A Tour led by Archaeologist Christopher Powell

This eight day tour will take you between two of the major capitals of the Ancient Maya world, Palenque and Tikal. Running over the Thanskgiving Holiday week, the journey will begin with Palenque in Southern Mexico and make its way through ruins, rain forests, and indigenous towns to the border. Crossing the Usumacinta River into Guatemala, you'll arrive to the island of Flores in time to settle in and watch the beautiful sunset over Lake Peten. Thanksgiving is the following day, and the group will dine on wild turkey, Maya style! The entire next day will be dedicated to exploring and learning about Tikal's vast metropolis. Along the journey back to Mexico, you'll visit the remote ruins of Yaxchilan, accessible only by boat. The last day of the trip will be back in Palenque, with a chance to explore the ruins' museum and relax. A final dinner party with MEC archaeologists will bring the adventure to a celebratory close.

Pillars of the Classic Maya Palenque to Tikal
Price	$2100 per person (add $300 for single lodging) $400 deposit due upon registration, balance due 30 days before the trip.
Date	November 22-30, 2008
MAKE A RESERVATION PAY TOUR BALANCE

Nov 22, Saturday: Arrival Land at the Villahermosa airport in the evening and take a cab to the Hotel Cencali in the heart of town. MEC representatives will meet you there and help you check into your rooms.
	Nov 23, Sunday: La Venta Park Morning: Tour of La Venta Park Afternoon: Transport to Palenque Evening: Lecture: Ancient Maya History Overnight at Hotel Villas Kin Ha
	Nov 24, Monday: Palenque Morning: Tour of Palenque Afternoon: Palenque on your own Evening: Free time Overnight at Hotel Villas Kin Ha
	Nov 25, Tuesday: Bonampak Morning: Tour of Bonampak Afternoon: Cross the Usumacinta River into Guatemala Early Evening: Arrive to Flores Overnight at Hotel Santana
	Nov 26, Wednesday: Lake Peten Morning: Tour of Flores Afternoon: Boat tour to Tayasal, Santa Barbara Museum, and Petencito Zoo Evening: Lecture: History of Tikal Overnight at Hotel Santana
	Nov 27, Thursday: Tikal Morning: Tour of Tikal Afternoon: Tikal tour continued Evening: Thanksgiving Dinner of wild turkey in Flores Overnight at Hotel Santana
	Nov 28, Friday: Yaxchilan Morning: Transport back to Mexico Afternoon: Tour of Yaxchilan Evening: Return to Frontera Corozal Overnight at the Hotel Escudo Jaguar
	Nov 29, Saturday: Palenque Morning: Transport back to Palenque Afternoon: Visit onsite museum Evening: Final Dinner Party with MEC Archaeologists Overnight at Villas Kin Ha
	Nov 30, Sunday: Departure Early morning transport back to the Villahermosa airport for flights home

Villahermosa: Hotel Cencali - AC, private bath, onsite restaurant, pool, telephone, cable TV - luxury hotel located in walking distance from La Venta Park
Palenque: Villas Kin Ha - AC, private bath, cable TV, pool, onsite restaurant, and internet services - located along the road to the ruins
Frontera Corozal: Escudo Jaguar Hotel - Bungalows with private bath, fans, and onsite restaurant - a little rustic but the only hotel in town! Nice restaurant
Flores: Hotel Santana - Hotel rooms with AC, cable TV, phone, pool, and onsite restaurant - beautiful sunset views over Lake Peten

Includes:
- All lodging
- Ground and water transportation
- Entry fees into all ruins and museums
- Breakfast and lunches
- Thanksgiving and final dinner
- Archaeologist/Anthropologist guides
- Evening lectures

Does Not Include:
- Airfare to/from Villahermosa
- Dinners
- Tips for Service Providers
- Travel insurance

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.