When we introduced our Route of the Maya trip in 2005, we knew it was something special—a discovery-filled adventure offering the opportunity to explore five ancient Mayan archaeological sites in four Central American countries: Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize. Since then, this trip has become a favorite with our travelers, with more than 86 percent of them rating it excellent, and many writing glowing reviews.
And our travelers aren’t the only ones who’ve taken note of this trip. We were especially proud when OAT was approached by Travel + Leisure to create a “Trip of a Lifetime” based on this adventure for the November 2010 issue of their magazine—an adventure that, in their words, delivers some of “the world’s most extraordinary experiences.”
This special, one-of-a-kind itinerary—which we’re calling Unraveling the Maya’s Mysteries—features several unique activities, like a chance to fly barriletes, the giant, ceremonial kites of the Sacatepequez region of Guatemala, and an exclusive trip to the Tikal ruins before visiting hours to watch the sunrise from the top of Temple IV, a towering, jungle-shrouded structure which stood for centuries as the tallest building in North America.
At the heart of this itinerary are the experiences that have helped make Route of the Maya so popular with our travelers. These include visits to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the ruins of Copán in Honduras and Tikal in Guatemala, as well as the charming colonial city of Antigua in Guatemala—and an introduction to Central America’s colorful wildlife and lush landscapes.
In addition to the ancient past, this is also a journey into present-day Mayan culture, as our small groups visit the descendants of the Maya in lakeside villages, local markets, and rural schools. Here, travelers witness firsthand how the Maya’s artistic, religious, and culinary traditions have been passed down through the centuries, with the help of our expert, resident Trip Leaders, many of whom have Mayan ancestry.
Thanks to the comfortable weather of Central America, we’re able to travel the Route of the Maya year-round. And while our special Travel + Leisure “Trip of a Lifetime” itinerary was initially planned for only one departure, now—due to overwhelming demand—it is available on several dates in May and June 2011.
Experience your own “Trip of a Lifetime” on our Route of the Maya or Unraveling the Maya’s Mysteries adventures.