3 night tour of Copan and Quirigua Dec. 12-15, 2012

Dec. 12: Your adventure begins with your flight to San Pedro Sula, Honduras (closest airport to Copan). Throughout the day we'll have a shuttle to pick up participants (who will be arriving at various times) at the airport and transfer them to Copan (2 hours drive). Overnight Marina Copan.

Dec. 13: We'll have a full day to visit beautiful Copan Archaeological Park, with its stunning monuments and forest of finely carved "tree stones" documenting a powerful dynasty in the Classic Period of the Maya. The vast Acropolis is dotted with large, well preserved standing steles carved with incredibly intricate detail. Copan is also known for its Temple of the Hieroglyphic Stairs which has the longest Pre-Columbian text in existence with over 2,000 carved glyphs. We'll also visit the interesting multi-level Sculpture Museum with its wonderfully painted replica of the Rosalila Temple that was discovered under Temple 16 and exhibits of ancient sculptures from the Copan Valley. And we'll have a guided visit of the Tunnels with an on-site archaeologist. The Tunnels were dug by archaeologists to show the various construction phases of the ancient builders that span centuries. In the evening we'll enjoy an informative slide presentation about Copan from an on-site Copan archaeologist. Overnight Hotel Marina Copan.

Dec. 14: This morning we'll visit the Quirigua archaeological site. Quirigua is famous for having the tallest stone monument ever discovered in the Maya World (over 10 meters high and weighing over 65 tons) and for its relationship with nearby Copan. The monuments at Quirigua are unique in the Maya World as they show full frontal views of the human figure -- rather than the traditional profile depictions seen at other Classic Period sites. Stela C is famous for having the longest single hieroglyphic description of the Maya Creation Myth, which it states began on the Long Count Calendar Day of 13.0.0.0.0 (which corresponds to Aug. 13, 3114 BC on our calendar). This calendar cycle will end on Dec. 21, 2012. We'll also see the Plaza where a powerful king of Quirigua ritually executed a great king of Copan after capturing him in battle. In the afternoon we return to Copan and you have a choice of optional activities: Visit the Macaw Mountain bird reserve, the Butterfly Sanctuary, the Copan Regional Museum, the local Ceramic Museum, the Arts & Crafts Cooperative or return to the Copan ruins to explore on your own. Overnight Hotel Marina Copan.

Dec. 15: Private transfer to San Pedro Sula airport OR land transfer to Guatemala City airport for optional Dec. 15-17 Tikal extension.