From Saturday, March 5, through Saturday March 12, 2011 we were in the eastern Yucatan of Mexico, in the tropical Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, staying at the beautiful 'Lake of Seven Colors' in Bacalar, and exploring the following Maya sites: Calakmul, Kohunlich, Dzibanche, Chicanna, and Becan in the heart of the extraordinary Rio Bec region, which few tourists explore. We took advantage of the beaches of Playa del Carmen and Tulum and the Cenote Azul, took a boat ride/float trip through the coastal Sian Ka'an Reserve, a catamaran trip on Bacalar Lake, and enjoyed the Museum of Maya Culture in Chetumal, as well as the shrine of the Talking Cross. This trip was not sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh.

Although designed for those interested in anthropology, archaeology and environmental science, it is open to all students, faculty, staff, alumnae, board of directors, and their family and friends. If you are interested in the 2012 trip contact Isabelle Champlin at igc@pitt.edu  

See the full itinerary at the Maya Exploration Center 

For information about the Maya Spring Break Scholarship/Travel Award (The Brian Calhoun Travel Award), see the links to the right.  Fill out the form and contact Prof. Champlin for an appointment.  Maya Spring Break Application:  Maya Application 
 

A huge temple, one of over 600 Calakmul buildings, deep in the largest tropical forest reserve in Mexico.	Calakmul has the largest number of felines in all of North America, with 5 of the 6 endemic species: jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi, puma, and margay. Pictured is a jaguar.
Our hotel on Lake Bacalar.	The main temple in Tulum, as drawn by Catherwood in 1844.
One of many stucco sun god masks, remarkably preserved at Kohunlich