Classic Maya of the Rainforest in Palenque
Small Group tour May 15-20, 2017

5 night special guided tour of Palenque, Bonampak,  Yaxchilan, La Venta Olmec Museum and more!
Contact us about optional May 19-22 Tikal extension!

 

 








Your guide on this special tour is Alfonso Cleveland Morales.  Alfonso is the Director of the Proyecto Grupo de las Cruces, an archaeological project excavating in the Cross Group of Palenque since 1997.  He has a Master's degree from the Institute of Latin American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. He has 35 years of experience guiding at the ruins of Palenque and elsewhere in the Maya World including Tikal and Copan. He was recently featured in two History Channel programs about Palenque -- the "Lost World" series.

ITINERARY:

May 15: Your adventure begins with your flight into Villahermosa, the closest international airport to Palenque, which is 2 hours away.  Most flights arrive late in the evening so we'll overnight near the airport.  The hotel shuttle will be waiting when you arrive at the airport to take you to the nearby very comfortable Hilton Hotel Villahermosa.

May 16:  This morning we visit La Venta Olmec Museum in Villahermosa. The museum is named after the coastal site where these incredible pieces were found.  Discovered in an area rich with oil fields, the carvings were moved here for protection. There are 28 Olmec carvings at this beautiful outdoor museum with interesting zoo and lake. Each piece was set carefully for optimum viewing with benches placed for those wishing to meditate or ponder the huge and amazingly well crafted Olmec heads, intricate altars, and intriguing stele and statues.

We’ll also visit the newly remodeled Carlos Pellicer Museum of Anthropology.  On display is the controversial Tortuguero Stela 6 which has rare inscriptions referring to the end of the 13th baktún, which corresponds to December 21st, 2012. Then to Palenque. The town of Palenque is 5 miles from the archaeological site. Your hotel is nestled in the forested "La Canada" area within walking distance of downtown.  You'll have free time to relax in the lush jungle rainforest or explore the sights, sounds and cuisines of Palenque. Enjoy a refreshment by the pool and upload your photos with the hotel's surprisingly fast wireless connection.  Overnight Maya Tulipanes Hotel Palenque.

May 17: We spend the day visiting the spectacular ruins of Palenque.  A UNESCO historical monument, Palenque is considered a world treasure. Ancient structures rise out of the lush rainforest on multiple terraces set against the mountains, many of them built by the great King Pacal in the 6th & 7th centuries AD. There are many major buildings to explore and new buildings are now being uncovered and studied. Many wonderful examples of Maya art and history are carved into the buildings' facades, some of them the most famous depictions from the ancient Maya world.  We'll also visit the Palenque archaeological museum with its extensive collection of jade masks, well preserved carvings and stele, incense burners and life size replica of King Pakal's tomb. Overnight Maya Tulipanes Hotel.

May 18: This morning we journey to Bonampak, home of famous Mayan murals. Their ancient colors remain clear and vital, making them an excellent representation of Mayan art. Bonampak was a city of the Maya Early Classic period peaking from 200 to 400 A.D.  Bonampak also has some very well preserved stele that detail important historical moments.  The great plaza is astounding in its sheer mass and one of the largest in the region, measuring over 100 yards.

Then we travel by boat down the Usumacinta River to the mysterious ancient Maya site of Yaxchilan. This incredible boat journey through the rainforest with its huge trees and abundant wildlife makes you feel like you are in an Indiana Jones movie! The tremendous archaeological site of Yaxchilan, situated on the riverbanks, rises in levels to temples with breathtaking views of the rainforest stretching far into Guatemala. You'll hear stories of ancient Mayan Queens who exerted great power and about the modern Lacandon Indians who still use Yaxchilan as a place of worship.  See howler monkeys and many exotic birds as you roam this well organized ancient Maya city.  Hotel Maya Tulipanes Palenque.

May 19:  Today you have a free day in Palenque to return to the ruins on your own, explore the interesting city or visit nearby waterfalls. 4 pm to Villahermosa. Overnight Hilton Hotel Villahermosa.

May 20:  All day transfers to the Villahermosa airport for your departing flights.

Contact us about optional May 19-22 Tikal extension!

For more info phone us toll free 7 days a week at 877-620-8715.   Outside U.S.  (country code 1) 505-255-2279. Or e-mail us at [email protected].

Tour Specifics:

Tour dates: May 15-20, 2017

This tour is limited to 14 participants.

Cost: $1,225 per person (double occupancy).  Single hotel supplement is $160 per person.

Tour includes:

** 5 nights hotel and taxes.
** All ground transportation (in fully insured private air-conditioned van with licensed chauffeur).
** The all day services of an English speaking licensed archaeologist guide.
** 1 breakfast & 1 lunch per person.
** Transit bus at Bonampak.
** Private boat trip to and from Yaxchilan.
** All other entry and guide fees for activities listed on the itinerary







Tour Specifics:

May 15-20, 2017

This small group tour is limited to 14 participants.

Cost: $1,225 per person (double occupancy).  Single hotel supplement is $160 per person. 

Tour includes:

** 5 night's hotel and taxes.
** All ground transportation (in fully insured private air-conditioned van with licensed chauffeur).
** The all day services of an English speaking licensed archaeologist guide.
** 1 breakfast & 1 lunch per person.
** Transit bus at Bonampak.
** Private boat trip to and from Yaxchilan.
** All other entry and guide fees for activities listed on the itinerary

Please go to our Mayamap page for Palenque's location.

Not included:  Most meals, and air tickets.  For this tour you need to fly into and out of Villahermosa. We can assist you with booking air tickets if you wish.

For more information or to make a reservation phone MayaSites Travel Services:
U.S. office toll free 877-620-8715
Outside of the U.S. (country code 1) 505-255-2279
Or e-mail us at [email protected]

All photographs and text Copyright 2000-2017 by MayaSites Travel Services. All rights reserved.