Mexico: Mayan Treasures of the Yucatán

The Story:

Nearly 700,000 people in the Yucatán still speak the Maya language. Mayan culture is alive and thriving in communities across the Yucatán Peninsula.  Embark on a modern-day anthropological adventure to uncover the beauty and richness of Mayan civilization. Discover hidden ruins in dense jungles, study famous pyramids and take photos of thousand-year-old artifacts. Make local handicrafts, find clues in archeological sites, learn traditional Mayan dances and interview Mayan speaking elders. With each passing day, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of an ancient civilization and its impact on modern Mexico. By the end of your Mayan quest, you’ll be exhausted, fulfilled and have a thousand stories to tell about an unforgettable adventure across the Yucatán.

The Program:

Your quest begins in Mérida, the colorful colonial capital of the Yucatán. Explore narrow cobblestone streets, sample delicacies in outdoor cafés along the Paseo de Montejo, buy fruits and pastries in the sprawling Mercado Lucas de Galvez and feast your eyes on the stunning Monumento a la Patria featuring 300 hand-carved figures chronicling 700 years of Mexican history. Begin your exploration of Mayan culture at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya. Learn about the richness of Mayan civilization from cultural anthropologists and educators. Prepare traditional dishes, participate in pre-Columbian cooking workshops, learn survival Mayan language skills and discover Mayan contributions to contemporary Mexican culture.  During your family stay become immersed in Mexican culture. Attend colorful festivals, shop in open air markets, practice your Spanish while cooking with your host mother and get together with your Corps group to explore the community. Your anthropological adventure continues as you cross-cross the Yucatán. Swim in deep underground cenotes, make traditional pottery, explore dense jungles, and visit Chichen Itza and Campeche. Every step of the way, you and your group will have to create traditional art, cook local dishes and complete small projects that connect you deeply to the Mayan soul of modern Mexico.

Sample Activities:

Orientation in Mérida

• Buy fruits and pastries in Mercado Lucas de Galvez
• Interview locals in Centro Histórico and Paseo de Montejo
• Visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
• Sample the Yucatán’s iconic papadzules

The Seminar

• Develop an understanding of the impact of Mayan civilization in contemporary Mexico
• Learn from anthropologists and educators
• Practice survival words and phrases in the Mayan language
• Investigate the meaning of Mayan art and artifacts
• Participate in a jewelry making workshop

Family and Community stay 

• Live with a Mexican host family
• Attend local festivals
• Develop your Spanish language skills during family meals and excursions
• Explore the surrounding community with your Corps group

Field Exploration and Journey’s End

• Complete your Mayan Quest
• Visit Palenque and Campeche
• Hike the ancient ruins and pyramids of Chichen Itza and Uxmal
• Spend a few days on the beach