Build Your Own CourseCollege professor who would like to organize a study abroad short course for their students and/or fellow faculty members can arrange them through MEC. MEC will work with you to decide where you'd like to go and what your course's content should be.
Once we've developed a program that suits your needs, MEC handles all the travel logistics. Our staff of accomplished archaeologists, anthropologists and art historians will be your faculty for the week, providing tours of the ruins, introductions to modern Maya communities, and evening lectures.
Choose from one of our set one-week itineraries or, contact us to create your own.
MEC offers courses oriented toward archaeology and history, or thematic courses such as ancient Maya mathematics, archaeoastronomy or art history. A standard MEC short course lasts one week but that time frame can be expanded upon request. Contact us to arrange a short course for your group.
Set One-Week Itinieraries
Suggested Itinerary #1: Chiapas Lowlands
"Ancient Maya History and Science in Chiapas, Mexico"
| Day 1: | Evening arrival to Villahermosa (Tabasco, Mexico) |
| Day 2: | Visit La Venta Park in Villahermosa, transport to Palenque, evening lecture |
| Day 3: | Visit Palenque ruins, museum, Tomb of Pakal, evening lecture |
| Day 4: | Visit Bonampak ruins, Lacandon village of Lacanja, Golondrinas waterfalls |
| Day 5: | Visit Yaxchilan ruins by boat, regional museum, back to Palenque |
| Day 6: | Explore Palenque on your own, final course meeting |
| Day 7: | Early morning departure to Villahermosa airport |
Cost: $880 per student (add $100 for single room accommodation)
Included: Lodging, ground transportation, entry fees, breakfasts, lunches, instructors, lectures and course workbooks.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Villahermosa, dinners, travel insurance
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Itinerary #2: Chiapas Highlands
"The Ancient and Modern Maya of Chiapas, Mexico"
| Day 1: | Evening arrival to Villahermosa (Tabasco, Mexico) |
| Day 2: | Visit La Venta Park in Villahermosa, transport to Palenque, evening lecture |
| Day 3: | Visit Palenque ruins, museum, Tomb of Pakal, evening lecture |
| Day 4: | Visit Misol Ha waterfalls, Tonina ruins, arrive to San Cristobal |
| Day 5: | Visit Maya villages of Zinacantan and Chamula, weaving coops, evening lecture |
| Day 6: | Explore San Cristobal on your own, return to Villahermosa, final course meeting |
| Day 7: | Early morning flights back home |
Cost: $990 per student (add $120 for single room accommodation)
Included: Lodging, ground transportation, entry fees, breakfasts, lunches, instructors, lectures and course workbooks.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Villahermosa, dinners, travel insurance
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Suggested Itinerary #3: Yucatan
"Ancient Science and Culture in the Maya Ruins of Yucatan, Mexico"
| Day 1: | Evening arrival to Merida (capital city of Yucatan, Mexico) |
| Day 2: | Tour through Merida, anthropology museum, evening lectures |
| Day 3: | Visit Uxmal and Kabah ruins, back to Merida |
| Day 4: | Visit Mayapan ruins, modern town of Mani, and Loltun caves |
| Day 5: | Visit Chichen Itza ruins |
| Day 6: | Dzibilchaltun ruins and afternoon to explore Merida, final course meeting |
| Day 7: | Morning flights back home |
Cost: $1040 per student (add $130 for single room accommodation)
Included: Lodging, ground transportation, entry fees, breakfasts, lunches, instructors, lectures and course workbooks.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Merida, dinners, travel insurance
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Suggested Itinerary #4: Quintana Roo
"The Ancient and Modern Maya of Quintana Roo, Mexico"
| Day 1: | Afternoon arrival to Cancun and transport to Playa del Carmen |
| Day 2: | Morning free in Playa del Carmen, evening lectures |
| Day 3: | Visit Tulum ruins, evening lectures |
| Day 4: | Visit Coba ruins, swim in cenotes near Villadolid |
| Day 5: | Visit Ek Balam ruins and nearby modern Maya village |
| Day 6: | Explore Playa del Carmen on your own, final course meeting |
| Day 7: | Early morning transport to Cancun and flights back home |
Cost: $1160 per student (add $150 for single room accommodation)
Included: Lodging, ground transportation, entry fees, breakfasts, lunches, instructors, lectures and course workbooks.
Not Included: Airfare to/from Cancun, dinners, travel insurance
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Proceeds from MEC Tours are the center's primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center's 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.
