Explorations Inc. invites you to enter a world of color, culture and customs where two thousand years of history can be glimpsed from exotic locales; from ancient shrouded Maya pyramids, a Spanish Colonial capital city, or from the secluded villages of the contemporary Maya as they continue to live in the rhythm of ancient traditions.
Explorations Inc. has customized this educational adventure to take advantage of some of the best that the Mundo Maya has to offer. This unique journey is 10 days and 9 nights and covers a rich vista of geographical beauty. The Highlands of Guatemala have some of our hemishere's most beautiful, landscapes and environments, including cloudforests, lakes, and scenic mountain vistas.
You will stay in the grand Spanish-colonial capital city of Anitgua where you will have time to stroll among historic buildings originating from the 1600's. Not only can you trace history back in time for over 2,000 years by visits to museums, archaeological sites and colonial buildings, but you will also witness the colorful living history of the present day indigenous Maya. While shopping in various highland village markets you will hear Mayan dialects that have changed little over hundreds of years. With a schedule that is practical yet active, time is allotted for personal exploration of the villages and towns. This particular part of Guatemala offers such a variety of sights and activities that a visit becomes an unforgettable adventure!
The textile traditions of the Maya have helped them culturally survive the European assault in the 1500"s, and the more recent encroachment by the "western world." This visually rich tradition has preserved many of their beliefs, customs and artistic abilities of the Classic Maya. We will trace the history and techniques that have been followed, from the cotton they harvest, dye, and hand-spin into thread, to the weaver who patiently kneels for hours at her loom. These ancient textile traditions of the Maya have been passed on for countless generations and continues to flourish today.
For more than eleven centuries, the Classic Maya civilization thrived in Southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. In a veritable stone age without complex measuring equipment or metal tools, these industrious people managed to construct towering pyramids and sacred temples, some aligned precisely with the sun or the stars. Their's was a sophisticated society of nobles and priests, warriors and farmers, and, of course, artisans. Intricately carved stone monuments, crafted some seventeen hundred years ago, continue to stand as testament to the artistic ability of this remarkably advanced culture.
"Maya culture...is still very much alive; one sees the present in the past and the past in the present." J. Eric Thompson, Archaeologist
The evidence is everywhere; in the local markets, where women dress in fantastic fabrics enriched by a kaleidoscope of color and in the shops and stalls, where vendors peer out from behind piles of textiles - from skirts and shawls, to purses, pouches and pants. And even in the most remote mountain villages, where behind every fence, or through every open door, one is almost certain to see women weaving.
Earliest Maya weaving dates back over 2000 years. The textiles started out as simple wearing apparel. Over the centuries, however, the product of their weaving, brocading and embroidery evolved into something much closer to art. Spurred by the human need to communicate, the colors they chose and the designs they used began to hold special meaning. Today, simply by looking at a Maya woman's blouse, or "huipil", the informed observer can discern such messages as the weaver's village, age, marital and social status and religious beliefs.
We will visit indigenous highland markets, where the smell of incense mixes with the music of the Mayan dialects still being spoken. You will be welcomed into the homes of master weavers and artisans. In these relaxed settings, there is time to observe, ask questions and even try your hand at the backstrap loom. We will also witness the lasting influence of the Spanish conquest on textiles of the Maya. This is present in the traditional dress of the men, where the design of much of their apparel was and continues to be inspired by the European fashions of the 1600's to 1800's.
"The most remarkable thing about these Indian men's costumes is that they are not Indian at all, but old European. Little scraps of seventeenth and eighteenth-century Spain have been caught here and miraculously preserved, like flies in the hard amber of primitive conservatism." A. Huxley, Beyond the Mexique Bay
Picture this tradition of culture and cloth set against the backdrop of verdant mountains, small lake-side villages, undulating fields of corn and grain, this is the unexpected beauty of Guatemala!
Explorations Inc. is proud to offer comprehensive, educational adventures into the world of the Maya, or Mundo Maya. All of our Mundo Maya Explorations are designed with a well-paced schedule to provide a more interactive program, not "a see the highlights through a bus window tour". Professional resident guides and escort scholars accompany to help reconstruct the ancient world of the Maya and inform of today's indigenous cultures and the region's natural history.
Our next Textiles & Traditions©
Maya Weaving of Highland Guatemala
tour is scheduled for April 4 - 10, 2003
and is escorted by archaeologist Travis Doering.
An Exciting
Opportunity to Explore an Ancient Ruins & Witness the Living History
of the Maya!
Explorations Inc. has customized this escorted, educational adventure to take advantage of some of the best Guatemala and the Mundo Maya has to offer. The two individual itineraries are interconnected, depending on your interests and time constraints. The adventure will take you through verdant highland cloud forests and rainforest jungle. Not only can you trace history back in time for over 2,000 years by visits to museums, archaeological sites and colonial buildings, you will also witness the living history of the present day Guatemala Indians, the most colorful of Native Americans. Lectures and discussions will help connect the ancient Maya to the modern Maya.
This custom itinerary is a blend of education, exotic travel, fun & individual exploration into the land & traditions of the Maya.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
Listed are some of the more well-known highlights of the trip. Not listed are the many "off-the-path" discoveries and short stops at small villages and lesser known natural wonders. These stopovers and daily encounters with the people of Guatemala sometimes become highlights of a trip themselves!
The educational focus provided by the
experienced tour leader.
The living history of the modern day
Maya.
Our focus on education and exploration
gives you an in-depth experience into the ancient world of the Living Maya.
A well-designed itinerary takes you
to some of Guatemala's most
picturesque Highland villages, rich in history and tradition, where you will witness the exquisite beauty, extraordinary colors and excellent workmanship of Maya textiles.
Knowledgeable and personable escorts
will introduce you to the local customs, culture and cuisine of Guatemala,
within an atmosphere that emphasizes safety, cleanliness and comfort.
Small group size allow for greater personal
attention, pursuit of individual interests, and intimate access to the indigenous
people in their homes, markets and villages.
Great cuisine and lovely accommodations.
Outstanding opportunities for photography.
2 nights in the Zona Viva of Guatemala
City, an area full of first-class hotels, restaurants and shops within easy
walking distance. Overnight at the incomparable Camino Real, or similar.
3 nights in the internationally famous
resort village of Panajachel on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlán,
surrounded by majestic mountains and volcanoes with breathtaking and everchanging
scenery. Overnights at the lakeside Posada de Don Rodrigo, Atitlán,
or similar.
2 nights in Antigua, the heart of Spanish
colonial Guatemala. Founded in 1542, it is among the oldest and most beautiful
cities in the Americas. Outstanding early-colonial architecture abounds,
including historic churches and monasteries. This city has great shops and
picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes, some of which
are over 13,000 feet high. Overnights at the Posada de Don Rodrigo, Antigua,
or similar.
Overnight in Chichicastenango, where
Guatemala's best known Mayan markets take place, at the beautifully decorated,
colonial Hotel Santo Tomás.
Overnight in the Mayan Highland city
of Quetzaltenango, at the comfortable, Hotel Pensión Bonifaz.
Curator tour of the Ixchel Textile Museum
with its extensive display of hand-woven fabrics and Maya traditional and
ceremonial costumes.
Tour of the Popul Vuh Archaeological
Museum with its impressive collection of ancient Maya artifacts, including
displays of textiles and ceramics, both from ancient and contemporary times.
Tour of Santa Catarina Palopó,
a small peaceful village tucked away on the shores of Lake Atitlán.
Surrounded by extinct volcanoes, Atitlán has been called one of the
most beautiful lakes in the world. Master weavers will provide personalized
backstrap loom lessons in comfortable surroundings on the lake's shores.
Trips across the lake to picturesque
Santiago Atitlán and San Antonio Palopó. Both villages are
known for their "trajes", or traditional dress, and their weaving
cooperatives. Visits to these two lakeside villages will give you a firsthand
glimpse of the contemporary Maya and demonstrate how each village produces
its own unique traditional clothing.
Market days in Sololá, Almolonga
and world famous Chichicastenango. Maya from villages throughout the highlands
travel to these markets bringing produce, textiles and handicrafts while
providing a great spectacle of color, culture and commerce.
While in the cloud forests of the highlands,
you will explore the imposing, mountaintop archaeological site of Iximché.
You will learn about how these Kachiquel Maya were conquered by Pedro de
Alvarado in the 1500's, the Spanish Conquest of the New World, and Guatemala's
colonial history.
Lectures and presentations prepared
specifically for this tour. Topics will include the history of the Ancient
Maya and an examination of the contemporary Maya of Guatemala. Also featured
will be an in-depth look at the textiles and traditions of the Maya from
500 BC to the present day and visits to ancient Maya ruins.
A comprehensive pretrip information
package contains valuable information about Maya textiles and the places
we visit, along with a suggested reading list.
Your participation provides direct financial
support to the local and cooperative weavers.
Textiles & Traditions©
Maya Weaving of Highland Guatemala Itinerary
This 10-day exploration is designed to allow you to immerse yourself in the world of Maya textiles at your own pace, and provide a learning atmosphere while witnessing the living history of the Maya. You can determine how much time and effort you wish to devote to actual weaving. Other local options will be available on most occasions if desired.
Day 1 - Friday, April 4th, 2003: Flights to Guatemala City. Airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the luxurious Camino Real in the Zona Viva with welcome cocktails, dinner and introductory overview of the trip.
Day 2 - Saturday: Behind-the-scenes curator's tours of the Ixchel Textile Museum (named for the Maya goddess of weaving and devoted solely to the display of textiles) and the Popul Vuh Archaeological Museum (with its extensive collection of Pre-Colombian pottery, carvings and artifacts). Later we ride through the beautiful highlands of Guatemala to Panajachel, on the shores of Lake Atitlán to our hotel, the Posada Don Rodrigo, (for the next three nights).
Day 3 - Sunday: Boat ride to Santiago Atitlán, the largest and most traditional of the lakeside towns, situated at the base of the San Pedro volcano. Atitlán is also home to the halo-style headdress, where a band 60 -80 feet in length is continuously wrapped around the head, creating a disk effect with fabric. Walking tour to the market, church and shrine dedicated to the modern Maya deity, Maximón. Later, tour Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopó, two villages perched on the hills surrounding Lake Atitlán. Meet master Maya weavers and visit the local markets and art gallery. See demonstrations of both the backstrap and treadle, or foot-loom, and visit the weaving and ceramic cooperatives. Evening lecture and discussion.
Day 4 - Monday: Morning weaving, spinning, and dying workshop sessions in Panajachel. Afternoon visit to nearby Butterfly/Rainforest nature sanctuary. Free time in the afternoon for shopping and relaxing.
Day 5 - Tuesday: Morning drive to Sololá for market day and meeting with the members of the Asociacíon Maya, a weaving cooperative which promotes opportunities and employment for some 300 local weavers. Afterwards, a drive through the mountains to Quetzaltenango, or Xela as it is called by the Quiché Maya. Along the way, stops may include; Nahuala (furniture, groundstone and weavings), San Andrés Xecul (church and thread production), and Salcaja (corte/ikat fabric production). Overnight at Pensión Bonifaz, the best in the city.
Day 6 - Wednesday: Another day of exploring highland villages with visits to Almolonga (morning market, known for it's produce), and scenic Zunil (Church, Maximón, Weavers' Co-op), and Cantel (fabric production plant tour and glass co-op). Continue on to the traditional Maya town of Chichicastenango, overnight at the beautiful and colonial Hotel Santo Tomás. Evening textile presentation with time permitting.
Day 7 - Thursday: Witness (and shop) Chichicastenango for it's world-famous market day. Through the veil of smoke from burning incense, experience the vitality of the vendors, along with the color and variety of the textiles, handicrafts, and local goods. Afternoon visit to Tecpán Guatemala and the Post-Classic Maya archaeological site of Iximché. Then on to the colonial city of Antigua and overnight at the incredible Casa Santo Domingo, a colonial period convent converted into a luxury hotel (for the next two nights).
Day 8 - Friday: Morning driving and walking tour of historic Antigua, with its 500-year-old architecture, cathedrals, resplendent gardens and parks. Visit Nim Po't, a center for the display and sale of traditional weaving from all over Guatemala. See demonstrations of spinning and later have the afternoon free time to explore this colonial city.
Day 9 - Saturday: Morning visits to colorful textile markets. Free time in the afternoon to shop and explore this beautiful cobblestoned city. Late afternoon drive to Guatemala City for overnight at Camino Real and Farewell dinner.
Day 10 - Sunday, April 10th: Transfer to nearby Guatemala City
airport for assistance with flights home.
What does the trip cost and what does it include?
What is not included?
What did past participants have to say about Textiles & Traditions?
"Efficient, friendly and fun... The attention to detail was outstanding."
Phyllis W., Ontario, Canada"The educational element was important to me and it exceeded my expectations."
Virginia G., NH"This trip was perfect."
Consuelo P., Ontario, Canada"The preparation and research for this trip were exceptional and much appreciated....The attention given for our well-being and safety was recognized and valued by all."
Norma W., OKRegarding the best part: "The small group and the very personal contact we had with local people in various villages. Travis is a good host and excellent guide."
Lucille B., MNRegarding the best part: "The guide, Travis, and the people with us, the size of the group, well planned and carried out, both fun and fascinating." Regarding the worst part: "Can't think of any worst part."
Stuart R., CA"Travis Doering was delightful, fun, a perfect gentleman."
Catherine C., WITravis - what can I say- he should lead every trip you offer. He is so kind, informative and he took care of every detail. We lacked for nothing. He was terrific!"
Carolyn G., Mexico"Travis couldn't have done a better job."
Mary M., WI
Travis Doering is a professional archaeologist and anthropologist who began his study of the Maya over twenty-five years ago. He has spoken and written internationally on the history and traditions of the ancient and contemporary people of Mexico and Guatemala. While pursuing his passion for the Maya, Travis has visited hundreds of archaeological sites and countless museums. He has attended numerous national and international seminars, symposiums, conferences and workshops dealing with Mesoamerican cultures. He is also active with avocational and professional archaeologists, and recently completed his Masters Degree in Mesoamerican Archaeology from the Anthropology Department at Florida State University in Tallahassee. His is continuing his Mesoamerican studies and pursuit of a Ph.D.
He has great admiration for, and interest in the weavings and textiles of Mesoamerica and has publicly exhibited a portion of his expanding collection. His studies and personal relationships with native weavers have enabled him to gain a knowledge of the history and representations contained in these woven artworks. A recent exhibition at the Florida State University Museum of Fine Art he created can be found on the internet at http://www.anthro.fsu.edu/wovenvoices/wv.html.. A second and significantly expanded exhibition also centering on his personal textile collection was presented at the prestigious Appleton Art Museum, in Ocala, Florida."
For the past 15 years, Travis has led countless groups through Mesoamerica on archaeological and cultural explorations. In addition, Travis has designed and coordinated ship-based voyages for Elderhostel International, and acted as guide and archaeological lecturer on Pathways of the Conquistadors. With his extensive travel and individual investigation into the World of the Maya, Travis has developed a deep respect and affection for the land, its people and their history. He will bring you face-to-face with an ancient civilization whose customs, traditions and textiles continue to flourish today.
Explorations Inc.
27655 Kent Rd
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 1-239-992-9660
or toll free 1-(800)-446-9660 (in USA, Canada, P.R.)
Call anytime to receive detailed trip brochures or more information!
Also available are custom itineraries for small groups!
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