Mexico`s Yucatán Peninsula

MEXICO
z
rael Gonzale
Photo by Is
MEXICO
Yucatán Peninsula
Academy of Science & Entrepreneurship
June 11-19, 2014
Experience the fascinating
wildlife and the wealth of
ancient Maya civilizations on
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
Snorkel the warm waters of
the Caribbean to encounter
sea turtles and the mighty
whale shark, the world’s
largest fish. On land, discover
playful monkeys and colorful
birds, zip-line through the
jungle, and learn the story
of the Mayans. Take part in
fun, informal Spanish lessons
to get a grasp of the local
language.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy the exhilarating opportunity to swim with whale
sharks — though massive, they are docile and safe to
swim alongside.
• Get an up-close view of spider monkeys, howler monkeys
and other Yucatán wildlife at a protected nature reserve.
• Encounter sea turtles while snorkeling among coral reef
and participate in a nocturnal turtle nesting walk.
• Swim in the spring-fed waters of Cenote Ik Kil, a
limestone sinkhole.
• Observe sea birds and flocks of colorful flamingos at Isla
Pajaros (Bird Island).
• Explore the pyramids and Great Ball Court in the ancient
Maya city of Chichén Itzá.
• Receive fun, informal Spanish lessons.
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ITINERARY
JUNE 11 - CANCÚN
Arrival from Indianapolis. Orientation and dinner at the hotel. Overnight at
Courtyard Marriott. (D)
JUNE 12 - HOLBOX ISLAND
After orientation at the hotel, board a bus to Chiquila (2.5 hours). Arrive at
Chiquila and take a 20 minute ferry ride to Holbox Island. Holbox Island
is located off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, within the Yum
Balam Biosphere Reserve. Just 7.44 miles long and less than a mile wide, this
diminutive tropical paradise is home to a peaceful fishing community and is
visited by tourists who come to view whale sharks. Residents and tourists get
around the island on golf carts or mopeds. Streets are made of lime rock and
remain unpaved. Transfer to the hotel in golf cart taxis. Check in at the hotel
followed by snorkeling orientation at hotel swimming pool. Time at leisure to
enjoy the beach and the hotel pools. Board golf carts for a fun city orientation
through Holbox’s lime rock roads. Dinner at a local restaurant. Return to the
hotel for an informal Spanish lesson. Overnight at Hotel Villa Delfines. (BLD)
JUNE 13 - HOLBOX ISLAND
After breakfast, transfer to the dock and board a boat to the snorkeling site
(1-2 hours ride depending on location of the whale sharks). Swimming with
whale sharks is an activity that is strictly regulated by local park authorities.
Only two people are allowed in the water with the guide at any time.
Participants take turns in the water while the remainder of the group can
observe the passing whale sharks and take photographs from the comfort of
the boat. Cameras are not allowed in the water. Participants are allowed up
to three swimming sessions lasting 10 minutes each. Snacks and drinks are
provided on board the boat. Return to Holbox Island for lunch at the hotel,
then enjoy some time at leisure. Visit the beach, lounge by the pool, or just
relax. Join your group leader for another informal Spanish lesson. Before
dinner, learn about local music with Victor Vasquez, a local musician and
instrument maker. Barbecue dinner on hotel patio. Overnight at Hotel Villa
Delfines. (BLD)
JUNE 14 - CHICHÉN ITZÁ
Take a boat back to Chiquilla via Isla Pajaros. At Isla Pajaros (Bird Island), take
a walking field trip to a local lookout point in search of sea birds. Look for
vibrantly colored flamingos that flock to this location from April to October.
Continue your boat transfer to Chiquilla. Disembark in Chiquilla and transfer
to Chichén Itzá via Valladolid. Lunch at a restaurant in Valladolid. After
lunch, acquaint yourself with Valladolid during a city orientation. Valladolid
is an attractive 16th century town located in the eastern side of the Yucatán
state, within 29 miles of Chichén Itzá. As is commonly the case with colonial
cities in the peninsula, Valladolid rose from the ashes of a destroyed Maya
center. Ancient structures were demolished in order to provide stones and
other building materials for the Spanish settlement. Ironically, many colonial
buildings were destroyed or damaged during the lengthy Yucatecan Caste
War (1847-1901) and in later years during Indian uprisings. Valladolid is
home to one of the oldest church buildings in the region, the Church of San
Bernardino de Siena and adjoining convent. Continue to nearby Chichén Itzá
and check in to hotel. Time at leisure to cool off in the hotel’s pool or explore
the property’s attractive gardens for a chance to see local flora and bird life, and
marvel at views of Chichén Itzá’s ancient temples. Gather around the kitchen
table for a lesson in tortilla making. Push up your sleeves and get your hands
dirty as you learn how locals make this important Mexican staple. Piñata party
later this afternoon. Finish the day with an informal Spanish lesson. Overnight
at Hotel Mayaland. (BLD)
JUNE 15 - CHICHÉN ITZÁ
Walking field trip of the Chichén Itzá archaeological complex and site lecture
this morning. Chichén Itzá is considered the greatest Maya site on the Yucatán
Peninsula and is certainly the most popular stop along today’s Ruta Maya.
The archaeological site centers upon two unusually large cenotes, one that
provided water for the city and the other a famous sacred cenote. Its history
is the Yucatán’s Trojan War, as the ruler of Chichén Itzá stole the bride of
one of the lords of Izamal who then took vengeance and sacked Chichén.
The consolidation of Chichén Itzá as a political center meant the creation
of a complicated political structure. This leadership allowed it to achieve
magnificent architecture and made it one of the largest cities in the Maya area.
Return to the hotel for a change of clothes before departing for Cenote Ik
Kil. Feast your eyes on the beauty of Cenote Ik Kil before taking a refreshing
dip in the cool spring-fed waters. Cenotes are water filled limestone sinkholes
found in the Yucatán and some Caribbean sites. Cenotes were an important
source of freshwater for the Maya living in the Yucatán Peninsula and were
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL:
Contact Ms. Burke at aburke@mccsc.edu or 330-2480 ext. 50140
treated as sacred sites as they were believed to be the gateways to the afterlife.
Cenote Ik Kil is located in the heart of the Chichén Itzá archeological site,
near the ceremonial centers. Its rock walls encircle a pool of transparent blue
waters amidst lush tropical vegetation. Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the
cenote, then return to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure to rest or enjoy the hotel
amenities. Participate in an informal pre-dinner Spanish lesson. Tonight watch
Chichén Itzá’s temples come to life with bright colors and music during a
spectacular light and sound show. Overnight at Hotel Mayaland. (BLD)
JUNE 16 - AKUMAL
After breakfast, depart for Akumal Bay via Punta Laguna. Walking field trip
in the Punta Laguna Spider Monkey Reserve and visit a local Maya village.
Although this small nature sanctuary is known for protecting hundreds of
black-handed spider monkeys and a lesser number of howler monkeys, it also
provides a safe haven for all kinds of native wildlife and flora. An exploration
of the forest trails reveal tall ceiba trees, zacate trees, fruiting ramón trees (a
squirrel monkey favorite) and colorful epiphytic bromeliads. Ancient stone
mounds and stone dwellings blend into the forest and offer interesting clues
about the people who once inhabited the area. The small village at Punta
Laguna provides a good opportunity to examine the life and customs of
modern day Maya. Lunch at a local restaurant en route. Arrive in Akumal
and check in at the hotel. Ride bicycles to nearby Yal Ku Cenote and Bay
(approximately ¼ mile) for snorkeling and water sports. The bus will be
available for participants who do not want to ride. Return to the hotel by bus
and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Akumal Beach Resort.
(BLD)
JUNE 17 - AKUMAL
Walk to the marina to get your snorkeling gear. After receiving a brief
orientation on safety procedures and the use of the equipment, enjoy the
morning snorkeling at the nearby reef. While snorkeling, you will possibly
encounter sea turtles (please make sure to admire these beautiful creatures at a
respectful distance of about 6.5 feet). The CEA likes to remind swimmers to
avoid snorkeling over the turtles since they need to come up to the surface to
breathe and to avoid approaching turtles when they are feeding. Return to the
hotel for lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure. Later join your group
leader and fellow group members for an informal Spanish lesson. This evening
travel to the Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA) for a lecture on coral reefs
and sea turtles. The center is a non-profit marine research and conservation
organization that monitors environmental impact of urban development in the
Mexican Caribbean. The lecture will be followed by a nighttime turtle nesting
walk along the beach. In preparation for the beach walk, the CEA suggests
wearing sneakers or sturdy walking shoes (no sandals), refraining from wearing
perfume/cologne or insect repellent (good idea to wear long sleeves and pants),
and bringing a sport water bottle and a plastic bag to collect trash on the
beach. Walks can cover up to three miles. Overnight at Akumal Beach Resort.
(BLD)
JUNE 18 - CANCÚN
Morning transfer to Selvática Eco Park for a jungle zip line, cenote zip line,
and sky bridge walk or off-road vehicle course adventure. Lunch at Selvática
Eco Park. This afternoon depart for Cancún. Enjoy some free time to relax
before a farewell dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at Courtyard Marriott.
(BLD)
JUNE 19 - FAREWELL!
Depart for home. (B)
PROGRAM PRICING
$3,155 (based on a minimum of 6 participants)
$2,635 (based on a group of 12 participants)
Cost does not include round-trip international airfare, estimated at
$650 from Indianapolis, IN.
THE FINE PRINT
Rates are based double, triple/quad occupancy rooms. For a single room throughout the trip,
add $550. A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to reserve your space on
the trip. This deposit is refundable until March 8, 2014 excluding a $100 cancellation
fee. Non-refundable final payments are due no later than March 8, 2014. Travel/trip
cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at
800-243-3174 or visit travelinsured.com. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.