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, Xpujil 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.

• Explore the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
• Climb the massive Calakmul Ruins
• Visit rarely seen Maya Sites of Chicanna, Xpujil, Becan
• 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, You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel & base in Chicanna. From here we will explore the Rio Bec region & Calakmul. We enjoy a welcome dinner upon our arrival. (D)
• Day Two: Explore Becan & Xpujil Becan is the largest of the Rio Bec style and region sites. It is surrounded by a moat and has the tallest buildings in this region. Here we begin to see the rounded corners, false staircases and towers that are so characteristic of the Rio Bec architectural style. At Xpujil we see a magnificent example of the series of three towers and false staircases, which are among the best preserved examples. (B,L)
• Day Three: Hormiguero, (roads permitting) Chicanna: After breakfast we trek deeper into the 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 feels like Stephens and Catherwood who first came upon these sites in the early 1800’s. Today, we also visit the uniquely “rio bec” style site of Chicanna, where we will be introduced to the Earth Monster. We have a special late afternoon in store, as we 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)
• 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. On 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 de San Francisco. (B,D)
• 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,L)
• 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, or extend your stay in the region. (B)