La Ruta Maya
A National Geographic Expedition
Jan. 20-27 and Jan 27-Feb. 3
“In the beginning there were no people, no animals, no trees, no rocks, there was nothing. All was desolation and emptiness…”
“Popol Vuh”, Sacred Book of the Mayas
On October of 1989, The National Geographic Magazine published an article called “La Ruta Maya”. This article, beautifully illustrated by photographer Kenneth Garrett, was for most, a first glimpse into this fascinating world. What made this article so unique was the outstanding photography it displayed, photography that made us travel a millennia back in time.
Re-live “La Ruta Maya” while receiving advice and guidance from a National Geographic Expert with whom you will travel and shoot. Learn to master you camera, your composition and your story telling abilities. Photography is the product of an experience, narrating that experience in a meaningful way, is an art.
A local Mayan expert will also accompany the group giving you all facts of one of the most fascinating cultures in world’s history. Explore all angles of this timeless route; people, architecture, nature, sounds and flavors.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive in Cancun International Airport where you will be transferred to Playa del Carmen. Check in at the Grand Occidental Xcaret. Gather with your Expedition Leader for reception and dinner .
Occidental Grand Xcaret (D)
Day 2
Our first encounter with the ancient and enigmatic Maya is Chichen-Itza. This City one of the grandest architectural accomplishments of their civilization, dates back to 900 B.C. Your visit takes you to the Temple of Kukulcan, the Observatory and the Sacred Well. Spend the night at Merida, where after dinner, you’ll be able to stroll the town’s square for some wonderful night photography.
El Castellano Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 3
After an early morning breakfast take a city tour of Merida. Then travel to Celestum, famous for its river, beautiful flamingo colonies, fresh water springs, and calm beaches. After a seaside lunch enjoy a boat ride inside mangrove forests where you will be able to photograph amazing bird colonies. Return to Merida for dinner.
El Castellano Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4
Depart for Oxkutuzcab and its outside market, where goods from the region being sold by Mayan people in their traditional dresses. Have lunch in the town of Mani where you will savor the uniqueness of the Yucatecan cuisine. Next you will travel to Uxmal, the Mayan city that dates back to the year 600 AD. Go back in time and stroll among the jewels of Mayan architecture; Governors Palace, Nuns Square, Ball Court and the Pyramid of the Magicians. After dinner witness the ruin’s lights and sound show, an amazing photo opportunity. Return to Merida.
El Castellano Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 5
We start the day in Izamal one of Mexico’s Magical Towns, with almost all the buildings painted an egg-yolk yellow. Centerpiece to this city is the Convent of San Antonio de Padua that dates back to the 1500’s. After lunch depart for Pac Chen a Mayan jungle settlement of 125 people who still live in round thatch huts. Walk through the jungle where you will be able to photograph not only the locals but also exotic plants. Check into the Occidental Grand Xcaret.
Grand Occidental Xcaret (B,LD)
Day 6
After a quick bus ride arrive in Tulum the Maya’s largest commercial port on the coast the Yucatan Peninsula. This ancient fortress contains over 60 larger buildings and parts are perched along some of the most rugged cliffs on the Quintana Roo coast, offering a breathtaking view of the Caribbean. Have lunch at Xel-Ha National Park where you will be able to photograph its sheltered inlets and lagoons filled with a mixture of underground spring and seawater. Return to the hotel and after dinner head out to Playa del Carmen to photograph the nightlife at what is know as “The Mayan’s Riviera 5th Ave”.
Grand Occidental Xcaret (B,LD)
Day 7
Xcaret by day is an photographic adventure. The park offers a great variety of attractions featuring a subterranean river on whose sparkling waters you can gently float through tunnels carved in the ancient coral formations. The mild current will take you 1500 feet on this river illuminated by shafts of sunlight pouring in through natural openings overhead.
Enjoy other activities such as swimming in the inlets or relaxing on the shore. Explore the botanical gardens, the aquarium, the Mayan Village and the butterfly pavilion. Finish your expedition with The Xcaret by Night show is a spectacular experience for all your senses. Marvel at over 200 performers in an incredible pageant of colors, lights and sounds. depicting Mexico’s history. You will have the opportunity of photographing the actors up close.
Grand Occidental Xcaret (B,LD)
Day 8
After breakfast board your shuttle back to the Cancun International Airport for your flight home.
Grand Occidental Xcaret (B)
INFORMATION
Expedition Cost: $3395
Includes 7 nights of hotel accommodations, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Airport-Hotel –Airport transfers. Transportation in first class air-conditioned bus including refreshments. All admissions to archeological sites and parks. Mayan culture expert. All taxes and tips. Airfare from/to your home city is not included in the expedition cost.
Prices per person, Double occupancy. For a single room, add $500.
To reserve a space, call 1-866-797-4686 or go to www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
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