Including the All Saints Day Festival!
DISCOVER MAYA MAGIC & MYSTERY IN GUATEMALA!
October 27-November 4, 2010

We invite you to join anthropologist Grace Johnson, as we explore the Meso American Maya wonderland of Guatemala! Certainly the most fascinating location in Central America, Guatemala possesses a living Maya cultural heritage, which can be seen to this day in the villages and celebrations in the scenic Highlands. In the tropical lowlands, the ancient Maya heritage prevails in the spectacular sites of Tikal, Yaxha, and others dotted throughout the rainforest. All told, the Maya magic in Guatemala is profound -- and just waiting to be savored by you!

Our adventure will begin with a flight from Houston to Guatemala City and transfer to the cherished colonial town of Antigua, the third capital of Guatemala and a World Heritage Site. The next morning, we will go to the famous market town of Chichicastenango where local Maya people sell fruits and vegetables, woolen goods, and ceramic craft items. At the St. Tomas Church, we may see the local Maya people performing rituals in the Catholic church.

We will continue to Lake Atitlan, the picture-perfect Highland lake edged by volcanoes and villages. At San Juan La Laguna, we will visit a local textile cooperative before boarding a boat for lunch in Santiago. Here we will find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. You may also see the local shaman performing rituals for the local people, and see the distinctive textiles and primitive art for which this area is famous.

We will next visit the site of Iximche, the first capital of Guatemala, founded on the location of a Kakchikel-Maya city in 1524.

The three 12,000+ foot volcanoes which surround Antigua --Volcan de Agua, Acatenango, and Volcan de Fuego -- have defined its heritage. On a walking tour we will learn more about the establishment, history, and architecture of this town of infinite colonial charm.

Near Antigua we will visit the village of Santiago Sacatepeguez where the Maya people celebrate All Saints Day, November 1, with a festive Kite Festival. Huge kites are made and flown over the cemetery in celebration of their ancestors. This little known celebration is simply amazing, full of color, festivity, and the Maya people enjoying one of their beloved traditions!

A short flight will next take us to Flores and Yaxha National Park, nestled in the tropical rainforest of lowland Guatemala. Here, we’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of the howler and spider monkeys, and many tropical birds and animals, as you explore this atmospheric ancient Maya site. More than 500 structures are found here, including stelae, altars, nine temple pyramids, and ballcourts. A twin pyramid complex offers insight into the political alliances that influenced the city at its peak.

We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal, one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Here the architecture dates back to the 4th century BC. Tikal dominated the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily for hundreds of years. Today its huge temples rise above the jungle canopy, and monkeys swing through the treetops, to the delight of visitors. Our journey will conclude with a flight to Guatemala City and dinner in celebration of our visit!

We hope you will join us!

Brochure (Requires an Adobe pdf reader to view)