Usumacinta River Trip - Mayan Ruins & Wildlife - 10 Days
HIGHLIGHTS
This unique Mayan adventure on the Usumacinta River takes you on intimate visits to many ancient Mayan cities, all accompanied by our well-versed Mayanist guide. Utilizing the waterways, back roads, and local trails, like the Maya did years ago, this trip shows you some of the best remaining examples of the lost Mayan civilization.
Tikal, in the Peten of Guatemala; Palenque, in Mexico, and Yaxchilan in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, are just some of the incredible sites that you will explore. Our river company has 20+ years of experience in the region, giving you a safe and unforgettable journey. Our Mayanist guide will walk back in history to another world.
The Usu one of our favorite trips, a mix of history, nature, culture, biology, and outdoor activity.
The majestic Usu' River and its tributaries form the largest river system in Central America. The enchanting, green liquid highway, once an important trade route for the ancient Maya, meanders 
through the tropical rain forest and lowland jungle of Mexico and Guatemala, connecting many of the legendary powerful Mayan cities of the classic period.
Join us and explore the sites of Tikal, Ceibal, Aguateca, Altar de Sacrificios, Palenque, Bonampak and Yaxchilan. The colorful histories of this mythic region come to life with the assistance of a Mayanist who accompanies the group. The Peten region of Guatemala and the Lacandon rain forest of Mexico make this an exceptional tropical vacation interweaving highlights of Mayan archeology, local culture, and bioregional ecology into a rich tapestry you'll treasure for a lifetime.
Dates
2011 January 7, January 21, February 4, February 18, March 11
Price
2011 per person in double occupancy $2,950
Included
- 9 Nights Accommodations
- Transfers from/to Villahermosa airport
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (Codes: B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- Gratuities for hotels, meals, transportation
Not Included
- International airfare and taxes
- Departure tax
- Guide Gratuities
- Alchohol, soft drinks & items of a personal nature
Usumacinta River Trip - Mayan Ruins & Wildlife - Full Itinerary
Day 1
Palenque
Fly to Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, evening arrival, transfer to Palenque. Overnight at La Canada region
Day 2
Palenque
Trip orientation, and a full-day visit to explore and photograph the vast Mayan site of Palenque. The museum is chock full of fascinating artifacts and details about Palenque’s intriguing history. A visit to the Queen's Bath is always a cool escape after strolling around the ruins. Overnight and dinner in the La Canada region of Palenque. (B, L, D)
Day 3
Yaxchilan and the Usumacinta
Early morning departure to Frontera Corozal on the banks of the Usumacinta River. Travel downstream to spend the day at Yaxchilan. Overnight at the Escudo Jaguar Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 4
Tikal
Travel upstream to Bethel, Guatemala and meet our shuttle to Tikal National Park. Spend the remainder of the afternoon visit
ing Tikal. Overnight in the park. (B, L, D)
Day 5
Tikal and Mayan History
All day to visit the vast site of Tikal. Observe the abundant flora and fauna, bird watch, walk through the tropical rainforest and learn about Mayan history. Hotel in the Park. (B, L, D)
Day 6
Sayaxche and the Rio Petexbatun
Travel 2 hrs to Sayaxche, lunch and an afternoon visit to El Seibal National Park. Late afternoon transfer by boat up the Rio Petexbatun to our lodge. Dinner and overnight (B, L, D)
Day 7
Lagoon of the Petexbatun
A morning boat ride through the Lagoon of the Petexbatun to the fortified city of Aguateca. Return for a relaxing afternoon at our lodge (B, L, D)
Day 8
Rio Pasion
Travel downstream on the Rio Pasion, visiting Altar De Sacrificios, and camping along the Usumacinta river on one of its large beach expanses. (B, L, D)
Day 9
Bonampak
Arrive at Frontera Corozal and visit the site of Bonampak, famous for its murals, on the return to Palenque. Late afternoon arrival back in Palenque for a farewell dinner. Overnight in the La Canada region of Palenque. (B, L, D)
Day 10
Villahermosa
Transfer to Villahermosa for early morning flights home.
Guide and Mayanist Joe Orr hais a Texan but spent the last few 
decades leading trips in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. Many of those trips involved Maya archaeology, rainforest natural history and adventure travel, including a lot of time on the Usumacinta River. He has also worked as a river guide in Big Bend and Grand Canyon National Parks. He is a trained biologist with a keen eye for flora and fauna of the jungle. Most nights Joe turns his binoculars to the vast skies to identify stars, much like the Maya of years gone by.
Joe Orr
This is an active trip with walking and hiking and the terrain is sometimes rugged.
Accommodations in these remote areas are rustic but very comfortable. All hotels and lodges offer private bath, fans, and most have hot water.
Please note that the day to day schedule must be considered approximate. The exact order of the days and specific features may be altered due to navigational and other scheduling considerations.
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