http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2012/04/14/mayan-end-world-events-...
Published April 14, 2012
Fox News Latino
Visitors await serpent shadow at Chichen Itza. (Christina Fields)
Belize's preeminent archaeologist Dr. Jaime Awe. (Julie Schwietert Collazo)
December 21, 2012 will mark the end of the 5,125-year-long Maya long-count calendar. While sensationalists say the calendar's conclusion will precipitate the end of the world, scholars who study Mayan culture say it will simply conclude one era and usher in another.
Regardless of what will happen on December 21st, the months leading up to that date are filled with events celebrating Maya culture; some of these are truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for travelers who enjoy immersing themselves in authentic cultural experiences.
The Mundo Maya is made up of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico; each country has special events planned for Maya 2012. Take a look at some of them and get planning.
Mexico
EVENT: The descent of the feathered serpent at Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
WHAT TO EXPECT: You will tour the sprawling grounds at one of Mexico’s most well preserved Mayan sites. Follow a tour guide as he explains the detailed symbolism and ancient culture associated with each of the ruins or choose to view the structures at your leisure.The serpent shadow, a phenomenon that happens only during equinox, will begin to appear on the north side of El Castillo pyramid around 4 PM and continue for an hour. Approximately 20,000 people will participate in the event, but it won’t be overcrowded as the site extends for 2 square miles. Many visitors will dress in white, which is said to absorb the healing energy of the equinox.WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN: September 22, 2012 – the Autumn Equinox.HOW TO DO IT:Book a day trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun. Prices vary depending on the events you choose. The JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa and the CasaMagna Cancun Resort offer a Mayan Experience package, which includes a tour for two of Chichen Itza and a nearby sacred cenote.
(jwmarriottcancun.com or casamagnacancun.com or by phone at 1.800.228.9290. When booking this package, request promotion code CUE.)
KEEP IN MIND:
- Chichen Itza is a 2 ½ hour drive from Cancun.
- Allow 3-4 hours to tour the site and experience the shadow ceremony.
- Don’t forget walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
- If you choose, you may participate in the Mayan tradition of wearing white.
- Chichen Itza is open from 9:00a – 5:00p / 365 days per year.
GOOD FOR:
Families, individuals, couples, groups; not good for those who have difficulty walking.
Mexico
EVENT:
Mundo Maya Tour.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
The Mexican bus company ADO is offering a Mundo Maya-themed package, allowing guests to purchase a 3-, 7-, 14-, or 21-day “Maya Pass.” The Maya Pass is a flexible bus ticket that permits you to see as many Mexican Maya sites as you'd like during the validation period of your ticket.
WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN:
Ongoing throughout 2012.
HOW TO DO IT:
Visit ADO's website (ado.com.mx/ado/index.jsp) to purchase a Maya pass.
KEEP IN MIND:
Traveling light and with minimal valuables are highly recommended on buses.
GOOD FOR:
- People with flexible schedules.
- Those who want to see multiple Maya sites.
Guatemala
EVENT:
Maya home-stay and volunteer programs.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
For the traveler who wants deep immersion in Maya communities, home-stay and volunteer programs are an ideal way of commemorating the Maya 2012 celebrations. Individuals, couples, and families can make reservations to stay with a Maya family and to help out with community-building projects.
WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN:
Ongoing
HOW TO DO IT:
Visit the site laantesaladelcielo.blogspot.com for more information and email turismohuehueautentico@gmail.com to enquire about availability of reservations.
KEEP IN MIND:
Accommodations are typically simple and rustic and the communities that host the home-stays may be difficult to reach.
GOOD FOR:
Travelers looking for immersive, authentic cultural experiences.
COUNTRY: Honduras
EVENT:
Temascal ceremony.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
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