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Ancient and Modern Maya of Chiapas, Mexico

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Chiapas, Mexico

February 16-25, 2010

Join Boise State University's Educational Travel Program to Chiapas, Mexico.

With a field-experienced archeologist as trip leader and instructor, explore stunning temples, pyramids, murals and hieroglyphics in the heart of Mesoamerica. Discover the monuments and learn the history of the surprisingly sophisticated ancient civilization of the Mayans. Visit contemporary Mayan villages in the highlands of Chiapas and experience the living culture of the descendants of the ancient Maya.

• Explore four important Mayan sites, including Palenque, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Bonampak, Yaxchilan and Tonina.
• Travel by boat on the Usumascinta River to the Yaxchilan site where we may also hear and see howler monkeys.
• Learn first hand from our archeologist-leader about ancient Mayan astronomy, art, geometry, writing and history.
• Experience modern native culture with our anthropologist-leader in the Mayan villages of Chamula and Zinacatan, then enjoy and shop in the beautiful colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas.
• Create your own travel journal with instruction from a skilled journalist (included, but optional).

Enjoy the camaraderie of our small group (max 16)!

 

Is this adventure right for you?

• Pace - 5 locations in 10 days, 3 one-night stays.
• Terrain - Ruins, rugged paths, city streets, sunshine.
• Special Factors - Optional strenuous climbing on pyramids; agility required to board small boat; not appropriate for wheelchairs or walkers.
• Small Group Size - 10 min. - 16 max.
• Vehicles – Minibus or van, motorized canoe.

 

Faculty:

Christopher Powell, a research archeologist, will lead our trip. He is on the staff of the Maya Exploration Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of ancient Maya civilization. Leading trips helps fund their research. Powell worked at Copan, Honduras in the early ‘90s where he excavated the richly decorated tomb of Copan’s lineage founder, Yax Kuk Mo, work which was featured in the Dec. ’97 issue of National Geographic. At Palenque from 1996, he has been a field director, and led the excavation of Temple XIX. He has done groundbreaking research in Mayan calendrics and, is currently working on new theories that explain how the Maya incorporate the proportions of nature in their art and architecture.

Chip Morris, who speaks two Mayan languages, will show us contemporary Mayan life in Chamula and Zinacantan. Chip used his MacArthur Fellowship to become the world expert on Mayan textiles.

Ellie McKinnon, Director of Osher Institute at Boise State, is an accomplished writer and has taught writing seminars. During the trip she will help us learn travel journaling and help us create our own travel journals.

 

Cost for 10 days:

$3,200 includes:

• Round trip airfare from Boise* plus airport transfers to hotel
• Full trip insurance including trip cancellation, interruption, luggage, medical and evacuation.
• Trip is partially tax-deductible.
• Nine nights hotel accommodations.
• Breakfasts, lunches and final dinner.
• Archeologist & anthropologist instructing team; lectures.
• Resource notebooks, pre-trip preparation materials.
• Travel Journaling workshop, included but optional.
• Add $400 for single lodging supplement.

*Departure from other cities may be arranged for an adjustment in cost.

 

Payment and Refund Policy:

Payments due:
Deposit of $1,600 or more due by November 3rd.
Final payment due by December 18th.

Late registrations will be considered on a space-available basis.

Participants traveling independently are responsible for meeting up with the group.

Refunds:
Any applicable refunds are processed through the travel insurance company. Cost of travel insurance is non-refundable.

 

Register now! Enrollment is limited.

For more information, please call:
Boise State Educational Travel Programs at (208) 426-3293;
Toll-Free: 1-800-824-7017
(Press "5" for Extended Studies in the phone options list and ask to be connected to Linda Berntsen.)
Or email us:
studytours@boisestate.edu