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

To the Caribbean Coast
From colonial 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 OpuucO 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 tour in Guatemala City, drive to Antigua. Days 2/3 Copan After exploring the colonial heart of Antigua, we head to the ceremonial site of Copan, one of the best preserved in the Americas. Days 4/5 Tikal We drive via beautiful Quirigua to Tikal, the most impressive Maya site of all. Day 6 Flores Visiting Yaxha en route to Flores, there's time to take a boat trip out to Flores Island this afternoon. Days 7/8 Hidden gems Over the next couple of days we discover the small yet intriguing ruins of Ceibal and Aguateca by boat and bus. Day 9 Jungle sites From Frontera Corozal we take a boat into the jungle, discovering Yaxchilan and the well-preserved murals at Bonampak. Day 10 Palenque We have a full day at this important site. Days 11/13 Yucatan traverse Over the next few days we cross the peninsula towards Merida, stopping to explore some of the hitherto undiscovered sites; Edzna, Uxmal, Sayil, Labna and Kabah. Days 14/15 Chichen Itza We pause at the serene convent at Izamal before spending a full day at the impressive temples of Chichen Itza. Days 16/17 Tulum & Caribbean Our last days are spent on the Caribbean coast, with time to explore nearby Tulum and relax on the beach. Day 18 Tour ends in Tulum.

Accommodation: 14nts hotels, 3nts comfortable lodges with ensuite facilities in Tikal and Frontera Corozal; 3 breakfasts included.
Transport: Bus/Boat/Taxis.
Comment: A tour suitable for all abilities.
Group: Approx. 16 to 20.
Staff: Speicalist guest Lecturer, Explore Leader, plus boat crew & drivers.
Trip Reference: SMX2010