The Route 2002 

The 2002 expedition followed one of the most important, exciting and ancient cultures of America - the Maya culture. This culture thrived and controlled Central America during the first millenium A.D. Toward the end of that millenium, it began to disappear while leaving behind impressive and fascinating sites. Over the centuries, a large part of these sites were taken over by the jungle. The Maya culture left behind many questions that there are no answers for. The 2002 expedition has been named for this culture - The Maya Route - or the "Ruta Maya". The expedition began in the Chiapas region of Mexico, at San Cristobal in the Sierra Madre Mountains. From there, it descended across the largest riverbed - Usumachinta by way of the rainforests, and encountered some of many of the outstanding Mayan culture sites. It then crossed into Guatemala through the Montebello Lakes and climbed the high mountain ridge of Cuchumatanes. On the way there were encounters with the colorful village populations so characteristic of Guatemala. The expedition traveled along winding, picturesque mountain roads, through deep river valleys and on the steep mountain slopes. Continuing, it passed through the Atitlan Lake area and the volcanic mountain ridge while visiting colorful village markets in the picturesque populated area of Guatemala. The last part of the expedition passed through northeast Guatemala. Here the emphasis was on the huge jungle of Peten County - deep vegetation, typical rugged jungle roads and Maya ruins that still remain as they were when they were discovered in the last hundred years before the jungle closed in on them from every side, requiring much effort to continuously preserve and protect them. The final part of the expedition was in the largest and most beautiful of all Maya sites - Tikal.