Explore the various periods and styles of ancient Maya civilization. We begin in the Rio Bec region and visit the lesser known sites of Becan, Chicanna, Ixpujil and Hormiguero. Here, we can see the "Rio Bec" style of architecture, characterized by dominating towers, false staircases, round corners and exquisite high relief stucco art. We spend a fascinating day exploring Calakmul, one of the three centers of Maya power during the Classic Era (Palenque and Tikal were the other two). By visiting Calakmul, we are in the Calakmul Bioreserve, where we will see howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucan, oscillated turkeys and more. Traveling north, we visit the Chenes sites of Hochob and Edzna. In Campeche City, we learn of the 200 years of pirate attacks on this strategically located city on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. We learn of the sea walls and land walls that were built to fend off from these constant attacks. Palo de Campeche or Logwood was a highly sought after wood used for dyeing.

• Relax on Beach at Isla Aguada
• Explore the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
• Climb the massive Calakmul Ruins
• Visit rarely seen Maya Sites
• Discover the colonial charm of Campeche
• Visit Chenes style sites, such as Edzna
• See how "jipijapa" is woven into hats

• Day One: Arrive Ciudad del Carmen, Transfer to Isla Aguada: Depending on arrival time, we will enjoy a lunch or dinner on the beach. (L or D)
• Day Two: Chicanna, Becan: Transfer to Chicanna as this will be our base to explore the Rio Bec region and the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and Ruins. After checking into our hotel and stretching our legs, we begin our first trek to some of the remote and lesser known Maya sites of the Rio Bec region. Today is dedicated to Becan. (B)
• Day Three: Hormiguero, Chicanna, Xpujil: After breakfast, we trek deeper into this region to visit one of the most remote sites and also one of the most beautiful: Hormiguero. Here we see the rich stucco design and embellishment that make this site truly breathtaking. Upon arrival, one really feels like Stephens and Catherwood who first came upon these sites in the early 1800’s. On our agenda today, we will also visit the uniquely “rio bec” style sites of Chicanna and Xpujil. We have a special late afternoon/early evening in store: we will visit the Maya community of Veinte de Noviembre, where we will be hosted by the community to enjoy home made tamales and to see some of the finest hammocks made in the region. (B, L, D)
• Day Four: Calakmul Biosphere Reserve / Ruins and Balamku: We leave our hotel at the crack of dawn in order to have a full day of exploration in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and ruins. Balamku included. (B, L)
• Day Five: Hochob and Transfer to Campeche, Stop in Hochob: Leaving Southern Campeche, we travel north as we make our way to the capital city, Campeche, located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. One the way, we stop at an impressive, Maya site of the Chenes period and style: Hochob. Arriving in Campeche, we have a relaxing dinner at Los Portales. (B, L)
• Day Six: Campeche City, Fuerte San Miguel: Since we have traveled so much, today we stay put in Campeche in order to fully absorb the tropical, colonial atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage City. We begin by taking a guided walking tour to see how the city was built within the sea walls and land walls erected in the 1800’s to protect the city from attacking pirates. We enjoy lunch overlooking the water, before we head out once again to see the marvelous Museum of Archeology in the old fort, Fuerte de San Miguel. (B)
• Day Seven: Edzna: Today we enjoy a guided tour of the grand Chenes site of Edzna. Evening free to relax and stroll through Campeche once again. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at La Pigua (B, D)
• Day Eight: Depart, transfer to airport