Chiapas & Central America with Bruce Love, Ph.D.
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Bruce Love, Ph.D.
Curriculum Vitae
9 days in the land of the ancient Maya, with Bruce Love, Ph.D. in Chiapas, Mexico, Guatemala
and Copan Honduras, where 2000 years of history come alive among the
pyramids and temples of the most advanced civilization in the western
hemisphere.
Tour's Schedule
Day 1. February 2, 2007, Friday.
After arriving at Villahermosa airport, we travel to La Venta open air
museum, home to magnificent Olmec sculpture pre-dating Maya
civilization by a millenium. The Olmec were the mother culture of
Ancient America. Some of their most famous pieces are on display,
including a number of the famous "colossal heads." After Olmec Park,
travel to Palenque and check in to beautiful jungle hotel Chan Kah for
our first dinner together, followed by introductory lecture.
Dinner included.
Day 2. February 3 , 2007, Saturday.
After breakfast spend the morning exploring Palenque, a center of art,
religion and astronomy in the seventh century AD The architecture and
sculpture which developed here are unique in their stylistic beauty and
technical perfection. The Temple of the Inscriptions, built circa 692
AD, stands over a vaulted chamber containing the carved sarcophagus of
Lord Pakal, buried with a mosaic jade mask and jewelry of pearls, jade
and conch shell. Visit a complex of buildings including the Palace,
Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Foliated Cross, and the nearby
exciting brand new discoveries at Temples XIX and XXI. Overnight at
Chan Kah. (B,L,D)
Day 3. February 4 , 2007, Sunday.
Early departure to Bonampak, which is known for the spectacular
murals that changed the way the world viewed Maya civilization. In
addition, it has three magnificent carved stelae and four carved
lintels. Overnight at ESCUDO JAGUAR in Corozal (Lacandon community) on
the magnificent Usumacinta River. (B,L,D)
Day 4. February 5, 2007, Monday.
After breakfast visit to the archaeological site of Yaxchilan
reached by boat along the Usumacinta River. In this site you will
arrive first at the rear of Structure 19, and then visit the Labyrinth,
Central Plaza, Big Acropolis and other temples of the late classic
period. Overnight at the hotel Escudo Jaguar (B, L, D)
Day 5. February 6 , 2007, Tuesday.
Early boat trip from Corozal to Bethel. Travel up river by
launch across the mighty Usumacinta and pass into Guatemala, home to
the core area of Classic Maya civilization. Travel by bus to the island
village of Flores in Lake Peten and check into Hotel Santana
Following our previous day of strenuous climbing and exploration
at Yaxchilan, enjoy a restful afternoon of shopping and strolling (or
poolside snoozing) in this picturesque island village. It was here that
the Maya held out against the Spanish conquerors for a full two
centuries after the conquest. In 1690 the Maya priests were still using
hieroglyphic books and practicing their traditional religion on this
island, refugees from the Spanish conquest of Yucatan. Enjoy an evening
lecture on the Spanish conquest and Maya survival to the present day.
Hotel accommodations at Hotel Santana. (B, L, D)
Day 6. February 7, 2007, Wednesday.
In the morning, drive to TIKAL. As with most Mayan sites, the origins
are barely discernible and often covered by Classic Period
constructions. Findings of pottery dating from a few hundred years
before Christ give evidence that Tikal was inhabited at that time. The
Classic era of Tikal lasted from about 300 to 900 AD Scattered for more
than 4 km in every direction from the center are thousands of platforms
that might have been foundations of houses. More than 50,000 people
lived in Tikal and its surroundings at the height of its power.Late afternoon return to Flores. Hotel
accommodations. Hotel Santana. (B, L, D)
Day 7. February 8, 2007, Thursday.
In the morning,Drive to Yax Ha. Yax Ha shows signs of
Teotihuacan influence considered a late site. It does have a good
example of a twin-pyramid complex like those at Tikal. The high
pyramids have spectacular views of Laguna Yax Ha and the surrounding
countryside. After lunch transfer to the Hotel
Catamaran in Rio Dulce. (B, L, D)
Day 8. February 9 , 2007, Friday.
In the morning, leave to visit the archaeological site of
QUIRIGUA, inhabited since the 2nd century AD Quirigua had become during
the reign of Cauac Sky (723-784) the capital of an autonomous and
prosperous state. The ruins of Quirigua contain some outstanding
8th-century monuments and an impressive series of carved stelae
including the tallest stela in all Maya land, and carved texts that
constitute an essential source for the study of Mayan civilization.
Lunch in Rio Hondo ( hotel Longarone) then drive to the town of Santa
Rosa de Copan. Hotel accommodations at Hotel Marina. (B, L, D)
Day 9. February 10 , 2007, Saturday.
In the morning, transfer to visit the archaeological site of
COPAN. Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, the ruins of
Copán, one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization, were
not excavated until the 19th century. The ruined citadel and imposing
public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the
city was abandoned in the early 10th century. Honduran tourism
officials, including the Minister Norman García Paz, have announced
publicly that two tunnels used by archeologists to penetrate the
interior of the great Mayan acropolis at the Copan Ruins, will be
opened to the public in March, 2003. These two tunnels, about three
kilometers in total length, will permit tourists to observe first hand
the latest archeological discoveries of the ruins. In the afternoon
transfer back to Hotel Marina (B, L, D)
Day 10.February 11, 2007. Sunday.
Transfer to San Pedro Sula for your departure flight. (B)
Click on map to enlarge
This Tour Includes:
This cost includes ground transportation, all hotels, all meals,
tips to waiters, tips to bellhops, tips to room service, tips to
luggage handlers at airport and boat in Yaxchilan.
Does Not Include:
Your only out-of-pocket expenses will be drinks with the meals, snacks along the way, and of course, souvenirs.
Not included: Air fare, border quote to cross into Honduras
$20.00 U.S. approx. Tips to driver/guide, beverages, personal expenses.
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