This last February I lead a tour to a glorious old, old part of Mexico in the southern state of Chiapas. We experienced its
ancient Maya monuments and temples, visited with its warm and friendly people
and saw firsthand the incredible work these artisans create. It was such a memorable trip. One lady friend, who has been on all of my Mexico tours, sent me the nicest note in which she wrote, "I can't thank you enough for planning the 'Grande Adventure' trip to Chiapas. I can't think of anything I would have changed. It was one of the best so far!" I had hired a wonderful driver with a spacious Sprinter van and a very knowledgeable historian who was our guide the entire trip. Not only was our guide extremely knowledgeable, she was such a pleasure to be with. I could not have had a better crew.
It was such a great trip and so different than my other Mexican tours, that I have decided to lead another tour to Chiapas. The Magic of the Maya World journey is set for February 8 - 16, 2018. This time, I have added another day in San Cristobal de Las Casa. You'll be gone 9 days which includes travel. Below are just some of the highlights of the upcoming trip!
The first night will be spent at a quaint hotel right in Chiapa de Corzo. (See my post dated April 20, 2017 to read about the town's square and history)
The next morning will will visit the pristine plaza before heading down to the river
where we will visit one of Chiapa's most impressive natural wonders when we take a boat trip up the Grijalva River. The river winds through the Canon de Sumidero whose limestone walls reach a kilometer high in some places. A haven for all kinds of birds and Spider monkeys. (See my post dated June 28, 2016 on more photos of the Canon)
We'll
spend three nights in San Cristobal de Las Casa which was founded in 1528
and is full of historic churches, museums and old architecture. There is a large artisan
market right next to the Santo Domingo church.
Chiapas is known for its textiles; huipiles, rebozas, blankets,
purses, table runners... You will find the creative pottery from
Amantenanga del Valle. The area is famous for its amber and we will visit one of the best amber jewelry stores in town.
A visit to the beautiful Ex-convento de Santo Domingo which is home to the Museo de los Altos. There is a phenomenal Maya textile collection located on the second floor. The main floor showcases Pre-Colombian textiles and
carvings, paintings and religious
artifacts from the Spanish conquistadors along with displays giving an
overview of the diverse indigenous groups in the region.
An example of the colorful architecture in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
Calle de Guadalupe in the historic center of San Cristobal de Las Casas is one of the pedestrian streets, lined with quaint restaurants, galleries and shops.
A side trip from San Cristobal de Las Casas will take us north to San Juan Chamula in the Highlands. One of the most interesting churches with an interior that is like no other in Mexico. (see my post dated April 28,2016).
I have specifically planned the itinerary on these dates so we will be in San Juan Chamula during Carnival. Carnival is an official Mexican
holiday that kicks off a five-day celebration before the
Catholic lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Beginning the weekend before
Lent, Carnival is celebrated exuberantly with parades, costumes,
music and dancing in the streets.
It is an exciting time during Carnival and something one should not miss.
A visit to the colorful Sunday market in the Highland's village of Zinacantan.
The church in Zinacantan was beautifully decorated with flowers grown nearby (a big industry in this area).
Each Chiapas highland village has their own unique attire, hand-woven that is embellished with a cross-stitch or embroidery. The embroidered shawls worn by the women of Zinacantan were just exquisite. (See my post dated February 26, 2016 for more photos and information about Zinacantan).
As we leave San Cristobal de las Casas, we will travel through gorgeous countryside on the way to the jungle setting of Palenque.
We will spend the morning in Tonina, one of the best Maya archaeological sites that sees very little visitors. This ball court is one of the Maya's largest, almost 200 feet long and unique with it's sunken construction.
Tonina (Tzetltal Mayan for House of Stone) is believed to be the last major city to succumb to the abrupt collapse that hit the Maya in the 9th century.
The view from the top with the spectacular view of the valley. After all the climbing, we relaxed over a picnic lunch and an ice cold beer at the site.
Two
nights will be spent at the Chan-Kah Resort. Set in a manicured jungle
setting, you will have your own casita while enjoying the huge main
pool and the open-air restaurant with a wonderful view.
The Palenque ruins are the crown jewel of the archaeological sites not only in Chiapas but in the entire Maya empire.
There is a sense of sophistication about Palenque. (For more information on Palenque, check my posts out on my Blog: August 28, 2016, March 21, 2017 and March 31, 2017.)
After touring the ruins, we will visit the fabulous museum where you will see many pieces that are almost perfectly preserved.
Part of the fun getting to the ruins of Yaxchilan is the smooth, the 45-minute boat ride down the Usumacinta River which divides Mexico and Guatemala. The scenery is magnificent and you may spot a Howler monkey up in a riverside tree.
Yaxchilan,
an ancient city overlooking the Osumacinta River, has a magical feel to
it. The setting was just enchanting, as were the ruins.
Bonampak
is a modest archaeological sight in comparison to the others, but it has
some of the best Maya murals ever discovered. The brightly colored
frescoes are amazing. One shows a fierce jungle battle scene where
another shows the crowning of a boy king.
I
could go on and on about the wonderful adventures in this unique part
of Mexico.
If you are interested in joining me, please send me an email with your address and
I will send you the detailed itinerary along with pricing.
Saludos,
Robin
robindsg@aol.com
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