Mexico
Chiapas & the Yucatan Peninsula: Highlights & Hidden Sites
Program No. 25253RJ
Gain an overview of Chiapas and the Yucatan Peninsula while delving into Mayan history and modern culture at archaeological sites, villages and cities.
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Protecting the Environment
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13 days
12 nights
29 meals
12B 10L 7D
1
Arrive Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Check-in
Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas
2
Orientation, Rescue Zoo, Boat Along Canyon, Colonial Towns
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
3
Mayan Towns & Villages
San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas
4
Waterfalls, Tropical Rainforest
Palenque, Chiapas
5
Palenque Archeological Site, Rainforest Ecosystem
Palenque, Chiapas
6
Train Ride, Walled City, Mayan Villages
Uxmal, Yucatán
7
Uxmal Archeological Site, Chocolate, Light & Sound Show
Uxmal, Yucatán
8
Celestúm Biosphere Reserve, Flamingos, Mangroves, Hacienda
Merida, Yucatán
9
Henequen Hacienda, Cenotes, Merida Cultural City
Merida, Yucatán
10
Izamal Yellow Town, Chichen Itza, Aldea Mayan, Valladolid
Valladolid, Yucatan
11
Spider Monkeys Reserve, Tulum Archeological Site
Bacalar, Quintana Roo
12
Crystal Clear Lagoon
Bacalar, Quintana Roo
13
Program Concludes
Bacalar, Quintana Roo
At a Glance
Delve into the rich culture of the Yucatan Peninsula on this learning adventure that will bring you through rainforests, villages and Mayan history, all on one unforgettable journey. Explore archaeological sites like Chichen Itza (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Uxmal, and gain insight into the stories of the Mayan civilization and how Mayan people today maintain their traditions and spirituality. Wander the streets of the region’s small towns and larger cities and experience their unique architecture and local customs and crafts. Immerse yourself in nature in cenotes (natural limestone sinkholes), the mangroves of Celestum Biosphere Reserve and the Agua Azul waterfalls, with the chance to swim at a crystal-clear lagoon and ride in a boat through Sumidero Canyon. You’ll get a taste of archaeology, conservation, heritage and more as you circle the Yucatan Peninsula!
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to three hours at a time over varied terrain. Hot/humid weather conditions increase level of difficulty.
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 four Mayan archaeological sites and their museums — Palenque, Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Tulum.
- Participate in a cooking class to experience ancestral cuisine in an “aldea,” a Mayan rural community.
- Experience rainforests, cenotes and waterfalls as you search for wildlife like howler monkeys and flamingos and learn about local conservation efforts.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Maria Mitrani
Maria Mitrani was born in Italy, then lived in Canada, the United States and France. She finally settled in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, where she has been living since 1976 with her husband and three children. She has a bachelor’s in Italian and art history from the University of California at Berkeley. Since 1985 she has led learning adventures through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Maria Mitrani
View biography
Maria Mitrani was born in Italy, then lived in Canada, the United States and France. She finally settled in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico, where she has been living since 1976 with her husband and three children. She has a bachelor’s in Italian and art history from the University of California at Berkeley. Since 1985 she has led learning adventures through different parts of Mexico and is a specialized guide for Baja California. She is one of the owners and founders of Andiamo.
Esther Mitrani
View biography
Esther Mitrani was born in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology at the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, then worked in San Francisco for three years in human resources in high-tech. Missing her home, she return to her native city. Esther has been guiding since 1994, and joined the family business in 2002 as an organizer and tour leader. She is an eager traveler, and she loves sports and languages.
Suggested Reading List
(10 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 & the Yucatan Peninsula: Highlights & Hidden Sites
Program Number: 25253
The Yucatán Peninsula
Photographer C.C. Lockwood, known for his work in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, now explores the untamed Yucatán Peninsula. Focusing on the Mexican states of Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán, he captures hidden wilderness areas like coral reefs, wildlife refuges, and dense jungles. His stunning photos showcase diverse animals, lush landscapes, Mayan ruins, and local markets. Lockwood’s engaging text recounts his adventures and offers insights into the region’s history and ecosystems, revealing a side of the Yucatán few tourists see.
The Mexican Dream: or, the interrupted though of Amerindian Civilizations
Like Water for Chocolate
This classic love story takes place on the De la Garza ranch, as the tyrannical owner, Mama Elena, chops onions at the kitchen table in her final days of pregnancy. While still in her mother's womb, her daughter to be weeps so violently she causes an early labor, and little Tita slips out amid the spices and fixings for noodle soup. This early encounter with food soon becomes a way of life, and Tita grows up to be a master chef, using cooking to express herself and sharing recipes with readers along the way.
The Mexico Reader: History, Culture, Politics
The Mexico Reader is a vivid introduction to muchos Méxicos—the many Mexicos, or the many varied histories and cultures that comprise contemporary Mexico. Unparalleled in scope and written for the traveler, student, and expert alike, the collection offers a comprehensive guide to the history and culture of Mexico—including its difficult, uneven modernization; the ways the country has been profoundly shaped not only by Mexicans but also by those outside its borders; and the extraordinary economic, political, and ideological power of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mayan Lives, Mayan Utopias: The Indigenous People of Chiapas and the Zapatista Rebellion (Latin American Perspectives in the Classrom)
In 199, the Zapatist uprising in Chiapas highlighted the long standing political activism of the indigenous people of the region. The Mayan groups include the Tzotzils, Tzeltals, Tojolabals, Ch’ol, Mams, and Lacandon, all of whom united demanding autonomy after the rebellion. The book explores their history of resistance, connecting indigenous culture with political struggle. Combining decades of expertise and activism, the work offers an authoritative, detailed account of he people behind the Zapatista movement.
The Rise and Fall of Maya Civilization
Despite years of study, numerous enigmas persist about ancient Mayas. Today, archaeologists are uncovering fresh evidence that challenge longstanding beliefs about how these people came to control vast regions of Mexico and Central America. Through monumental ruins, ancient carvings, and cutting-edge forensic findings, this series follows the Maya from their earliest beginnings to the present, revealing the hidden truths behind their rise and decline.
Mexico The Beautiful Cookbook: Authentic Recipes from the Regions of Mexico
Mexico the Beautiful Cookbook captures the fascinating culinary heritage of Mexico in one stunning volume. The recipes, prepared by Acapulco-based Susanna Palazuelos, represent a vast selection of authentic Mexican dishes, from all of the states of Mexico. Many of them are unusual regional dishes that have been passed along by word of mouth, such as garlic chicken from Veracruz, and San Luis Potosi's own version of enchiladas. The traditional favorites are here--chiles en nogada, tamales, pozole, tortilla soup--along with some contemporary surprises such as tequila mousse, cilantro soup and lobster crepes. With pine nut sauce. Other well-known Mexican cooks have also contributed their own special recipes to the book.
All 250 recipes have been photographed by Ignacio Urquiza, one of Mexico's foremost food and travel photographers. He also provided the scenic photographs, which lead the reader through the regions of Mexico, revealing the markets, the countryside, the way the people live and eat in this varied and beautiful country. Marilyn Tausend's text provides an informative accompaniment to the recipes and photos, exploring Mexico's dramatic history through its food.
Mexico the Beautiful Cookbook is the essential cookbook for anyone interested in Mexico and Mexican food.
National Geographic Investigates: Ancient Maya: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of the Maya's Past
While Europe faced the challenges of the Dark Ages, the Maya charted the skies, excelled in mathematics, and built monumental cities amidst the jungle. Their enduring remnants in stone are awed at sites such as Palenque and Uxmal and many more, but the majority of their cities are still hidden under dense vegetation, With the help of satellite imagery, archaeologists are now uncovering the story of this civilization. In addition, contemporary scholars are currently decoding ancient inscriptions giving us further insight into the Mayan world.
La Hija del Doctor Moreau - A novel -
A young woman lives on a secluded estate, sheltered from Yucatan’s turmoil. The daughter of the brilliant Dr. Moreau, is surrounded by his dark experiments. Montgomery Laughton, a brooding overseer, aids Moreau while battling his own demons. Funded by the wealthy Lizaldes, Moreau creates hybrids – part human, part animal- who live in secrecy. When Lizalde arrives at the scene, he unknowingly sets off a dangerous chain of events. The book is a gripping mix of historical fiction and sci-fi and was nominated as best novel for a Hugo Award in 2023.
Malinche
When Malinalli, a member of the tribe conquered by the Aztec warriors, first meets Cortés, she -- like many -- believes that he is the reincarnated forefather god of her tribe. Naturally, she assumes that her task is to help Cortés destroy the Aztec empire and free her people. The two fall passionately in love, but Malinalli gradually comes to realize that Cortés's thirst for conquest is all too human. He is willing to destroy anyone, even his own men, even their own love.
Throughout Mexican history, Malinalli has been reviled for her betrayal of the Indian people. However, recent historical research has shown that her role was much more complex; she was the mediator between two cultures, Hispanic and Native American, and two languages, Spanish and Náhuatl.
Bursting with lyricism and vivid imagery, Malinche finally unveils the truth behind this legendary love affair.