This journey, guided by David Stuart, through the Yucatán Peninsula offers the opportunity to explore some of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient Maya world: Yaxuna, Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam, and Cobá. Beyond their monumental architecture, these sites reveal centuries of political alliances, regional power, and cultural transformation. We will stay in the historic towns of Valladolid, Pisté, and Cobá, with a final evening in Cancún.

​

During the Late Classic period, Yaxuna and Ek Balam were important regional capitals closely connected to the great centers of Cobá and later Chichén Itzá. Yaxuna, linked to Cobá by a nearly 100-kilometer sacbé (white road), offers fascinating insight into the rise of Chichén Itzá and the changing political landscape of northern Yucatán. Cobá itself was the largest city in the northern lowlands and home to Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the region, and evidently tied to Petén through its architecture. Cobá had a Postclassic occupation, were the remains of some murals were registered by Gene Stuart.

​

At Chichén Itzá, we will visit recently opened areas, including the Initial Series Group and the renovated museum, which features newly displayed sculptures and archaeological materials. In Yaxunah town, we will visit the site of the same name, have lunch in a local Maya house, and gather with some people from the town. Beyond the sacbe in Cobá, we are visiting the site and having a workshop on the site's glyphs.

​

A special highlight of the trip will be our community outreach event in Cobá. In collaboration with Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), we will inaugurate a photographic exhibition featuring archaeological images and scenes of daily life in Cobá from the 1970s, while formally presenting the archive to local authorities and community members.

This is an exciting experience that combines archaeology, history, and meaningful community engagement, in a friendly and knowledgeable environment.