11 days from £1,407Immerse yourself in the mystical world of the Maya on this special shared departure designed to celebrate the dawning of a new Mayan Age. According to their beliefs, the current cycle (b’ak’tun) in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar comes to an end – possibly in cataclysmic fashion – on 21 December 2012.
In advance of this tumultuous date, you can spend a fascinating 11-day guided holiday in the company of the modern-day Mayans and their spiritual leaders, attending lectures and ceremonies, and visiting the most impressive of the monumental temples and pyramids built during their ascendancy. There are a number of fixed-date departures throughout the year, but if you wish you can extend your stay with more time in Guatemala or a beach wind-down in Belize. Suggested Holiday ItineraryDay 1: Arrive Guatemala City. Transfer to hotel, overnight.
Day 2: Drive to Antigua (1hr), city tour, Mayan lecture. 2n.
Day 3: Visit surrounding villages; spirituality lecture.
Day 4: Ceremony at Iximché, 2n at Lake Atitlán.
Day 5: Boat trip to San Juan La Laguna.
Day 6: Visit Chichicastenango and its market. Overnight.
Day 7: Visit the ruins of Copán in Honduras. Overnight.
Day 8: Drive via Quiriguá to Flores in jungle Guatemala, 2n.
Day 9: Tour of the ruins at Yaxha.
Day 10: Tour of majestic Tikal ruins.
Day 11: Transfer to Guatemala City airport.
Owing to many clients' preference for flexibility, and the variation in flight price according to season and availability, the price quoted excludes the cost of international flights, which we will happily arrange for you. Flights to Latin America can be daytime or overnight, while the return flight is always overnight, so you will need to add at least one day to arrive at the total length of your holiday. View detailed itinerary >> Our Comment
The traditions and rituals of the Maya are alive and well; still thriving in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala particularly. There's a fascinating world of mysticism and ceremony which the friendly and gentle people are happy to reveal to you. The modern-day culture is a rich mix of Mayan and Catholic religious practice. This tour, in an auspicious year, is a rare opportunity to look deeply into their world.
Rafe Stone, Product Manager You might also like
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 Detail at the ruined Mayan city of Copán
 Highland village girl from Lake Atitlán View more images  |