Extending from Mexico and across northern Central America, the Maya were one of the most populous and dynamic civilisations on earth, a Mesoamerican society that created spectacular art and architecture and the only full developed written language in pre-Columbian America.
El Salvador
The Mayans left a legacy in El Salvador such as the pyramids at San Andres and the site of Joya de Ceren, so we felt it essential to include this little-visited country. With good roads and first class hotels, we are sure that you will be impressed with El Salvador’s attractions.
Joya de Ceren
Visit Joya de Ceren, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only place in the Mayan World where you can see the ruins of Mayan homes. This is also called the Pompeii of America because it was covered by ash from the Volcano Loma Caldera approximately 1400 years ago. A visit the pyramids of San Andres, and one of the most beautiful lakes in El Salvador, Lake Coatepeque, presents visitors with the opportunity to encounter the numerous volcanoes and forested hills.
Tazumal
The ancient Tazumal ruins consist of astonishing Mayan constructions that are said to date back to 1200 BC in the town of Chalchuapa. Measuring 24 metres high, the principal structure is made up of 12 platforms in which there are tombs that hold more than 116 vessels, jade jewellery, mirrors made of iron pyrite, remnants from the pre-Columbian ball game juego de pelota and lizard-shaped ceramic pottery, amongst other artefacts.
Copan
Copan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was discovered in 1570. As one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization, the ruins were not excavated until the 19th century. The ruined citadel and imposing public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century.
Tikal
Lying at the western edge of the complex and the tallest of Tikal’s impressive monuments, Temple IV towers some 70 metres above the surrounding jungle, offering spectacular views from the top of its pyramid. Built in the 8th century by the son of Ah Cacau it was the tallest structure in North America for nearly a millennium. For the more energetic, ascending the wooden staircase to the summit allows you the opportunity to look out over the lush jungle canopy below as well as the seeing the Great Plaza and Mundo Perdido in the distance. This allows you to appreciate this great site even more.
Xunantunich
The minor Maya ceremonial centre of Xunantunich is spectacularly perched on a hill over-looking the Belize River. Xunantunich, meaning “stone woman” in Mayan, has a commanding view of the entire upper Belize River valley. The largest pyramid, El Castillo, rises a towering 130 feet above the main plaza, and more than 250 feet above the river valley below. This main temple is visible from all parts of the valley today. The site of Xunantunich has been the centre of archaeological attention for over 100 years beginning in the 1880′s. Unfortunately, some of the very early excavation techniques included the use of dynamite. Some of the depressions on top of the temple could possibly be the result of using these damaging excavation techniques.
Cahal Pech
Cahal Pech is a Maya site located near the Town of San Ignacio in the Cayo District of Belize. The site was a palacio home for an elite Maya family, and though most major construction dates to the Classic period, evidence of continuous habitation has been dated to as far back as 900 BC during the Early Middle Formative period (Early Middle Preclassic), making Cahal Pech one of the oldest recognizably Maya sites in Western Belize. The site rests high near the banks of the Macal River and is a collection of 34 structures, with the tallest being about 25 meters in height. The site was abandoned in the 9th century AD for unknown reasons.
Palenque
Visit the fabulous Mayan ruins of Palenque, one of the most beguiling of all Mexico’s ancient sites, shrouded in lush jungle and ethereal mists. It was amongst these hypnotic plazas and ruins that the famous jade death mask of the high priest Pakal was found in 1952.
Uxmal
This is one of the finest examples of Mayan art and architecture in the Americas, including the majestic edifices of the Pyramid of the Magician and the stunning Governor’s Palace. As a World Heritage site, it is one of the best-restored and maintained ruins in the Yucatán, and certainly one of the most magnificent. Its architecture, some of the most majestic of the Yucatán ruins, is characterized by low horizontal palaces set around courtyards, decorated with rich sculptural elements and details.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the most extensively restored of all Mayan sites. Originally founded in the 5th century AD, the palaces and temples of this most revered of sites represents a rich fusion of Maya and Toltec cultures and presents us with one of Mexico’s most spectacular finds. The Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are truly one of the most amazing wonders Mexico has to offer. Experiencing them in person is said to have no parallel in merely reading about them.
The Mayan World, 15 day itinerary takes you on a journey of discovery of the Mayan empire. Click here to see the full itinerary or call our specialists now on 08456 345 118 to find out more.
