JOURNEY TO THE LANDS OF THE MAYA: GUATEMALAN IMMERSION INTO MAYAN SHAMANISM
with Michael Stone and Daniel Koupermann
with Michael Stone and Daniel Koupermann
Itinerary
Thursday, September 28th: Arrive Guatemala City Arrive in Guatemala City. Check in to a beautiful and very special colonial hotel in Antigua. Friday, September 29th: Antigua After breakfast we will have the opportunity to introduce ourselves, and Michael and Daniel will create the context for the journey. Michael will then lead an invocation to connect with the energies and spirits of the land, and support the group in creating and setting our intentions for the trip. After lunch we will take a walking tour of Antigua visiting the most relevant sites of this colonial treasure of Guatemala, returning to have dinner at our hotel. Saturday, September 30th: Iximche – Flores Tikal National Park After breakfast we will visit Iximche, a Mayan ruin. Here we will join a Mayan Nana (female shaman) who will guide us in an Initiation Ceremony with sacred fire. On our return to Guatemala City we will have lunch and enjoy the landscape of this rural area of the country. In the late afternoon we will fly to Flores Petén. We will spend the night at the Tikal Jungle Lodge located inside the Tikal National Park (declared a World Heritage Site in 1979). Dinner will be at the hotel. |
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Sunday, October 1st: Tikal
After breakfast we will begin our first exploration of Tikal, one of the most important cities in the Mayan World. At the entrance of the park we will stop at a giant guardian Ceiba (Kapok) tree where we will ask permission from the spirits of the trees, the land, animals, plants and elements for all of us to be there for the next three days. We will continue our walk in silence to the Great Plaza.
Here we can explore the magnificent palaces and structures with our local Mayan guide, Julio Tot, an authority on Mayan culture and traditions. In the Great Plaza surrounded by pyramids and temples, we will have the opportunity to discover, meditate and connect with this magical place. We will continue our walk through the forest to Temple IV, the highest of the Tikal pyramids. From the top there is a magnificent view of the entire area. As we walk back to the hotel area we will pass through a ceremonial site known as Group G. Here we will spend time exploring on our own and learning from our guide the significance of the area. Lunch at the hotel, and in the afternoon we can rest or explore some of the other areas on our own.
After dinner we will have the opportunity to participate in a fire ceremony with Tata Domingo – who will stay with us during most of the rest of the trip – at the altar of an ancient Ceremonial Pyramid. In the past Tata Domingo has often been joined and assisted by his wife and young daughter (a shaman in training), and we expect they too will be with us during our travels.
After breakfast we will begin our first exploration of Tikal, one of the most important cities in the Mayan World. At the entrance of the park we will stop at a giant guardian Ceiba (Kapok) tree where we will ask permission from the spirits of the trees, the land, animals, plants and elements for all of us to be there for the next three days. We will continue our walk in silence to the Great Plaza.
Here we can explore the magnificent palaces and structures with our local Mayan guide, Julio Tot, an authority on Mayan culture and traditions. In the Great Plaza surrounded by pyramids and temples, we will have the opportunity to discover, meditate and connect with this magical place. We will continue our walk through the forest to Temple IV, the highest of the Tikal pyramids. From the top there is a magnificent view of the entire area. As we walk back to the hotel area we will pass through a ceremonial site known as Group G. Here we will spend time exploring on our own and learning from our guide the significance of the area. Lunch at the hotel, and in the afternoon we can rest or explore some of the other areas on our own.
After dinner we will have the opportunity to participate in a fire ceremony with Tata Domingo – who will stay with us during most of the rest of the trip – at the altar of an ancient Ceremonial Pyramid. In the past Tata Domingo has often been joined and assisted by his wife and young daughter (a shaman in training), and we expect they too will be with us during our travels.
Monday, October 2nd: Tikal
The morning is for exploring Tikal – inner/outer journeys in this magical place of the prophecies, with an emphasis on your personal role in your life, the planet, and the universe. Lunch will be at one of the restaurants in the park. After lunch, we will return to the Great Plaza and then to the “Lost World Complex” (the oldest area in Tikal), where we will do an Initiation Ceremony lead by Michael, and call on our intention for understanding and completing our missions, materializing our dreams and doing whatever is next for each of us. After dinner: A special optional ceremony inside Tikal. Note: During the 1st and the 2nd while we are in Tikal, Tata Domingo, the Mayan Shaman, will offer special individual “seed readings” (Mayan tradition) for each of the participants (optional $30 to be paid to Tata Domingo at the end of the reading).
The morning is for exploring Tikal – inner/outer journeys in this magical place of the prophecies, with an emphasis on your personal role in your life, the planet, and the universe. Lunch will be at one of the restaurants in the park. After lunch, we will return to the Great Plaza and then to the “Lost World Complex” (the oldest area in Tikal), where we will do an Initiation Ceremony lead by Michael, and call on our intention for understanding and completing our missions, materializing our dreams and doing whatever is next for each of us. After dinner: A special optional ceremony inside Tikal. Note: During the 1st and the 2nd while we are in Tikal, Tata Domingo, the Mayan Shaman, will offer special individual “seed readings” (Mayan tradition) for each of the participants (optional $30 to be paid to Tata Domingo at the end of the reading).
Tuesday, October 3rd: Tikal – Topoxte – Yaxha – Lake Peten Itza
After breakfast we will leave Tikal for Topoxte and Yaxha. Arriving at a small lake we will take a short boat ride across the lake to Topoxte Ruins for a cleansing ceremony at the altar of the main pyramid and later a fire ceremony. This site is spectacular and seldom visited by anyone outside the Maya community. We will go back to the other shore of the lake for lunch, and then visit Yaxha. Here we will see the North Acropolis, and walk to the highest pyramid of the site known as Pyramid 216, which is more than 10 stories high. From here there is an unforgettable view of the surrounding jungle and lake. In the late afternoon we will travel to the Tikal Camino Real Hotel, located on the shore of Peten Itza Lake. Lake Peten Itza is set within the Maya forest which constitutes the largest continuous expanse of tropical forest remaining in Central America. Lake Peten Itza is about 48km long and covers an area of 98 km2. The lake is 50m below sea level and likely to have held water during arid glacial periods.We will have time to rest in this beautiful and elegant hotel (laundry opportunity), have lunch and enjoy the great views and facilities.
After breakfast we will leave Tikal for Topoxte and Yaxha. Arriving at a small lake we will take a short boat ride across the lake to Topoxte Ruins for a cleansing ceremony at the altar of the main pyramid and later a fire ceremony. This site is spectacular and seldom visited by anyone outside the Maya community. We will go back to the other shore of the lake for lunch, and then visit Yaxha. Here we will see the North Acropolis, and walk to the highest pyramid of the site known as Pyramid 216, which is more than 10 stories high. From here there is an unforgettable view of the surrounding jungle and lake. In the late afternoon we will travel to the Tikal Camino Real Hotel, located on the shore of Peten Itza Lake. Lake Peten Itza is set within the Maya forest which constitutes the largest continuous expanse of tropical forest remaining in Central America. Lake Peten Itza is about 48km long and covers an area of 98 km2. The lake is 50m below sea level and likely to have held water during arid glacial periods.We will have time to rest in this beautiful and elegant hotel (laundry opportunity), have lunch and enjoy the great views and facilities.
Wednesday, October 4th: Peten Itza Lake
We will have a free morning to rest and relax. Also Michael and Daniel will be available for personal consultations. Tata Domingo and Julio will be doing “seed readings” (optional $30 to be paid to Tata Domingo at the end of the reading).
At approximately 4:00pm we will gather on the beach of the lake to participate in a Ritual Bath and Purification Ceremony. (We ask everyone to bring and wear white clothing for this ceremony – a bathing suit can be worn under the clothing if desired). While in the lake we will submerge ourselves 13 times with an offering that will be prepared for each of us, and then participate with a Nana and Tata (Mayan woman and man shaman) in a fire ceremony on the beach.
We will have a free morning to rest and relax. Also Michael and Daniel will be available for personal consultations. Tata Domingo and Julio will be doing “seed readings” (optional $30 to be paid to Tata Domingo at the end of the reading).
At approximately 4:00pm we will gather on the beach of the lake to participate in a Ritual Bath and Purification Ceremony. (We ask everyone to bring and wear white clothing for this ceremony – a bathing suit can be worn under the clothing if desired). While in the lake we will submerge ourselves 13 times with an offering that will be prepared for each of us, and then participate with a Nana and Tata (Mayan woman and man shaman) in a fire ceremony on the beach.
Thursday, October 5th: Peten Itza Lake – Lanquin
From our hotel we will travel in our private van to Semuc Champey, (about 6 1/2 hours/181 miles), which is a natural monument in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, near the Q'eqchi' Maya town of Lanquín.It consists of a natural 300m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools. The journey will give us the opportunity to see the beauty of the countryside and its people: small villages, farms, and different life zones and eco-systems. We will arrive at the end of the afternoon at Las Marías Lodge, where we will have the opportunity to rest, relax and have dinner.
From our hotel we will travel in our private van to Semuc Champey, (about 6 1/2 hours/181 miles), which is a natural monument in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, near the Q'eqchi' Maya town of Lanquín.It consists of a natural 300m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabón River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped, turquoise pools. The journey will give us the opportunity to see the beauty of the countryside and its people: small villages, farms, and different life zones and eco-systems. We will arrive at the end of the afternoon at Las Marías Lodge, where we will have the opportunity to rest, relax and have dinner.
Friday, October 6th: Semuc Champey
Some people from Tata Domingo’s community will come to the Lodge, to welcome us, and spend the day with us. We will all go to Semuc Champey, a beautiful river with ponds and waterfalls. Here we will have a picnic lunch with the families who will bring their traditional food to share with us. After lunch, we will explore the caves close to the river, and connect with this interesting underground world. An optional activity will be to enjoy the waters of the river and “tube” back to our lodge. When we have all returned to the lodge, we will make a circle with our local friends to share the experience of the day, and talk about the project of realizing their dream of living on their ancestral lands. Rest, relax and dinner in the Lodge.
Some people from Tata Domingo’s community will come to the Lodge, to welcome us, and spend the day with us. We will all go to Semuc Champey, a beautiful river with ponds and waterfalls. Here we will have a picnic lunch with the families who will bring their traditional food to share with us. After lunch, we will explore the caves close to the river, and connect with this interesting underground world. An optional activity will be to enjoy the waters of the river and “tube” back to our lodge. When we have all returned to the lodge, we will make a circle with our local friends to share the experience of the day, and talk about the project of realizing their dream of living on their ancestral lands. Rest, relax and dinner in the Lodge.
Saturday, October 7th: Lanquin
Today we will visit Lanquin, the small village where the local people live, visit their homes and see their current situation. We will have the opportunity to participate in a fire ceremony with the community in the home of one of the Elders. Afterwards we will enjoy lunch with the families. After lunch, we will visit the land they dream to live on and cultivate again. After returning to the Lodge we will have the opportunity to share our experience of being with the community and the progress of the project. Dinner at the Lodge.
Today we will visit Lanquin, the small village where the local people live, visit their homes and see their current situation. We will have the opportunity to participate in a fire ceremony with the community in the home of one of the Elders. Afterwards we will enjoy lunch with the families. After lunch, we will visit the land they dream to live on and cultivate again. After returning to the Lodge we will have the opportunity to share our experience of being with the community and the progress of the project. Dinner at the Lodge.
Sunday, October 8th: Chichicastenango
We will continue our journey through the country between inter-range valleys to Chichicastenango (5 hours/142 miles). This village has one of the most famous indigenous markets in all of Central America. We will not be there on the big market day, but there are always many shops and sellers to visit. Among the local items sold are textiles, particularly women's blouses. The makers of masks used by dancers in traditional dances, such as the Dance of the Conquest, have also made this city well known for woodcarving.
We will continue our journey through the country between inter-range valleys to Chichicastenango (5 hours/142 miles). This village has one of the most famous indigenous markets in all of Central America. We will not be there on the big market day, but there are always many shops and sellers to visit. Among the local items sold are textiles, particularly women's blouses. The makers of masks used by dancers in traditional dances, such as the Dance of the Conquest, have also made this city well known for woodcarving.
Another major attraction in Chichicastenango is the 400-year old church of Santo Tomas, which is next to the market. Shamans still use it for their rituals, burning incense and candles, and in special cases sacrificing a chicken to their gods. Each of the 18 stairs that lead up to the church represents one month of the Mayan calendar. The Mayan calendar has 18 months of 20 days each. We will also visit the cemetery, which is very famous and colorful. Rest, relax and dinner at our hotel.
Monday, October 9th: Lake Atitlan
After a short ride, we will arrive at lake Atitlan, a volcanic formation that was formed by the collapse of the volcano caldera which holds this beautiful lake. Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America with a maximum depth of about 340m, with an average depth of 220m. Atitlán is technically an endorheic lake, feeding into two nearby rivers rather than draining into the ocean. It is shaped by deep surrounding escarpments and three volcanoes on its southern flank. The lake basin is volcanic in origin, filling an enormous caldera formed by an eruption 84,000 years ago. The culture of the towns and villages surrounding Lake Atitlán is influenced by the Maya people. The lake is about 50km west/northwest of Antigua. It should not be confused with the smaller Lake Amatitlán.
Lake Atitlán is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and is Guatemala's most important national and international tourist attraction. German explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt called it "The most beautiful lake in the world," and Aldous Huxley famously wrote of it in his 1934 travel book Beyond the Mexique Bay: "Lake Como, it seems to me, touches on the limit of permissibly picturesque, but Atitlán is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing.” We will arrive at Panajachel village. From the dock there we will take a motorized boat to Santiago de Atitlan where our hotel is located. Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will visit the “fraternity” house of Maximon, the local idol. The devotees of Maximon practice a syncretic ritual - a mixture of Catholicism and idolatry, and the form of Maximon is moved from house to house of its devotees. It is an honor to have Maximon in one’s home. Maximón is venerated, he is represented by an effigy which resides in a different house each year. He is most visible during the annual holy week celebrations and rituals of sacrifice that are carried out to cleanse and regenerate the world during this time. During the rest of the year, people of the communities visit Maximón in his chosen residence, where his shrine is always attended by two or more people, called Cofrades. They serve for a full year to care for him in the Cofradia and keep the altar and sacred items in order. Shamans come daily to do rituals on behalf of their clients. Back to the hotel to enjoy the gardens and facilities of the hotel. We can also explore the surroundings of the lake, hiking, meditating, and deepening our connection with nature and Mother Earth.
After a short ride, we will arrive at lake Atitlan, a volcanic formation that was formed by the collapse of the volcano caldera which holds this beautiful lake. Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America with a maximum depth of about 340m, with an average depth of 220m. Atitlán is technically an endorheic lake, feeding into two nearby rivers rather than draining into the ocean. It is shaped by deep surrounding escarpments and three volcanoes on its southern flank. The lake basin is volcanic in origin, filling an enormous caldera formed by an eruption 84,000 years ago. The culture of the towns and villages surrounding Lake Atitlán is influenced by the Maya people. The lake is about 50km west/northwest of Antigua. It should not be confused with the smaller Lake Amatitlán.
Lake Atitlán is renowned as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, and is Guatemala's most important national and international tourist attraction. German explorer and naturalist Alexander von Humboldt called it "The most beautiful lake in the world," and Aldous Huxley famously wrote of it in his 1934 travel book Beyond the Mexique Bay: "Lake Como, it seems to me, touches on the limit of permissibly picturesque, but Atitlán is Como with additional embellishments of several immense volcanoes. It really is too much of a good thing.” We will arrive at Panajachel village. From the dock there we will take a motorized boat to Santiago de Atitlan where our hotel is located. Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will visit the “fraternity” house of Maximon, the local idol. The devotees of Maximon practice a syncretic ritual - a mixture of Catholicism and idolatry, and the form of Maximon is moved from house to house of its devotees. It is an honor to have Maximon in one’s home. Maximón is venerated, he is represented by an effigy which resides in a different house each year. He is most visible during the annual holy week celebrations and rituals of sacrifice that are carried out to cleanse and regenerate the world during this time. During the rest of the year, people of the communities visit Maximón in his chosen residence, where his shrine is always attended by two or more people, called Cofrades. They serve for a full year to care for him in the Cofradia and keep the altar and sacred items in order. Shamans come daily to do rituals on behalf of their clients. Back to the hotel to enjoy the gardens and facilities of the hotel. We can also explore the surroundings of the lake, hiking, meditating, and deepening our connection with nature and Mother Earth.
Tuesday, October 10th: Lake Atitlan
Today, in a private motorboat we will explore the small indigenous villages along the shore of this spectacular lake. All the villages around the lake have the name of a Catholic Saint. Each village is unique and has its own characteristics. In addition we will visit a cooperative of local Mayan women who dye and weave textiles, and a coffee farm, if there is time. The area is very good for shopping of local textiles. Lunch will be in one of the villages. Rest, relax and dinner at the hotel.
Today, in a private motorboat we will explore the small indigenous villages along the shore of this spectacular lake. All the villages around the lake have the name of a Catholic Saint. Each village is unique and has its own characteristics. In addition we will visit a cooperative of local Mayan women who dye and weave textiles, and a coffee farm, if there is time. The area is very good for shopping of local textiles. Lunch will be in one of the villages. Rest, relax and dinner at the hotel.
Wednesday, October 11th: Guatemala City
After a very early breakfast, we will go by boat back to Panajachel, where our van will take us to the airport in Guatemala City.
After a very early breakfast, we will go by boat back to Panajachel, where our van will take us to the airport in Guatemala City.
PLEASE BOOK FLIGHTS DEPARTING AFTER 1 PM.
Cost per person: $4,500 per person (double occupancy). Single Supplement: $1300 per person.
*** Special Early Registration $600 off! *** Until June 30th Initial deposit of $1000 will confirm your space. Second payment of *$2500 is due Jun 30th, 2017. Balance of $1000, due August 30th 2017. (*Subtract $600 if paid by June 30th)
Initial deposit of $1000 will confirm your space. Second payment of *$2500 is due Jun 30th, 2017. Balance of $1000, due August 30th 2017. (*Subtract $600 if paid by June 30th)
Reservations: All reservations are subject to availability. To make a reservation for the journey, please contact Linda Leyerle at [email protected] for information about how to reserve your space and make your deposit for the journey. In Guatemala, it is not possible to reserve rooms, air tickets or park entrance fees without a copy of the traveler’s passport. Linda will give you details about how to send a copy to us. Time is of the essence so please respond as soon as possible if you are interested in this journey.
Cost includes: Private tour bus or van for travel during the journey, all meals, hotels, tips for restaurants and hotels, transportation to and from airport in Guatemala, intra- country flights, entrance fees, local guide and/or shamanic guide to share history and archaeological information, Mayan shaman to share ancient teachings and traditional ceremonies.
Cost does NOT include: Round trip International airfare to Guatemala City, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, “seed readings” with the shaman, tips for the guides, shamans and private bus driver, personal items and souvenirs.
This journey is for individuals ready to have an educational/experiential experience. Persons with physical or psychiatric challenges may find this journey too difficult or uncomfortable. We recommend a visit with your doctor at least 6 weeks in advance of departure. No immunizations are required unless you will be entering Guatemala from a country with Yellow Fever – in which case you will need a Yellow Fever immunization and be prepared to show proof. We will not be in high altitudes in Guatemala. More information is available on the CDC webpage. No visas are required for most people entering Guatemala (US, Canadian, EU, Australia and New Zealand citizens). If you have questions about this, please let us know. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the date of your return (July 20th, 2018).
Once you have reserved your space, we will send you more information – packing lists, info about the country, etc. You will be fully prepared for the journey. Linda is always available by email for any questions or concerns – whatever they may be.
Cancellations & refunds: Due to availability of space on our journey and the time required to process trip reservations, your deposit will not be refundable if received after October 1st, 2017. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance in order to protect yourself in case extenuating circumstances force you to cancel your trip. Travelex or CSA are two respected possibilities.
Responsibilities: ANDEAN PATHS reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a participant at any time, and to make changes in the itinerary whenever deemed necessary for the comfort, convenience, and safety of our participants, and to cancel a journey at any time. In the event a journey is cancelled, ANDEAN PATH shall have no responsibility beyond the refund of monies paid to it by program participants as listed. By registering, the participant agrees that neither ANDEAN PATHS and/or their affiliates shall be liable for any damages, loss or expense occasioned by any act or omission by any supplier providing services to any program participant. The only reason that Andean Paths would cancel a program is for safety reasons due to impassable roads, protests in Guatemala, or similar unforeseen events.
Cost per person: $4,500 per person (double occupancy). Single Supplement: $1300 per person.
*** Special Early Registration $600 off! *** Until June 30th Initial deposit of $1000 will confirm your space. Second payment of *$2500 is due Jun 30th, 2017. Balance of $1000, due August 30th 2017. (*Subtract $600 if paid by June 30th)
Initial deposit of $1000 will confirm your space. Second payment of *$2500 is due Jun 30th, 2017. Balance of $1000, due August 30th 2017. (*Subtract $600 if paid by June 30th)
Reservations: All reservations are subject to availability. To make a reservation for the journey, please contact Linda Leyerle at [email protected] for information about how to reserve your space and make your deposit for the journey. In Guatemala, it is not possible to reserve rooms, air tickets or park entrance fees without a copy of the traveler’s passport. Linda will give you details about how to send a copy to us. Time is of the essence so please respond as soon as possible if you are interested in this journey.
Cost includes: Private tour bus or van for travel during the journey, all meals, hotels, tips for restaurants and hotels, transportation to and from airport in Guatemala, intra- country flights, entrance fees, local guide and/or shamanic guide to share history and archaeological information, Mayan shaman to share ancient teachings and traditional ceremonies.
Cost does NOT include: Round trip International airfare to Guatemala City, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, “seed readings” with the shaman, tips for the guides, shamans and private bus driver, personal items and souvenirs.
This journey is for individuals ready to have an educational/experiential experience. Persons with physical or psychiatric challenges may find this journey too difficult or uncomfortable. We recommend a visit with your doctor at least 6 weeks in advance of departure. No immunizations are required unless you will be entering Guatemala from a country with Yellow Fever – in which case you will need a Yellow Fever immunization and be prepared to show proof. We will not be in high altitudes in Guatemala. More information is available on the CDC webpage. No visas are required for most people entering Guatemala (US, Canadian, EU, Australia and New Zealand citizens). If you have questions about this, please let us know. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the date of your return (July 20th, 2018).
Once you have reserved your space, we will send you more information – packing lists, info about the country, etc. You will be fully prepared for the journey. Linda is always available by email for any questions or concerns – whatever they may be.
Cancellations & refunds: Due to availability of space on our journey and the time required to process trip reservations, your deposit will not be refundable if received after October 1st, 2017. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance in order to protect yourself in case extenuating circumstances force you to cancel your trip. Travelex or CSA are two respected possibilities.
Responsibilities: ANDEAN PATHS reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a participant at any time, and to make changes in the itinerary whenever deemed necessary for the comfort, convenience, and safety of our participants, and to cancel a journey at any time. In the event a journey is cancelled, ANDEAN PATH shall have no responsibility beyond the refund of monies paid to it by program participants as listed. By registering, the participant agrees that neither ANDEAN PATHS and/or their affiliates shall be liable for any damages, loss or expense occasioned by any act or omission by any supplier providing services to any program participant. The only reason that Andean Paths would cancel a program is for safety reasons due to impassable roads, protests in Guatemala, or similar unforeseen events.