Mexico: Maya Traditions in Chiapas
Luxury Group Travel | 9 Days
- Comprehensive look at the state of Chiapas and its indigenous people
- Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya villages, meeting weavers and ceramicists
- Private after-hours tour of UNESCO-listed Palenque, plus Yaxchilán and Bonampak
- Lacandón people with a ritual performed by their only living shaman
- History and politics through colonial San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Expertly led by charismatic award-winning travel writer Don George
- Optional post-trip extension to explore the flavors and history of Mexico City
Chiapas has much to lure the adventuresome traveler, including the remote Maya sites of Yaxchilán and Bonampak, both nestled into the Lacandón jungle, and Palenque, tucked at the foot of Sierra Madre del Sur. However, the key to unlocking the true Chiapas experience may be the indigenous peoples who have been steadfast in protecting their long-standing traditions and cultural identity over the centuries.
Their stories are revealed through village visits and meetings with artisans. Travel through time, exploring the colonial period through architecture and pre-Hispanic civilizations through archaeological ruins. All along the way indulge in delicious local cuisine traveling with a seasoned guide, born and raised in Chiapas, and award-winning travel writer, Don George.
Trip Overview
Bonampak was astounding, and completely unique. It may not have the grandeur of a better-known site like Tikal, but the vivid murals depicting Maya beliefs and the life of the Maya elite are exquisite.
– JENNY V.
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.
3 – 4
Explore Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya villages, meeting traditional huipil weavers and a renowned ceramicist, and learning to make corn tortillas by hand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meet Your Leader
Don George
An award-winning travel writer and editor, Don is currently editor at large for National Geographic Traveler and editor of GeoEx’s blog, Wanderlust. He is the author of The Way of Wanderlust: The Best Travel Writing of Don George.
Dates & Prices
Dates
11/28/22 – 12/06/22 Limited space; please call
01/23/23 – 01/31/23
11/27/23 – 12/05/23
Pricing
Group Trips: From $7,950 per person
Optional Mexico City Extension (4 days): From $3,525 per person
based on double occupancy
Custom Trip: Please call for individually tailored recommendations and pricing.
Inclusions
- Expertise of GeoEx’s travel specialists
- Services of GeoEx’s in-house air reservations team
- All accommodations
- All ground transportation and airport transfers
- Sightseeing, events, visits, and entrance fees
- Most meals
- Bottled or filtered water at included meals and while sightseeing
- Services of local guides, drivers, and other staff
- All gratuities
- Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance
A Journey Built Just For You
Take customization to the next level on a journey fully tailored to you. GeoEx's destination specialists will gladly tailor this existing itinerary—or build one completely from scratch—to suit your style, interests, and time frame. Contact us to see what's possible.
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