World of the Maya: Uxmal to Palenque

We have the rare opportunity to explore remote, impressive Calakmul, seldom visited despite its importance as one of the major power centers of the Maya. Continuing to the artistic Maya city of Palenque, we are privileged to explore the site with our Guest Speaker Alfonso Morales, who was responsible for significant new discoveries at Palenque. We also visit out-of-the-way Bonampak, with its world-renowned frescoes depicting Maya life.

Itinerary at a Glance

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
Edzna / Campeche

At the ceremonial center of Edzna, we explore the breathtaking Temple of the Five Stories, a rare edifice that was both a pyramid and a palace. Edzna is an example of the Chenes style of Maya architecture. Overnight in nearby Campeche.

December 24
Chicanna

At Chicanna, elaborately carved facades portray the jaws of Itzamna, chief god of the Maya pantheon in his “earth monster” form.

December 25
Calakmul

Heading to remote Calakmul, we explore one of the largest Maya sites from the late Pre-Classic and Classic Periods, surrounded by the deep rainforests of the Yucatan’s vast Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.

December 26
Balamku / Becan

Today we visit two smaller sites known for their Rio Bec style: Balamku, discovered in 1990, with its magnificently preserved stucco facade, and Becan (“Road of the Serpent”), unique in the Maya world in being surrounded by a defensive moat.

December 27 and 28
Palenque

This city is magical, with its massive Temple of Inscriptions, adorned with fantastically detailed hieroglyphics and its spectacular tomb of Lord Pacal, the Boy King of Palenque. Alfonso Morales, who worked here as Principal Investigator of the Palenque Cross Project, enriches our visit by showing us the elaborate tomb with painted murals found at Temple XX, and a carved and painted throne with extensive hieroglyphic text found in Temple XIX, both discovered under his supervision.

December 29
Bonampak

At Bonampak, we see the magnificent, still-vivid frescoes depicting various aspects of Mayan life, including warfare and elaborate ceremonies.

December 30
Villahermosa

Heading to coastal Villahermosa, we have an option to visit the massive Olmec heads at the Parque el Venta, and we gather for our farewell dinner.

December 31
Depart

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