From the Olmecs to the Aztecs, we will visit and study the great centers of early civilization in Mesoamerica. These are onsite study trips, lead by qualified archeologists and anthropologists.

The Zapotecs: Past and Present

We will study the early transition from village settlement at San Jose Mogote to the great urban center of Monte Alban. This unique study tour will focus on modern day Zapotec communities and people to explore the links between past, present and future cultural identity and continuity.

The Early Maya of Palenque and Bonampak

This study tour will take us to the early Maya empires of Palenque and Bonampak. We will travel on dugout boats to get to the impressive sprawling site of Yaxchilan.

The Puuc Architecture of the Post Classic Maya

The Great Maya Civilizations of Yucatan, Uxmal, Chichen-Itza and Ek-Balam will be studied. From the ball courts to the Temples and Observatories, we will learn how their society was organized and functioned.

• Explore Ancient Maya Sites, Regions and Periods from the Pre-Classic to the Post Classic.
• In Campeche, visit the vast city of Calakmul and learn of this once great dynasty. Travel to surrounding sites to learn of the Alliances and Rivalries of the Maya: Visting the Rio Bec, Chenes and Puuc Regions.
• In the Peten Region and Classic Period visit the Ancient Kingdoms of Copan, Tikal and Palen-que. Quirigua, Bonampak, Yaxchilan are studied, as well.
• Travel to the Chiapas Lowlands to explore Palenque, Bonampak and Yaxchilan and the Maya ancient past. In the Highlands, we learn about present day Maya communities of Chamula and Zinacantan, and the Colonial city of San Cristobal de Las Casas.

• Learn about the dawn of civilization in Oaxaca: from nomadic life to farming villages such as El Mogote to great cosmopolitan cities, such as Monte Alban.
• Based in Mexico City, follow the development of Mesoamerican cultures of the Central Plateau from Cuicuilco to Tenochtitlan, city of the powerful Aztecs. Includes Teotihuacan, Cholula, Xochicalco, Tula and more.
• Learn of the unique cultures of Western Mexico, in Michoacan, Jalisco and Colima.