CHIAPAS UP CLOSE: Carnival in San Juan Chamula

Departs Feb. 20, 2009 6 days/5 nights: San Cristobal, Tenejapa, San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán 9 days/8 nights: includes post-trip extension to Palenque, Bonampak and Yaxchilán

Trip Overview Our trip takes us to one of Mexico’s least explored and most fascinating regions - Chiapas. With its many groups of indigenous peoples that fiercely maintain centuries old traditions, from style of dress to religious practice to their original Mayan languages, a journey through Chiapas offers a window into ancient Maya culture. Bask in colonial San Cristobal’s pastel colors, rustic charm and evocative markets and meet local contacts along the way who grant us privileged insiders’ access into the living cultural heart of their vibrant region. This departure coincides with one of the most unique Carnival celebrations in the Americas. In the deeply traditional indigenous town of San Juan Chamula, Carnival is celebrated with feasts, visits to sacred shrines, the ‘jaguar dance’ and dozens of men running across a burning thatch path to achieve ritual purification. It is one of the most colorful and significant folkloric festivals in Mexico, and one which very few foreigners ever experience. Our trip extension is highly recommended, featuring three of Mesoamerica’s most intriguing ruins, all set against the verdant backdrop of the jungles of Chiapas. Note: Bonampak and Yaxchilán, in addition to their fabulous frescoes, carved lintels and stele, are very rich in birdlife.

Signature Experiences • Through the Gorge. Travel by speed boat through the towering rock wall gorges and natural

biosphere of Sumidero Canyon • Indigenous Carnival. Participate in one of the most unique carnival celebrations in the Americas.

On Shrove Tuesday, the indigenous town of San Juan Chamula bursts to life with displays of faith and celebration that combine Mayan and Catholic beliefs

• Home-hosted Meal. Meet one of the legendary founders of the Sna Jolobil weavers cooperative, and enjoy a home-cooked meal at her home in Tenejapa

• Colonial San Cristobal. Explore the quaint cobblestone streets, churches & plazas of San Cristobal de las Casas, one of the loveliest colonial towns in Mexico

• Textile Talk: Join Chip Morris, author of Living Maya and a leading expert on the indigenous cultures of Chiapas, at his San Cristobal home for insights into the ancient, dynamic and constantly evolving textile traditions of the Chiapas highlands.

• Paper Dreams. Tour the only indigenous-owned publishing house in Mexico, in the company of one of its founding members

• Majestic Maya. Discover the mystical ruins of Palenque, Bonampak and Yaxchilán (during our optional trip extension)

Thumbnail Itinerary Friday, Feb. 20: Tuxtla Gutierrez Arrive to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the launching point for our Chiapas experience. Be met upon arrival at the airport by Culture Xplorers’ locally based, bilingual trip leader and driver. (Meals: D) Note: the following activities will be organized for those travelers who arrive early today, or who arrive to Tuxtla on Thursday evening (an extra night’s accommodation and transfer may be arranged at additional cost). A morning visit to Tuxtla’s Museum of Anthropology gives a terrific over-view of the ancient and living cultures of the region. In the afternoon, visit ZOOMAT, generally regarded as one of Mexico’s best zoos, populated with species endemic to the Chiapas region in open habitats resembling their natural surroundings. Lodging for one night in Tuxtla Gutierrez is at the Camino Real or similar, best of class hotel. For a preview, visit: www.caminoreal.com Saturday, Feb. 21: Through the Gorge & Walking San Cristobal After breakfast take an exhilarating boat ride through the stunning, towering rock wall gorges of Sumidero Canyon, an area of tremendous biodiversity. Stop briefly in the town of Chiapa de Corzo before driving through the fertile mountains of Chiapas to San Cristobal de Las Casas, arriving in time for lunch. (Meals: B, L, D) San Cristobal is the perfect city for walking. This afternoon visit its colonial churches, shady plazas and colorful local markets, making time to stop in at our friend Ambar Past’s hand-made paper co-op, the only indigenous-owned publishing house in Mexico. Lodging for four nights in San Cristobal will be at the restored colonial mansion, Casa Mexicana or similar 4**** hotel. See: www.hotelcasamexicana.com Sunday, Feb. 22: Textile Talk & Home-Hosted Meal Chip Morris is a leading authority on the dynamic textile traditions of Chiapas He is a 35 year resident of Chiapas and author of Living Maya. Today, he is our colorful invited guest leader and hosts us for a textile talk at his home.

Transfer from San Cristobal to Tenejapa (45 minutes) for a visit to this picturesque indigenous community where we have the honor to meet Pedro Meza & his mother Maria Meza Girón, two of the founders of the successful Sna Jolobil weavers’ cooperative. Maria invites us for a rustic home-cooked lunch on her patio. (Meals: B, L) Free late afternoon in San Cristobal Monday, Feb. 23: San Juan Chamula & Zinacantán The nearby town of San Juan Chamula fiercely maintains many of its centuries old traditions from language to typical dress, from customs to religion. It is in Chamula that we will experience the height of the indigenous carnival celebrations tomorrow. A highlight of a visit to San Juan Chamula is its utterly mystical church whose surreal interior if filled with faithful who combine Catholic and animistic beliefs and practices. Note: photography inside the Chamula church or of the town’s residents is strictly forbidden. Zinacantán is renowned for its popular embroidery and, less known to tourists, its booming flower trade. Stop in at a local family’s workshop to appreciate the weaving in progress and try some steaming handmade tortillas fresh off the comal. (Meals: B, L) Free afternoon in San Cristobal Tuesday, Feb. 24: Na Bolom & Carnival in Chamula

Visit Na Bolom, a living museum and research center which documents and defends the historic, cultural and natural legacy of the Lacandón indigenous communities of Chiapas. Return to San Juan Chamula at the height of its annual carnival celebration. Witness local feasts, visits to sacred shrines, the ‘jaguar dance’ and Chamula men running across a burning thatch path for purification. Tonight back in San Cristobal, enjoy a celebration dinner at Na Bolom, a home-cooked meal, prepared with ingredients from Na Bolom’s organic garden at their long communal table. (Meals: B, D) Wednesday, Feb. 25: Homeward Bound or Optional Extension Private transfer to the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport for your flights to Mexico City and connections home or continue on our three day extension to the Mayan ruins of Toniná, Bonampak, Yaxchilán and Palenque. (Meals: B)

Extension to Palenque Bonampak and Yaxchilan Wednesday, Feb. 25: Toniná & Agua Azul Prepare for the longest driver (4 to 5 hours) of the trip. Wind down from San Cristóbal at 7,000 feet, to the tropical lowlands of Chiapas. Along the way, explore the dramatic ruins of Toniná and its outstanding on-site museum. Later eat, stretch and, if you like, take a dip at the spectacular waterfalls of Agua Azul. Arrive to our hotel in the early evening. Lodging for three nights in Palenque will be at the Ciudad Real hotel or similar. For a preview see http://www.ciudadreal.com.mx/palenque/eng/index.html (Meals: B, L) Thursday, Feb. 26: Bonampak & Yaxchilán Start early (6 am) and stop for breakfast en route at Valle Escondido. Transfer from land to water, taking a boat on the Usumacinta river for the one hour ride to Yaxchilán. The stele, carved lintels and beautiful temples appear even more magnificent with the backdrop of the jungle, in the midst of tropical forest, monkeys and toucans. Our second site, Bonampak, is sometimes called the ‘Sistine Chapel of Mexico’ for its marvelous frescoes. Note: both Bonampak and Yaxchilán are protected biosphere reserves and terrific bird watching destinations. Return to Palenque in the early evening. (Meals: B, L) Friday, Feb. 27: Palenque Roberto Murphy, our trip leader and a resident expert on Palenque, regales us during our visit with a mixture of deep, academic knowledge and riveting personal anecdotes. Enjoy a leisurely walk around these lush ruins, plus a visit to its small, adjoining museum, finishing before the afternoon heat and sun are at their strongest. This afternoon, relax and wind down by the pool before reconvening for a celebratory farewell dinner. (Meals: B, D) Saturday, Feb. 28: Homeward Bound Rise early for a two hour drive to the Villahermosa airport in time for your flight to Mexico City and international connections home. (Meals: Boxed B, to be eaten on the drive) Those travelers with afternoon flights may visit Parque-Museo La Venta with our trip leader. This leafy park is home to a fabulous collection of giant carved heads from one of Mesoamerica’s earliest civilizations, the Olmecs. Some of these sculpted heads measure more than two meters (6.6 feet) tall and weight over 15 tons.

Costs & Details Tour Cost for 6 days = $1,745 per person (single rooms add $350) Tour Cost for 9 days = $2,590 per person (single room add $560) Included: • An experienced local, bi-lingual Culture Xplorers trip leader who will accompany the group during all organized

activities and who is available 24/7 for emergencies • Specialist guides, master weavers, an author and anthropologist, the founder of an indigenous publishing house and

other expert guests provide insights on the culture and traditions of Chiapas. • Signature experiences listed in the itinerary • Lodging - double occupancy in charming, best of class hotels brimming with local character • Meals: breakfast daily, plus (3) lunches and (3) dinners during our core, 6-day journey • Private transportation in modern, air conditioned vehicles (Mercedes Sprinter or similar) • Entry fees to all museums, national parks, archaeological sites, etc. • Bottled water provided aboard our vehicle throughout the journey • Tips for baggage handling, our driver, at hotels and in restaurants for all included meals • Private airport pick-up and drop-off on day of group’s arrival and departure • Comprehensive planning and study materials mailed 75 – 90 days before departure Items not included and estimates: • Airfare: arrive Tuxtla Gutierrez (TGZ), depart from either TGZ or Villahermosa (VSA). Budget $700 • Travelers' insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation. Price varies; information will be sent by UCLA

Alumni Travel once tour is booked. • Three meals during our core journey. Budget $15/meal • International departure & security taxes at airports. Budget $40 • If traveling alone and opting for a single room, add $350 for 5 nights or $560 for 8 nights. To avoid this fee, ask us to

assign you a roommate. If no roommate is available, the single room upgrade must be charged, pending availability. • Tip for Culture Xplorers trip leader. Budget $5 - $8/pp/day Details: • Max. travelers: 20 (8 minimum) • Length of trip: 6 days/5 nights or 9 days/8 nights • Activity level: Moderately active. Participants must be able to walk comfortably for 2- 3 hours per day at altitudes of

up to 7,000 feet. Expect hilly terrain and cobblestone streets in San Cristobal and walking on unpaved paths and up and down stairs at archaeological ruins.

TRAVEL BOOKING FORM

CARNIVAL IN CHIAPAS: Feb. 20 - 25, 2009 Enclosed is a deposit of ____ ($500 per traveler) to reserve____ place(s) on the UCLA Carnival in Chiapas program, departing Feb. 20, 2009. LAND ONLY cost is $1,745. Please make check payable to CULTURE XPLORERS. Full Name as it appears on passport:________________________________________ UCLA Class/Year:______________ Name for badge (if different) :_______________________________________ Street Address:___________________________________City:_____________________State:_____ZIP:_____________ Home Phone:_________________ Office Phone:_____________________ E-mail:_______________________________ Birth date (month/day/year):___/___/___ Nationality:___________ Passport No.:________________________________ Sharing room with (each traveler must fill-out a separate form):________________________________________________ The two of us are sharing a room and, where possible, would like a room with: ONE or TWO beds. (select one) _____ I request assistance in securing a roommate, but will accept a single, if one is available at this time, and pay the single room upgrade. Should a roommate be found, the single room upgrade will no longer apply. _____ I request a single room, if available, and will pay the single room supplement of $350. I wish to participate in the optional post-trip extension at a cost of $845/pp double occupancy or $1,055/pp single ____3 days/3 nights exploring the Mayan sites of Palenque, Bonampak & Yaxchilán (begins Feb. 25, 2009) Do you have any allergies or dietary restrictions that we should be aware of? _____________________________________ Do you have any medical conditions that we should be aware of? ______________________________________________ Reservations are subject to availability and processed on a first come, first served basis. Final payment is to be made 90 days prior to departure (by Nov. 20, 2009). Reservations received after this date must be accompanied by payment in full. UCLA Alumni Association Membership Policy: UCLA Alumni Travel is a benefit of membership in the UCLA Alumni Association. The Association requires all alumni and friends to join to use our services. You may invite one companion to travel with you as a guest on your membership. YES, I am a member of the UCLA Alumni Association. NO, I am not a member. Send me an application to join. I ACCEPT THE CONDITIONS AS STATED IN THE GENERAL IN FORMATION SECTION (NEXT PAGE) OF THIS BROCHURE AND SUBMIT MY RESERVATION(S) AS INDIC TED: Signature:_____________________________________________________ Date:________________________________

MAIL DEPOSIT AND COMPLETED FORM TO: UCLA Alumni Association, Attn: Alumni Travel, James West Alumni Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1397

Phone: 310-206-0613 Fax: 310-209-4271 Toll Free: 800-UCLAlumni (825-2586)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Reservations and Payments A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm all reservations. Participants may confirm spaces immediately by calling or faxing UCLA Alumni Travel. We cannot confirm reservations without a deposit. Final payment, by check, is due Nov. 20, 2008. All tour prices quoted in this brochure are based on tariffs, costs, and exchange rates of the United States dollar that were in effect at the time of publication. Consequently, prices herein are subject to change. The UCLA Alumni Association and the Tour Operator, Culture Xplorers (CX), reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time. Cancellation Deposits and final payments are fully refundable, less a $250 per person handling charge, if written notice of cancellation is received by UCLA Alumni Travel 90 or more days before departure. Cancellations made within 90 days of departure are subject to full forfeiture of all money paid unless the tour is full and your space is resold (in which case only the $250 handling fee will apply). An application for cancellation insurance will be mailed with your confirmation. For your protection, cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Refunds cannot be made to passengers who do not complete the tour for any reason at all. The UCLA Alumni Association and CX reserve the right, without penalty, to withdraw the tour announced (i.e., cancel a tour), to decline to accept any person as a participant in a tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from a tour at any time at his/her own expense, when such action is determined by tour staff to be in the best interest of the health, safety, or general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant subject only to the requirements that the recoverable portion of the total amount paid that corresponds to the cost of unused services and accommodations be refunded, if any. Health All participants should be in good health and capable of walking comfortably and unassisted over rough terrain. By forwarding the deposit for passage, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers. Insurance Protection Every UCLA Alumni Association/CX traveler, except U.S. and foreign residents traveling within their own country, will be offered comprehensive travelers’ insurance via Travel Insurance Services. Information about this insurance coverage will be mailed to you by UCLA Alumni Travel upon registration. Responsibility To ensure ethical behavior toward local ecosystems and peoples, the UCLA Alumni Association selects tour operators who have a demonstrated history of responsible tourism. It is clearly understood that the UCLA Alumni Association is in no way responsible for the operations of the Tour Operator (CX), local agents and other transportation companies. The UCLA Alumni Association and CX act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation, hotels and all other related travel services and assume no responsibility, howsoever caused, for personal injury, damage, loss, accident, expense, delay, act of God, or military action beyond their control. The UCLA Alumni Association assumes no liability whatsoever for negligence by CX or its agents. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the passenger and the carrier. The UCLA Alumni Association and CX are not responsible for unexpected transportation delays and changes, nor liable for additional expenses or loss of time which may be incurred. The airline/transportation companies concerned are not responsible for any acts, omissions or events which may occur during the time passengers are not on board their vehicles. The UCLA Alumni Association and CX reserve the right to make substitutions for mechanical, operating or other unforeseen reasons. The UCLA Alumni Association shall not be responsible for any inadvertent errors in this brochure or other descriptive materials. The itinerary is subject to change at any time without notice and for any reason without allowance of refund. On advancement of deposit to the UCLA Alumni Association, the depositor agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions here mentioned.

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