ANTH 294 or INTS 294 Special Topics:

Belize and the Mayan Culture

February 23-March 4, 2007

See pictures from our 2007 trip!!

See pictures from 2004 our trip!!

Renee B. Walker, Ph.D.
Department of Anthropology
607-436-3346
email me

Course Description | Itinerary | Program Costs | Payment Information | Other Info | Links

Dr. Walker's Home Page | Main Anthropology Page | Paper Information

Course Description:

This short-term field course is offered to enhance student’s perspectives of non-western cultures.  Specifically, this course consists of a 10-day excursion to visit Mayan sites in Belize and Guatemala.  Visits and instructional lectures will be made to over nine archaeological, cultural and natural sites.

These include:  the Natural History museum in Cayo, San Ignacio, Tikal site, Caracol, Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker Island, and Lamanai.  Students will be able to experience for themselves the wonder and mystery of the ancient Maya.

Students will be provided with the unique perspective of learning about important Mayan sites and natural resources first-hand.  The students participating in the tour will be immersed in a different culture for a period of 10 days and allowed to observe not only the ancient culture of the Maya, but also the lives and activities of modern Belizian people. 

Itinerary:

Fri  2/23 Day 1-Arrive at International airport and transfer by road to Crystal Paradise Resort. This is a family owned and operated jungle lodge on the Macal River, 2 miles upstream from San Ignacio. Dinner.

Sat 2/24 Day 2-Canoe upstream, Lunch in San Ignacio town.  Guided tour of Xunantunich. All meals.

 Sun 2/25 Day 3-Full day cave trip-Cave if the Stone Sepulcher, extraordinary experience. This cave has a sacrificial altar, human skeletons and a huge cache of pottery.  Caves were sacred to Maya and represented openings to the underworld.  All meals.

 Mon 2/26 Day 4-Free day at CPR-swim, canoe, revisit San Ignacio, horseback ride or lay in a hammock all day. All meals.

Tues 2/27- Breakfast, Depart for Tikal.  Topoxte and Yaxha, guided tour with fees, lunch, and drop off in Tikal, Jungle Lodge with dinner http://www.global-travel.co.uk/junglodg.htm

Wed 2/28- Guided tour of Tikal, transfer to Flores for a lagoon boat tour, overnight in Flores, get a taste of Guatemala http://wikitravel.org/en/Flores_(Guatemala) Dinner on your own.

Thurs 3/1- flight to Caye Caulker, afternoon snorkel. Stay at www.seasidecabanas.com

Fri 3/2-Snorkeling, day trip to San Pedro 

Sat 3/3-Altun Ha

Sun 3/4-Depart

Tour Program Includes:

Airport transfers and transport between cities

9 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms

Site Entrance Fees

Three meals daily unless otherwise stated

Food/Lodging/Transport in Belize & Guatemala:    $?? (price may change slightly upon booking)

Flight from Albany Airport:                                               $?? (price may change at time of booking)

Total:  

 Payment Information:

30% down payment due to book rooms (asap)

Balance due by January 27

Payments to Belize Trips

 Tour Program does not Include:

Optional Insurance-i.e. Baggage Insurance

Passport Costs

Course Text

Personal Incidentals

Spending Money

Travel to and from New York Airport

 Other Information about Belize:

A valid passport is required for entry.  If you do not have one, you need to get an application through the Post Office ASAP.

English is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country.

The Belize Dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of BZ$2 to US$1. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept U.S. currency, traveler's checks, or credit cards. When using your credit cards in Belize, most establishments will add a 5% service charge to your bill. Always make sure that you understand which dollar rate is being quoted. Is it Belize Dollars or U.S. Dollars?

Although most of the electricity is provided by Diesel/Generator Sets, the power is stable at 110 Volts A.C., which is the same voltage as in the United States.

Potable water is available in most areas of Belize, but it is advisable to ask, and if in doubt, to drink boiled or bottled water.

There are no serious epidemic diseases in Belize. No inoculations are required for entry, but Hepatitis A and B and Typhoid shots are strongly recommended.

Links:

For Hotel Information:

http://www.crystalparadise.com/

For the official website on Belize:

http://www.travelbelize.org/index.html