Guatemala Tour: In the Path of the Snake Kingdom

Why Take This Tour?

  • This Guatemala tour is led by the director of the La Corona Project
  • Travel by private chartered helicopter
  • Private tour of La Corona
  • Private tour of Holmul
  • Full day at El Mirador
  • Maximum 9 participants
Archived

Guided Tour Led by:

Director, Middle America Research Institute
Tulane University
Pre-Columbian Americas
Archived

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    2648
    • TBA
    • 6 Days
    • Please call
    • Single Supplement: TBA

    Delve deep into the place of the Kaan, or Snake, family’s role in Maya History while exploring the remote ruins of El Mirador, La Corona, and Holmul

    The Petex-Batun is the most inaccessible and rarely-visited region of Guatemala. Today it is lightly populated, and yet more than 1,500 years ago Maya rulers jockeyed for supremacy as they created immense cities here. During the 1990s mounting evidence indicated that a single kingdom, the Kaan or Snake, had a disproportionate influence in the ancient Maya world. Today, the glorious remains and texts written on carved stone monuments affirm the power of this royal family.

    We travel by privately chartered helicopter to La Corona and El Mirador, two of the most remote Maya cities in this region. We will also journey through the jungle to Holmul, where recent discoveries provide tantalizing connections to the Snake Kingdom. Walking through the verdant rainforest teaming with wildlife combined with the lack of crowds guarantees a very special experience, even for the seasoned traveler.

    Journey with Far Horizons on a 6-day exploration through out-of-the-way areas of Guatemala’s Petén in search of the connections to the Kaan Royalty, and learn of the captivating finds made at some of the most influential sites!

    Any questions? Please get in touch

    Itinerary of your Guatemala archaeology trip

    (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner

    Day 1Depart the USA. Arrive Guatemala City.

    Fly to Guatemala City and overnight at La Inmaculada, a quiet boutique hotel. (D)

    Day 2Anthropology Museum. La Corona Lab. Fly to Flores.

    This morning will be spent in the National Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology. Although this is the repository of thousands of archaeological and ethnological artifacts, our time will be spent examining objects relating to the Snake Kingdom, including Panel 1 from La Corona. We continue to the La Corona archaeological lab for a ‘behind the scenes’ examination of many of the monuments found onsite, including the blocks of the hieroglyphic stairway, found in 2012, that document the arrival of a princess from Calakmul, the capital of the Snake polity, who traveled to La Corona to marry the ruler, and her subsequent climb to power as Queen. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for our flight to Santa Elena, located on Lake Petén- Itzá. The Hotel Camino Real Tikal, with a helicopter pad on the property, is our home for the next three nights. (B/L/D)

    Day 3Holmul by truck.

    Holmul was discovered in 1909 but archaeologists avoided the site in the decades that followed, probably because no texts had been found. Looking for clues to the early development of Maya civilization Tulane University’s Dr. Francisco Estrada-Belli formed the Holmul Archaeological Project and returned to the site in 2000. Many exciting finds followed, including carved stelae, tombs, painted murals, stunning monumental masks, and most recently a unique stuccoed building dedicated to the re-establishment of the local dynasty through the offices of Naranjo and the Kaan kings. This discovery confirms the hypothesis that Holmul was a small but strategically important kingdom on which both Tikal and Kaan kings exerted their hegemony at different times. To reach the site, we will travel by truck along dirt tracks. (B/L/D) 

    Day 4Helicopters to La Corona.

    After boarding our chartered helicopters this morning, we will fly over the canopy of the vast Maya Biosphere Reserve, the last tract of virgin rainforest in Central America. One of the most ecologically diverse regions on our planet, the Reserve is home to massive anteaters, wild cats, and scarlet macaws, as well as plants and trees found nowhere else on earth. La Corona first discovered in 1996, and later identified as the long-sought Site Q, the source of a series of looted limestone reliefs of extraordinary beauty and quality that are in museums and private collections all over the world. The location of Site Q has been one of the great mysteries for scholars of the Maya civilization, and the mystery was solved in 2005 when Dr. Marcello Canuto found a panel at La Corona that mentioned two Site Q rulers. The elaborate scene and lengthy hieroglyphic text commemorate the fascinating history of intermarriage between the rulers of La Corona (Saknikte’) and princesses of the Snake court. We will spend today onsite. (B/L/D)

    Day 5Helicopters to El Mirador. Fly to Guatemala City.

    The Mirador basin of northern Petén is home to the largest ancient freeway system in the Western hemisphere and some of the largest pyramids in the world. The most exciting is El Mirador, a superpower that rose to prominence in the Maya pre-classic period and was at the height of its power from 300 BC to 150 BC. The city’s main buildings, covering an area of more than a square mile, are dominated by La Danta complex, more massive than the Great Giza Pyramid in Egypt. There have been many exciting finds at this site, including stucco friezes depicting two examples of Late Preclassic deity impersonators that originally adorned a pyramid complex. In the late afternoon, we take a flight back to Guatemala City. (B/L/D)

    Day 6Fly back to the USA.

    Transfer to the airport for our return flight to the USA. (B)

    Tour Information

    Tour Cost & Inclusions

    Price is based on double occupancy and includes:

    • Internal flights during the trip (if applicable)
    • The accompaniment of your scholar throughout the entire trip
    • Local English-speaking guide
    • Hotel accommodations (3 or 4 stars; or best available based in the area)
    • Ground transportation
    • Airport transfers for arrivals and departures
    • Most meals as noted in the itinerary
    • Entry fees to all included sites and museums
    • Gratuities to guides, drivers, and restaurant and hotel staff
    • Coordination for any private presentations or tours

    Trip prices are based on a minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not met, trip prices are subject to change. Should the prices need to change, Far Horizons will reach out to registered guests to discuss directly.

    Single Supplement

    Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.

    Exclusions

    • International round trip airfare
    • A separate donation check of $150.00 per person to a designated donation project
    • Passport or visa fees
    • Required vaccines or tests
    • Airport or departure taxes
    • Alcoholic drinks, beverages or food not included on set menus
    • Excess baggage charges
    • Personal tips and hotel incidental expenses
    • Laundry or other items of a personal nature

    Donation Checks

    As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural sites and projects which we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant donate to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable.

    Exchange Rate Fluctuations

    Prices are based on currency exchange rates keeping below a projected level. While it is unlikely, if the exchange rates should change substantially, Far Horizons reserves the right to charge an additional amount to the trip cost.

    Registration

    A deposit of $1000 per person is required along with your registration & health forms, which will be linked in the email confirmation you receive once you pay your deposit on our booking platform. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Prior to departure, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information.

    Visas

    We will let you know if you need a visa and provide details and instructions on where to obtain your visa. You are responsible for securing your own visa. If you would like to look into specific visa requirements based on where you live and where you would like to travel, we suggest visiting Sherpa to find out more about the latest visa and travel requirements.

    ETIAS

    Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. These visitors have been granted visa-free access to the EU and Schengen member countries through virtue of their good track record on security issues and, thus, have not been deemed as a threat to EU security. ETIAS (which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will check the security credentials and charge a fee to travelers visiting EU member countries for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes. Travelers who currently visit Europe visa-free are able to enter EU and Schengen Member countries cost-free and without any digital security screening prior to their arrival to Europe. ETIAS is not a visa, and is more accurately referred to as a visa-waiver. The ETIAS, like the ESTA, is a travel authorization for travelers not requiring a visa to visit Europe. Under the ETIAS, these visitors will undergo additional security checks prior to being permitted to enter the EU. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. For more information, please visit the ETIAS website.

    Cancellation

    Cancellations received in writing at least 120 days before departure will receive a refund less a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 120 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If, for any reason, you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the tour, the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly advised. Links to recommended insurance policies will be included in the email you receive confirming receipt of your deposit.

    Air Ticketing

    International round-trip flights are not included in the cost of the trip. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. Please send your complete air schedule as soon as you have it. NOTE: Please contact Far Horizons if you would like us to handle your air ticketing. We offer a ticketing service for a small fee.

    Private Tours and Talks

    The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be on site when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

    Walking and Standing

    Far Horizons expects all participants to be physically active and able to walk and climb independently throughout the full touring days. This includes walking over uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) for 2 miles or more at each site. You should expect to be on your feet for much of each day, averaging as much as 5 miles of walking per day. As such, each participant should be able to walk unaided at a pace of 3 miles per hour for at least an hour at a time, and to stand unsupported for at least 60 minutes. Bearing this in mind, we suggest that, if you have not already done so, you begin walking several miles every day, ideally including stairs and hills. If you have questions about your ability to keep up with the group or the strenuous nature of this trip, please contact the Far Horizons staff.

    Expectations During Travel

    This tour is designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. We have designed this trip to be as comfortable as possible while also aiming to visit some remote or unique sites that other companies do not attempt to include in their itineraries. There may be days when we have very long drives, and the conditions of the roads may vary. Hotels and transportation in some remote areas may not be up to Western standards. There may be times when no bellhops are available; please pack with the understanding that you need to be able to handle your own luggage at times. Sometimes, we may be walking over uneven trails for a mile or more; hiking boots are strongly recommended. Not every meal will be haute cuisine, and several lunches may be picnics or box lunches. By maintaining a flexible attitude, we will soon be captivated by the beauty of the natural scenery, the hospitality of the local people, and the fascinating sites we will see. Your flexibility and patience will be appreciated.

    Itinerary Changes

    Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. While we are committed to keeping as close to the published details as possible, sometimes it is simply not possible. Weather events, government affairs, or other factors out of our control sometimes come into play. A good book to read, as well as patience, a flexible attitude, and a sense of humor are essential.

    Travel Insurance

    We strongly recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance. Should illness or an unforeseen event force you to cancel your travel plans after your final payment or during your trip, it would be doubly unfortunate to incur a significant financial loss. Trip cancellation protection will enable you to be reimbursed for the loss of your payment if you are unable to travel for any of the covered reasons in the “Outline of Coverage” section or should you have an accident or suffer from any medical conditions during the trip.  
     
    Far Horizons offers customized protection plans through Travel Insured International (a Crum & Forster Company) with the following benefits:
     
    • Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption for covered reasons
    • Trip Delay
    • Baggage Loss and Baggage Delay
    • Emergency Medical Expenses and Emergency Medical Evacuation
    • 24-Hour Accidental Death & Dismemberment
    • 24-Hour Travel Assistance & Concierge Services
    • Option to upgrade to ‘Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR)’
     
    We recommend reviewing the language in detail so you are aware of specific parameters. Depending on the policy, to waive the Pre-Existing Medical Condition Exclusion or to upgrade to CFAR coverage, the plan must be purchased within 14 to 21 days of the initial trip deposit, the full trip cost must be insured, and the traveler is medically fit at the time of plan purchase. Otherwise, coverage may be purchased at any time before departure. 
     
    To obtain a personalized quote and/or purchase a plan through Far Horizons/Travel Insured International, simply click HERE. For specific questions regarding the Worldwide Protector Plan, please contact Travel Insured International’s Customer Care Center at 1-800-243-3174 or by email at customercare@travelinsured.com, and refer to Far Horizons’ account number: 54070.