Maya Exploration Center: Education Through Exploration
Tours
MINI TREX

This 4 day mini trek will visit Chichen Itza during the autumnal equinox and the amazing ruins of Ek Balam. Tens of thousands of people crowd into Chichen Itza to see the shadow snake descend the stairs of El Castillo during the spring equinox but the same exact thing happens in September as well, giving visits the space and leisure to enjoy it. The autumnal equinox lands on Thursday, Spet 22 this year, so the participants will land in Cancun and transport out to Chichen Itza the night before. A full day of touring will culminate with witnessing the hierophany (trick of light and shadow) starting around 3pm. The next day will head back towards Cancun and stop into the unappreciated ruins of Ek Balam. One of the few Classic period sites that survived into the Post Classic, its stelae, ball court and stunning stucco carved facades are wonders to behold. That night the group will stay in the Hotel Meson de Marques in the center of Valladolid and enjoy the town's colonial charm. In the morning, its off to the Cancun airport and back home by satruday afternoon.

The guide for this tour will be Dr. Edwin Barnhart

Mini Trek - Chichen Itza and Ek Balam for Fall Equinox
Price $1300 per person (based on double occupant lodging. Add $150 for a private single room)
$500 deposit due upon registration, balance due 60 days before the trip
Date September 21-24, 2016
MAKE A RESERVATION PAY TOUR BALANCE


Sept 21, Wednesday: Arrival
before 3pm: Arrival to Cancun airport
3-5pm: Transport to Chichen Itza
6-7pm: Lecture: Chichen Itza
7-8pm: Dinner together at the hotel
Overnight at Villas Arqueologicas
 
Sept 22, Thursday: Chichen Itza
7-8am: Breakfast at hotel
8-11am: Tour of the North Chichen Itza
11-1pm: Lunch at ruins restuarant
1-3pm: Tour of Southern Chichen Itza
3-5pm: Equinox shadow on the Castillo
6-7pm: Lecture: Maya Archaeoastronomy
7-8pm: Dinner at Hacienda Chichen
Overnight at Villas Arquelogicas
 
Sept 23, Friday: Ek Balam
7-8am: Breakfast and check out
8-9am: Transport to Ek Balam
9-12pm: Tour of Ek Balam
12-2pm: Lunch and cenote Dzinup
2-7pm: Hotel check in and free time
7-8pm: Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the Meson de Marques
 
Sept 24, Saturday: Departure
7-8am: Breakfast and check out
8-9am: Saturday zocalo market
9-11am: Transport to Cancun airport
End of Tour

LODGING
Chichen Itza: Villas Arqueologica - AC, private bath, onsite restaurant, pool telephones, and wifi - located steps away from the entrance to Chichen Itza
Valladolid: Meson de Marques - AC, private bath, pool, onsite restaurant, cable TV and wifi - located on the central plaza of the town

Includes:
- All lodging
- Private ground transportation
- Breakfasts and lunches
- Archaeologist guide
- Evening Lectures
- All entry fees
- Bottles of cold purified water in the transport
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance


Does Not Include:
- Airfare to/from Cancun
- Dinners
- Gratuities (maids, drivers, guides, etc..)


Proceeds from MEC Tours are the center's primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center's 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.

Other Tours
» March 2024 - Olmec Tour

» July 2024 - Oaxaca Tour

» September 2024 - Machu Picchu Tour

» October 2024 - Peten Maya Tour

» Build Your Own


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