Great Cities of the Maya

Ringed by rugged green ridgelines, towering volcanoes and twelve indigenous villages, the sparking deep blue Lake Atitlan is truly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. After enjoying breakfast at our lakeside accommodations, we board a "lancha" for a boat tour of the lake, en route to the village of San Juan La Laguna. The boat ride across the lake takes about an hour. Along the way, we'll spot several red-roofed villages perched on the steep hillsides cascading down to the lake and wave to fisherman in traditional dugout canoes pulling in their early-morning catch. San Juan La Laguna is a traditional Mayan community where most speak Tz'utujil, one of 23 indigenous Mayan dialects in Guatemala. Closely related to the larger Kaqchikel and K'iche native tongues, there are about 84,000 native Tz'utujil speakers today, concentrated in the southern corner of Lake Atitlan. Spanish is a distant second language for many in the community, so practice your Tz'utujil phrases! (Here's a primer: thank you: malty-ush; good morning: sack-iri; how are you: uutz-aawach). 

With our guide, we'll explore the town and witness the strong sense of community pride which exists there. We'll visit a women's weaving cooperative and sitting side by side with these artists, learn the traditional weaving and dying methods used by the Maya for generations. Depending on your interests, you may also visit a medicinal plant and natural products cooperative or the local Mayan-Catholic deity, "San Simon" and learn about the unusual gifts and rituals offered by local people in hopes of bringing good luck. You can also do an easy hike up above the village through the coffee fields to a lookout point over the lake with spectacular views of San Pedro volcano. The viewpoint gives you a new perspective and the chance to learn more about the complex of volcanoes surrounding Lake Atitlan and how the lake itself was formed by a collapsed volcano. After this full day of exploration, we'll return to Hotel Antigua in the late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Atitlan or similar on Lake Atitlan. [BL]

Arise early and perhaps catch a little more sleep on the early morning (hour and fifteen minute) drive to the majestic Mayan ruins of Tikal. Rising out of the jungle canopy where Howler monkeys swing through the trees and parrots are frequently heard squawking, a visit to Tikal is unforgettable. Once the most powerful city in the ancient Americas, this huge complex of temples, altars, pyramids, plazas and palaces, includes more than 3,000 structures and is a testament to the sophistication and scope of the Mayan people. The Maya were one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world producing many works of literature, philosophy and architecture as well as a precise calendar.

One of the greatest cities of the Maya, Tikal is known for its vast concentration of temples and ruins surrounded by pristine rain forest. At its peak the population of Tikal was estimated to be 100,000 individuals residing in a 25-square-mile area. Over 285 species of birds have been identified here including toucans, hawks, motmots and parrots. Frequently seen are Howler and Spider monkeys, coati, peccary and deer. The elusive jaguar and ocelot also survive in this pristine rain forest habitat. Our local naturalist guide will illuminate the nature, archeology and ancient culture of Tikal as you explore pyramids soaring above the jungle canopy and innumerable multi-leveled palaces, ball courts, plazas, temples, terraces, shrines and carvings. Return in the afternoon to the comfortable and beautiful surroundings of Lake Peten Itza and the Nitun Reserve and Ecolodge for lakeside relaxation and a delicious meal. [BLD]

This morning we drive in the jungles of the Peten and cross the Mexican border, destination - the epic Mayan ruins of Palenque. Discover the ancient city of Palenque in the company of expert local guides who will further illuminate the complex relationships between the different Mayan city-states and the various periods of Maya development. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is distinguished for its well-preserved buildings, carved stucco and detailed relief ornamentation, and lengthy hieroglyphic texts. Palenque sculptors were able to create intricate detail using a mixture derived from tree bark and clay to make the stucco dry more slowly. You can see the influence of Palenque's architecture in the ruins of Tikal and Copan in Honduras. The tomb of Pacal the Great, in the Temple of the Inscriptions, remains one of the greatest discoveries of Mayan archaeology. Overnight at the Villas Kin-Ha or similar. [BL]

Note: The drive today crosses the Guatemala/Mexico border and is nearly 5 hours on paved roads.

An all terrain vehicle is required to reach the Usumacinta River where we will travel by boat to the hidden jewel of Piedras Negras Archaeological Site, lying on the Guatemalan side of the Usumacinta River. Tour this seldom visited area that has remained almost untouched since Tatiana Proskouriakoff and other archaeologists worked there in the 1930s. This prominent Classic Mayan site is famous for its collection of clay figurines and well preserved temple inscriptions that aided in the deciphering of the Mayan Calendar. Overnight in the Valley Escondido Hotel or similar. [BLD]

Note: The Valley Escondido Hotel is the best place to stay in this remote area and is a more rustic accommodation including a simple restaurant and no power at night which also means no air conditioning.