Joylina

In January 2012 someone wants to meet you... the Maya await!

For all the right reasons 2012 is promising to be a year of real spiritual awakening, revelation and growth. So it is hardly surprising that so many people are being 'called' to walk upon the very earth that resonates with vibrational change and a sacred significance that manifests in our and dreams and occassionally on the big screen. But a journey to a sacred site on Earth has little to do with 'blockbuster' appeal, it speaks to us from beyond the pages of travel brochures and history books... And here in Mexico, the bridge between the Americas, between this world and the realms above and below us, many Europeans come and reconnect with the great ancestral peoples and wisdoms of this land. Come and fill your inner cup and quench your soul's thirst with a journey that allows you to see, hear, touch, taste and feel enlightenment!

The Maya were an elusive civilisation that lived in the Yucatan peninsular from circa 2000BC to 950AD. They were stargazers and created the most accurate galactic clock we had prior to the atomic clock. Their, now famous, calendar follows the passage of our solar system around the galactic centre; i.e. the procession of the equinox, which is a 26,000-year cycle. This calendar ends on 21.12.2012 hence all the prophecies. But there is so much more than what we have been fed by the 'modern-day media machine'. This is not heralding doom and gloom. In contrast, it is a time of profound growth and certain change. With this trip you will be offered a doorway of opportunity to prepare, should you be willing...

With Mayan guides to show the way a whole host of wonderful experiences and adventures await; meditate in temples, live the cosmic energies, participate in rituals with local Mayan Shaman, realign your own energies to enhance personal and planetary evolution at this time. Experience a variety of energies at Chichen Itza which some people believe to be a doorway to time/space travel. Heal with the Cosmic Feminine at Uxmal, and connect to the Divine Masculine at Palenque. Discover why there are pillars dipicting Mayan high priestess with babies whose left foot becomes a serpent. Discover for yourself if the energies of the Kukulkan, the feathered serpent god resemble those of the angels. This trip provides you with the opportunities to awaken to your inner truth, your innermost being, and have the potential to reconnect to the Creative Source. We will be laying the foundations for experiencing our deepest selves by seeking to move beyond the realms of everyday consciousness.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arriving in Cancun we will be welcomed by our professional, Mexican guide and meet our hosts for this tour. Depending upon the time of your arrival at Rey del Caribe you will be able to have a relaxing afternoon on the beach. After a briefing about the activities in the evening a welcome dinner will be served after which we will create our own sacred space, set our intentions for this journey, including an angelic attunement and meditation.

Day 2 We depart in the morning to enjoy Xcaret Eco Theme Park. Xcaret means 'small cove' and it is located on the shore of the Caribbean Sea. The park features an impressive natural cove and invites you to discover a paradise that shelters all the wonders of the Mexican Caribbean. Amongst which are the underground rivers, and if we go early enough we may be able to go down the river through the light and the dark following the old Mayan initiation route, metaphorically speaking starting with the birthing of the child. After which we can reacquaint ourselves and play with the inner child as we enjoy the butterfly-pavilion, the turtle farm and the dolphin centre where there is an optional extra of swimming with dolphins whilst we continue developing and strengthening our group energy. In the evening we can, if we wish, attend the light show which has a great reputation for folk dances and Mayan ball games to name but a few and is highly recommended. We overnight in Los Lirios hotel in Tulum.

Day 3 Tulum - the Mayan 'city of the dawn'. See the Temple of the Frescoes, built on three levels, symbolising the three realms of the Mayan universe - the dark underworld of the dead, the middle level of the living and finally heaven. Here we continue our spiritual journey and set our intention for our own personal growth. We will explore the physical site where well preserved mayan motifs and images of the Divine God Kukulkan, the feathered serpent, can be seen. (Kulkulkan, also known as Quetzalcóatl to the Toltecs, is believed to be the same deity as the Atlantian,Tehuti, Thoth in Egypt & Ea in Sumer. Kukulkan is also said to be the symbol of Venus, the morning star, which was very important here because Tulum was the first city of the Mayan World to see the rising sun every day.) Coming into contact with this energy affords an opportunity to trigger our exploration of spiritual growth. Later in the day there snorkeling in an underground river is an option. Learn of the importance of these rivers to the Maya.

Day 4 Coba, situated by four lakes, which gave rise to the name meaning 'waters stirred by the sea' is where we will attempt to connect to the powers of the jungle, the birds and the monkeys and be inspired by the local mayan guide in this beautiful and mystical place. In the afternoon we can visit a cenote - a sinkhole considered by the Maya as a gateway to the gods. Here, like the Maya in the past, we too can make our own offering. Then if we have time we have the option to go crocodile watching, or for the really intrepid, zip lining through the jungle. We overnight in Villas Arqueologicas Coba.

Day 5  En route to the colonial town of Valladolid we stop at Ek Balam (translated means Black Jaguar or Bright Star Jaguar) and take in a tour of this less visited site.  Ek Balam´s most striking temple is one with a huge 'monster mouth'. To the Maya this represents a portal to the 'other world'. The enormous mouth of the Witz Monster (entry to the underworld), complete with teeth, is awe-inspiring. This site apparently also has motifs depicting winged angels. Then we head to the amazing and world famous Chichen Itza where some say they experience the energy of the Divine Femine and some Divine Child.  What will it be for you? This was the site of Mayan pilgrimages for over 1000 years. The main pyramid El Castillo shows how remarkable the builders were. On the days of the spring and fall equinox, the edge of the shadow from the sun, falls exactly on the corner of the pyramid, leaving one side in total sunlight and the other in total shadow. Furthermore the shadow running down the north staircase takes the form of a snake representing Kukulkan,whose significance here is as the embodiment of the natural forces;  fire, water, earth & air, and it is said this energy will return in these elemental forms at the end of days. Here we can also visit the circular temple built as an observatory in which there are 4 doors facing the four directions of the Universe. We will also visit the Nunnery and Akab-Dzib, which is believed to be the oldest building in Chichen Itza. Our certified guide will talk about the history of this great Mayan civilization and walk us around the site. Overnight in Hacienda.

Day 6 Chichen Itza for the whole day. Here we will experience the differing energies of the site and have time for group work and private meditation. Later in the afternoon there is an optional sweat lodge in preparation for the following day with our Shaman.

Day 7 Will be spent equally between a Mayan Shaman conducting rituals, meditation, soul cleaning, healing ceremonies, and time at Balancanche caves. The caves' true meaning is 'hidden throne' or 'alter'. This is significant as an icon to the Olmec peoples who predated the Mayan people. Optional Ikkil cenote swim. Depart to Merida and check in Del Gobernador hotel.

Day 8 City tour in the colonial city of Merida, the Yucatan state capital. With time to peruse the cafes and shops, light and sound show in Uxmal. Depart to Uxmal and overnight in Villas Arqueologicas Uxmal.

Day 9 In Uxmal we connect to the Cosmic Feminine energy and the cosmology of Venus (symbolising the life, death, rebirth cycle). The temples at Uxmal are aligned to the Sun, the Moon and the reappearance of Venus. It was also a women's university for the training and initiation of priestess. Here we will have our own initiation ceremony, if time allows. The massive Magician's Pyramid (Pirámide del Adivino), also known as the Pyramid of the Dwarf; both names derive from a legend about a magical dwarf who was hatched from an egg, grew to adulthood in a single day, and built this pyramid in one night. Its unusual structure, built on an elliptical base, means that as you see five superimposed temples marking the entrance is a giant Chac mask with the mouth of the God. After our visit we travel by road (5-6 hours) to Palenque the most important of the Mayan sites and holder of the Divine Masculine energy. Overnight in Palenque in Maya Tulipanes hotel.

Day 10 We visit Palenque site and Agua azul turquoise blue waterfalls. Palenque is a magical site and many say holds the keys to the future. There are over 200 buildings in Palenque and more the 80% are still covered in rainforest. Amongst the many temples we will visit is considered to be a Cosmic University, will be the Temple of Inscriptions where it is said you can connect to the universal hall of records and reconnect to universal truth. Not only does this temple contain the tomb of Pakal the Great, Palenque is considered by many to be the centre of the Earths Merkaba that connects the earth's leylines to the universal grid. Here we will meditate, make our connections and endeavour to discover our own inner truths. Overnight in Maya Tulipanes hotel. This will be the last night together and our farewell meal before the group splits to those returning home and those continuing with the extension to Guatemala.  

Day 11 Yaxchilan, full day for both groups at this amazing site. Reached by an hour long boat ride down the mighty Usumacinta river through one of the last great North American rainforests. This is an experience to be remembered. Occasionally one can find evidence of recent worship by the Lacandons, a dwindling group of Maya that still practice the ancient ways of worship. If this was the city of Seers as many believe it was then this is the start of the Seers Journey. We will probably have gone through our own personal passage of enlightenment and be being reborn in wisdom at this the beginning of the end of our journey.  Here the group splits and those returning transfer to Villahermosa and those continuing to Guatemala transfer to Fontera corozal. 

Day 12 Those returning home will visit Venta Park and learn about the Olmec Culture, which preceded the Mayan. Then transfer to Cancun for either their flight or an optional extra night depending upon flights.  

OR...

Optional extra people extending to Guatemala...

Day 12 Guatemala - Depart to Tikal, visit the site. This is one of the largest monuments of the Ancient Mayan Civilizations in Guatemala. It is a very impressive, UNESCO World Heritage site. There are some 4500 temples and pyramids in Tikal. The Mayan people who built Tikal believed they came from the constellation Pleiades. Tikal's builders placed the seven most important pyramids of the Grand Plaza in the same geometric pattern as the 'seven sisters,' or seven stars comprising the Pleiades constellation. We will spend the whole day here connecting to these energies. Overnight in Jungle lodge and wake up to the sounds of monkeys. 

Day 13 Enjoy an early hike watching the birds and wildlife in Tikal. Then on to the Belize border crossing. In Belize we will enjoy a relaxing lunch in San Ignacio then continue on our journey stopping off at Lamanai prior to making our way back across the Mexican border. Follow then to Chetumal, Mexico.Overnight in Los Cocos hotel.

Day 14 Maya Museum. Enjoy Maya museum in Chetumal. Then follow to see and enjoy a swim in Cenote azul by Bacalar lagoon. Then follow to Cancun to overnight in Rey del Caribe hotel.

Day 15 Transfer to airport for flight home.

Cost & Cover

For a brochure or to book contact Justina Pettifer Co-creative Travel, call +44 (0) 1380 725558 fax 01380 720438, mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.cocreativetravel.co.uk.