Piedras Negras / Yaxchilan / Palenque / Bonampak

Season: March-June 9 Day/ 8 nights
Minimum Age - 8 years Class: beginning Code PN9copper

Day 1 ARRIVE GUATEMALA CITY
Pick-up at Airport and transfer to Hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel. (D)

Day 2 GUATEMALA CITY / FLORES / BETHEL RIO USUMACINTA
This morning we transfer to the airport to board a 6:00 a.m. flight to Flores, Petén. Breakfast on board plane. We then transfer overland in our bus for the 4 hour ride to the ecological camp at the Bethel community, Posada Maya. This is a cooperative that is working on sustainable development projects, sponsored by Conservation International. We will clear through Guatemalan immigration formalities. Dinner and camp at the ecological lodge. (B,L,D)

Note: Once we have left the Bethel area no telephones are available for communication to the USA. Communitario telephone is available at Bethel.

Day 3 BETHEL / PIEDRAS NEGRAS
After breakfast and orientation board special motor boats for a full day on the river. (water level permitting we will detour to see the etched out carvings at Planchón de Las Figuras. These etchings are large figures of various sizes depicting pyramids, human, animals and game boards on a large flat rock shore that is underwater at higher river levels.) Camp and dinner at the entrance to the site of Piedras Negras. Short hike into the jungle for exploration of this extensive site hidden under the canopy of the dense rainforest. We will then be treated to a presentation by our tour guide preparing us for the next day of exploration and discovery revealing a glimpse into the life of the ancient Maya. (B,L,D)

Day 4 PIEDRAS NEGRAS - CAMP
Today we will spend all day exploring the site. The tour leaders will show us the vast information that Piedras Negras has to offer. Lunch within the site under the cooler forest canopy. Return to camp close to the beach at entrance to the ruins and enjoy a refreshing swim in the waters of the Usumacinta. Camp and exchange ideas over a scrumptious dinner prepared specifically for our group and team members. (B,L,D)

Day 5 PIEDRAS NEGRAS / YAXCHILAN
Early breakfast for upstream travel to the town of Frontera Corozal. (We have special boats with Petenero motorist who travel the upstream route regularly) Lunch en route. Arrive at the site of Yaxchilan all afternoon for exploring the extensive ruins and the many finely-carved stelae of this well preserved and important site. While dinner is prepared, take time to relax and enjoy a refreshing swim. Dinner and overnight at riverside camp site. (B,L,D)

Day 6 YAXCHILAN / BONAMPAK / PALENQUE
After breakfast, board cayuco for arrival to Fronterra Corozal. Pass through Mexican immigration and entering formally into Mexico. ($15.00 tourist visa) Board bus for 2 hour ride to the site of Bonampak. Enjoy the finely painted murals depicting the gruesome torturing and bloodletting rituals performed by the Maya. Arrive in Palenque at approximately 6:30 pm. Overnight in Palenque

Day 7 PALENQUE
All day to discover the spectacular ruins of Palenque. All morning to explore the great palaces and temples and tomb of this famed site. Lunch and afternoon for visiting the modern museum. (B,L,D)

Day 8 PALENQUE / FLORES / GUATEMALA
Breakfast. Overland transfer to Frontera Corozal where we board our motorboat for short trip to Bethel. Transfer to our bus for arrival to Flores by 4:00 pm. Board later afternoon flight to Guatemala City. (B,L,D)

Day 9 DEPART USA
Transfer to airport for departing flights. (B)

INTERNATIONAL OPTION
Day 10 PALENQUE / VILLA HERMOSA / MEXICO CITY or MERIDA / DEPART USA
5:00 am departure for Villahermosa airport for connecting flights to the U.S.A.