World of the Maya: Uxmal to Teotihuacan

Our special focus is on the relationship between Maya culture and that of the great city-state of Teotihuacan in Mexico’s central highlands. We explore this vast ancient city of pyramids as well as fascinating smaller sites that reveal the intriguing interactions between these two great cultures. We also take in Chichen Itza, Mexico City’s Templo Mayor, and the magnificent National Museum of Anthropology. Dr. Taube adds his wealth of knowledge of Maya and central Mexican cultures, especially the cosmology and religious systems of these inter-related worlds.

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
Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is justly famous for its massive “castle” pyramid of 365 steps, one for each day of the solar calendar. The Temple of the Warriors at this spectacular site shows a Toltec influence in its resemblance of structures found at Tula, a Toltec site north of Mexico City.

December 24
Mexico City / Cholula

We drive to Cancun for a flight to Mexico City, and continue to the colonial town of Cholula, where snow-capped Volcano Popocatepetl provides a stunning backdrop.

December 25
Cholula

Cholula’s Great Pyramid is the largest in Mexico, made successively larger as Olmec, Zapotec, Toltec, and Aztec cultures each added layers. We explore this great monument and also visit the tiny, elaborate 16th century Santa Maria church in nearby Tonatzintla.

December 26
Cacaxtla / Xochitecatl

At Cacaxtla, we examine Maya-style murals that depict the Maya defeat in battle by the highland Mexicans, and we visit the complex of four beautiful pyramids at Xochitecatl.

December 27 and 28
Teotihuacan

At its zenith (100-200 AD), Teotihuacan was the largest city in the New World. At its center are the massive Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the ornate Templo de Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent Pyramid.

December 29 and 30
Mexico City

Mexico City’s astounding Aztec Templo Mayor (“Main Temple”) was discovered in 1978 beneath the city’s streets. We explore the temple and museum, with its stunning artifacts of Aztec culture. At the city’s spectacular National Museum of Anthropology, we spend a half-day viewing its premier collections, including the vast Mexica Gallery with its stone sculptures and monumental Aztec Calendar Stone. The final afternoon is free, and we gather for a farewell dinner.

December 31
Depart

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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