Ancient Cities
of the Maya Dec 27–Jan 5, 2009 / Feb 14–23, 2010 / Mar 19–28, 2010 • 10-day journey to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras with a renowned Maya expert • Explore Uxmal, Chichén Itzá, Tikal, and Copán Maya sculpture
Note: The March 2010 departure coincides with the spring equinox, when sunlight interplays with Chichén Itzá’s Pyramid of Kukulcán.
Itinerary : 10 Days Day 1 U.S./Mérida, Mexico Depart for the lovely colonial city of Mérida. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Fiesta
Tikal
Americana
Nestled within the jungles of Mesoamerica, soaring pyramids and hieroglyph-inscribed stelae attest to the magnificence of the ancient Maya. On an expedition inspired by National Geographic magazine’s August 2007 cover story on the glory and demise of the Maya, discover the stunning monuments of a lost civilization as you explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Uxmal, Chichén Itzá, Tikal, and Copán. Michael Smyth
Archaeologist Michael Smyth is a Maya scholar who has been leading research teams to the Yucatán for more than 20 years. Currently a professor at Rollins College in Florida, Michael has received more than a dozen grants from the National Geographic Society to fund his digs and research since 1992. At Chac, a Maya site where Michael has spent ten seasons, his excavations have revealed that the Maya were settled and actively trading with distant neighbors several hundred years earlier that once believed. His current work at Xcoch near Uxmal is revealing that the Maya were thriving well before the time of Christ. Michael looks forward to sharing his in-depth knowledge of the Maya with you as together you visit many of the most spectacular Maya sites on this expedition. Michael will join the February and March 2010 departures. Peter Dunham will join the December 2009 departure.
Trip Highlights
• Explore four of the most important Maya sites in the world, each designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. • Peruse modern-day handicrafts at the bustling markets of colonial Mérida. • Spot scarlet macaws and monkeys as you hike to the jungle-shrouded sites of Tikal. • The March 2010 departure coincides with the spring equinox, when sunlight interplays with Chichén Itzá’s Pyramid of Kukulcán.
To reserve your space today, call toll free: 1-888-966-8687. Reserve online at www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
Day 2 Mérida/Uxmal Set out on a walking tour of Mérida, founded in 1542 on the site of the ancient city of Tihó. Stop by the lively market, where modern-day Maya sell colorful hammocks and embroidered huipiles, or traditional blouses. Then trace the heritage of the Maya at the Museum of Anthropology and History. Enjoy a traditional Yucatecan lunch before an afternoon drive to Uxmal. Along the way, visit with local Maya villagers, and stop in the town of Ticul to learn about its ceramics industry. Check in to our hotel, adjacent to the ruins, and gather for a welcome reception and dinner. Hacienda Uxmal (B,L,D)
Day 3 Uxmal This morning, encounter the magnificent vestiges of the ancient Maya at Uxmal. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Uxmal was the city to which the Maya returned—hence its name, meaning “thrice built.” Visit the richly ornamented Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery, the House of Turtles, and the Great Pyramid; and examine the intricate patterns of the architecture. After lunch, relax in the lovely gardens of our hotel, or explore the site further. Tonight, watch the ruins come alive at a sound-and-light show. Hacienda Uxmal (B,L,D)
marketplace, the sweat bath, and the largest ball court in the Americas. Cool off with a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote, a natural sinkhole filled with crystal-clear spring water. Hotel Mayaland (B, L, D)
Day 6 Chichén Itzá/ Flores, Guatemala Early this morning, set out on a forest walk to spot colorful tropical birds. Transfer to Cancún for an early afternoon flight to Flores, Guatemala. On arrival, drive to our hotel, situated at the entrance to Tikal, and surrounded by jungle ringing with tropical birdlife. Attend a talk by our expert this evening. Camino Real (B, L, D) Day 4 Uxmal/Chichén Itzá Discover the unique features of Sayil, Labná, and Kabah, tiny sites built in the distinctive Puuc architectural style of Uxmal. Then journey to Chichén Itzá, one of the largest and best-preserved archaeological sites in Mexico. Settle into our charming colonial hotel, located just steps from the ruins. Hotel Mayaland (B, L, D) Day 5 Chichén Itzá Today is devoted to Chichén Itzá, believed to have been the religious, political, and cultural center of the Yucatán. Enter a world of fascinating mythology as you discover the southern complex, including the Observatory, the Tomb of the High Priest, and the Nunnery. Spend the afternoon in the large complex of North Chichén. Here, see the towering Pyramid of Kukulcán and the Temple of the Warriors, surrounded by its precise colonnades. In the shadow of these grand structures lie smaller sites like the ancient
Day 7 Tikal National Park Today, discover Tikal, one of the largest Maya cities. Its hieroglyphs suggest that it was a capital of the Maya civilization—with as many as 3,000 buildings—during the early Classic period. Hike into the forests that separate the monuments, and look out for exotic birds such as macaws, toucans, and parrots. Then view treasures from the excavations at the Tikal Museum and the Lithic Museum. Camino Real (B, L, D) Day 8 Flores/ Copán, Honduras Fly by private charter from Flores to Copán. The easternmost of the great Maya cities, Copán is particularly famous for hieroglyphs that recount tales of the many kings who ruled the city. Visit Sepulturas, an ancient village just down the road from the main site where the scribes, artists, and elite of Copán once lived. Hotel marina CopÁn (B,L,D)
Day 9 Copán Spend the morning at Copán, discovering intricately carved
Note: Itinerary details and pricing are subject to change and may vary slightly. Please call 1-888-966-8687 for updated information.
sculptures and elaborate architecture, including the Hieroglyphic Stairway and ball court. Browse the collection at the Copán Regional Museum and the highly acclaimed Sculpture Museum, which house artifacts, altars, and sculpture removed from the ceremonial center and outlying areas. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner at an enchanting 100-year-old hacienda with expansive views of the Copán Valley. Hotel marina CopÁn (B,L,D) Day 10 Copán/San Pedro Sula/ Houston Depart early this morning for San Pedro Sula, and transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Optional Extension Post-Trip : 4 Days Yaxchilan, Bonampak, & Palenque, Mexico Complete your tour of the ancient cities of the Maya with a post-trip excursion that visits Palenque, Yaxchilan, and Bonampak — all located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico.
Expedition Cost $5,990
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $895. All flights within Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras are included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare from Houston to Mérida, and return from San Pedro Sula, is not included and is estimated at $600.
Photos: Sculpture © iStockphoto.com / Lucia Busnello • Tikal © Silke Wahl • Iguana © Marya McGinn