REFLECTIONS ON THE BOOK OF MORMON LANDS Belizze -- Mexicco -- Guattemala -- Hondurrass Febrruarry 2--16,, 2018 Dirreccttorr: : Georrge JJ.. Talbott,, fforrmerr dirreccttorr off BYU Trravell Sttudy There are many theories about the places where events of the Book of Mormon took place. Years and years of research by archaeologists, historians and anthropologists have shed sufficient light to embrace Mesoamerica as the most logical location to place the Book of Mormon account. George Talbot, former director of BYU Travel Studies, has spent years of study and traveled throughout Belize, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala over 25 times with groups. This tour includes more than 15 archaeological sites, most of them dating to the times of the Book of Mormon. George Talbot will reflect on the geography of the Book of Mormon and present to all participants his investigative works and give daily briefings during this incomparable tour to the Lands of the Book of Mormon. Itinerary: Day 1: Friday, February 2 Salt Lake City to Belize (D) Depart Salt Lake City or your home city and fly to Belize. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner and get acquainted meeting. Day 2: Saturday, February 3 Belize to Chetumal, Mexico (B, L, D) We will begin our journey along the Northern Highway and first visit the archaeological site of Altun Ha, which means Rockstone Pond. The site was given that name by the archaeologists who discovered it since the Maya had diverted a stream of water into a pond lined with rocks to conserve water. Some of the ruins at this site date into the Book of Mormon time period. We will continue our journey on the Northern Highway to Orange Walk. Following lunch, we travel by boat up the New River to the site of Lamanai. Lamanai, maintaining its original name means submerged crocodile, dates to 1500 BC and is the longest continuously occupied Mayan site. We return by boat down the New River to Orange Walk. Here our motor coach will be waiting to transport us to the Mexican border. Upon crossing the border, we will take a short bus ride to the city of Chetumal, where we overnight. Day 3: Sunday, February 4 Mexico (B, L, D) This morning we visit the Museum of Mayan Culture with a focus on Mayan history, religious beliefs, customs, the calendar system, and history. Following our museum visit we will have the opportunity to attend church services in Chetumal. After lunch, we travel along the Caribbean coast and beautiful Bay of Chetumal to the Mayan ruins of Oxtankah, dating to 200-600 AD. It features some of the most important Mayan buildings and construction, including temples, sunken palaces, and patios. We return to Chetumal for dinner and overnight. This evening we will gather for a study session and discussion of Book of Mormon geography.
Day 4: Monday, February 5 Mexico (B, D) After breakfast, we visit the Mayan ruins of Kohunlich, a Mayan city first settled as early as 200 BC. We visit the Temple of the Masks, an Early Classic period pyramid whose central staircase includes large human figure stucco masks dating to 500 AD. We visit Dzibanche and Kinichna which are unique Mayan ruins off the beaten track located amidst local villages. We continue to Chicanná to see one of the best-preserved facades depicting the Mayan earth monster. Nearby Becán dating to 550 BC is an impressive archaeological site with massive temples and a magnificent enclosed plaza. There is a large moat surrounding the entire complex of Becán indicating that this site was a fortified city. The defensive strategy used at this site is almost identical to that described in the Book of Mormon. We will have dinner and overnight in a jungle lodge at Chicanná. Day 5: Tuesday, February 6 Mexico (B, D) This morning we will leave early and travel to the archaeological site of Calakmul, which means ancient mounds. Calakmul is a UNESCO World Heritage site that lies in a protected tropical forest and was an ancient Mayan capital that played a key role in everyday life for 12 centuries. This site is very large and has 117 stelae. The Grand Pyramid is the second largest Mayan pyramid and provides a spectacular view of the surrounding area. We return to our jungle lodge in Chicanna for dinner and overnight. Day 6: Wednesday, February 7 Mexico (B, D) Following breakfast, we will continue our journey west to the city of Palenque, another UNESCO World heritage site, where the history and mysticism of the Mayan world come together, flourished 500 to 700 AD. En route we will stop at the archaeological site of Balamku to see the beautiful façade with its red colors, depicting the mysterious religion of the Maya. Balamku, first occupied in 300 BC, is home of the largest surviving stucco friezes in the Mayan world. We will stop for lunch in Escárcega. Late afternoon we return to Palenque for dinner and overnight. Day 7: Thursday, February 8 Mexico (B, D) This morning we visit the archaeological site of Palenque. The Temple of Inscriptions housed the tomb of Pacal, a famous Mayan ruler. We also visit the Palace, Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross, Temple of the Foliated Cross, and the tomb of Pacal s mother. We will see several other pyramids quite recently excavated within the dense jungle. In the afternoon, we travel to Misol Ha Falls to enjoy the exquisite beauty of this site. You will enjoy the stream of water cascading 120 feet over the cliffs into a large pool of water. (Those who like to swim are invited to bring their swimsuits and a towel from the hotel.) Dinner and overnight at Palenque. Day 8: Friday, February 9 Mexico to Guatemala (B, L, D) Our first stop this morning is the famous murals of Bonampak, which depict a light and dark-skinned people. We will continue on to Corazal and the Usumacinta River with likely crocodile sightings. We sail to the archaeological site of Yaxchilán. Yaxchilán is famous for its remarkable, well-preserved stelae and its beautiful location on the river. We will then return to Bethel and cross into Guatemala.
Day 9: Saturday, February 10 Guatemala (B, L, D) Today we spend the day visiting the incomparable ruins of Tikal, a UNESCO site. Dating from the first century AD and flourishing 200-850 AD, Tikal, an ancient citadel nestled in the rainforests of northern Guatemala, reveals the Mayan civilization in its splendor. We visit the major sites including the Great Plaza s Temple I (the Temple of the Jaguars) and Temple II. We will see the Lost World Pyramid and the largely unexcavated 230-foot Temple IV, the latter being the tallest pre-columbian structure in the Americas. If you are feeling energetic, you can climb Temple V. Day 10: Sunday, February 11 Guatemala (B, D) After an early breakfast, we travel south through the Petén Jungle to Río Dulce. Traveling through a large Dole banana plantation, we arrive at the ruins of Quiriguá. Quiriguá was discovered during the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and he indicated that these ruins may be those of Zarahemla or some other Nephite city. Here we will see some of the tallest and most distinctive monuments of the Mayan world including Stelae E, which is over 35 feet tall and weighs 65 tons. Later, we continue our journey into the mountains and cross the Honduras border. We will enjoy dinner and overnight in the small town of Copán. (Sacrament Services will be arranged by the director.) Day 11: Monday, February 12 Guatemala to Honduras (B, D) This morning we visit the ruins of Copán. These ruins were a major Mayan ceremonial complex and their unique location and stelae were featured in National Geographic. After a visit to the site and to the large museum in Copán, we begin our journey to Guatemala City. We travel along the Motagua, a major river of Guatemala, and near the rugged Sierra de las Minas mountain range. Some feel this mountain range that continues from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans may be the Narrow Strip of Wilderness that goes from the east sea to the west sea in the Book of Mormon. On our way, we will stop at one of several obsidian sources in Guatemala. Dinner and overnight at Guatemala City. Day 12: Tuesday, February 13 - Guatemala (B, D) Today we visit the archaeological site of Kaminaljuyu. It dates to the time of the Book of Mormon and some speculate that it may have been the city of Nephi. Following this stop, we travel the Pan- American Highway to the highlands of Guatemala. We will enjoy the magnificent view of the volcanoes and other scenery along the route. We stop at the small village of Patzacía, where the LDS chapel was destroyed by an earthquake in 1976 and where Elder Randall Ellsworth, a missionary, was pinned under a wooden beam on the stage and spoken of by President Thomas S. Monson in the April 1989 General Conference. We continue our journey into the highlands, stopping at the archaeological site of Iximché, a Classic Period site and best known as the ancient capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom. Indian shaman are often performing ceremonies at this site. The day will conclude as we descend into the beautiful volcanic crater filled with the water of Lake Atitlán. We will arrive at the city of Panajachel for dinner and overnight.
Day 13: Wednesday, February 14 Guatemala (B, D) This morning we board a boat to travel across beautiful Lake Atitlan. This lake is approximately the same size as the Sea of Galilee. After crossing the lake, we will arrive at the city of Santiago Atitlán. Here we visit the beautiful new LDS chapel that was built in this city. We will also walk through the village, visit the Old Catholic Church, and observe the markets. Here we can also go to the house where the idol Maximon is kept. This idol is revered by the Mayan Indians and is always included in the Easter procession of the Holy Family. Returning to Panajachel for dinner and overnight, there will also be time for shopping. Day 14: Thursday, February 15 Guatemala (B, D) This morning we return to Guatemala City, including a stop at the MTC where missionaries from Central America are trained. Nearby is the Guatemala LDS Temple where we will stop for pictures. Those wanting to attend a temple session will need to dress accordingly in the morning. Those not attending a temple session will stop at the National Relief Map to better understand the topography of the country. We will also visit the National Museum of Archaeology, where many artifacts found in Guatemala are kept. Before having our farewell dinner at the Montano Steak house, we will have a short testimony meeting. Overnight in Guatemala City. Day 15: Friday, February 16 Guatemala to Salt Lake City (B) Following breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the airport for our return flights home. (The above itinerary is subject to change. For the complete terms and conditions, please see pages 5-6 of the brochure.)
Cost: $ 4529.00 per person double occupancy, land and air from Salt Lake City $ 962.00 Single Supplement This program requires considerable walking, standing and climbing. Participants should be in good physical condition. Price includes: Round-trip airfare from Salt Lake City Airport transfers Deluxe motor coach transportation Local guides First-class hotel accommodations or best in location Meals as indicated on the itinerary Sightseeing tours as outlined in the itinerary and all entrance fees Baggage handling, porterage, and gratuities Director George Talbot and assistant Price does not include: Passport fees Additional flight arrangements or hotel accommodations Meals not included in the itinerary Sightseeing not included on itinerary Items of a personal nature (i.e., phone calls, room service, laundry service, internet service, etc.) Individual travel and trip cancellation protection Hotels: Belize: Radisson Fort George Hotel Chetumal: Capital Plaza Hotel Chicanná: Ecovillage Resort Palenque: Ciudad Real Palenque Hotel Flores (Tikal): Camino Real Tikal Hotel Copán: Marina Copán Hotel Le Ceiba, Honduras: Quinta Real Hotel Panajachel: Hotel Atitlan Guatemala City: Westin Camino Real COLUMBUS TRAVEL 563 West 500 South, Suite 180; Bountiful, UT 84010 801-295-9568 or 800-373-3328 info@columbusvacations.com
RESERVATION INFORMATION Rates are per person based on 2 sharing one room. Rates for 1 person in a room available upon request. Rates include all taxes and fuel surcharges current as of August 18, 2017. Taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change. DEPOSIT: $700 per person for air/land/cruise. FINAL PAYMENT: Full payment for air is due upon booking. Final payment for land/cruise is due October 25, 2017. CANCELLATION AND REFUND: In case of cancellation the following cancellation penalties apply: Land/Cruise Airfare Dates Amount Dates Amount Prior to Oct. 26, 2017 Deposit is refundable Prior to Oct. 26, 2017 Deposit is refundable October 26, 2017 and later Land/Cruise non-refundable October 26, 2017 and later Airfare is non-refundable TRAVEL PROTECTION: Columbus Travel recommends that you purchase a Travelex travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment. Consider travel protection for: Trip Cancellation Trip Delay Trip Interruption Baggage & Personal Effects Emergency Medical Expenses Baggage Delay and more Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains For a summary of plan details on benefits, coverage, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the applicable Description of Coverage. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Transamerica Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio; NAIC #10952. 1308333 INTERNATIONAL TRIPS: For all tours and cruises that include international air, a valid passport is required. Columbus Travel must receive a copy of your passport information page at least 90 days before the departure date. Airlines have strict policies concerning name changes/corrections after tickets have been issued. If a name change/correction is required on your ticket, you will be required to cover the cost of the fees. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Travel Services, Inc., d.b.a. Columbus Travel, ("Agent") gives notice that all services, reservations and arrangements for transportation, or cruise, or conveyance, or hotel or lodging, or meals or sightseeing services or any other activities made by Agent, are made by Agent as dual agent for the traveler, (Passenger) and for the air carriers, hotels, sightseeing companies, transportation companies, cruise lines and other companies (Suppliers) providing services for this program. As such, Agent shall not be liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reasons of defect in any vehicle or mode of transportation, through the acts, defaults, financial difficulty or bankruptcy or omissions of the Supplier or person engaged in carrying out the arrangements of the trip or otherwise in connection therewith. Agent is not liable for delays and/or cancellations of services and resultant expenses or loss caused by acts of God, sickness, quarantine, weather, strikes, war, terrorism, social or labor unrest, local laws, mechanical or construction difficulties, abnormal conditions or other situations, actions, omissions or conditions outside Agent's control. Agent is not liable for loss of, or damage to baggage or personal possessions. Agent and Supplier reserve the right to alter or cancel the itinerary or substitute services as conditions require or for the safety of Passenger. As a matter of privacy, we do not disclose addresses or other personal information about other travelers in the group. We do all in our power to assure seats for passengers traveling together on aircraft are assigned together, but because airline seating assignments for groups are controlled by the air carrier, we cannot guarantee specific seat assignments. Passengers must be in good health and able to care for their own needs. Please contact us regarding any health concerns you may have or if you need to bring any specialized medical equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, etc. so that we can determine if transportation services, hotels, and other suppliers can accommodate your equipment. If it is determined that your equipment can be accommodated, you or your traveling companion are fully responsible for it and must be able to lift, fold, push, and handle the equipment. Tour directors on the trip cannot be of assistance with such needs. We reserve the right to remove passengers from the group at their own expense if the care of or actions of a passenger become detrimental to the functioning of the tour. Payment of deposit(s) as outlined in this agreement shall be deemed consent to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement. 563 West 500 South, Suite 180, Bountiful, UT 84010 Tel: 801-295-9568; 800-373-3328; Fax: 801-295-9688 www.columbusvacations.com