This introductory trip to Chiapas takes us to the amazing geological fissure of the Sumidero Canyon, and to the Highland colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas and surrounding Highland Maya villages of Zinacantan, Chamula and Amatenango. Later, we descend to the tropical lowlands to Journey to the land of the Classic Maya empires of Tonina, Palenque and Bonampak. Our trip ends with a visit deep in the Lacandon forest to swim in natural waterfalls and to meet the Lacandon people who call this region home.

The weavings of the Highland Maya women tell a story. This story is about the cycles of nature, the cosmos, and man's (women's!) place in it. We will learn where these symbols are derived from historically, and how they have evolved over time, to have meaning and provide identity for Maya women today. This is a study trip, to be lead by an expert in Maya textile iconography. An unforgetable experience awaits.

Study the debate about who came first: The Mightly Olmecs, or the Intellectual Maya. We will visit early Maya sites, such as Palenque, Bonampak and other sprawling sites that are accessed only by river. Leading Maya experts will accompany this trip that will take us back in time; about 2,000 years!