Cancuen Demarest vs. Demarest Code: CUEN
Day 1 Guatemala City / Cobán
Meet at Maya Expeditions office at 7:00am or be picked up at your
hotel earlier. (Transportation from Antigua available) Drive to
the town of Cobán. In route visit to the natural reserve
"Biotopo Mario Dary". Lunch at the Posada Montaña
del Quetzal. Upon arrival in Cobán, we will have time to
see the Orchid nursery and do a small city tour of Cobán.
Possible visit the new archaeological museum. Dinner and hotel in
Cobán.
Day 2 Cobán / Cancuen / Candelaria
After breakfast, an early departure for Cancuen. We arrive to a
small village along the Pasión River. Here we transfer by
boats to the local service of transport to Cancuen. 1 1/2 hour boat
ride to arrive at the field camp of Arthur Demarest and his team
from Vanderbilt and Del Valle University. Guided by the local archaeologist
we will visit the excavations of the Largest Palace of the Maya
region yet discovered as well as the various digs throughout the
site. Including the Jade workshop found in the 2001 season, which
has yielded many precious artifacts, like a jade earpiece polishing
rock for various different types of ear flanges.
Lunch at the site. In late afternoon, return by boat to our vehicles
for a short drive to our lodging at the eco-lodge Candelaria for
dinner and overnight. These accommodations are run by the community
of Mucbilhá who oversee the conservation of the jungle on
top and surrounding the caves.
Day 3 Candelaria Caves
After breakfast we first visit a cave called "Cueva Seca".
The entrance to this cave is an immense cavern with murals of the
Maya Indians 20 meters above the cave floor. Spend 1-2 hours exploring
the intricate formations and the towering columns one finds inside
the inner sections of the "Cueva Seca". Lunch at the restaurant
in the lodge. Afternoon hike through walking section of Mico cave,
return to eco-lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Candelaria / Cobán /Guatemala City
After breakfast, board bus for drive to the town of Cobán.
At mid-day we arrive to Cobán for Lunch and continue to Guatemala
or Antigua.
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