If you’re looking for a winter vacation to Mexico that is out of the ordinary, the Archeological Mayan Journey is one of the best winter vacation tours for 2012/2013.
This guided tour will give you the opportunity to explore the area once dominated by the Mayan Civilization, and enjoy the beauty and warmth of Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
The Mayan civilization once spanned much of what is now Mexico and Central America and influenced the surrounding cultures to a significant degree. The Maya developed written language, created complex calendars and performed feats of architecture that still merit admiration today. Exploring this vibrant lost culture is the goal of the Archeological Mayan Journey, an exclusive tour that seeks to provide insights into the various periods of Mayan civilization and the achievements of this fascinating native culture.
The Ancient Legacies of the Mayan Civilization
Estimates vary as to when the Mayan civilization first took root in the area now known as Belize, but archaeological discoveries put that date at somewhere around 2600 B.C. These early Mayans built monuments and may have constructed calendars. As time passed, the Mayans expanded their territories considerably and began creating permanent settlements. These were often the sites of the stepped pyramids, palaces and intricate stone carvings that continue to delight and amaze modern travelers to the area. Mayans engaged in trade with other cultures and maintained small-scale political systems that governed specific areas and regions of control. The development of written language and the detailed records preserved in stone carvings continue to provide the greatest degree of insight into the complex traditions and rituals of the Mayan people.
Tour Highlights – Tracing the Path of the Ancient Mayans
For most travelers, retracing the steps of the ancient Mayans can provide a real sense of connection with this ancient civilization. The Archaeological Mayan Journey provides this connection with the help of an expert tour guide knowledgeable about every aspect of the Mayan way of life. The journey begins upon arrival at the Cancun International Airport. Guests spend one night in this glamorous cosmopolitan city before traveling to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan. While en route, the tour visits a traditional Mayan Indian marketplace to allow travelers to interact with the native people and get a sense of the traditions that still shape the culture today. A stop at the archaeological site of Chichen Itza will allow guests on the tour to catch a glimpse of the famed Kukulcan-Quetzalcoatl temple and ceremonial complex for themselves.
After a night in Merida, guests will have a chance to examine the gorgeous temple carvings in Uxmal and enjoy a traditional Mayan lunch; the afternoon is reserved for individual exploration of this beautiful and significant cultural area. The Archaeological Mayan Journey also includes expeditions to Palenque and Bonampak, both archaeological dig sites of great importance to researchers and scholars. Both sites have been painstakingly restored; Palenque is especially significant due to the exquisite Temple of the Inscriptions, which features exceptional architecture, well-preserved historical inscriptions detailing the lives of the dynastic line that once ruled this area. Throughout the journey, travelers will be immersed in the culture and the way of life still practiced in this legendary area of the world.
The Mayan culture still influences many aspects of life in the Yucatan and continues to inspire and attract travelers to this exotic region of the world. The Archaeological Mayan Journey is an excellent way to explore the mysteries of the Maya and experience the wonder of this ancient civilization firsthand.
For more vacation tours to the Riviera Maya and Mexico you can visit our Destinations page.
