World of the Maya: Uxmal to Tikal

Our explorations bring us to two of the most important sites of the Maya: exquisite Palenque and monumental Tikal. Along the way, we have a special opportunity to explore hard-to-reach sites such as Bonampak, with its vivid frescoes, and Yaxchilan, whose intricate carvings were nearly lost in the surrounding jungle. We have the benefit of traveling with both Drs. Bricker, who lend their expertise in wide-ranging areas of Maya studies.

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

We begin our journey at the ceremonial center of Edzna, with its breathtaking Temple of the Five Stories, a rare edifice that was both a temple and a palace, then continue to the coastal city of Campeche for overnight.

December 24
Palenque

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

December 25
Tonina

The Classic Period site of Tonina is a seldom visited but vast city. Dr. Victoria Bricker will speak with us about how the inscriptions here, including the enormous Mural of the Four Suns, provide important information about the dynastic history of the region.

December 26
Bonampak

At ancient Bonampak (“Painted Walls”), we view the site’s famous frescoes, discovered in 1946, their colors still brilliant. They depict detailed aspects of Maya life.

December 27
Yaxchilan / Flores

The finely engraved monuments of Yaxchilan, cloaked in jungle vegetation, lie along the beautiful 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.

December 28 and 29
Tikal

Unforgettable Tikal is a towering temple-city spread over a dozen square miles in the heart of the Peten rainforest. Our two days of exploration include the city’s famed Great Pyramid, the earliest existing astronomical observatory built by the Maya. As we explore, we learn how Tikal’s rulers controlled the central Peten area for three centuries, building one of the most elaborate of all Maya city-states.

December 30
to Guatemala City / Museums

We visit Kaminaljuyu, the remains of a major Pre-Classic Maya city discovered beneath Guatemala City’s western edge, as well as one of the city’s best museums, and 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. One night is in a rustic but comfortable lodge with limited facilities on the Mexico-Guatemala border. 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