| | January 18: | Fly to Tuxtla Gutierrez. Transfer to San Cristóbal de Las Casas via taxi on your own and settle into our accommodation. Free time. |
| | January 19: | Late morning we have our opening circle with Carla Woody framing the intent of our journey. In the late afternoon, we visit Na Bolom. Once the home of Frans and Trudi Blom, it's now a museum and safe-house for the Lacandón Maya, and source of area conservation efforts. We end the evening with dinner in the famed dining room at Na Bolom, where many celebrated historical figures took meals and Trudi held court. Breakfast and dinner included. |
| | January 20:: | This morning we attend the Festival of San Sebastián in the Maya village of San Juan Chamula, witness the processional of saints and spend time in the Maya church where curanderos conduct healing sessions — and many have deep spiritual experiences. In the afternoon we are invited into the home of Don Xun Calixto. Here he holds an audience telling his personal story of shamanic initiation and curing methods. After a special ceremony of prayers and offerings we share a meal in the family compound. Breakfast and dinner included. |
| | January 21: | Today we experience the traditions of the Maya village of Zinacantán, known for the beautiful textiles worn by all ages, and their celebrations for San Sebastián. In the evening, we meet Don Sergio Castro, often referred to as a saint, who shows us his textile museum and shares his humanitarian healing work. Breakfast included.
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| | January 22: | Explore the markets, shops, churches and picturesque streets of San Cristóbal on your own. After lunch, we gather at Galería MUY (from the root "enjoyment" and also "rising up" in the Tzotzil tongue). Here we meet with Maya and Zoque artists to learn about their artistic process, how they plumb their cultural roots, relay their relationship with Mother Earth and ways the Otherworld comes through in their artwork. Late afternoon, we meet Tat Apab'yan Tew, K'iche' Maya Daykeeper, who shares the sacred ways of his native Guatemala. He offers a fire ceremony where we call upon our ancestors and make prayers to open the way for our travels into the lowland rainforest. Breakfast included.
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| | January 23: | We travel to the Lacandón Maya village of Nahá and settle into our accommodations, visit the lake at the edge of the village, and make our own offerings. All meals included.
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| | January 24: | We meet Don Antonio Martinez, the last Lacandón Maya elder still practicing his ancient traditions, and participate in the sacred balché ceremony. We are then honored to spend time with the family of Chan K'in Viejo, late spiritual leader of Nahá. Dropping in on Kayum Ma'ax Garcia, we discover his latest artwork. Kayum is known for his depiction of Lacandón traditional life. He is represented through our Allies Gallery online. All meals included.
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| | January 25: | Before leaving Nahá, we visit the godpot burial cave, a site sacred to the Lacandones. We continue on to Palenque settling into our rainforest lodging near the ruins. Free time. Breakfast included.
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| | January 26: | Carla Woody holds a morning process circle with experiential teachings to further engage the intent of the journey and more about the esoteric practices of the Living Maya. Mid-afternoon we undertake individual clearing rituals with Doña Panchita, curandera of Palenque. Meals on your own.
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| | January 27: | We spend our day at the magnificent Palenque ruins. Carol Karasik guides us through storytelling of Maya cosmology and archaeological discoveries. Carla Woody offers connection with the resident energies through meditation. Meals on your own.
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| | January 28: | In the morning we hold our closing circle with Carla Woody extending teachings for re-entry home. Travel to Villahermosa on your own for flight next morning. Overnight and meals on your own. |
| | January 29: | Fly home. |
