza. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 13 Chichen Itza - Merida
Today we drive to Merida, probably the most beautiful town in the Yucatan peninsula. We find that the most enjoyable way to sightsee is from a calesa, or horse drawn carriage. We include a half-day's sightseeing in this most elegant of fashions. During the nineteenth century, European traders flocked to the bustling city to exchange their luxuries for the area's much sought after sisal hemp-- green and gold. The state capital's many buildings and the Moorish and rococo-style mansions of the Paseo Montejo reflect the strong Old World influences. Overnight in Merida. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 14 Merida - Uxmal
Uxmal, our destination for today, is a stunning place. Uxmal was one of the sites to which the Maya returned again and again in the course of their civilization. The name means 'thrice built'. The Palace of the Governor at Uxmal is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Maya structures in Central America. Here some 20,000 hand cut stones have been set into acres of geometric friezes. The nunnery is the quadrangle where vestals allegedly spent a licentious final year of worldly pleasure before their sacrifice to appease the rain god Chac. This truly is a step back into the years of the Maya glory (AD 7-10). The Palace of Large Masks with its magnificent stone mosaics and representations of the ubiquitous rain god. We also visit the nearby smaller sites of Kabah and Labna. Kabah is the most notable for its Palace of the Masks, the facade of which is covered with innumerable carved masks of the rain god Chac. Labna is another beautiful site. It is famous for its fine sculpture and its arch, this was one of the most ornate built by the Maya. Overnight in Uxmal. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 15 Uxmal - Coba
Today we depart Uxmal for Coba. The morning's drive takes us through Valladolid where we stop for our lunch break. The peaceful Zocalo in the heart of Valladolid is shaded by large trees and surrounded by a variety of restaurants. We continue on to Coba, one of the grandest Mayan city-states, and have a tour of this impressive site immediately upon arrival. As a large trading center, Coba was connected to other Mayan cities by an elaborate network of roads known as "sacbes". The ancient temples are still surrounded by the thick Yucatan jungle which adds a lot of natural flavour to a rich cultural experience. After our guided tour you may choose to rent a mountain bike available at the site. A bike is the quickest way to reach some of the most remote parts of this enormous ruined city that once rivalled Tikal in size. Because our hotel is so close to the site you may choose to stay in the site and climb up Nocoh Muh -the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan. Watching the sun set from the top of this Mayan pyramid over an endless stretch of forests is truly one of Mexico's most magical experiences. Overnight in Coba. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 16 Coba - Tulum - Chetumal
In order to beat the crowds, we depart early today for Tulum, one of the most beautiful Maya sites, perched high on the cliffs above the Caribbean. Tulum means "wall" in Maya. The most impressive site at this area is the large Pyramid on the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea. A wide staircase leads to a two-chamber temple on the top. Two serpent columns divide the entrance and above the middle entrance is a carved figure of the Diving God. The sight at the top of the pyramid is stunning with a breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding jungle. You will have free time to explore this site on your own. Tulum was once considered to be as grand as Sevilla in its day (ca. 1500). Our journey continues on to Chetumal travelling along the edges of the Sain Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a vital preserve for the rich flora and fuana of the region. Chetumal, the capital of the state of Quintana Roo was once a Mayan port for shipping gold, feathers, cacao and copper from this region and Guatemala to northern Yucatan. The town's name is derived from the Mayan Chactemal, meaning "Where the Red Trees Grow." The trees referred to were once used to produce a red dye for use in weaving. We visit the Museum of Mayan Culture, where we learn how the Mayans were the dominant culture in the area for over 100 years. The museums highlites aspects of mayan society, mathematics, cosmology and astronomy. Overnight in Chetumal. Hotel Los Cocos or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 17 Chetumal, Mexico - Corozal, Belize
After crossing the border into Belize we have an excursion to Cerro Maya. We leave Corazal aboard a small boat and travel across the bay to Los Cerros, one of the oldest commercial sites dating back to 400 BC. Overnight in Corozal. Tony's Inn or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 18 Corozal - Crooked Tree - Altun Ha - Orange Walk
Today we travel to Belize City via the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a large reserve covering inland waterways, logwood swamps, and lagoons. It is ideally located as a resting point for thousands of migrating birds such as kites, tiger-herons, snowy egrets and ospreys. The reserve's most famous visitor is the rare Jabiru Stork, the largest flying bird in the New World with a wing span of 2.5 m/8 ft. We will also stop at Altun Ha, an important ancient trading centre as well as a religious ceremonial centre. We see a concentration of structures including plazas surrounded by palaces and temples. Over 300 jade pieces have been discovered including the largest Mayan jade carving, Kinich Ahau, the sun god, found in the Temple of the Green Tomb. Overnight in Orange Walk. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 19 Orange Walk - Lamanai Archaeological Reserve - Belize City
Today we explore one of the many temples or palaces of Lamanai. Travelling via the Northern Highway, we pass through rural villages and lowlands to Tower Hill, where we board a riverboat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter birdlife including hawks, kites and falcons. Dainty Jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while the elusive crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. The river is lined with hardwood trees with lots of orchids and bromeliads. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Mayan for submerged crocodile) rise into view. Once at the site we tour the small museum which features many ancient relics found at Lamanai. This ancient archaeological site reveals a civilization that is known to have occupied Belize as far back as 1500 BC. Among the most spectacular of these archeological wonders is the ruins of one of the Maya's largest ceremonial centers and home to several large temples located on the banks of the New River Lagoon. The Lamanai Archeological Reserve also contains a museum, the remnants of two 16th century Spanish churches and a colonial sugar mill from 1860. We then return to the river boat for cruise back to Tower Hill and continuation tour bus drive to Belize City. Overnight in Belize City. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 20 Belize City - Belize Zoo - San Ignacio
Early this morning we we visit the world famous Belize Zoo. A highlight of any visit to this little country, the zoo allows us not only to see some of the rare creatures of Central America but the zoo is actively involved in conserving habitat for these species and part of our entrance fees go towards ensuring that the wild relatives of these now caged animals can live free. We move on to San Ignacio, via Guanacaste Park, to take a pleasant nature walk through the forest and view the oldest and largest Guanacaste tree in the country. San Ignacio is an agricultural area nestled in rolling hills of forest and valleys with clusters of houses scattered throughout. After arrival at our hotel, we will spend several hours at the recently excavated site of Cahal Pech. Located just a short walk from our hotel, this remarkably well preserved site has a small but very informative museum where we will watch a video outlining the complexity of Mayan civilization in the lands that are today part of Belize (NOTE: We may visit Cahel Pech tomorrow if timing does not allow today.) Overnight in San Ignacio. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 21 San Ignacio - Caracol - San Ignacio
We have a full day excursion to Caracol, the largest site in Belize and once the most densely populated site in Mesoamerica. This is the largest site in Belize and once home to over 150,000 Mayans. This extensive site is one of the most interesing to visit in Central America; afterall, Caracol once ruled over the mighty city of Tikal. The number of Mayan houses found in the countryside around Caracol is greater than the number of modern houses standing today in all of Belize. Overnight in San Ignacio. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 22 San Ignacio - Xunantunich - Belize City - Cay Caulker
This morning we visit Xunantunich, a Classic-period ceremonial centre. Its name means "stone maiden." Perhaps the best part of a visit to Xunantunich is the spectacular view of the surrounding forest from the top of El Castillo, the largest structure in the complex and the second tallest human-made building in Belize at 40 m/132 ft. The frieze on the side of El Castillo is a recreation in stucco. Not much is known about the history of Xunantunich except that it was abandoned after being hit by a massive earthquake around AD 900. As with most Mayan buildings, the architecture here is layered, with new buildings erected on top of old ones. We continue to Belize City to connect with our 45 min water taxi or short flight to Cay Caulker. Overnight in Cay Caulker. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 23 Cay Caulker
On early British maps the island's name is spelled "Cay Corker." Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada, one theory holds that this island was a favourite stop for sailors to replenish and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means "the island of the cocoplum." "Caye Caulker" could be an anglicized pronunciation of Cayo Hicaco. Another theory is that boats were caulked in the protected bay, La Ensenada, on the western side of the island leading to the "Caulker" name. Despite the growth of tourism, Caye Caulker remains a small village with a distinct cultural flavour not necessarily found in large-scale tourist development. Almost all the businesses are locally owned, vehicles larger than golf carts almost never roam the streets, and lodging is small scale compared to many other tourist destinations, including neighbouring Ambergris Cay. Today is at leisure to enjoy the barrier reef, located just off shore, or to just sit and relax in the tiny island's legendary tropical atmosphere and friendliness. Your Tour Leader can you help you plan your day. Overnight on Cay Caulker. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 24 Cay Caulker - Belize City - Departure
Today we fly to Belize City to connect with our onward flights. Departure from Belize City. LAND ONLY CLIENTS: Your flight out of Belize City, the tour end point, should take into account the trip from Cay Caulker. Those with morning flights may have to overnight in Belize City at an extra cost. Breakfast.
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10/08
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