- Archaeological journey across the cultural landscapes of Mesoamerica
- Discover lesser-visited sites deep in the rainforest
- The Maya world is revealed by Luis Nunez, our guest lecturer

To the Caribbean Coast
From Antigua we travel to Honduras and one of the grandest of all city-states: Copan, famed for its intricate sculptures and hieroglyphic stairway. Crossing the border back into Guatemala, we visit Quirigua and Tikal, once believed to be home to the largest Classic population in the Americas. We pause in Flores where there's time to take a boat across the lake to Peten Itza and Flores Island.

Hidden Sites
Continuing through the Peten rainforest, we discover the smaller, but no less intriguing sites of Yaxha, Ceibal and Aguateca. Crossing the Mexican border, we get off the beaten track to explore Yaxchilan, buried deep in the jungle, before reaching the fascinating murals at Bonampak. We travel further west to Palenque, which at its peak was governed by one of the Mayan Kingdom's greatest rulers, Lord Pakal.

Yucatan Traverse
Leaving the Classic Maya sites behind, we drive along the Gulf of Mexico, home to several hitherto undiscovered sites. Starting at the small yet impressive Edzna, we journey on to Uxmal and it is here that we can see the greatest contrast between the Classic and the "puuc" Post-Classic architecture. The Toltec invasion and influence is evident in the highly decorated facades of the city's buildings. Heading towards the Caribbean, we explore the lesser-visited sites of Sayil, Labna, Kabah and Mayapan before reaching Chichen Itza. Here we discover ancient cave systems, known to the Maya as Xibalba, the underworld. Our journey finishes in Tulum, where you will have a chance to visit the nearby site or relax on the white sands of the Caribbean.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Antigua. 2 City tour, drive Copan (Hon). 3 Visit Copan. 4 Visit Quirigua (Gua), drive to Tikal. 5 Visit Tikal, optional trip to Uaxacatun. 6 Visit Yaxha en route to Flores; free afternoon. 7 Drive to Sayaxche, boat to Ceibal, boat to Petexbatun. 8 Visit Aguateca, boat and drive to Frontera Corozal. 9 Drive and boat to Yaxchilan (Mex) and Bonampak, drive to Palenque. 10 Visit Palenque. 11 Drive to Campeche. 12 Visit Edzna, Drive to Uxmal. 13 Visit Uxmal, Sayil, Labna and Kabah; drive to Merida. 14 PM drive to Chichen Itza via Izamal. 15 Visit Chichen Itza. 16 Drive to Tulum via Coba. 17 Free in Tulum, optional visit to site. 18 Drive Cancun where tour ends.

Accommodation: 14nts hotel; standard hotels throughout although slightly more basic in Flores, 3nts simple yet comfortable lodges with ensuite facilities in Tikal and Frontera Corozal; 3 breakfasts included.
Transport: Bus/Boat/Taxis/ On Foot.
Comment: A comprehensive archaeological journey that takes us through three countries, crossing landscapes as varied as the sites we visit.
Group: Approx. 16 to 20.
Staff: Guest Lecturer Luis Nunez, Explore Leader, plus boat crew & drivers.
Trip Reference: SMX2009