The main aiport of entry to Yucatan is Cancun. Get a good look, because that's the last we'll see of it! We will immediately board transport to take us to the vibrant, tropical, colonial capital city, Merida; land of the guayabera and romantic boleros. From here, we explore the Maya sites of Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and learn to identify Puuc architecture at Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil and Labna. To enjoy the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, we visit Celestun, the Winter feeding grounds for the Greater Flamingo. Our trip ends with an adventurous trek to the white sandy beaches of Holbox; not easy to get to, but worth the trip. If you like fresh ceviche, you'll be in heaven.

Depending on location and timeframe, the Maya developed distinctive architectural styles; Peten, Puuc, Chenes and Rio Bec. In Yucatan, this style was in large part Puuc, identifiable by keyhole style entry ways and ornate carved friezes. The timeline will be reviewed, from the Pre-Classic, Classic and Post Classic periods to get a better understanding of who was where, when! The Maya Calendar, and the difference between the Calendar Round and Long Count method will be reviewed. We'd better hurry, as the Great Cycle, according to the Long Count calendar ends December 23, 2012!

It is hard to imagine that so close to us, are a people whose rhythms of life are so different from ours. From what they think about and do when they get up in the morning, to how they build their homes, what they eat, and even where they sleep. In large part, the Maya people of Yucatan have preserved a way of life, that for centuries revolved around the cycle of the seasons and the all important corn harvest, or "milpa", based on slash and burn methods. Their cultural identity also comes from their unique Language and Religion. Join us on a Journey to learn more about how others in our world live today.