“Much enjoyed the tours of Mayan ancient cities and the expert guides plus the expertise of Dr. Barnhart. Wondrium delivers. If you’re looking for an educational adventure with like-minded people, then this is a go-to.”

–Karyn Aho

“The information imparted to us and the cultural experiences, thanks to Ed Barnhart, were exciting and eye-opening. On this trip, I was able to completely relax and enjoy each day because Wondrium planned and executed this tour so well.”

–Mark & Rachel Hendrickson

“The well-planned pacing and cultural aspects. It wasn't just a canned touristy event but really showed a lot of the localities. Wondrium really went all out to make this a great tour.”

– Teresa G. Love

What are previous participants saying about this adventure?

All accomodations and meals as outlined in the itinerary

Tours guided by Edwin Barnhardt

Fully vetted program that meets COVID-19 health and safety protocols

Silver Packages Include:

Prices from $4,995

Package Includes: 

Prices from $5,995

More about  Dr. Barnhart

Silver Pages Include: All accomodations and meals as outlined in the itinerary , Tours guided by a skilled archaeologist, Fully vetted program that meets COVID-19 health and safety protocols

All accomodations and meals as outlined in the itinerary

Tours guided by Dr. Edwin Barnhart

Fully vetted program that meets COVID-19 health and safety protocols

Edwin Barnhart, Ph.D.

Silver Package :

Departures in: October

Mayan World Package

Departures in: November and December

'In my own experience as an explorer, it’s almost always the case that the locals knew where lost places were all along. The discoverer is just the first person to ask the right questions.'

Explore the Maya World with renowned archaeologist, Director of the Maya Exploration Center and Great Courses professor, Dr. Edwin Barnhart. The Great Courses come to life in this nine-day, eight-night journey where you are invited to step beyond the computer screen to the home of the Maya in the Yucatán. Uncover the hidden past, the stunning landscapes, and the beauty of the Maya people themselves. Take an adventure of a lifetime as you walk the footsteps of the Maya. Experience firsthand how the Maya continue to thrive as you meet with many of the artisans, scholars, and spiritual leaders that were featured in your course. Learn about their religious traditions, art and music, every-day food and fine dining, and talk to a broad range of experts on Maya architecture, religion, history, religion, and culture. Witness traditions that have been maintained for more than 500 years–and explore the key role that the ancient Maya played in paving the way for democracy. Plunge into refreshing cenotes, navigate ancient walkways, and ascend the pyramids that have captured the imagination for generations. See for yourself why there is always something new to discover about the Maya world.

Your 9-Day 8-Night Wondrium Journeys adventure of a lifetime begins here!

Close Bio

Departures will be led by Dr. Edwin Barnhart, Director of the Maya Exploration Center and contributor to The Great Courses. Barnhart holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and has over 20 years of experience in North, Central, and South America as an archaeologist, explorer, and instructor. In 1994, Dr. Barnhart discovered the ancient city of Maax Na (Spider-Monkey House), a major center of the Classic Maya period in northwestern Belize. In 1998, he was invited by the Mexican government to direct the Palenque Mapping Project, a three-year effort to survey and map the unknown sections of Palenque's ruins. The resultant map has been celebrated as one of the most detailed and accurate ever made of a Maya ruin. In 2003, Dr. Barnhart became the Director of Maya Exploration Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study of ancient Maya civilization. The center leads study abroad courses for college students and tours for the public in the ruins of the ancient Americas, among its other research and educational activities. Dr. Barnhart has taught archaeology and anthropology at Southwest Texas State University, and currently teaches University of Texas travel courses for college professors, on ancient Andean and Mesoamerican astronomy, mathematics, and culture. Over the last 10 years, he has appeared multiple times on the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, and Japanese NHK Public Television. Dr. Barnhart has published over a dozen papers and given presentations at eight international conferences.

Itinerary

Sunday, Day 2

Museum and Murals in Merida

Start the day with a guided visit of the “Great Museum of the Maya World,” a world-class collection of Maya artifacts in a modern building designed to resemble the sacred ceiba tree. Then, trace the history of the Maya along the walls of the elegant Palace of the Governors, which houses the executive government offices for the region. After lunch as a group, continue to Merida’s historic city center to view the bustling zocalo or plaza, stately cathedral, and colonial buildings. Tonight, experience the warmth and hospitality of dinner in a family home.

Hotel:

Gold: The Treehouse Boutique Hotel and 

The Boutique by The Museo

Meals: B, L, D

Tuesday, Day 4

People Preserved through Pottery 

and Ruins

Step out of your hotel and step back in time as you spend the morning in the ancient Maya city of Uxmal, a World Heritage city recognized as one of the most important archaeological sites in Maya culture and a model of urban planning. Abandoned by its inhabitants more than 1,000 years ago, Uxmal once served as a critical political and administrative center with as many as 20,000 inhabitants. Your expert guide will reveal how the complex ceremonial structures reflect the social and economic structure of late Maya society, a keen industry of astronomy, and a profound religious connection.Those who choose can climb the Great Pyramid for a birds-eye view of this vast city. Later, visit with world-class artisan Patricia Martin and observe her flawless technique, capturing Maya history in exquisite pottery reproductions. Return to Uxmal this afternoon to learn about the significance of chocolate to the Maya, a walk through the botanical gardens where cacao is cultivated, and a hands-on experience crafting the perfect hot chocolate.

Hotel:

Gold: Lodge at Uxmal

Meals: B, L

Thursday, Day 6

Morning at Chichén Itzá

Start the day with early morning access to the brilliant ruins of Chichén Itzá, the dazzling ancient city that once centered the Maya empire in Central America. Ascend the stepped pyramids, enter the temples, and walk along the columned arcades before the grounds are open to the public. After breakfast at the hotel, plunge into the Ik-Kil cenote, believed to be an entry to the underworld, where Maya gods would visit. Learn about the ancient offerings and rituals performed here and the artifacts that have been found on site. Ik-Kil is one of Mexico’s most beautiful sinkholes, with light entering from above and illuminating the waterfalls and vines that hang overhead like a curtain. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Chichén Itzá on your own.

Hotel:

Gold: Mayaland 

Meals: B, L

Saturday, Day 8

The Sun Shines on Izamal

Depart Chichén Itzá this morning for the colorful and charming Yellow City of Izamal, painted yellow in honor of the Maya sun god. Tour the city’s rich history, which includes pre-Colombian, Colonial and modern threads. Those who choose can climb the ten-story pyramid in the city center for expansive views and walk through the Convent of St. Anthony of Padua, constructed in 1561 atop a destroyed Maya temple. The Convent is one of the oldest Catholic monasteries in the Americas and its vast outdoor atrium – designed as a Christian teaching tool for the Maya – is the second largest in the world (after the Vatican). Return to Merida this afternoon where you will have time to explore the markets on your own before joining together for a final dinner and reception. After, gather in the zócalo, or central square, to observe a spirited game of Pok-Ta-Pok, a sacred, sacrificial ball game that originated more than 4,000 years ago – in which the winners were sacrificed.

Hotel:

Gold: The Treehouse Boutique Hotel and 

The Boutique by The Museo

Meals: B, D, R

Chichén Itza

Uxmal

Merida

Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows is located in the heart of over 1,000 acres of natural and landscaped grounds, with an exclusive private entrance to Chichén Itzá, making it the world’s first resort within an ancient site. The hotel’s spacious air-conditioned rooms feature private balconies overlooking the property’s manicured grounds, gardens, and outdoor pools. Rooms include en suite bathrooms with hand-tiled ceramic, stone, and local marble. The property is the most awarded resort in the Yucatan and has been named one of the world’s top hotels by National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveler magazines. Four on-site restaurants offer authentic Maya cuisine.

The Hacienda Uxmal Plantation is located a short walk from the Uxmal Pyramids and Temples. Comfortable rooms feature a blend of traditional Maya and Spanish décor with a terrace overlooking two outdoor pools and tropical gardens. Rooms include air conditioning and en suite bathrooms with hand tiled ceramic and marble accents and complimentary toiletries. The expansive property is a working plantation, with miles of fruit trees and trails to explore on-site, making the property the world’s first hotel hacienda.

The Hacienda Uxmal Plantation is located a short walk from the Uxmal Pyramids and Temples. Comfortable rooms feature a blend of traditional Maya and Spanish décor with a terrace overlooking two outdoor pools and tropical gardens. Rooms include air conditioning and en suite bathrooms with hand tiled ceramic and marble accents and complimentary toiletries. The expansive property is a working plantation, with miles of fruit trees and trails to explore on site, making the property the world’s first hotel hacienda.

Guests will stay in boutique sister properties in historic Merida, The Treehouse Boutique Hotel and The Boutique by the Museo. These intimate and exclusive hotels offer a tranquil respite from the city. Both luxury properties feature a charming courtyard and outdoor pools, and provide access to a full-service spa, bar, cooking classes, complementary Wi-Fi, and on-site dining.

Hotel Casa del Balam is a distinguished hotel located in the historic center of Mérida, a short walk from the Cathedral and Plaza Grande. Transformed from a family home, the property retains the original façade. The property features a business center, spa, complementary WiFi, and outdoor pool. Rooms are spacious and well-lit, with double-paned windows to reduce ambient noise. The hotel is decorated in a traditional colonial style, with dark woods, rocking chairs, wrought iron accessories, and exquisite details.

CHICHÉN ITZA

UXMAL

MERIDA

    City                       Hotel                          Nights 

City              Hotel                                    Nights 

GOLD

Chichén Itzá        Mayaland                                                     3

Chichén Itzá        Mayaland                                                     3

                          Merida                 The Treehouse Boutique Hotel 

                                                      and the Boutique by the Museo                 3 

Chichén Itzá             Mayaland                                            3

Uxmal                       Hacienda Uxmal                                 2

       Merida                      Hotel Casa del Balam                        3 

SILVER

Silver          $4,995         For single room add $750

           $5,995             For single room add $1,250

RATES

Chichén Itzá              Mayaland                                                              3

Uxmal                        Hacienda Uxmal                                                   2

Silver                 Merida                      Hotel Casa del Balam                                           3 

Chichén Itzá             Mayaland                                                                3

Uxmal                       The Hacienda Uxmal  Plantation                          2

About Your Hotel

                          Merida                      The Treehouse Boutique Hotel  and  

  The Boutique by the Museo                                 3 ​

                    City                    Hotel                                                      Nights 

MERIDA

Casa Lucia is a boutique hotel in the historic center of Merida, surrounded by picturesque historical buildings and in walking distance to many attractions, including the cathedral. The hotel is situated around a charming courtyard with beautiful landscaping, hammocks, and an outdoor pool. Air-conditioned rooms are spacious and combine classic elegance with modern furnishings.

Hotel Casa del Balam is a distinguished hotel located in the historic center of Merida, a short walk from the Cathedral and Plaza Grande. Transformed from a family home, the property retains the original façade. The property features a business center, spa, complementary WiFi, and outdoor pool. Rooms are spacious and well-lit, with double-paned windows to reduce ambient noise. The hotel is decorated in a traditional colonial style, with dark woods, rocking chairs, wrought iron accessories, and exquisite details, including marble floors from Italy, Moorish arches, and a beautiful hand-carved stone fountain in a central garden. The owner’s love of art is reflected in the exceptional antiquities and pre-Columbian artifacts that decorate the hotel.

UXMAL

The Lodge at Uxmal is perfectly situated footsteps from the Uxmal Archeological Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Yucatan Hill Country. The hotel’s décor is inspired by the architecture of the Maya and the lodge is built with local materials. Comfortable rooms feature canopy beds, en suite bathrooms, hand-tiled ceramics, and stained-glass windows. Each room has a private terrace with a rocking chair and hammock. The property houses five bungalows, two outdoor pools, and beautifully manicured gardens. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, the property is home to many native birds and offers views of the top of the Pyramid of the Magician rising above the jungle canopy.

The Hacienda Uxmal Plantation is located a short walk from the Uxmal Pyramids and Temples. Comfortable rooms feature a blend of traditional Maya and Spanish décor with a terrace overlooking two outdoor pools and tropical gardens. Rooms include air conditioning and en suite bathrooms with hand tiled ceramic and marble accents and complimentary toiletries. The expansive property is a working plantation, with miles of fruit trees and trails to explore on site, making the property the world’s first hotel hacienda.

CHICHÉN ITZA

Mayaland Hotel and Bungalows is located in the heart of over 1,000 acres of natural and landscaped grounds, with an exclusive private entrance to Chichén Itzá, making it the world’s first resort within an ancient site. The hotel’s spacious air-conditioned rooms feature private balconies overlooking the property’s manicured grounds, gardens, and outdoor pools. Rooms include en suite bathrooms with hand-tiled ceramic, stone, and local marble. The property is the most-awarded resort in the Yucatan and has been named one of the world’s top hotels by National Geographic and Conde Nast Traveler magazines. Four on-site restaurants offer authentic Maya cuisine.

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