IN DEPTH TRIP ITINERARY
Be prepared—Spontaneous changes are part of the fun!
Click on the LOCATION link above for photos and descriptions of these sites.
DAY 1. THURSDAY, DEC 3. ARRIVE
On the energy of the full moon, ARRIVE AT VILLAHERMOSA INT'L AIRPORT where you will be warmly greeted by our guide.
Transfer to Hotel Villas Kin-Ha in the Palenque Archaeological Zone.
Evening orientation and welcome dinner.
Overnight in hotel. (D)
DAY 2. FRIDAY, DEC 4. PALENQUE
Here we begin our journey. We will explore the temples and wonders of Palenque and open our hearts and minds to receive the wisdom that will be shared on this journey.
Overnight Hotel Villas Kin-Ha in the Palenque Archaeological Zone. (B L D)
DAY 3. SATURDAY, DEC 5. AGUA AZUL
Journey to this place of magic, water and exuberant vegetation — Agua Azul Waterfalls.
MISOL-HA FALLS
The River Misol-Ha (meaning "Streaming Water"), creates one of Chiapas' most wonderful natural sights. The river falls off the edge of a 120 foot cliff into a deep pool surrounded by lush vegetation with caves behind the falls. At the caves we will connect with and experience the healing power of the earth. Here we will have an initiation ceremony with holy waters along with an opportunity for meditation.
Overnight Hotel Villas Kin-Ha in the Palenque Archaeological Zone. (B L D)
DAY 4. SUNDAY, DEC 6. YAXCHILAN
The Yaxchilán archeological site can be reached by an hour long boat ride down the Usamacinta river through one of the last great North American rainforests. Yaxchilan is known for the large quantity of excellent sculpture at the site, such as the monolithic carved stelas and the narrative stone reliefs carved on lintels spanning the temple doorways. Because of the depiction in Yaxchilán of the significance of women in ritual we will tune into the universal feminine principle within us all and open a channel to the wisdom of these ancient Mayan Queens.
Continue from Yaxchilan to Tikal
Overnight hotel in Tikal Archaeological Park. (B L D)
DAY 5. MONDAY, DEC 7. TIKAL
In this sacred Mayan site we will explore the temples and historical wonders of Tikal. We will initiate the journey
with a ceremony to call forth the ancestors, the four directions and the elements to open our hearts and minds to receive the wisdom and healing of our journey.
Tikal is one of the most magnificent Mayan sites located deep within the rain forest. Surrounded by the national park and protected areas, the wildlife in this area is remarkable. You can hear the sounds of the jungle around you at all times. Two days is just enough time to touch the surface of this immense city.
Overnight hotel in Tikal Archaeological Park. (B D)
DAY 6. TUESDAY, DEC 8. TIKAL
Tikal is a place of wondering, not only at the engineering accomplishments of the Maya, but also at the jungle splendors
of the Peten region in Guatemala. The site of Tikal is a national park where native flora and fauna still flourish relatively undisturbed. At Tikal we’ll have excellent opportunities to bird and animal watch parrots, spider and howler monkeys, gray foxes and red coatis. We’ll sit atop a pyramid, gaze at the Great Plaza and roof combs that rise above the sea of jungle and imagine the times more than a thousand years ago that the plaza was alive with activity and the city was surrounded by cultivated fields and dotted with houses.
Overnight hotel in Tikal Archaeological Park. (B L D)
DAY 7. WEDNESDAY, DEC 9. ANTIGUA
Afer our time in the jungle we will enjoy this most outstanding and best-preserved colonial city in Spanish America.
Overnight in hotel in Antigua. (B)
DAY 8. THURSDAY, DEC 10. CHICHICASTENANGO
On Thursdays and Sundays the normally calm "Chichi" hosts the most famous market in the Mundo Maya world. It is on market days that Chichicastenango comes alive, as these Indigenous farmers pour into town to sell their wares, buy provisions and partake in religious ceremonies. Here we will find handmade items from woven baskets, blankets and other textiles to handicrafts, carved-wooden masks, flowers, pottery, condiments, medicinal plants, candles, t-shirts and copal, a traditional incense used in both Mayan and Catholic rituals. The manufacture of masks, used by dancers for traditional dances, has made Chichi well-known for it's woodcarvings.
Overnight in Lake Atitlan. (B D)
DAY 9. FRIDAY, DEC 11. LAKE ATITLAN
We will travel by boat to some of the indigenous villages along the lake, visiting artisans who are bringing Fair Trade practices to their village. Our guide will take us to the house where the Maya God Maximon is living.
Overnight in Lake Atitlan. (B D)
DAY 10. SATURDAY, DEC 12. ZUNIL
Departure to Zunil, an indigenous village famous for its “Fuentes Georginas” hot sulphur springs that locals say have healing powers. In the Zunil region will be our closing ceremony as we bath in the volcanic mineral medicinal waters and experience their soothing, nourishing medicinal powers to heal and invigorate our bodies and spirits.
Overnight hotel in Antigua. (B D)
DAY 11. SUNDAY, DEC 13.
Check out of hotel. (B)
Transfer to the Guatemala City Airport for departure
Please note that due to the magical and spontaneous nature of these trips the itinerary is subject to change, although all sites listed will be visited.
For more information:
Call (1) 505 559 4632 or (44) 020 8133 4994
email: annie.tm@greatmystery.org
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