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2012 affinity encounter expedition el mundo maya the mystical temples rainforest and rainbow reefs of the riviera maya 9-day affinity expedition spring 2012 mexico is a land of diversity tourist resorts and awe-inspiring ancient cities experience the warmth and generosity of the mexican people journey with us and know the everyday food customs and traditions of mexican life and step back to a time of pagan mysticism colonial cities mayan temples traditional cultures rainforest reserves dazzling coral reefs ­ our encounter expedition across the tropical 200-kilometer long coastline located on the eastern tip of the yucatán peninsula has it all an abundance of history culture and nature few places on earth cause as much amazement as the riviera maya on the stunning coast of the mayan riviera lies the most beautiful sea in the world the caribbean extending across the horizon and its incredible turquoise blue waters and mild surf caressing the glistening alabaster white sand along an impress stretch of palmed lined beach mexico is an ancient land full of legends fascinating history ancient cultures and respected traditions truly experience the spirit of the mexican culture and immerse yourself in its essence on this 9-day/8 night encounter expedition optional university travel study credits1 this encounter expedition offers an adventure in learning educators may earn continuing education credits and participants have the option of earning up to twelve 12 transferable university undergraduate or graduate credits in social science journalism art and history allowing students the chance to combine travel with academic achievement participants push back the classroom walls and move into the world beyond to provide exciting combinations of discovery and adventure all in the unique setting of a living laboratory where opportunities present themselves for acquiring new knowledge insight and understanding this expedition offers resident university undergraduate or graduate credit students alumni and the general public that are at least 18 years of age are welcome to participate limited only by their desire to learn and ability to meet the physical demands of the itinerary participating in this study expedition is a very different experience from participating in a travel tour group though this fascinating and comprehensive travel program is available to the general public it is first and foremost an educational experience they have been approved by the university and meet the same high academic standards a variety of instructional strategies are utilized to encourage learning by tapping into a variety of learning styles participation in field trips lectures discussions seminars and individual study projects are expected participation in and completion of all academic assignments is required 1 this expedition and academic program is not affiliated or associated with colby community college.

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facing the riviera maya s coast is the world s second-largest coral reef making it the perfect place for swimming scuba diving snorkeling and kayaking hundreds of marine species including multi-colored tropical fishes sponges starfishes and various types of coral make up the spectacular and fragile great maya reef hit the beach and enjoy the many water-sports from parasailing windsurfing to scuba diving jet-skiing or peaceful snorkeling lie on the beach and tan the waters are crystal clear boast incredible visibility and a diversity of marine plant and animal life forms in size shapes and colors that will astound the pro and novice alike near the shore a low-elevation jungle typical of the tropics acts as a wall to the sea practically impenetrable it s a habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna and geological formations that would be impossible to find anywhere else in the world lying hidden amid the intense green here are the cenotes sweet-water deposits of capricious shapes and different sizes produced by the subterranean rivers that emerged to the surface over the course of millions of years enter the heart of el mundo maya the maya world and explore the spectacular ruins of lavish temple cities that rise out of the misty rainforests discover the living maya culture in traditional villages of the remote outback jungle this zone was not only the center of an antique and amazing civilization but today is still inhabited by authentic maya communities that continue to preserve their millennium-old culture and the lifestyle of their ancestors practically unchanged the riviera maya is a place to enjoy marvelous beaches by day and a lively nightlife in the evening after the beach and jungle trips la quinta avenida provides an abundance of dining and fun options making it a favorite spot for meeting with a nightlife that goes on until dawn dozens of varied restaurants are available to meet any budget or taste and a tranquil and serene atmosphere and attitude that you won t find in tourist meccas or dance the night away to live music at a local hotspot stroll along the pedestrian-only walkway running perpendicular to the beach and discover mexican arts and crafts shops world-class restaurants with fine dining and great shopping opportunities the restaurants run the gamut from fresh seafood to t-bone steaks traditional mexican yucatecan french and italian dishes are all offered whatever your taste chances are you can find it here 2

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itinerary day 1 ­ denver/cancun · depart denver ¡el dia de salida relax as you jet south to mexico s tourist capital · arrive at our entry point cancun international airport · hola after clearing immigration and customs we are greeted by our private driver and travel two hours south to our three star caribbean hotel on the mayan riviera ·stroll around and practice your spanish great shopping and restaurants can be found along quinta avenida 5th avenue pedestrian promenade this is the place to see and be seen in the tourist zone and it s located one block off the beach adjacent to the zocalo main square or simply bask in the tropical bohemian atmosphere private guided tours to explore the ancient city of tulum built on a cliff at the seas edge believed to have been the largest port for the mayans this is not the largest or most impressive of the mayan ruins of the yucatan but thanks to the awe-inspiring setting it sticks in the memory like no other offering some of the most breathtaking views of the yucatan coast considered by many as the most beautiful of the mayan ruins around the riviera it is small but exquisitely poised on the fifteenmeter-high cliffs above the azure waters of the caribbean sea walk around tulum s temples and learn about its cosmic and religious purposes discover one of the best-kept secrets of the riviera maya the natural reserve with a gorgeous natural aquarium 3

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from there we travel to xel ha one of the most beautiful places in the riviera maya it is a true tropical paradise filled with tranquil lagoons teeming with tropical fish relaxing rivers you can float along through the park mayan ruins dolphins tropical birds hammocks white sand beaches tropical rain forest and an awesome all-inclusive package to make your luxury day in paradise complete on our next group adventure we travel to the beautiful and mysterious coba built in the jungle with towering pyramids coba with its breathtaking views of the yucatan jungle from the tops of its magnificent pyramids covers an immense area of some 50 square km the ancient city was begun in a.d 600 and thousands of maya are believed to have lived here during the classic period much of these ruins are still uncovered and their remote jungle location suggests a scene from indiana jones and the temple of doom relax and swim in the grand cenote one of the most famous of the sacred cenotes in this underground river of the yucatan aktun chen natural park then we head to one of the most incredible caves in mexico aktun chen this natural park consisting of a spectacular 5 million year-old grotto and an abundance of wildlife is the first above-the ground cave system in the quintana roo state to be open to the public the name means cave with an underground river inside and the main cave of three is more than 600 yards long with a magnificent vault discreet illumination and easy walking paths make visiting the caves comfortable without appearing to alter them much from their natural state here you can explore this lighted cave in all its glory 4

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this adventure begins at the ancient mayan city of ek balam the term means black jaguar in mayan and this site may well have achieved pivotal status in the public affairs of eastern yucatan and judging from its monumental architecture it was quite probably an influential city visually most impressive is its splendid central plaza bordered by three massive ceremonial structures recent research shows that the site was inhabited from as far back as the late pre-classic and early classic periods 100 bc 300 a.d and on down to the time of the spanish conquest and colonization next we discover a maya paradise where their kings and courtesans reveled in direct contact with nature through meditation and relaxation the sacred blue cenote whose transparent water keeps the secret of the baths of the maya kings and their courtesans is the focus of ik kil eco-archaeological park just before our buffet lunch you can swim in this fantastic open to the sky blue cenote before our buffet lunch then we explore the ruins of newest wonder of the world chichen itza where we learn about the mayan culture and the wonder of the architecture astronomy and advanced civilization of the mayas at the largest and most impressive of the mayan ruins of the yucatan a spectacular and mystical place to visit this is a must-see on every tourist s agenda considered to be the most important ancient city of the mayan culture chichen itza has the most amazing examples of architecture in mayan society there is only one chichen itza and it extends approximately 2.5 miles from north to south and arose at the end of the classic period in the year 900 ad until the start of the postclassical era in 1200 ad rediscovered in 1842 it is not until the twentieth century that its restoration begins along with its resurgence as one of the most important and valuable sites of mayan culture and basically humanity 5

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take a day trip to cozumel hop on the ferry and travel just across the beautiful caribbean sea from playa del carmen to explore on your own the island of cozumel known around the world for its dazzling coral reefs and crystal clear waters although the biggest island in the country it s small enough to cover as a nice day trip the town on the island san miguel offers some nice restaurants and tourist shopping what the island really has going for it is the snorkeling and diving cozumel has been a diving destination since the 1960 s when jacques cousteau made the world aware of the incredible reefs of the area to get around the island you will need transportation taxi rented car or more commonly scooter since there really is no bus service there are a few small mayan ruins to visit for an extra fee the jeep safari and snorkel is a great way to experience the island of cozumel once on the island you ll be whisked away in a jeep to be shown the wonders that this island possesses you ll see the back roads and the magnificent but remote beaches on the back-side of the island as well as snorkel on some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world you ll first visit punta langosta lobster point marked by a lighthouse and then continue on to el angel azul reef for 45 minutes of incredible snorkeling where you ll be surrounded by a dazzling array of tropical fish next your tour will pass through downtown san miguel the main city on cozumel on your way to el cedral a town which was once the hub of mayan life in cozumel dating back to 1518 and later became it s first city in 1847 the tour continues past unspoiled and beautiful beaches accessible only by four-wheel drive as you reach the road s end at punta mola on the far northern point of cozumel where you will enjoy a picnic lunch after lunch we ll head back to san miguel where you ll have an hour to shop in the many excellent boutiques before heading back to the ferry dock to catch the ferry back to playa del carmen three days for self-exploration make these days your own and have a personal adventure centoes snorkeling ruins swimming lagoons shopping sun worshiping stroll the beaches climb the exterior circular cement staircase to the top of playa s attractive lighthouse faro the view is excellent and provides a great photo op beachcombers can hike north and make a whole day of it relaxing in one or two beachside restaurants along the way take a memorable horseback ride into the jungles of the riviera maya on your way to the dazzling caribbean sea you ll be stunned by the idyllic contrast between the sparkling white beaches and the azure blue waters experienced riders can gallop up and down the beaches a scene from a romance novel 6

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if lying on the beach being served drinks getting massages and soaking up the sun isn t your thing then drive your specialized amphibious vehicle over suspension bridges and through a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels and jungle pathways feel the thrill of zip lining on the highest and longest zip lines in the riviera maya gasp in amazement as you float 1000 feet on a raft through the stalactite-lined cavern system unique to the riviera maya then get ready to do it all again if you like additional cost in search of something to do this morning how about the atv explorer tour drive your atv across sand dunes through jungle trails and along the edge of the beautiful caribbean sea on a tour that takes you well off the beaten path through the mayan jungle to visit three seldom-seen treasures of the yucatan you ll admire the underwater stalactites and stalagmites as you snorkel through the cenote then it s off to visit a lost mayan ruins site where you ll look back into the past the last stop is a snorkeling trip to the barrier reef additional cost spot spider monkeys in the trees feeding on fruits see amazing underwater formations as you snorkel on the barrier reef visit ancient mayan ruins and get a glimpse of the distant past you can explore the sian kaan biosphere reserve meaning where the sky is born a unesco world heritage site the park covers more than 1 million acres of coastal jungle and is home to over 350 bird species the park is sanctuary for the great diversity of plants and animals that live in the savannahs dunes wetlands mangroves and lagoons an experienced biologist will explain life in the reserve from a scenic observation tower after kayaking in the wetlands you will enjoy a snack at the visitor centre then hike through the tropical jungle discovering the plants and animals of the region and finally snorkel at the beh ha cenote with its crystal waters and amazing caves then relax over lunch in a tulum restaurant additional cost 7

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day 9 ­ riviera maya/denver sleep in or enjoy a free morning you ll have a few hours this morning to walk the beach and capture one last dose of the caribbean · return home · transfer to the airport where you ll check in for your return flight home hasta luego méxico don t delay ­ space is limited reserve you place today plan of 3 monthly payments available major credit cards accepted service fees may apply make checks or money order payable to michael thompson round-trip transportation on scheduled airlines to and from denver ·airport transfers ·plenty of free time in this caribbean paradise ·professionally guided excursions to ·self guided excursions to ·tulum ­ mayan ruin ·quinta avenida pedestrian promenade ·coba ­ mayan ruin ·el zocalo ­ main square ·aktun chen ­ mayan ceremonial cave ·xaman-ha ­ aviary ·chichen itza ­ mayan ruin ·cozumel ­ island community ·ik kil ­ archeological eco-park ·coral reef aquarium ·ek balam ­ mayan ruin ·manatee lagoon ·xel-ha ­ eco park reserve ·st francisco of assisi chapel ·grand cenote ­ cermonial spring from underground river ·mayan cemetery ·blue cenote ­ spring from underground river ·museum of culture and anthropology ·ecological tour ·puma and jaguar island ·monkey island ·sea turtles ·accommodation is a centrally located three star caribbean beach front hotel on the mayan riviera ·certain meals included with tours ·jungle and beach horseback riding ·atv jungle explorer adventure ·swim with dolphins ·snuba ·sea trek ·parasailing ·sian kaan wilderness kayak/snorkeling adventure ·xplor jungle tour ·sky tour ·reef snorkeling ·cozumel jeep safari 8

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expedition leaders this affinity encounter expedition is arranged by our experienced travel director also an experienced expedition leader and professional guides who enhance our travels with a demonstrated passion for the destinations we visit and knowledge of topics as varied as anthropology evolution conservation culture politics archaeology and history along with providing a series of formal lectures the expedition leader is your travel companion and cultural ambassador available for in-depth discussion and one-on-one conversation throughout our journey our cultural attaché prepares you for immersion into the culture with basic language and cultural skill lessons there is much to see and knowledgeable local bi-lingual guides will show it to you travel worry-free knowing our experienced travel director jennifer thompson has handled all the logistics on this trip of a lifetime stay in lodging with unique atmosphere experience local cuisines and explore the many wonders of mexico while traveling as a private group expedition leader dr michael thompson s enthusiasm and passion for mexico are one explanation for his frequent travels here and become readily apparent as he shares his wealth of knowledge as we meet the people and explore the shrines museums villages and rainforest enhance your cultural experience with dr linda davis-stephens spanish sala practice your spanish learn about the foods culture and traditions of the mexican people with your fellow travelers in a relaxed classroom setting the fine print responsibility this is an unchaperoned expedition and our tour leaders do not act as agents for travel with respect to transportation activities or hotels and exercise every reasonable care possible this is an affinity tour the organizers assume no liability for injury damage accident or irregularity in connection with the services of any airplane ship boat motor coach train or other conveyance used in carrying out the arrangements of the expedition we cannot accept responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in other services sickness weather strike war quarantine force majeure or other causes beyond our control all such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passengers as tour rates provide for arrangements only for the time stated we reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary the right is reserved to cancel the expedition prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part the right is also reserved to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of the expedition no refund will be made for the unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in time to avoid penalties the price of the program is based on tariffs and rates in st effect in january 1 2012 and is subject to change any increased tariff exchange rate or fuel surcharge will be passed on to the participants baggage is carried at the owner s risk entirely it is understood that the acceptance ticket when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the passenger and the tour operator concerned the expedition operators concerned are not to be held responsible for any act omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyance nor does the expedition operator accepts liability for any provider s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket connected with the program 9

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for more information contact dr michael thompson or jennifer thompson by email at jlthompson929@gmail.com or by phone 785-443-0946 visit our affinity expedition website http encounterexpeditions.wikidot.com read mike s travel journal on the last mexico mayan expedition at http encounterexpeditions.wikidot.com/social-club:journal-el-mundo-maya get mike s take on travel/study expeditions through his travel blog at http encounterexpeditions.wikidot.com/social-club:blogs passports are required for this expedition they are easily obtained cost about $135 allow up to 6 weeks to process application forms and explanation of the process can be found at http travel.state.gov/passport_1738.html fees and expenses the expedition base fee is $1860 per person based on double occupancy this expedition originates in denver and thereafter includes transportation to our designated sites lodging meals as specified on the daily itinerary entrance fees to sites in the itinerary guides taxes service charges porterage some activities shown on the itinerary with certain exceptions are recommended but not included in the basic cost group rates may be available for these suggested activities at an additional fee not included is transportation to or from your home transfer fees tips personal items such as wines liquors or a la carte orders dishes and beverages not part of group meals meals except as outlined above room service valet or laundry service phone and faxes charges charges incurred in making individual travel arrangements baggage or cancellation insurance or other charges of purely a personal nature or items not specifically mentioned herein terms and conditions dates schedules program details and costs are based on st information available as of january 1 2012 and are subject to change due to currency exchange rates number of travelers and other circumstances both foreseeable and unforeseen please note that all tour prices are per person based on double occupancy single occupancy is available on a limited basis for each program at a single supplement charge for singles wishing to share accommodations we will do our best to make appropriate pairings reservations/payments/cancellations and refunds unfortunately we cannot accommodate all persons wishing to take advantage of this affinity encounter expedition experience don t miss the boat all programs will fill on a first-come-first-served-basis to reserve your space applicants should submitted a deposit of $150 per person the deposit must be made in the form of a check or money order payable to the tour leaders michael thompson or jennifer thompson deposits indicate your acceptance of the final terms of the expedition package deposits are non-refundable transferability of reservation is dependent on airline th regulations the balance of the full cost of the trip will be due no later than april 20 2012 participants are urged to purchase trip insurance at the time the deposit or first payment is made such coverage varies but generally pertains to trip cancellation or interruption lost luggage and emergency medical care and evacuation please note that conventional homeowners insurance or medical insurance policies or coverage offered through your credit card do not cover such events there are no refunds for unused meals accommodations or other included features affinity expedition defined this expedition is not the product of a for profit travel agency or tour group it is an affinity expedition meaning members of the traveling group typically friends or co-workers who share the same travel interests organize it affinity travelers provide support for each other providing a less expensive way to travel and provide safety in numbers an affinity expedition pretty much nails down your expenses before you leave home and when you re going to a country where the dollar is strong you pay for the trip up front with a great exchange rate 10

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