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Honduras/Guatemala/Belize

The Maya and More: History and Culture of Copan, Tikal and Lamanai

Program No. 3217RJ
Learn the complex story of the Maya and their enduring legacy as you visit ancient monuments, traditional markets and villages where Mayan culture remains strong.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
15 days
Program Begins
Burrell Boom
Program Concludes
San Pedro Sula
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
36 ( 14B, 12L, 10D )
Activity Level
Delve into the history of a people whose sophistication in art, architecture and science rivaled the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. Journeying through the lands that are now Belize, Honduras and Guatemala, gain insight into the contemporary issues of each country and witness the impact of European colonization and the lifestyles and traditions of modern-day descendants of the Mayan people.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Discover the extraordinary Maya ruins at Copán, Tikal, Cahal Pech, Iximche and Lamanai.
  • Examine traditional chocolate production in Honduras and visit a local school for insights into the educational system.
  • Embrace the old-world charm of Antigua and learn about local handicraft traditions at the famous colorful Indigenous market of Chichicastenango, filled with textiles, handicrafts and food.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Eli Abner Gonzalez was born in Diriamba, a small town in southern Nicaragua. In 1973, at age six, Gonzalez’s family of 10 moved to neighboring Honduras. There, Eli attended the public school Jose Trinidad Reyes in the city of San Pedro Sula. After finishing high school, Eli moved to Tegucigalpa, the country's capital, to continue his studies at a Baptist church seminary school. During his time at seminary, Eli had the opportunity to travel internationally. After obtaining his degree in theology, Eli returned to San Pedro Sula to study at La Universidad Pedagogica Nacional to become a social studies teacher, which he did for many years. In the early 1990s, Eli began to use his teaching background to lead educational adventures, and now considers his many years of excursion leading as precious opportunities to share his country’s many wonders with visitors from around the world. Eli is married to his high school sweetheart and is the proud father of two.
Rodolfo "Fito" Alvarado is a certified Honduran expedition leader and an expert on the Maya site at Copán. In fact, he grew up near the ancient city and at 15 began earning money leading visitors through the ruins on the weekends. Fito studied industrial engineering at UNAH in Tegucigalpa, but he quickly realized he was happiest when working in Copán during college breaks. He dropped his engineering plans to pursue a career in educational travel and never looked back. Fito speaks English, Italian, and Spanish.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to three hours at a time over varied terrain. Ascending and descending steep and irregular steps, without railings, in ruins. Elevations up to 6,500 feet.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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