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The Serpent of Light - Kukulkan Descends at Chichen Itza
A Spring Equinox Journey to Discover the Sacred Maya Wisdom & the Mystery of the
Crystal Skulls
March 20 – 29, 2009 |
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Tour
Leaders: Renowned author and researcher,
Stephen Mehler,
is the co-author of the recently published book,
The Crystal Skulls: Astonishing Portals to
Man’s Past, as well as other books on
ancient Egypt. He has researched the phenomenon of crystal skulls since 1979,
especially those known as ancient crystal skulls. Maya Master Teacher,
Miguel Angel Vergara Calleros,
studied for 17 years with Mayan elder and wisdom keeper, Don Vincente Martin,
and teaches seminars in Mexico and abroad on Mayan astronomy, philosophy,
calendar, glyphs & symbols, medicine, cosmovision, traditions and prayers,
ceremonies and healing. Read more about Stephen and Miguel Angel on our
About Your Tour Leaders page.
Click here to listen to
a brief interview with Stephen Mehler on Around the World Radio, recorded in
August 2008.
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Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1
Fri, Mar 20: Arrive in Mérida |
Arrive in colonial Mérida and transfer to your hotel in the historic town
centre. Most travellers will be arriving in the evening so we will save our
introductions and briefing for the following morning.
(Overnight in Mérida at the Hotel Los Aluxes) |
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Day 2
Sat, Mar 21: Aké for Opening Ceremony, Izamal (B, L, D) |
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After breakfast we depart for the ancient Maya site of Aké,
“The City of the Children of the Turtle”. This rarely visited site houses the
Royal Palace where columns rise 4 to 6 metres in height, reminding us of the
“Children of Atlantis”, and the Giant Teachers. In Aké, one breathes the
“essence of the Atlantis/Maya knowledge” and the wisdom of the ancient Atlantian
priests and astronomers who passed on their most valued knowledge to the Maya
teachers. Here, amongst the peace and serenity, Miguel Angel will lead us in our
Opening Ceremony to ask permission of the guardians and spiritual
energies for our journey, and to welcome us to the sacred land of the Maya.
We
then continue on to the city of Izamal, “The Dew of the Sky”, which is
connected to Aké by a 19 mile Sacbe, a raised white road of limestone built by
the Maya. Legend states that when Lord Itzamná arrived from Atlantis, he founded
this city which still bears his name. It is said that when Lord Itzamná died,
they placed his head in the north temple, his heart in the east temple, and his
right hand in the west temple. The south temple is said to house his priests and
disciples. Here we will visit the Franciscan monastery which was built on the
base of the main pyramid, and then cross over to the other side of town to visit
the pyramid of Kinich Kaak Moo. We will enjoy a late lunch in the city of Izamal
and then head east to Valladolid for the evening.
(Overnight in Valladolid at Mesón del Marqués) |
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Day 3 Sun,
Mar 22: Chichen Itza, Ik Kil Cenote (B, L, D) |
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This
morning we explore the famous site of Chichen Itza, “The Maya Cosmic
University”, now one of the great Seven Wonders of the World. Here we will visit
the eminent Pyramid of Kukulkan, the expansive Ball Court, the
Observatory of El Caracol, the Sacred Cenote and more! To escape the
peak heat of midday we make our way to Ik Kil Cenote for a refreshing
swim followed by lunch and time to relax. In the late afternoon, we return to
Chichen Itza for a rare and special opportunity. Standing in awe at the foot of
the Pyramid of Kukulkan, we will wonder at the moment we have waited for - the
dramatic display and descent of the Serpent of Light. Twice a year at the
time of the equinoxes, a shadow is cast on the corner of El Castillo in the
shape of a plumed serpent, known as Kukulkan, which slithers down the north side
of the Pyramid. As we receive this gift of Cosmic Energy from Kukulkan, we can
truly sense the sacred energies of the Maya that surround us and connect with
our own inner light. In the evening we return to Ik Kil cenote for a very
special candlelight ceremony and blessing with the wise shaman Don
Florencio to receive a “limpia” for spiritual cleansing.
(Overnight in Valladolid at Mesón del Marqués) |
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Day 4 Mon, Mar 23: Ek
Balam, Rio Lagartos (B, L) |
Our first stop today is Ek Balam, “The City of the Messengers of the Sky
and the Star-Jaguar”. The enormous elaborate Acropolis pyramid, located inside
the Mayan site of Ek Balam, is a striking sight after driving miles through the
surrounding jungle. The site was at the height of its importance as a city
during the Late Classic period (600-900 A.D.). When the Maya abandoned the site,
it went under cover, literally, as the dense low-lying jungle engulfed it. Here
at this impressive Maya site, we will find the Maya Cosmovision expressed in
three levels or cosmic dimensions. The Maya Royal Palace is found on the fourth
level, along with the Angels, Teachers, and Maya Prophets. Through the presence
of the image of the Jaguar, the guardian of the mysteries of the cosmos, we are
offered the sacred knowledge to awaken our consciousness and prepare us for the
end of the Maya Calendar on December 21, 2012.
After our time spent exploring Ek Balam, we immerse ourselves in the glory of
Mother Nature. We head to Rio Lagartos for lunch at the beach and then
enjoy a relaxing boat ride down the river to spot flamingos and many
other bird species found in this area.
(Overnight in Mérida at the Hotel Los Aluxes) |
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Day 5 Tues, Mar 24:
Acancéh, Mayapan (B, L) |
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This morning we begin
the day with a stop in the charming village of Acancéh, a town of 3
cultures - the ancient Maya, the colonial Spanish, and the present-day Mexican
culture. The town includes prehispanic, colonial and modern construction as well
as a Pyramid dedicated to Kinich Ahau, “the Lord with the Face of the Sun”,
which lies in the main plaza alongside the market, church and city hall. Here we
will climb the pyramid and admire the Sun Masks.
We then continue to Mayapan, a major site that is rarely visited, but
considered “The Flag City of the Mayas”. The city was founded in the year 950 AD
for the Maya Teacher Kukulkan, the revered teacher who instructed the Maya in
science, art, philosophy, religion, calendars, mathematics, and architecture.
Here Miguel Angel will lead us in a special Maya ceremony before allowing
us the opportunity to explore on our own and spend time in private meditation.
This evening we enjoy a lecture with Stephen Mehler: The Crystal Skulls:
Astonishing Portals to Man’s Past – Part One. Stephen will share
information gathered throughout his years of research and personal experiences
with Crystals Skulls with a focus on the Mayan and Amethyst skull. He will
summarize his work with Crystal Skull experts Nick Nocerino and Marcel Vogel,
and will share their insights on the mystery of the Crystal Skulls as well. He
will also impart the knowledge he collected from his work with Mayan Priest,
Francisco Reyes, who has shared with him information regarding ways in which the
ancient Maya may have used the Crystall Skulls.
(Overnight in Mérida at the Hotel Los Aluxes) |
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Day 6 Wed, Mar 25:
Loltún Caves, Labnah (B, L, D) |
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An early start today
has us journeying through the Puuc region to admire the panoramic views of hills
and valleys of the area.
Our first stop is the magical Loltún
Caves, the
largest caves in the area, encased by cathedral high ceilings, and occupied by
mystery and spirits from ancient Maya times. Here we will be led by local
Shaman Don Jose as we wind our way through the womb of Mother Earth to the
depths of the Maya Underworld, to experience our own rebirth and awakening.
Once we return to the surface we will head out to visit the ceremonial site of
Labnah for a ceremony led by Miguel Angel. Here we will walk along
the Sacbe and through a beautifully decorated Maya arch, considered a gateway to
another dimension, to connect once again with the energies of Mother Earth.
Following our visit we will enjoy lunch and make our way to the jungles of Uxmal
for the evening.
(Overnight in Uxmal at Villas Arqueológicas Uxmal) |
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Day 7
Thurs, Mar 26: Uxmal (B, L, D) |
This morning we walk over to the spectacular site of Uxmal, known as “The
Female Maya Cosmic University”, considered by many to be the most beautiful of
the sacred Maya sites. This ceremonial centre was dedicated to the Sacred
Feminine, to Mother Ixchel and Grandmother Xmukané. Here we will start with an
official ceremony with Miguel Angel to balance our feminine aspect, and
then roam among the tranquil grounds to feel cradled by the immensely serene
atmosphere. As we will be here the whole day you will have time to explore Uxmal
on your own. Visit the magnificent Pyramid of the Magician which has five
temples built on top of each other during various periods, and is adorned with
Chac masks on each level. You may then want to climb the majestic Great
Pyramid for a breathtaking panoramic view of the site and an excellent
photographic opportunity. From this platform you can look out over the site of
Uxmal as well as the outlying jungle that spans as far as the eye can see. Pass
through the arched doorways to move into the Nunnery Quadrangle whose
detailed buildings are decorated with masks, serpents, owls and human figures,
including a human face exiting from a serpent’s mouth, to meditate in the
peaceful open courtyard.
In the evening we return to Uxmal for the Sound and Light Show.
(Overnight in Uxmal at Villas Arqueológicas Uxmal) |
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Day 8 Fri,
Mar 27: Oxkintok (B, L) |
Today we visit the site of Oxkintok, “The Place Where Three Suns Burn”.
The three suns are “The Three Suns of Creation” - Sirius, Alcyone in the
Pleiades, and our sun. The site is known for its hieroglyphic inscriptions which
are among some of the oldest dates found in the Yucatán, as well as the
anthropomorphic columns which were sculpted to represent elites, warriors and
deities. Here we will explore the most well-known building of the site, the
Tzat Tun Tzat, which in Mayan means labyrinth or “place in which one may be
lost”. As we make our way through the maze of tunnels, passageways and stairs,
we awaken to the “cord of life”. This cord of life connected the ceremonial
centres of the Ancient Maya and now shapes the awakening of our consciousness so
it will be ready to be reactivated.
We then stop for lunch to relax and enjoy the surroundings and share our
experiences with our new friends thus far, before returning to Mérida.
This evening we enjoy our second lecture with Stephen: The Crystal Skulls:
Astonishing Portals to Man’s Past – Part Two. Tonight Stephen will share
the findings of his work with Crystal Skulls, Max and Sha-Na-Ra. He will discuss
the “scenes” viewed in the Crystal Skulls regarding the Maya sites of Palenque,
Tikal and Copan and how they were imprinted, or recorded by the skulls. Stephen
will also demonstrate the ways in which the Maya were believed to have used
Crystal Skulls in their ceremonies and rituals. To end the evening, a summary of
his conclusions and findings will be discussed with an opportunity to ask the
many questions we will have.
(Overnight in Mérida at the Hotel Los Aluxes) |
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Day
9 Sat, Mar 28: Dzibilchaltún, Xcambó, Closing Ceremony (B, L) |
Today is the final day of our journey through the Maya world. We begin our day
of discovery with a visit to Dzibilchaltún, “The Place with the Writing
on Flat Stones”, a large and very ancient Maya site. We will walk along the
Sacbe to The Temple of the Dolls, known for its seven small sculptures
which once resided here, where Miguel Angel will lead us in a meditation.
Following our visit to the temple, we will return along the Sacbe to the sacred
cenote of Ixlacah before heading to Xcambó.
Amidst salt mines and beautiful vegetation, we encounter the site of Xcambó, a
large Maya site that has yet to be fully restored.
This important city once
provided salt and salted fish to the Mayan cities of Izamal, Oxkintok, Uxmal and
Chichen, and contains a unique combination of Mayan structures, fully restored
pyramids, areas under excavation, mounds that, as of yet, are unexplored, a
Catholic chapel, and a small freshwater spring. Here at this very special site
with its captivating culmination of eras, we will participate in our Closing
Ceremony led by Miguel Angel.
Later we enjoy our celebratory farewell lunch at the beach before
returning to Mérida. Upon our return we will have some time to wander through
the charming colonial city and do some last minute shopping. Because it is
Saturday night, the main street is closed to traffic and there will be an
abundance of free street entertainment to experience and enjoy - a wonderful and
exciting way to end our journey!
(Overnight in Mérida at the Hotel Los Aluxes) |
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Day 10 Sun,
Mar 29: Depart Mérida |
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Transfer to the Mérida airport for your flight home. |
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| NOTE: This itinerary subject to change due to conditions beyond our control. |
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(B =
Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control. |
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Tour Inclusions
& Price |
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Tour Includes: |
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9 nights accommodation at 4 star hotels |
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Arrival and departure transfers (Mérida Airport / Hotel / Mérida Airport) |
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Daily breakfast, 8 lunches, 4 dinners |
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Private Coach Transportation |
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Hotel Taxes and Service Charges |
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Baggage Handling at the hotels (1 bag per person) |
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Tips for Bellboys, Maids, Restaurant Waiters, and Bus Driver |
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Fees and Gratuities to Tour Leaders |
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Admission to all sites as per itinerary |
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All Guide Services as per itinerary |
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| Special
Features: |
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Travel with Author and Maya Master Teacher, Miguel Angel Vergara Calleros |
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Travel with author Stephen Mehler |
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Descent of the Serpent of Light at Chichen Itza during Spring Equinox |
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Private Candle-lit Ceremony at Ik Kil Cenote with Shaman Don Florencio |
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Loltún Caves with Shaman Don Jose |
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Participate in meditations, rituals and ceremonies at the Mayan sites |
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2 Lectures by Stephen Mehler and Teachings on Mayan Cosmology with Miguel Angel
Vergara Calleros |
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| Tour
does not include: |
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Airfare to Mérida |
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Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a
quote if you are Canadian) |
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Meals and drinks not included, as indicated in
the itinerary |
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Cost to obtain valid passport |
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Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone |
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Tour Price |
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| Tour Price Per Person (Land Only) |
Single Supplement |
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| USD $2675.00 |
USD $500.00 |
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Note: The single supplement is ONLY for those who would like to secure a private
room throughout the tour, at the indicated additional price. If you are not
traveling with anyone you know and would like to share a room, we will be happy
to work to find you a suitable roommate. Per our Terms and Conditions,
registration for the tour will be held open until two weeks before the departure
date in order to try to match everyone with a roommate. If by that date we have
not been able to match you with a suitable roommate, you will be responsible to
pay for the single supplement. An early registration will facilitate this
process. |
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© 2003 - 2010 Sacred
Earth Journeys.
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