Travel with us through the contrasting cultural landscapes of Mesoamerica where civilisations have ebbed and flowed over the millennia. On this epic archaeological journey we search for answers to many of the still unexplained mysteries of the Maya Kingdom. Our adventure will take us across 3 countries, through dense rainforest, cruise along serpentine rivers and traverse the arid Yucatan. As well as exploring the better-known city-states, we will also discover smaller, unexcavated settlements that were, until recently, lost in the lush tropical jungle. We follow the meteoric rise of the Maya culture, its subsequent collapse and finally on to their regeneration as the Maya Toltec.

To the Caribbean Coast
From Antigua we travel to Honduras and one of the grandest of all city-states: Copan, famed for its intricate sculptures and hieroglyphic stairway. Crossing the border back into Guatemala, we visit Quirigua and Tikal, once believed to be home to the largest Classic population in the Americas. From Flores you will have the opportunity to travel by helicopter to El Mirador, recently discovered and largely inaccessible.

Hidden Sites
Continuing through the Peten rainforest, we discover the smaller, but no less intriguing sites of Yaxha, Ceibal and Aguateca. Crossing the Mexican border to reach the fascinating murals at Bonampak, we travel further west to Palenque, which at its peak was governed by one of the Mayan Kingdom's greatest rulers, Lord Pakal.

Yucatan Traverse
Leaving the Classic Maya sites behind, we drive along the Gulf of Mexico, home to several hitherto undiscovered sites. Starting at the small yet impressive Edzna, we journey on to Uxmal and it is here that we can see the greatest contrast between the Classic and the 'puuc' Post-Classic architecture. The Toltec invasion and influence is evident in the highly decorated facades of the city's buildings. Heading towards the Caribbean, we explore the lesser-visited sites of Sayil, Labna, Kabah and Mayapan before reaching Chichen Itza. Here we discover ancient cave systems, known to the Maya as Xibalba, the underworld. Our journey finishes in Tulum, where you will have a chance to visit the nearby site or relax on the white sands of the Caribbean.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Guatemala City, drive Antigua. 2 City tour, drive Copan (Hon). 3 Visit Copan. 4 Visit Quirigua (Gua), drive to Tikal. 5 Visit Tikal, optional trip to Uaxacatun. 6 Visit Yaxha en route to Flores. 7 Free day in Flores. 8 Drive and boat to Ceibal, boat to Petexbatun and Aguateca. 9 Drive and Boat to Yaxchilan (Mex) and Bonampak, drive to Palenque. 10 Visit Palenque. 11 Drive to Campeche. 12 Visit Edzna, Drive to Uxmal. 13 Visit Uxmal, Sayil, Labna and Kabah: drive to Merida. 14 PM drive to Chichen Itza via Izamal. 15 Visit Chichen Itza. 16 Drive to Tulum via Coba. 17 Free in Tulum, optional visit to site. 18 Drive Cancun airport where tour ends.

Accommodation: 14nts hotel, 3nts lodges; 3 breakfasts included.
Transport: Bus/Boat/Taxis/ On Foot.
Comment: A comprehensive archaeological journey that takes us through 3 countries, crossing landscapes as varied as the sites we visit.
Group: Approx. 16 to 20.
Staff: Archaeologist, Explore Leader, plus boat crew and drivers.
Trip Reference: SMX