Mexico
Chiapas’ Civilizations: An Archaeological Dive in Southern Mexico
Program No. 23356RJ
Study the archaeological wealth that lives in Chiapas through ancient site explorations, meeting locals, venturing to important museums and immersing yourself in Indigenous culture.
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10 days
9 nights
24 meals
9B 8L 7D
2
Orientation, Cacao Route, Comalcalco
Villahermosa, Tabasco
3
La Venta Park, Transfer to Palenque-Chiapas
Palenque, Chiapas
4
Agua Azul Waterfall, Misol-Ha Waterfall
Palenque, Chiapas
5
Palenque Archaeological Site, Transfer to Villahermosa
Villahermosa, Tabasco
6
San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
7
San Juan Chamula & Zinacatan, Free Time
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
8
Na-Bolom Museum, Santo Domingo Convent Sergio Castro
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
9
Transfer to Chiapa de Corzo, Cañon del Sumidero
Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas
10
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Though many may think the Maya and other native groups have long disappeared, those in Chiapas know the opposite to be true. Deep in the southernmost region of Mexico, an estimated 950,000 people speak an indigenous language. Out of Chiapas’ 111 municipalities, 99 of them have a significant indigenous population. Here, it’s no secret: Native cultures are alive in every aspect of life. Alongside expert instructors, discover the fascinating traditions and rich history of the Maya, Tzotzils, Tzeltals and more in their indigenous communities. Explore important archaeological sites and meet locals with centuries of stories to share, providing a window into the past and an opportunity to preserve the history of Mexico’s founding people.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to two miles a day on a combination of cobblestone streets and dirt paths. Getting on and off of a motorcoach. Navigating high curbs, uneven steps, and stairs without railings. Travel in a tropical climate.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore the incredible Palenque archaeological site – an ancient Maya city and Chiapas’ capital from 600–900 AD.
- Experience the Sumidero Canyon with our experts to learn about the geology, the formation and the wildlife of this impressive canyon.
- Join local experts to learn about the modern and ancient Maya ways of harvesting cacao seeds.
General Notes
Road Scholar cannot offer air for this program. Participants are responsible for booking their own flights as well as transfer arrangements to the first site at the beginning of the program and to the airport at the end of the program.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Haydee de Hoyos
Originally from the northern state of Sonora, Haydee de Hoyos learned English through her interest in American television, especially “Sesame Street.” Her affinity for American culture led her to pursue a career in the travel industry with a degree in tourism and business form the University of Guadalajara. Haydee has worked for Geronimo for more than 20 years and served as a Group Leader on programs focusing on art, culture, history, the environment and Mexican cuisine, developing an encyclopedia of knowledge of all things Mexico.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Haydee de Hoyos
View biography
Originally from the northern state of Sonora, Haydee de Hoyos learned English through her interest in American television, especially “Sesame Street.” Her affinity for American culture led her to pursue a career in the travel industry with a degree in tourism and business form the University of Guadalajara. Haydee has worked for Geronimo for more than 20 years and served as a Group Leader on programs focusing on art, culture, history, the environment and Mexican cuisine, developing an encyclopedia of knowledge of all things Mexico.
Suggested Reading List
(8 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Chiapas’ Civilizations: An Archaeological Dive in Southern Mexico
Program Number: 23356
The Course of Mexican History 5th Edition
Indigenous Rulers: An Ethnohistory of Town Government in Colonial Cuernavaca
Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs
1986 Letters from Mexico
Bordering on chaos
Written like a fast-paced narrative, with exclusive interviews from key players - including President Zedillo, former president Salinas, and Subcommander Marcos, the Zapatista guerrilla leader - Bordering on Chaos gives us the inside story of the dramatic events that have shaken Mexico in recent years.
The Aztecs, Maya and their Predecessors: Archaeology of Mesoamerica
The Maya: Palaces and Pyramids of the Rainforest
The book retraces the development and magnificent flowering of Mayan architecture in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize over the period 300 B.C.-A.D. 1500
Women of Chiapas Making History in Times of Struggle and Hope
This book presents the concerns, visions, and struggles of women in Chiapas, Mexico in the context of the uprising of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN). The book is organized around three issues that have taken center stage in women's recent struggles-structural violence and armed conflict; religion and empowerment and women's organizing. Also includes maps.