Mexico: Maya Traditions in Chiapas

Day

1 – 2

After arriving in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, cruise between the cliff faces of Sumidero Canyon National Park, watching for monkeys and bird life Take a walking tour of colonial architecture in San Cristóbal de las Casas Visit the Na Bolom cultural heritage project.

Day

3 – 4

Explore Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya villages, meeting traditional huipil weavers and a renowned ceramicist, and learning to make corn tortillas by hand.

Day

5 – 6

Head west, stopping for waterfall viewing and coffee tasting on the way Navigate the Usumacinta River to walk among jungly Maya ruins at Yaxchilán, and travel overland to see spectacular ancient murals at Bonampak.

Day

7

Visit the Lacandón rainforest and its people, descendants of the Maya Cruise through the forest to see ancient petroglyphs and burial caves Participate in a healing ritual performed by the last Lacandón shaman.

Day

8 – 9

Meet a member of the Zapatista Movement and learn about the fight for recognition of Maya culture and land rights Watch the sun set over UNESCO-listed Palenque during a private after-hours visit to the archaeological site Depart or travel to Mexico City for optional extension.

Day

10 – 12

On the optional extension, discover Mexico City’s Aztec roots, colonial past, and modern murals through a walking tour of the sights of the Zócalo and a private after-hours visit to the National Anthropology Museum   Explore the southern neighborhoods, stopping at Frida Kahlo’s home, Casa Azul, and the Casa Estudio de Diego Rivera Dine at some of the most sought-after tables in Mexico City.