Tue. Jan. 5:  Your journey begins with your flight into Villahermosa. As participants will be arriving at various times you'll overnight at the nearby Hilton Hotel where you can unwind after your day of travel and enjoy the hotel's restaurants, lovely swimming pool and very comfy beds. The HIlton's private airport shuttle will be waiting to take you to the hotel when you arrive .

Wed. Jan. 6:   We begin our day with a visit of La Venta Olmec Museum, a unique outdoor museum. The first documentation of shamanistic practices in Mesoamerica occurs during the Formative period of the Olmec. Their highest civilization dates from 1,200 BC, although they were at their peak in this area from 800 to 300 BC. Many scholars believe the Olmec were the cradle civilization for the genepool of Mesoamerica, even calling the Olmecs ¨the mother culture of Mesoamerica.¨ A visit to this museum raises the question:  We know the Olmec moved these huge basalt carvings weighing tons over more than a hundred miles -- How did they do it? One altar in La Venta Olmec Museum weighs over 30 tons. How they were able to create and transport these great works unaided by iron tools or the wheel?

Then we'll make a stop at the small but interesting Carlos Pellicer Regional Museum of Anthropology before continuing on to Palenque.  You'll have free time in the late afternoon and evening to explore the interesting town and shop or relax. Overnight Maya Tulipanes hotel in Palenque..

Thu. Jan. 7:  Our exploration of the mysteries of the height of the ancient Maya -- the Classic Period -- begins with an entire day to visit the spectacular ruins of Palenque -- a UNESCO historical monument. Palenque is considered a world treasure.  Ancient Maya structures built by the famous King Pakal and his son Chan Bahlum rise out of the lush rainforest on multiple terraces. Many famous inscriptions are on the facades of these temples and in their innermost sanctuaries, including an inscription that predicts events as far in the future as 4772 AD.

Palenque is exciting because of the vast amounts of information that has been painstakingly brought to light by archaeologists over the years. Our guide, Alfonso Morales, (who has been engaged in research at the Palenque site for many years) will share new information that has recently been discovered.  We'll also visit the Palenque Archaeological Museum, with its impressive and extensive collection of artifacts from the site. Huge and very ornate incensarios, jade masks and jewelry and stele found on site are just part of the collection.  Overnight Maya Tulipanes hotel in Palenque.

Fri. Jan. 8:   Today we journey to Yaxchilan and Bonampak. First to Bonampak, home of famous Mayan murals. In the three rooms that house the murals the ancient colors remain clear and vital, making them an excellent representation of Mayan art. Bonampak also has some very well preserved stele that detail important historical moments and door lintels with detailed glyph writings.

Then we travel by boat down the mighty Usumacinta River to the tremendous archaeological site of Yaxchilan.  Situated on the riverbanks, the site rises in levels to temples with breathtaking views of the rainforest stretching far into Guatemala. We'll see amazingly well preserved stele depicting ancient Mayan Queens who exerted great power engaged in important ceremonies.  See howler monkeys and many exotic birds as we roam this well organized ancient Maya city.

At the end of the day we return to Palenque. Overnight Maya Tulipanes hotel in Palenque.

Sat. Jan. 9:  Free day to explore Palenque on your own or choose an optional side excursion (such as Miso Ha waterfalls and Agua Azul). Late afternoon transfer to Villahermosa. Overnight Hilton Hotel Villahermosa.

Sun. Jan. 10:  Early morning Hilton Hotel shuttle to nearby Villahermosa airport for departure.

If you would like to add on extra days in Palenque on your own you may.  Just let us know and we'll make your hotel reservations.