One of the most mysterious civilizations of the ancient world - the Maya - flourished deep within the tropical jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula. This course explores the rainforests, mountains and coastal beaches of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize that were, and still are, home to these fascinating people.

The course begins in the picturesque colonial capital of Merida, home to the oldest cathedral in the Americas and location of the ancient Maya city of T'ho. From here, we will travel south to the Puuc hills, famous for the intricate mosaic structures that are the most exquisite architectural achievements of the New World. Farther south in Campeche state, we will see ancient cities that have been preserved in the forests for as long as 2000 years. In Chiapas, we will travel into the mountains where a million Maya still live. We will study ancient hieroglyphic texts and travel by boat to nearly inaccessible abandoned cities.

Boating across the wild Usumacinta will take us into Guatemala. There, deep in the rainforest, we will visit Tikal and Yaxha, two of the grandest of all ancient maya cities. We will also travel into the English speaking Caribbean nation of Belize, home of the Creole, Maya and the unique Black Caribs cultures.

Back in Mexico, we will tour the Rio Bec region and the ancient sity of Calakmul, and stop in the colonial port of Campeche, where we will tour the museums and baroque churches of this beautiful city. Near Merida, we will visit ongoing excavations and have a chance to ask questions of the Mexican archaeologists working at these important sites. Finally we will visit Chichen Itza, the most famous of all Maya sites in Mexico. Here we will see the fantastic and newly discovered buildings of Ek Balam.