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ANCIENT CITIESOF THE MAYA

DEC 27–JAN 5, 2009 / FEB 14–23, 2010 / MAR 19–28, 2010

• 10-day journey to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras with

a renowned Maya expert • Explore Uxmal, Chichén Itzá, Tikal, and Copán

YA SCULPTURE



Nestled within the jungles of Mesoamerica, soaring pyramids

and hieroglyph-inscribed stelae attest to the magnicence of the

ancient Maya. On an expedition inspired by National Geographic

magazine’s August 2007 cover story on the glory and demise of

the Maya, discover the stunning monuments of a lost civilization

as you explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Uxmal,

Chichén Itzá, Tikal, and Copán.

Michael Smyth Archaeologist Michael Smyth is a Maya scholar who has

been leading research teams to the Yucatán for more

than 20 years. Currently a professor at Rollins College

in Florida, Michael has received more than a dozen

grants from the National Geographic Society to fund

his digs and research since 1992. At Chac, a Maya site

where Michael has spent ten seasons, his excavations have revealed that

the Maya were settled and actively trading with distant neighbors severalhundred years earlier that once believed. His current work at Xcoch near

Uxmal is revealing that the Maya were thriving well before the time of

Christ. Michael looks forward to sharing his in-depth knowledge of the

Maya with you as together you visit many of the most spectacular Maya

sites on this expedition. Michael will join the February and March 2010

departures. Peter Dunham will join the December 2009 departure.

Trip Highlights • Explore four of the most important Maya sites in the world, each

designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Peruse modern-day handicrafts at the bustling markets of colonial Mérida.• Spot scarlet macaws and monkeys as you hike to the jungle-shrouded

sites of Tikal.

• The March 2010 departure coincides with the spring equinox, when sunlight

interplays with Chichén Itzá’s Pyramid of Kukulcán.

TIKAL

TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY,CALL TOLL FREE: 1-888-966-8687.

RESERVE ONLINE ATWWW.NATIONALGEOGRAPHICEXPEDITIONS.COM

Note: The March 2010 departure

coincides with the spring equinox, w

sunlight interplays with Chichén Itzá

Pyramid of Kukulcán.

Itinerary : 10 Days

DAY 1 U.S./MÉRIDA, MEXICO

Depart for the lovely colonial

city of Mérida. Upon arrival,check into the hotel and enjoy

an evening at leisure. FIESTA

AMERICANA

DAY 2 MÉRIDA/UXMAL

Set out on a walking tour of

Mérida, founded in 1542 on th

site of the ancient city of Tihó

Stop by the lively market, whe

modern-day Maya sell colorfu

hammocks and embroidered

huipiles, or traditional blousesThen trace the heritage of

the Maya at the Museum of

Anthropology and History. En

a traditional Yucatecan lunch

before an afternoon drive to

Uxmal. Along the way, visit w

local Maya villagers, and stop

the town of Ticul to learn abo

its ceramics industry. Check in

to our hotel, adjacent to the

ruins, and gather for a welcomreception and dinner.HACIENDA UXMAL (B,L,D)

DAY 3 UXMAL

This morning, encounter the

magnificent vestiges of the

ancient Maya at Uxmal. A

UNESCO World Heritage site,

Uxmal was the city to which

the Maya returned—hence its

name, meaning “thrice built.”

Visit the richly ornamented

Pyramid of the Magician, the

Nunnery, the House of Turtles

and the Great Pyramid; and

examine the intricate patterns

of the architecture. After lunc

relax in the lovely gardens of

hotel, or explore the site furth

Tonight, watch the ruins come

alive at a sound-and-light shoHACIENDA UXMAL (B,L,D)



DAY 4 UXMAL/CHICHÉN ITZÁ

Discover the unique features

of Sayil, Labná, and Kabah, tiny

sites built in the distinctive Puuc

architectural style of Uxmal. Then

journey to Chichén Itzá, one of

the largest and best-preserved

archaeological sites in Mexico.

Settle into our charming colonial

hotel, located just steps from the

ruins. HOTEL MAYALAND (B, L, D)

DAY 5 CHICHÉN ITZÁ

Today is devoted to Chichén

Itzá, believed to have been

the religious, political, and

cultural center of the Yucatán.

Enter a world of fascinating

mythology as you discover the

southern complex, including the

Observatory, the Tomb of the

High Priest, and the Nunnery.

Spend the afternoon in the

large complex of North Chichén.

Here, see the towering Pyramid

of Kukulcán and the Temple of

the Warriors, surrounded by

its precise colonnades. In the

shadow of these grand structures

lie smaller sites like the ancient

marketplace, the sweat bath,

and the largest ball court in

the Americas. Cool off with a

refreshing swim in a nearby

cenote, a natural sinkhole filled

with crystal-clear spring water.HOTEL MAYALAND (B, L, D)

DAY 6 CHICHÉN ITZÁ/

FLORES, GUATEMALAEarly this morning, set out on

a forest walk to spot colorful

tropical birds. Transfer to Cancún

for an early afternoon flight to

Flores, Guatemala. On arrival,

drive to our hotel, situated at the

entrance to Tikal, and surrounded

by jungle ringing with tropical

birdlife. Attend a talk by our

expert this evening. CAMINO REAL (B, L, D)

DAY 7 TIKAL NATIONAL PARKToday, discover Tikal, one of the

largest Maya cities. Its hieroglyphs

suggest that it was a capital of

the Maya civilization—with as

many as 3,000 buildings—during

the early Classic period. Hike

into the forests that separate

the monuments, and look out

for exotic birds such as macaws,

toucans, and parrots. Then view

treasures from the excavations atthe Tikal Museum and the Lithic

Museum. CAMINO REAL (B, L, D)

DAY 8 FLORES/ COPÁN, HONDURAS

Fly by private charter from Flores

to Copán. The easternmost of

the great Maya cities, Copán

is particularly famous for

hieroglyphs that recount tales of

the many kings who ruled the city.

Visit Sepulturas, an ancient village

just down the road from the main

site where the scribes, artists, and

elite of Copán once lived. HOTEL MARINA COPÁN (B,L,D)

DAY 9 COPÁN

Spend the morning at Copán,

discovering intricately carved

PHOTOS: SCULPTURE © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / LUCIA BUSNELLO

• Tikal © SILKE WAHL • iguana © MARYA MCGINN

NOTE: ITINERARY DETAILS AND PRICING ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY

VARY SLIGHTLY. PLEASE CALL 1-888-966-8687 FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.

sculptures and elaborate architecture

including the Hieroglyphic Stairway

and ball court. Browse the collection

at the Copán Regional Museum

and the highly acclaimed Sculpture

Museum, which house artifacts,

altars, and sculpture removed from

the ceremonial center and outlying

areas. Tonight, gather for a farewelldinner at an enchanting 100-year-old

hacienda with expansive views of the

Copán Valley. HOTEL MARINA COPÁN (B,L,D)

DAY 10 COPÁN/SAN PEDRO SULA/HOUSTON

Depart early this morning for San

Pedro Sula, and transfer to the airpor

for your return flight. (B)

Optional Extension

POST-TRIP : 4 DAYS

YAXCHILAN, BONAMPAK, &PALENQUE, MEXICO

Complete your tour of the ancient

cities of the Maya with a post-trip

excursion that visits Palenque,

Yaxchilan, and Bonampak — all

located in the state of Chiapas,

Mexico.

Expedition Cost $5,990

Price is per person, double

occupancy. For a single room,

add $895.

All flights within Mexico,

Guatemala, and Honduras are

included in the expedition cost.

Round-trip economy airfare from

Houston to Mérida, and return from

San Pedro Sula, is not included and

is estimated at $600.

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