MYSTERY OF THE MAYA

Yucatan and Chiapas,Mexico

With Anne Maria Winter

June 2011

Travel to the mysterious land of the Maya with Anne Maria Winter - deep into the lush jungles of Mexico to explore the fabled temples and pyramids of the Maya. Discover the "lost cities" that for centuries lay hidden beneath the jungle's endless canopy - a forgotten realm, where the giant pyramids and temples appeared as forest clad mounds in the jungle landscape. It was a monster network of ancient cities entangled in a tight grip by the vines of the jungle. Their huge ceremonial plazas covered in green moss with mysterious stone figures and enormous human stone heads broken and scattered on the ground. The only inhabitants here were the jaguars, monkeys and birds. It would have been a breathtaking sight for the European explorers when they rediscovered this lost world in the 1840's. It rapidly became a focus for archaeological research with many sites still hidden within the jungle. Today we can marvel at the mysterious pyramids and temples that rise proudly above the jungle canopy. Their grounds are sacred and still hold many secrets. We will lose ourselves in a treasure trove of ancient sculptures and symbolism; mystic totems, stone glyphs, jaguar thrones, obsidian tools, hieroglyphic tablets and much more.

At Balankanche cave we descend beneath the jungle floor to an equally mysterious world where we cross the threshold into the Mayan netherworld. To the ancient Maya caves were holy and served as portals to the spirit world. We will explore Chichen Itza and Uxmal then we travel deep into the Mexican jungle to Palenque in the state of Chiapas. Be prepared to fall under the spell of Palenque! Magnificent and mysterious, this legendary kingdom of Pacal Votan stands in isolated glory in the middle of the Mexican rainforest. This is one of those talismanic places that everyone dreams of visiting. Most people think they know what to expect, but Palenque is one of the few places in the world where reality often surpasses a person's imagination. Almost all of the sacred cities of the Maya were built in relation to astronomical alignments such as the setting of the solstice sun. Most of them were spiritual centres dedicated to the vital forces of the earth and sky. This is why photos alone cannot prepare you for this experience. It is the "energy" of the place that evokes the mystery and the spiritual atmosphere. You will be totally overwhelmed by the sheer intimate magic as soon as you step through the entrance and into the silence of each sacred city. These places are so unique that they automatically draw you inward and move you to reflection.

All of the sites we visit are regarded as sacred and "alive" - pulsating with energy. We will explore them with reverence and heightened awareness. We will tune into the ancient mystery of each place we visit, there will be guided meditations and we will also participate in shamanic ceremony with a Lacadonean shaman in the jungle near Palenque.

Join us for this unforgettable journey to Yucatan & Chiapas!

Discover mysterious Mayan cities hidden in the jungle.

Discover a strange and exotic wildlife, magnificent biodiversity and remote destinations

Meet the Lacandon people, direct descendants of the ancient Mayans and experience mysterious shamanic ceremonies.

Explore the Mayan mysteries including the sacred calendars, prophecies, shamanic visions, ceremonies and astronomy