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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MAYA CIVILIZATION & CULTURE TODAY

COPPER MOON TRAVELS
EXPLORE. CREATE. PARTICIPATE

ELEMENTALS OF THE MAYA

A FASCINATING EXPLORATION OF MAYA ARCHAEOLOGY, NATURE, CUISINE, TEXTILES & MORE!

STARTS:  Villahermosa, Tabasco Mexico

ENDS: Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas Mexico

DATES: March 27 - April 4, 2026

DURATION: 8 Nights / 9 Days

PRICE FOR 10-12:  See Below for Cost Shared Prices

SINGLE OCCUPANCY:  $9,900 MXN

(Prices include Taxes)

 

PRICES INCLUDE TAXES AND ARE BASED ON COST SHARING.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PRIVATE ROOM FOR 1, THE EXTRA COST IS $9,900 MXN.  PLEASE REQUEST A ROOMMATE, AND WE WILL TRY TO MATCH YOU WITH SOMEONE TO AVOID THIS EXTRA EXPENSE.

6 Guests:  $62,000 MXN (Approx $3200 USD / $4500 CAD)
8 Guests:  $52,000 MXN (Approx $2700 USD / $3800 CAD)

10 Guests:  $48,000 MXN (Approx $2500 USD / $3500 CAD)

12 Guests:  $44,000 MXN (Approx $2300 USD / $3200 CAD)

INCLUSIONS: 

IVA Tax (16%), Hotel Rooms x 8 Nights (Double Occupancy), Breakfasts x 8, Lunches x 2 (Drinks Separate), Dinners x 2 (Drinks Separate), Boat Rides x 2, Archaeological Site Entrance & Ejido Fees, Park Entrance Fees, Textile Collectives & Art Studios, Museum Entrance Fees, Private Transportation for the duration of the tour, Bilingual guided services, Small Financial Contribution for Sergio Castro, Tips for Luggage Handlers & Hotel Staff

 

Tips for team leaders are discretionary but appreciated 

Would you like a detailed itinerary?  Please email Jennifer at coppermoontravels@protonmail.com.  We have stopped posting our itineraries in detail due to an issue we had involving someone from abroad who promoted one of our tours as their own.  In order to keep our guests safe from online scams, we ask that you please contact us directly.

CURRENCY CONVERTER

TRIP OVERVIEW

The ancient Maya are often described as a people who disappeared...

The Maya civilization originated in 2000 BCE and thrived until 1697 CE.  Their city states spanned the southeastern Mexican states of Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana-Roo, all of Guatemala and Belize, and the western regions of El Salvador and Honduras.  The Maya were never considered an Empire, as they did not have one central administration centre, but instead had many administration centres that oversaw smaller satellite cities...    

but in fact, are still alive and thriving in their traditional territories...

Despite archaic notions of vanishing races and disappearing peoples that served to elevate Colonial usurping of indigenous territories, the Maya continue to thrive in their ancestral lands, with artisans who weave exquisite textiles with designs that pre-date the arrival of the Spanish, culinary traditions that are pre-Hispanic, and languages that continue to be the primary tongue of the household.  

 

Please join us for an eclectic exploration of the Maya cultures of Chiapas, from ancient cities that rose in the heart of the jungle to artisans who are leading a flourishing textile renaissance in the highland region around the cosmopolitan city of San Cristóbal de las Casas.   

We will visit exciting ancient cities in Selva Lacandona...

Most tourists visit the ancient site of Palenque when they are in Chiapas, but few venture further into the jungle region to explore remote sites such as Yaxchilan and Bonampak.  We are pleased to offer you this incredible chance to visit all three sites on this journey. The ancient city of Yaxchialn includes a fun boat ride on the mighty Usumacinta River.  Bonampak is a small site featuring the Templo de Pinturas, which has a collection of well preserved murals.  The most famous of the Maya Civilization yet known, these murals are well preserved and some of the only that are accessible for visitors.  The site of Yaxchilan was constructed up a steep hill, with beautiful terracing and staircases that eventually reach the acropolis.  This is available for guests who are in excellent physical condition, but most of us will climb from the riverbank to the site and explore the lower area of the city, where it is fairly flat. 

and cool off in turquoise rivers with enchanting waterfalls...

If you love to swim, we will be stopping at two beautiful swimming areas.  Swim in the pristine turquoise waters and enjoy the mist of lovely waterfalls.  For guests who do not like to swim, please opt to bring your binoculars to watch for birds and other wildlife, or your journal!  If you are swimming, there will be bathrooms where you can change but please remember to pack a swimsuit, towel, biodegradable insect repellent and biodegradable sunscreen.  Alternately, wear a long sleeve shirt over you in sunny areas

 

 

San Cristobal de las Casas is a magical, cosmopolitan haven...

The majority of tourists who venture into the enchanting streets of San Cristobal de las Casas are from Europe, and the boutique galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and live music scene that is supported here is quite astonishing for a city of only 215,000+ people.  With two pedestrian veins that cross the historical centre of the city, it's very easy to navigate the downtown, especially since the city is structured around its major churches.  The nightlife is as colourful as the markets during the day, the food is varied, you will see women proudly adorned in their traditional clothing and countless picturesque scenes...

surrounded by intriguing Maya towns that specialize in various textiles....

We will visit some villages around the outskirts of San Cristobal de las Casas, including an amazing experience with the Curator of the Textile museum.  Estaquia Ruiz is from the Maya community of San Andres Larrainzar, and will be leading us on an exploration of Maya textiles from her community to San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan.  Of course, we will also visit the museum in the city, and the private textile collection of local legend Sergio Castro.  We will spend one day visiting to other art villages, one where ceramicists are famed for their jaguar sculptures, and the other for exquisite blouses that are hand embroidered.  We will also enjoy a spectacular boat ride in Canyon del Sumidero to view wildlife and fantastic scenery...

Elementals of the Maya is a short tour during Easter Break...

This tour is perfect for school teachers and students who want to travel during Easter Break.  As we are travelling between Domingo de Ramos and Easter Sunday, many of you who are still studying should have this week off...

Ancient Mysticism & The Maya is a longer tour....

Our longer tour is a more extensive exploration, naturally, due to having more time.  This tour runs from March 12-27, before this tour begins.  We have created a comparison for you to check out, so you can understand the difference between these two tours.

This trip is a little more challenging to organize for flights....

Guests must fly into Villahermosa Airport, which is located in the state of Tabasco.  There are flights departing daily from Mexico City airport, with direct flights from Cancun and other select airports.  Heading home from Tuxtla Gutierrez is equally challenging, as it is only connected to Mexico City airport, Cancun, and a few other select cities.  Please tell us where you are flying from, and we can assist you with your flight path.  If you would like to rest at the beach following this tour, you could also opt to fly through a beach destination that connects well.

We also recommend departing later if it's your first time in San Cristobal....

San Cristóbal de las Casas is an impressive and picturesque city that deserves time for full exploration.  It's easy to get lost in the markets and pedestrian streets and there are dozens upon dozens of wonderful coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants and boutique galleries to browse through.  The city has some tragic and fascinating history, wonderful churches and lots of nature parks to explore.  If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we can book you at the same hotel to save you another move.  

QUESTIONS?

Please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer if you have any questions or would like to schedule this tour at a different time for a private group.  

Email:  coppermoontravels@protonmail.com

WhatsApp:  +52 443 639 2782 (Please text first)

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Guatemala Textile Tours

2025 TEXTILE TOUR 

Woven Poetry of the Maya

Guatemala to Chiapas

November 29-December 16, 2025

COPPER MOON
TRAVELS

Coordinator: Jennifer Bjarnason
Coppermoontravels@protonmail.com
WhatsApp: +52 443 639 2782

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