The Frescoes of Bonampak

The vivid 8th century frescoes at Bonampak bring to life many aspects of Mayan royal society. Copan, Tikal, and majestic Palenque are on our journey, as well as beautiful lowland Maya sites including spectacular Yaxchilan.

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SPECIAL EVENT

World of the Maya: Copan To Palenque

Copán Symposium, Tikal, Ceibal, Aguateca, Yaxchilán, Palenque
with Dr. Robert Sharer & Dr. Loa Traxler

This itinerary is no longer available

We may run this trip again in the future, please contact us if you are interested.

This itinerary is part of World of the Maya: New Discoveries at Ancient Copán, a Symposium & Tour Program followed by a choice of four different tours: Copán to Tikal, Copán to Palenque, Copán to Caracol, Copán to Calakmul.

Copán Symposium—December 29, 2009–January 1, 2010

The symposium preceding our tours takes place in the ancient royal city of Copán, seat of power for 16 kings. This exquisite site has an overwhelming legacy of artistic achievement, including its intricately carved stelae and the monumental stairway that covers the entire western face of Temple 26, every block of it carved in hieroglyphic text. We make the most of Copán’s extraordinary treasury of art and architecture, interweaving presentations by our Guest Speakers with fascinating site visits, including access to areas of unfolding discovery not normally open to the public.

World of the Maya: Copan To Palenque

We visit three major Maya cities—Copán, Tikal, and Palenque—for an opportunity to compare these important Classic Maya sites. En route we travel by boat to more remote sites related to these classical cities, including Ceibal and Aguateca on the Petexbatún Lagoon, and Yaxchilán on the Usumacinta River, with its famous carved lintels.

Featuring Dr. Robert Sharer

Dr. Robert Sharer received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and has conducted research in Central America for over 40 years, including long-term studies at Copán. In his most recent research, he directed the Early Copán Acropolis Program, excavating the royal acropolis to reveal the origin of the Copán state between 400 and 650 AD. He is the author of numerous books, including the definitive The Ancient Maya.

Featuring Dr. Loa Traxler

Dr. Loa Traxler, a Research Scientist in the American Section of the University of Pennsylvania Museum, focuses her research on the architectural evolution and sociopolitical organization of Classic Maya centers. Her recent excavations within the Copán acropolis to document its buried architecture revealed a series of ritual caches and elaborate tombs within the site’s royal complex.

Highlights

  • 3-day symposium with renowned Guest Experts at Copán
  • Copán, Tikal, and Palenque, three major Mayan cities
  • Exquisite stone carvings at Yaxchilán and colorful frescoes at Bonampak, remote sites at Ceibal and Aguateca
  • Guest Experts Dr. Robert Sharer and Dr. Loa P. Traxler

Details

  • 11-day trip begins in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and ends in Villahermosa, Mexico
  • 10 nights in hotels and lodges
  • All meals from dinner on December 29 through breakfast on January 8
  • Rugged road travel, exploration on foot in Mayan ruins

Program Costs

$4595 (14-16 members)
$4895 (10-13 members)

Single supplement: $550
Internal Airfare: $400 (subject to change)

Departures & Leaders


Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Itinerary at a Glance
World of the Maya: Copan To Palenque route-map

Days 1–4, December 29–January 1
Copán Symposium

The symposium preceding our tours takes place in the ancient royal city of Copán, seat of power for 16 kings. This exquisite site has an overwhelming legacy of artistic achievement, including its intricately carved stelae and the monumental stairway that covers the entire western face of Temple 26, every block of it carved in hieroglyphic text. We make the most of Copán’s extraordinary treasury of art and architecture, interweaving presentations by our Guest Speakers with fascinating site visits, including access to areas of unfolding discovery not normally open to the public.

Days 4–6, January 1–3
Tikal / Flores

The five great pyramids rearing out of the jungle at Tikal are a staggering sight, and the city’s complex North Acropolis, built and rebuilt starting as early as 100 BC, is one of the most fascinating structures in the Maya world. We explore major and lesser-known sites of this city during our two-day stay, based right outside the ruins, before returning to Flores on Day 6.

Day 7, January 4
Ceibal / Aguateca

At Ceibal, with its magnificent rainforest setting, we find ourselves in a “Mayan art gallery” of fantastically carved stelae that show the influence of the Toltec culture. Nearby we visit the mysterious archaeological complex at Aguateca, where we may see archaeologists at work.

Day 8, January 5
Yaxchilán

The spectacular ruins of Yaxchilán are superbly positioned in dense jungle on the banks of the Usumacinta River. The carvings here tell of years of conflict with surrounding Maya centers, with exceptional art that depicts the dark side of the ancient Maya spirit in themes of warfare and captivity.

Day 9, January 6
Bonampak / Palenque

Crossing into Mexico to ancient Bonampak (“Painted Walls”), we view the site’s famous and vivid frescoes in stunning colors that depict various aspects of Maya life, then head to Palenque.

Day 10, January 7
Palenque

The magnificent temples of Palenque hold many keys to the intriguing history and culture of the Maya. We explore this city, perhaps the most graceful and artistic remains in the Maya world, and enjoy our farewell dinner.

Day 11, January 8
Depart from Villahermosa

Note: Please be aware that some accommodations on this trip, while comfortable, are more rustic than on other trips, especially at Tikal (Days 4 and 5) and at the Mexican border on Day 8. Due to limited facilities, it may be necessary to split the group between two lodges on Day 7.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure