NEW P R IC IN G !S SEE PROGRAM RATE
A highly developed civilization that peaked around 700 A.D. and then disappeared from Central America, the Maya left behind troupes of howler monkeys and flocks of tropical birds, and a long line of insatiably curious scientists. Dr. Richard Hansen, whose work has redefined our understanding of the Preclassic Maya, is your guide on this journey back in time. By chartered helicopter, travel to El Mirador, a rarely visited Maya settlement buried deep in the Guatemalan jungle. Here, Hansen and his colleagues have identified more than 26 major and 60 minor cities, and they continue to make fascinating discoveries. In addition to the wonders of El Mirador, you’ll enjoy two nights of camping under the star, four nights in a luxurious tropical resort in the Petén jungle, and visits to some of the outstanding Maya sites in Guatemala’s Petén region, including Tikal (below) and Aguateca.
RICHARD HANSEN Archaeologist Richard Hansen is senior scientist at the Institute for Mesoamerican Research in the Department of Anthropology at Idaho State University. A specialist on the ancient Maya, he is a director of the Mirador Basin Project, which investigates the mainly unexplored territory in Petén, northern Guatemala. Mayan sites of special significance in this region include Mirador and Nakbe.
H ELI
El Mirador
L AND
Nakbe
Tikal Camino Real Tikal
A IR
Flores
MEXICO
Aguateca
• A private helicopter flight to remote El Mirador, one of the world’s most BELIZE significant archaeological sites currently under excavation • Private, personalized behind-the-scenes explorations of the awe-inspiring excavations led by archaeologist Richard Hansen, director of the Mirador Basin Project
GUATEMALA
Lake Atitlán Antigua
HIGHLIGHTS
• The archaeological highlights of Guatemala’s Petén region, including Guatemala City
UNESCO World Heritage site Tikal, where Maya culture, history, and traditions flourished • Two nights in the rainforest in spacious canvas tents and four nights at the elegant Hotel Camino Real Tikal, a tropical four-star retreat in the heart of the Petén jungle • A private boat journey along the Petexbatun River to the ruins of Aguateca, a powerful Maya city dating back to 300 B.C.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Pacific Ocean
The HOTEL CAMINO REAL TIKAL is a fourstar hotel overlooking Lake Petén Itza and located halfway between Tikal and Flores. Situated within the Cerro Cahui Nature Reserve, it is surrounded by the lush Petén jungle, which provides guests with a unique opportunity to relax in an unspoiled nature paradise after exploring the region’s archaeological sites. The 18 thatched-roof air-conditioned bungalows accommodate four comfortable guest rooms with private bathrooms and either a balcony or a terrace. Guests may use bicycles and kayaks free of charge. The hotel’s two restaurants specialize in delicious Guatemalan and International cuisine. Participants also spend one night at the WESTIN CAMINO REAL in Guatemala City and two nights at EL MIRADOR CAMP.
ITINERARY (subject to change) Feb. 13
Depart Home / Arrive Guatemala City, Guatemala
Feb. 14–16
Flores (Tikal & Aguateca)
Feb. 17–18 El Mirador Feb. 19
Nakbe / Flores
Feb. 20
Depart Guatemala City / Arrive Home
EXTENSION An optional post-trip extension is offered on February 20–24 to Antigua and the Guatemalan Highlands, including a visit to majestic Lake Atitlán and the colorful Chichicastenango Market.
NEW LOWER PROGRAM RATES $5,990 per person, double occupancy (was $6,990) $6,540 per person, single occupancy (was $7,890)
Round-trip airfare from home to Guatemala City and return is not included in the program rates. Please call for assistance with your travel arrangements. PHOTOS: Blankets © Holgs / Dreamstime.com • Tikal © iStockphoto.com / Daniel Loncarevic • Weaver © iStockphoto.com / Judy Tillinger | CST #2070901-40
WORLD LEADERS TRAVEL
The Resplendent Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala. RIGHT: Mayan woman weaving. ABOVE:
AIRFARE
Outter circle: 100 / 45 / 0 / 37 Reserve your space today with a fully refundable provisional deposit. Top circle: 100 / 44 / 0 /0 Bottom circle: 83 / 0 / 10 / 0 Center & Type: 80% K For details, please contact your professional travel advisor, call World Leaders Travel at 800-395-3288, or visit WorldLeadersTravel.com.