MAYA... 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. During this exploration, in a respectful manner, we will observe their religious ceremonies and rituals. 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 and study one of the most colorful and meaningful textile traditions in the world. 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". This exploration of the Mundo Maya will take us to Guatemala, a country of unexpected natural beauty and great diversity. Its name means "land of many trees" and it is also appropriately referred to as the "Land of Eternal Spring". Scenic lakes and rivers, imposing volcanoes, lofty mountain ranges, verdant forests and lowland jungles make up some of the ecologically diverse landscapes. These over 300 species of birds!) Guatemala's ecosystems have created a botanical wonderland. We can easily witness how quickly the vegetation can reclaim the massive Classic Mayan cities and how archaeological reconstruction is bringing them back into the light of history. In addition to the impressive ancient Maya ruins and the colorful present day Maya, the Spanish Colonial Period of Guatemala will also be well represented and will be closely inspected. Colonial period architecture including churches, cathedrals, convents, monasteries, mansions and haciendas have been dramatically preserved in the splendid city 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, which was the previous capital city of Guatemala and all of Central America. Nearby volcanoes, normally clear skies and a comfortable 5,000 ft. elevation help make this city of cobblestone streets a visual and historical delight to explore. We will travel in comfort along rivers and lakes into lush tropical jungles that have hidden "lost" Maya cities for centuries. Our accommodations have been carefully selected for both location and comfort. Ample opportunities to shop for native arts, crafts and textiles have been specifically scheduled. Sampling the cuisine with its European and Maya recipes will also be an important part of our exploration. Guatemala has abundant natural and cultural assets, but the pressures of a developing country put many of its valuable resources in jeopardy. Hopefully, through the growth of ecologically and culturally aware travelers, many of Guatemala's endangered resources will have a better chance for preservation. Mundo Maya Explorations © Overview - Trip Highlights - Itinerary - Cost & Inclusions - What did past participants have to say? - Your Escort 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 © is scheduled for February 8 - 22, 2002 escorted by archaeologist Travis Doering. The 10-day, Copán & Tikal portion and the 6-day, Highland Guatemala portion may be taken together or separate. An Exciting Opportunity to Explore the Textile Artistry of an Ancient Culture & Witness the Living History of the Maya! Explorations Inc. has customized this escorted, educational adventure to take advantage of some of the best Guatemala and the Mundo Maya has to offer. The two individual itineraries are interconnected, depending on your interests and time constraints. The adventure will take you through verdant highland cloud forests and rainforest jungle. Not only can you trace history back in time for over 2,000 years by visits to museums, archaeological sites and colonial buildings, you will also witness the living history of the present day Guatemala Indians, the most colorful of Native Americans. Lectures and discussions will help connect the ancient Maya to the modern Maya. 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 the many "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 educational focus provided by the experienced tour leader. The living history of the modern day Maya. A well-paced and comprehensive itinerary. Small group size (a maximum of approximately 18 discerning travelers) with superior personal attention. Great cuisine opportunities. Nights in the Zona Viva of Guatemala City, an area full of first-class hotels, restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. Nights at Copán in Honduras. An excellent opportunity to learn first-hand of the recent discoveries that are providing a much better understanding of the Classic Maya civilization. Nights in Tikal National Park. This allows for a premium visit to this famous archaeological site as the lodge is located inside the park and next door to the 2 museums. You will have time to listen to the howler monkeys and experience the pyramids of Tikal at sunrise and sunset. Night visits into the site can be arranged. Night on the shores of the Río Dulce adjacent to Lake Izabal. Night in the internationally famous, resort village of Panajachel on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlán. Surrounded by majestic mountains and volcanoes with breath-taking and ever-changing scenery. Vist to historic Chichicastenango for the Thursday indigenous market. Nights in Antigua, the heart of colonial Guatemala. Tremendous early-colonial architecture with some of the oldest churches and monasteries in the New World. Great shops (even Jade factories) and picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, some of which are over 13,000 feet high. Visits to remote highland villages and their indigenous weekly markets. Outstanding opportunities for nature/wildlife/bird/geography viewing and photography. Visit to one of the New World's earliest and best preserved fortresses, Castillo San Fillipe. Nature walks through orchid filled, tropical rainforests. A visit to the island of Flores on Lake Petén Itzá, thought to be the last capital of the Itzá Maya. Guided tours of such major Mayan archaeological sites as; Mixco Viejo, Iximché, Quiriguá, Copán, Uaxactún and Tikal! Back to top Itinerary Copán & Tikal Itinerary February 8 - 17, 2002 Traveling out of the Highlands, down the Motagua River Valley and over the mountains to Copán, Honduras, and later into the Petén rainforest - this itinerary affords you the opportunity to witness some of Central America's most scenic landscapes. The geography varies from verdant highland cloudforests and lowland rainforests to dry, desert-like valleys and mountain ranges. You will have ample time to explore the magnificent, ancient Maya city of Copán. Copán contains some of the finest examples of classic Mayan architecture and stelae iconography! It is one of the best studied and reconstructed Maya archaeology sites and now has a new on-site museum. At the site of Quiriguá, you will witness the tallest stelae of the Mayan world and zoomorphic geoglyphs that are sure to astound - its iconography is some of the best in the Mundo Maya! Traveling to the heart of the classic Maya civilization in the southern lowlands of the Petén, you enter a photographers dreamworld! Outstanding archaeological sites are surrounded by dense tropical rainforests which are home to a biodiverse array of flora and fauna. This itinerary offers a great combination of impressive archaeological sites and nature/wildlife viewing. At the Tikal National Park, you will be staying within easy walking distant of "downtown" Tikal. Tikal is considered the most spectacular of the ancient Mayan cities. Surrounded by a vast rainforest, the site of Tikal has been protected as a park for over 75 years and has been declared a "World Cultural and Natural Monument". The park offers some of the very best wildlife viewing in all of the Mundo Maya - howler monkeys, spider monkeys, foxes, kinkajous, macaws, toucans, parrots, a myriad of beautiful butterflies and much more! Imagine... looking into a face carved in stone hundreds of years ago while hearing the daunting calls of howler monkeys! Day 1 - Friday, February 8, 2002 Airport reception upon arrival in Guatemala City and transfer to a first-class hotel in the Zona Viva. Enjoy the evening exploring the nearby shops and restaurants. Overnight in the capital with welcome cocktails, dinner and introductory overview of the trip. Day 2 - Saturday, February 9 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). If time permits, a visit to the National Archaeology Museum is planned. In the afternoon we head out of the mountains towards the Caribbean for an overnight in the Chiquimula area, (or Rio Hondo or Zacapa). Day 3 - Sunday, February 10 Tours in the Zacapa and Chiquimula area and early afternoon drive into Honduras to Copán. Afternoon tour of the site museum. Overnight in Copán. Day 4 - Monday, February 11 Morning tour of the ancient Maya city of Copán. Lunch, swim and siesta back at the hotel and afternoon return to the site. Day 5 - Tuesday, February 12 Full day of touring at Copán and surrounding ruins. Overnight at Copán. Day 6 - Wednesday, February 13 Morning drive back to Guatemala to the scenic Motagua Valley and tour of the archaeological ruins of Quiriguá. Then on to El Relleno on the Río Dulce for the overnight. Late afternoon tour of Castillo San Fillipe. Day 7 - Thursday, February 14 A great nature day as we drive northward into the Petén jungle to Tikal. Afternoon introduction to the ruins and tour of the museums. Overnight at Tikal Jungle Lodge or Tikal Inn. Day 8 - Thursday, February 15 Morning tour of Tikal. Afternoon tour of the nearby ruins of Uaxactún. Overnight at Tikal. Day 9 - Saturday, February 16 Free morning at Tikal for personal exploration. Late morning tours in area of Flores and other around Lago Petén Itzá. Afternoon flight to Guatemala City with airport reception and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Zona Viva. Day 8 - Sunday, February 17 Airport transfers & assistance for flights out. Highland Guatemala Itinerary February 17 - 22, 2002 While traveling in the cool Sierra Madre Mountains, you will observe the incredible diversity of clothing colors and designs in the different village markets. You will then learn of the heritage of traditional Mayan weavings that distinguish one village from another. Of course, no visit to the highlands would be complete without participating in the famous Mayan market at Chichicastenango. As part of this journey, you will also experience lesser known, but equally exciting indigenous villages and markets; like Sololá, Santiago Atitlán, and San Pedro Sacatepéquez. While shopping at such village markets you also will learn of the rich cultural traditions of various surviving Maya groups and see some of the finest examples of their textile arts and handicrafts. You will stay in the grand colonial city of Antigua, Central America's first Spanish capital city, where you will have time to stroll among architecture dating from the 1500's. You will also stay in Panajachel, on the shores of one of the world's most beautiful lakes, Lake Atitlán. Almost everywhere you turn, while exploring (and shopping) in this world famous retirement and craft town, you are provided with stunning views of the lake and surrounding volcano peaks. While in the cloud forests of the highlands, you will explore the imposing, mountaintop archaeological sites of Iximché and Mixco Viejo. You will learn about how they were conquered by Pedro de Alvarado in the 1500's, the Spanish Conquest of the New World, and Guatemala's Latin history. Day 1 (10)- Sunday, February 17, 2002 Morning departure from Guatemala City through the fertile central valley, an area of majestic scenery and verdant landscapes. Experience market day at the villages of San Juan Sacatepéquez and San Pedro Sacatepéquez. Later, explore the post-classic Maya ruins of Mixco Viejo. Then on to the colonial city of Antigua for the overnight. Day 2 (11)- Monday, February 18 A morning city tour to early colonial churches and buildings will provide a background for Antigua's long and fascinating history. The afternoon and evening is free for personal exploration, relaxation, shopping, and/or museums. Stroll around the main plaza and cobblestone streets, visit the markets and various interesting shops, all while enjoying the views of the neighboring volcanoes and splendid architecture. Overnight in Antigua. Day 3 (12)- Tuesday, February 19 Morning drive out of the highlands towards the Pacific Coast in order to explore such small but interesting and important archaeological sites as La Democracia and Finca las Ilusiones museums, and the Cotzumalguapa area. Continue along the scenic rolling hills back into the highlands to Lake Atitlán. Overnight in Panajachel. Day 4 (13)- Wednesday, February 20 A morning boat ride to Santiago Atitlán, the largest and most traditional of the lake-side towns, situated at the base of the San Pedro volcano. Atitlán is also home to the halo-style headdress, where a band 60 - 80 feet in length is continuously wrapped around the head, creating a disk effect with fabric. Walking tour to the market, church and shrine dedicated to the modern Maya deity, Maximón. Demonstration by some of the finest embroiderers in Guatemala. Free afternoon in Panajachel. Day 5 (14)- Thursday, February 21 Morning visit to the regional town market and a chance to see why Chichicastenango is considered Guatemala's most famous native market. Through the veil of smoke from burning incense, experience the vitality of the vendors, along with the color and variety of the textiles, handicrafts, and local goods. Later, a return trip through the cool mountains to visit Tecpan-Guatemala and the post-classic Iximché ruins. Continue on to Antigua for overnight. Day 6 (15)- Friday, February 22 Transfer to the Guatemala City airport with check-in assistance for flights home. Back to top Cost & Inclusions What does the trip cost and what does it include? The price of Copán & Tikal exploration is $1995 and the Highland Guatemala exploration is $725, per person, double occupancy, starting and ending in Guatemala City. (Connecting airfare can be arranged. Call for pricing.) A single supplement is an additional $200 or $100 respectively. Escorted by archaeologist Travis Doering. All lodging in great first-class hotels. All meals. (Three meals a day in local restaurants). All transfers including airport reception in Guatemala, all group transportation within the country and assistance with departure. All side trips, day trips, and tours as listed in itinerary, including entrance fees. Tips for local guides and baggage handling.  What is not included? Airfare to/from Guatemala. We can assist with connections that are best for you. Call for pricing from your home city. (Such USA gateways as Miami, Houston, and Chicago usually average around $400 - $550.) Approximately $30 for Guatemalan airport departure taxes. Liquor, beer, and extra drinks. Non-group functions and items of a personal nature. Gratuities to local guides, etc. Back to top What did past participants have to say about Textiles & Traditions? "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., OK Regarding 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., MN Regarding 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., WI "Travis - 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 Back to top Your Escort Travis Doering began his study of the Maya over twenty-five years ago. He has spoken and written internationally on the history and traditions of the ancient and contemporary people of Mexico and Guatemala. While pursuing his passion for the Maya, Travis has visited hundreds of archaeological sites and countless museums. He has attended numerous national and international seminars, symposiums, conferences and workshops dealing with Mesoamerican cultures. He is also active with avocational and professional archaeologists, and is currently pursuing an Masters Degree in Mesoamerican Archaeology from the Anthropology Department at Florida State University in Tallahassee. 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 museum exhibit he created, entitiled Woven Voices, can be found on the internet at http://www.anthro.fsu.edu/wovenvoices/wv.html. His next exhibit will be at the prestigious Appleton Museum in Ocala, FL. 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, traditions and textiles continue to flourish today. Back to top 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 904-488-2221 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. Click here to contact us. Click here to go to our Photo Gallery. 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 AND for the angler, our Amazon Fishing Adventures features Peacock Bass and other exotic species! Back to top