MAYAN VISION JOURNEY

Mayan Vision Itinerary trip

The Mayan Vision tour takes you into the realms of the world of the ancient Maya. We visit the most important sites ranging from different periods and architectural styles, from small places of worship to the very centre of the Mayan kingdom. Amongst the archeological treasures we indulge the senses with stunning natural environments. Imagine beautiful lagoons and waterfalls, being immersed in the jungle, exploring caves and cenotes and plunging into the blue waters of the Caribbean.

Day 1

We start our journey in San Cristobal de las Casas, a charming colonial town nestled among the mountains of Chiapas in southern Mexico. From here we continue our way South to visit the impressive Chiflon Waterfall and swim in the refreshing turquoise blue water. Then we go on to explore the Montebello Lakes, a set of 52 crystal clear lakes and go on a raft trip through a cave at the stunning Cinco Lagos. In the evening we head on to the edge of the jungle and the banks of the lacanja River to an eco retreat to stay in bungalows.

Day 2

Today we drive into the Lacandon Forest Reserve, home of the indigenous Lacandon people who still live in their traditional ways. Nearby is Bonampak, an important Mayan site for its observatory buildings, detailed stelae, and the ‘Templo de los Frescos’ containing three rooms covered with paintings depicting ancient Maya ceremonies and customs, casting light to the lives of the Mayans. We continue to the Usumacinta River that defines the border between Guatemala and Mexico. We take a boat ride along the river to the Yaxchilan archeological site, on the banks of the river surrounded by jungle. First inhabited around 200 AD, the ancient city’s central plaza holds statues of jaguars and crocodiles. We climb Yaxchilan's highest temple to take in the magnificent view of the Usumacinta River and surrounding jungle. We take our boat back to the reserve to spend the night in bungalows in the jungle run by a Lacandon family.

Day 3

This morning we walk through the jungle on an enchanting trail, passing an enormous Ceiba tree, the sacred tree of the Mayans to a beautiful waterfall with clear blue pools to swim in. Here we can truly relax, take in the sounds and sights of the jungle, full of life and enjoy being emersed in another world. After our wander back along the trail, we hit the road again towards Palenque, where we will be staying in bungalows in a relaxed area, yet walking distance from el Pachan, a buzzing hub of ourdoor bars, places to eat and dance.

Day 4

Our day is dedicated to visiting the archaeological site of Palenque located in the heart of a rich rain forest. This site is one of the most inspiring and important Mayan citys with a magical scene of temples and grand buildings dating from the Classical period (400 - 700 AD). Among its most important buildings are the Palace, which is distinguished by its high watch tower that stands out from the rest of the building, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Cross that surrounds the mysterious and most important building the Temple of the Inscriptions where the tomb of the great ruler Palenque, Pakal Votan was found.

Day 5

Today we make our way to Balamkú, meaning ‘Temple of the Jaguar’ in Mayan. The main attraction of this early pre-Classic site is to see the building called the House Of The Four Kings with carvings that are remarkable in their detail, consisting of three large stucco friezes of a rabbit, an alligator and a jaguar, the major reliefs are then flanked by many other small animal carvings. The frieze is made of polychrome molded stucco, unique in the Mayan area, which was built between the years 550 and 650 A. D. After this we drive to Xpujil where we spend the night in Chicanna eco village, surrounded by a spectacular history of ancient sites and the jungle landscape.

Day 6

Today we visit nearby ruins, including Becan, meaning the ‘Road of the Serpent’ in Mayan. Becán was an active city for a very long period of time dating from as early as 600 B.C. and as late as 1450 A.D. Built from carved limestone, Becan was a place of important political and military control, and is considered the capital its region. After this we visit Chicanná, just one mile away the site is known for its elaborate stone architecture. Chicanná features facades that portray the gaping jaws of Itzamná, the chief deity of the Maya pantheon in the form of the ‘Earth Monster’. The doorway is his great mouth, through which the high priests entered the Maya underworld and out of which they emerged transfigured by the encounter. On each side of the door itself are the gaping fangs of the serpent, while on the shrine atop it there are jutting stone masks with huge twisted snouts. We then make our way to Calakmul, one of the largest Mayan cities from the late pre-Classic period and one of the most important Mayan sites. It is distinguished by its at least 106 engraved stelae, which is the largest number found at any known site. We travel north to hobelchen, to stay in bungalows.

Day 7

We start our day by visiting santa rosa xtampak considered the most important mayan city in the chenes region,The word ‘ch’en’ means well in Mayan, and many of the settlements in this area were based around wells and springs which had special significance, due to the rarity of surface water in the rough and rocky landscape. After We make our way to Edzna, one of the most interesting Mayan cities due to the technological advances developed there such as an advanced system of hydraulic works. They had a magnificent dranage system in which the rainwater flowed to artificial deposits called Chultunes. We then travel on to Campeche City, on the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsular, to spend the night. It is quite interesting due to its old colonial Spanish city walls and fortifications, which protected the city against pirates.

Day 8

Our day begins with a tour of Uxmal, one of the most memorable Maya ruins in the Yucatan, due to its massive scale, elegant structures, and intricate decoration. The ‘Oracle's Pyramid’ is a key monument, striking both for the purity of its lines and its baroque appearance. Also in the site are the ‘Nuns' Quadrangle’, the Pelota (ball court), the ‘House of the Turtles’ and the ‘Governor's Palace’. After this we continue to the fantastic Maya site of Kabah, the second largest site in the region, and famous for the Palace of the Masks, with hundreds of masks of Chaac, god of the rain, in its façade.
We drive on to Izamal to spend the night, a town that is alive with three cultures – the ancient Mayan, the Colonial, and the present day bustling Izamal. This town is a monument of color, history and pride that can be felt in its streets and buildings.

Day 10

Today we drive to one of the most mysterious and magical places of all time, Chichen Itza, considered to be the most important ancient city of the Mayan Culture with amazing examples of Mayan architecture. Possibly the best known construction on the site is Kukulkan's Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A square-based, stepped pyramid that is approximately 75 feet tall, this pyramid was built for astronomical purposes and during the vernal equinox (March 20) and the autumnal equinox (September 21) at about 3pm the sunlight bathes the western balustrade of the pyramid's main stairway. This causes seven isosceles triangles to form imitating the body of a serpent 37 yards long that creeps downwards until it joins the huge serpent's head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway. The sight many buildings including the Observatory, the Temple of the Warriors and the largest ball game court discovered in Mesoamerica.

Day 11

We begin our day with a refreshing visit to the Ik Kil Cenote. It's pristine waters crowded with small catfish are a unique experience awaiting you after a few days of taking in the many and varied archeological sites. You can swim in this unique well, that has been a host of ceremonies during the equinox and solstice. We also visit the nearby Balankanché Caves, an important ceremonial site for the Mayas, with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations inside. Inside is the ‘Balam Throne’, an altar where it is believed the Mayas performed rituals. In this same chamber there is a 20-foot tall grand stalagmite formation that resembles a Ceiba tree, said to be the ‘sacred tree inside the earth’. Another cave system in the area, the Lon Tun is impressive in size and has a fascinating history. Evidence has been found here of human contact going back 7,000 years. Mammoth bones have been found in the caves, along with fresco paintings on the walls, depicting ‘hands in negative’, faces, animals, and decorative figures.

Day 12

For the final day of the tour we make our way to the coast, to the beautiful Playa del Camen.
This little cosmopolitan Caribbean beach town is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. The town has grown along the beach, so wherever you go, you will feel the closeness to the ocean. From here it is easy to make you way to Canun, with an international airport or Tulum. We will share a meal together as a group looking out onto the enchanting blue waters, and share our experiences of our Mayan adventure.