Travel along with our recent tour group as they journey into the heart of Maya country to experience local culture and explore rain forests and ancient ruins on the 2019 Hidden World of the Ancient Maya of Chiapas and Tabasco Tour.
Scroll through the slider below for a virtual tour, and check out our latest tour schedule to find out how you can join the next adventure!
We begin our adventure in Tabasco and Chiapas at the great Olmec center of La Venta (ca. 600-400 B.C.) The replica Olmec heads are on a platform where they were found in the 1950s.
Our trip archaeologist, Dr. Jeffrey Blomster, explains the Olmec culture at La Venta. We climb the largest Olmec pyramid. It is made of earth and unexplored.
The stone monuments from the site of La Venta have been moved to Villahermosa where we study them. This throne/alter displays exquisite Olmec art.
Dr. Blomster discusses this Olmec head, probably a portrait of a ruler of La Venta.
We visit the Maya center of Comalcalco. All of the buildings are built of fired bricks, unique in the Maya world.
We travel to the Maya center of Palenque and visit the royal palace, mainly built by Pacal the Great in the 7th century.
Pacal build this impressive Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque. It contains his elaborate tomb.
At Bonampak, deep in the rain forest, the Maya king Chaan Muan II is featured on a huge stelae in the central plaza.
Bonampak hosts the spectacular well-preserved murals that cover three rooms. This scene is of the royal court at Bonampak.
We next travel to the Guatemalan border and take boats to the great Maya center of Yaxchilán located on an oxbow of the Usumacinta River.
In the main plaza of Yaxchilán, there is a small Maya ballcourt.
In the main plaza of Yaxchilán, there is a small Maya ballcourt.
Temple 33 at Yaxchilán is located high above the river and the main plaza. It is one of the most important buildings in the Maya world and tells of the great ruler Bird Jaguar IV (A.D. 752-772).
On our way to the Maya highlands we make a refreshing stop at the waterfalls of Agua Azul.
Toniná was a major Maya center that rivaled Palenque. Its impressive acropolis rises high above the forest.
Toniná’s acropolis has many levels. Some impressive stucco decorations are well preserved.
A portrait of a Maya king presides over Toniná.
In the beautiful highland city of San Cristobal de las Casas we visit an exhibit about the discovery of the tomb of wife of Pacal the Great of Palenque. These rich funerary offerings attest to her high status.
The old church and cemetery at the modern highland Maya town of San Juan Chamula. Ancient Maya religion is covered with a façade of Catholicism.
The new church at San Juan Chamula is covered with Maya symbols. Healing ceremonies take place inside.
At the Maya town of Zinacantán, skilled workers use hand tools to repair the church that was badly damaged in an earthquake.
At the Maya town of Zinacantán, skilled workers use hand tools to repair the church that was badly damaged in an earthquake.
Weavers of Zinacantán use a backstrap loom to fashion their beautiful textiles.
