MARCH 2026
The Entrada
March 13 - 21, 2026
Join us in March 2026 for an unforgettable trip into the deep layers of ancient Maya history and archaeology. Our week-long journey in northern Guatemala will take us to several places associated with the so-called “Entrada” in 378 AD, the greatest event of early Maya history, and the dramatic encounter between the lowland Maya elites and warriors from far-away Teotihuacan. Our visit will focus on majestic Tikal and Uaxactun, and the remote and seldom visited sites of Rio Azul and Naachtun. Focusing on the latest research, our tours, lectures and workshops will explore the wonders of Maya archaeology and history, and how to read and analyze Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions, We will learn details about the key events and actors of the time, and how our understanding of the Maya has changed over the years.
ALL TRAVEL WORKSHOPS ARE ALL INCLUSIVE
FOR ALL LEVELS: BEGINNER TO ADVANCED
ITINERARY
MARCH 2026
This itinerary may evolve as opportunities arise, allowing us to embrace unexpected discoveries—following the ancient roads wherever they lead.
A portion of each workshop supports the work of the Boundary End Archaeological Research Center.
MARCH 13, 2026 - FLORES
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Arrivals in Flores
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You will be greeted at the airport and driven to hotel
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Opening dinner
MARCH 13, 2026
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Introduction to Tikal and Orientation
MARCH 14, 2026
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Visit to Tikal
March 15, 2026
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Visit Uaxactun
MARCH 16, 2026
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Visit Naachtun
MARCH 17, 2026
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Visit Xochicalco
MARCH 18, 2026
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Rio Azul
MARCH 19, 2026
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Return to Tikal, Wrap-up
MARCH 20, 2026
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Flores, Tayasal
MARCH 21, 2026
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Departures + Goodbyes
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You will be driven to the airport!
WHY THIS WORKSHOP?
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Led with scholarly rigor and engaging interpretation
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On-site learning at world-class archaeological locations
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Unique access, context, and conversation
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A rare opportunity to stand in the places where history unfolded
ALL INCLUSIVE
With our amazing guides and local partners,
we have the entire trip planned for you.
All meals, transportation + stay is included!
We don't want you to worry about any logistics.
The Entrada:
Power, Influence, and Transformation in the Ancient Maya World
Join us in March 2026 for an extraordinary journey into one of the most compelling chapters in Maya history—the Entrada, when Teotihuacan and the lowland Maya forged complex and powerful connections that reshaped the ancient world.
This immersive field experience places you where the history happened, combining archaeological insight, guided learning, museum exploration, and meaningful time at the great Maya capitals.
THE ADVENTURE AWAITS -
PART ONE
In the Heart of the Jungle—
Tikal & Uaxactún
We begin in the Petén rainforest, staying right inside the park at the Jungle Lodge at Tikal, with unrivaled access to temples, plazas, and monuments. We’ll explore Tikal in depth, connecting inscriptions, architecture, and new research to the political drama of the Entrada.
Then we move deeper into the forest for two unforgettable nights of glamping at Uaxactún, offering close connection to landscape, archaeology, and living Maya communities.
PART TWO
The Entrada in Broader Perspective—
Guatemala City
The workshop then shifts to Guatemala City, where we broaden the context of the Entrada story with:
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The new National Museum
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Visits to leading antiquities collections
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A field visit to Kaminaljuyú, one of the most important centers in the Entrada narrative
Lectures, discussions, and iconographic workshops help connect evidence from sites, texts, and material culture to a wider historical picture.
OPTIONAL / ADD ON
El Mirador Extension
A Helicopter Excursion
March 12, 2026 / Optional Helicopter Excursion
For those seeking an even deeper experience, we offer an optional pre-trip excursion to El Mirador via helicopter—a breathtaking encounter with one of the largest Maya cities ever built.
MEET YOUR LOCAL GUIDE
Carlos Vivar
Carlos Vivar has spent nearly two decades guiding travelers through the cultural, historical, and natural landscapes of Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, El Salvador, and Mexico. Raised in the remote jungle community of Uaxactún in Guatemala’s Petén region, Carlos brings a rare, lived connection to the Maya world — shaped by ancient temples, deep forest knowledge, and ancestral traditions.
Known for his warmth, storytelling, and exceptional guiding, Carlos has led journeys for renowned archaeologists and researchers from National Geographic, Cornell University, and University of Pennsylvania, and has received multiple international guiding honors, including recognition from Wanderlust.
Today, he continues to guide travelers through the regions he knows best — including his home village of Uaxactún — offering experiences shaped by deep local knowledge, humility, humor, and a lifelong respect for nature, culture, and community.
Bio developed from publicly available interviews and articles.
