World of the Maya: Uxmal to Lamanai

On this intriguing archaeological odyssey, we visit well-known locations such as Chichen Itza and Tulum, but concentrate on lesser-known yet significant sites such as Ek Balam, Coba, and Kohunlich in Mexico, and Lamanai in Belize. We explore two rarely-visited sites where Dr. Milbrath has associations: Mayapan, where she has conducted extensive research, and Cerros, from which a large collection of excavated materials has been transferred to the Florida Museum of Natural History for analysis by Dr. Milbrath and her students.

Itinerary at a Glance

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December 19-22
World of the Maya: Cycles of Time Symposium

Our symposium takes place at the ethereal Maya city of Uxmal, the finest achievement of the harmonious Puuc architectural style, with its soaring Piramide del Adivino (“Pyramid of the Magician”) and grand Palace of the Governor, precisely aligned with the path of the planet Venus. We make the most of Uxmal’s extraordinary treasury of art and architecture, interweaving presentations by our Guest Speakers with fascinating visits to Uxmal and the nearby Puuc sites of Kabah, Sayil, and Labna. Our Guest Speakers provide us with an insider’s view during in-depth presentations and excursions.

December 23
Mayapan/ Chichen Itza

Mayapan was the last Maya capital in Mexico. Dr. Milbrath’s research here has focused on the interface between the archaeological data and the historical records of Spanish times.

December 24
Chichen Itza

We spend a full day exploring Chichen Itza, believed to have risen to power in the Terminal Classic Period (800-1000 AD). Dominating the site is the massive El Castillo, whose stairways reflect important numbers of the Maya calendar. We also visit the Temple of the Warriors and the ballcourt, the largest known in the Maya world.

December 25
Ek Balam / Coba

At seldom-visited Ek Balam (“Black Jaguar”), we view its rare carvings and temple with original paint, then head to Coba. Once a powerful economic center, Coba is famed for its massive temple-pyramids and set deep in the jungle with many vine-covered ruins yet to be excavated.

December 26
Tulum / Kohunlich

After a visit to Tulum (“Walled City”), impressively set on the brilliant blue Caribbean, we head to the lovely Explorean Kohunlich hotel, our base for viewing the famous six-foot-high masks of Kohunlich.

December 27
Dzibanche / Corozal

Dzibanche, one of the most important Mayan cities in Quintana Roo, housed 40,000 inhabitants during the Classic Period. We explore the site before setting off for Belize and overnighting at Corozal on the Caribbean coast.

December 28
Cerros / Lamanai

An important early trade center, Cerros was abandoned by the Classic Period. We visit its 72-foot high temple with intricate stucco masks, as Dr. Milbrath tells us about her research on the site. From here we make our way to Lamanai via a scenic boat ride on a jungle-draped river alive with birdsong.

December 29
Lamanai

The largest ruin of the Pre-Classic Maya world, Lamanai is among the most impressive sites in Belize, set in an archaeological reserve on the New River Lagoon. On our explorations, we are surrounded by jungle canopy where howler monkeys prowl the trees.

December 30
Belize City

After a morning at Lamanai, we drive to Belize City for our farewell dinner and final overnight.

December 31
Depart

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 1+, Easy to Moderate. It features vehicle-based sightseeing and day walks, with hotel accommodations throughout. There can be extended walking at the ruin sites, sometimes involving stairs or rough, uneven surfaces. Climbing the steep steps of Maya pyramids is strenuous but optional. We do recommend that everyone make special efforts to get in good physical condition for the trip, as it will greatly increase your enjoyment.

Explanation of Trip Levels