Spiritual Travel to Mexico: Entering the Maya Mysteries
January 18-29, 2024
Itinerary
| January 18 | Fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez. Transfer to San Cristóbal Las Casas via taxi on your own and settle into our accommodations. Free time. |
| January 19 | Late morning we have our opening circle with Carla Woody framing the intent of our journey. In the late afternoon, we visit Na Bolom. Once the home of Frans and Trudi Blom, it’s now a museum and safe house for the Lacandón Maya, and source of area conservation efforts. We end the evening with dinner in the famed dining room at Na Bolom, where many celebrated historical figures took meals and Trudi held court. Breakfast and dinner included. |
| January 20 | This morning we attend the Festival of San Sebastián in the Maya village of San Juan Chamula, witness the processional of saints and spend time in the Maya church where curanderos conduct healing sessions—and many have deep spiritual experiences. In the afternoon we are invited into the home of Don Xun Calixto. Here he holds an audience telling his personal story of shamanic initiation and curing methods. After a special ceremony of prayers and offerings we share a meal in the family compound. Breakfast and dinner included. |
| January 21 | Today we experience the traditions of the Maya village of Zinacantán, known for the beautiful textiles worn by all ages, and their celebrations for San Sebastián. In the evening, we meet Don Sergio Castro, often referred to as a saint, who shows us his textile museum and shares his humanitarian healing work. Breakfast included. |
| January 22 | Explore the markets, shops, churches and picturesque streets of San Cristóbal on your own. At lunch, we gather at Galería MUY (from the root “enjoyment” and also “rising up” in the Tzotzil tongue). Here we meet with Maya and Zoque artists to learn about their artistic process, how they plumb their cultural roots, relay their relationship with Mother Earth and ways the Otherworld comes through in their artwork. Breakfast and lunch included. |
| January 23 | We travel to Finca Vallescondido, our lodging and working ranch, to prepare for our journey to Piedras Negras. Free time to relax. Breakfast included. |
| January 24 | Early morning we find our way to the Usumacinta River where we board our boat to experience a trade route since ancient times. Floating through thick rainforest, we may sight howler monkeys, crocodiles, all manner of birds and other jungle wildlife. We land on the beach on the Guatemalan side, follow a trail into the jungle that opens to one of the most remarkable Maya sites. Once excavated, a place of massive temples, stone masks and stelae, the jungle has all but reclaimed it, intensifying the sense of energy and lingering spirit held in perpetuity. Breakfast and dinner included. |
| January 25 | In the morning we take advantage of jungle trails and beautiful grounds of Finca Vallescondido, a time for reflection and relaxation. We travel to the Lacandón Maya village of Nahá and settle into our accommodations, visit the lake at the edge of the village, and make our own offerings. All meals included. |
| January 26 | We meet Don Antonio Martinez, the last Lacandón Maya elder still practicing his ancient traditions, and participate in the sacred balché ceremony. Then a few hours free time to soak up the energy of the rainforest and explore Nahá on your own. Late afternoon, we hold a circle to begin grounding all that has occurred thus far. Tat Apab’yan Tew, K’iche’ Maya Daykeeper, shares the sacred ways of his Native Guatemala. In the evening, he offers a fire ceremony where we call upon our ancestors and make our prayers. All meals included. |
| January 27 | Before leaving Nahá, we visit the godpot burial cave, a site sacred to the Lacandones. We continue on to Palenque settling into our rainforest lodging near the ruins. Free time. Breakfast included. |
| January 28 | We spend our day at the magnificent Palenque ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to Pakal the Great and the Red Queen, it’s a city of major importance in the Maya World. Carol Karasik guides us through storytelling of Maya cosmology and archaeological discoveries. Carla offers connection with the resident energies through meditation. Meals on your own. |
| January 29 | In the morning we hold our closing circle with Carla extending teachings for re-entry home. Travel to Villahermosa on your own for flight next morning. Overnight and meals on your own. |
| Note: We build flexibility into the schedule. Activities may be adjusted to accommodate the weather, if required. |
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