Each weekend, field study trips are sponsored to places of historic and cultural interest. Areas around Mexico City, such as the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon at Teotihuacan, the Museum of Anthropology, the Templo Mayor in the center of the Valley of Mexico, and the Folkloric Ballet presented at Palace of Fine Arts are frequent destinations.  Field trips in the Cuernavaca area are conducted weekly, and all excursions are led by Cemanahuac anthropologists.

 

Check our On-Line Calendar for upcoming Trips and Events HERE

 

 

 

The following is a list of one-day or half day field trips that are regularly offered at Cemanahuac. Walking and driving tours of Cuernavaca are offered frequently, and special trips are announced on the bulletin board as the opportunities arise and as groups request them.

Teotihuacan and Cuicuilco (one day)

Teotihuacan in the Valley of Mexico was the largest political and religious center of Precolumbian Mesoamerica. Its most important structures are the Pyramid of the Sun, the tallest in ancient America, and the Pyramid of the Moon. Its direct influence reached from northern Mexico to Central America and lasted about ten centuries. Teotihuacan was the first planned city in the Western Hemisphere. Tenochititlan, the Aztec capital, and other settlements were pattered after this city, and for this reason, any visit to Prehispanic ruins in Mesoamerica should be preceded by a trip to Teotihuacan. One theory traces the rapid rise of the city to a volcanic eruption in the southern end of the Valley of Mexico forcing a migration to the North. the trip will follow the same route starting at Cuicuilco, an archeological site in the southern end of the Valley.

Arts of Mexico, Saturday Bazaar, Studio homes of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and the Museum of Dolores Olmedo (duration: full day)

We will visit a number of places on the southern edge the valley of Mexico, including the Bazar Sábado, the art fair in Plaza San Jacinto; the Diego Rivera Home and Museum, the Frida Kahlo Museum, and the magnificent Delores Olmedo Patiño Museum in Xochimilco, which houses the largest collection of the works of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in the world.  A real plus is the folk art collection of Fernando Gamboa.  The home and gardens are magnificent, and the art is incredible!! 

National Museum of Anthropology (one day)

The tour visits Prehispanic Mesoamerican rooms of the National Museum of Anthropology in Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. What might otherwise appear to be diverse cultures, both geographically and chronologically, will be tied together by following the legend of Quetzalcoatl, a changing god of Mesoamerican mythology, who for some was a god, for others a god-person, and was later confused with Hernan Cortez. This trip is of special interest to students of Prehispanic Mesoamerica and Cultural Anthropology.

Mural Arts, Xochimilco and the National University (one day)

This trip highlights the art of Mexico in a visit to Mexico City to see Diego Rivera's murals in the Ministry of public Education and the National Palace; jose Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rivera's murals in the Palace of Fine Arts; and the former School of San Ildefonso where Mexico's modern mural art movement started. Following this, the trip visits the floating gardens of Xochimilco, originally the Aztec chinampas. The final stop will be at the National university of Mexico, on the southern edge fo the City.

Folkloric Ballet in Mexico City (evening tour)

Dinner at the historic House of Tiles precedes the world-famous Mexico City Folkloric Ballet in the Palace of Fine Arts.

Xochicalco (half day)

Xochicalco, founded around 400 A.D., was important as a commercial control center for Teotihuacan, as well as being an astronomical study center in its own right. Around 850 A.D., it was the scene of a convention convened by Mayan astronomers. A record of that meeting is engraved on the Plumed Serpent Pyramid. Xochicalco's underground observatory allowed its astronomers to make observations into the center of the day sky, as well as the night sky. it is built in such a way that when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer on the day of the summer solstice, the underground observation chamber is illuminated at noon.

Taxco (half day)

On the trip to the famous silver city of Taxco, the first stop will be at an old silver mine to hear a brief explanation of the different types of ores in the area and how silver is mined. We will also hear a description of the various kinds of silver which are available in Taxco. There is ample time to wander the streets of this lovely colonial city and visit the historic church of Santa Prisca, located on the zocalo.

Tula (one day)

This important site dates from 900 A.D., and from here spread the Toltec stylistic and governmental influence to Prehispanic groups as far away as the Yucatan Peninsula. Above the five-tiered central pyramid stand the great figures that once supported the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, and paint still clings to some of the 10th century frescoes. The ball court is the largest known on the Mexican plateau.

Templo Mayor (one day)

Located right in the center of Mexico city, this is the site of the great pyramid of Tenochtitlan. The area covers many city blocks. One of the first great finds was the massive, round carved stone dedicated to Coyolxauhqui, "daughter of the mother of the gods." Thousands of artifacts have been removed from the site and placed in an impressive on-site museum. This trip also includes the National Cathedral, the national Palace, and other public buildings surrounding the zocalo.

Tepoztlan (half day)

The village of Tepoztlan is located in the sandstone cliffs near Cuernavaca. In addition to climbing to the pyramid dedicated to Tepozteco, the god of pulque, visitors visit the Dominican ex-convent and the adjacent museum. Wednesday and Sunday are market days in Tepoztlan, and school trips are planned for these days.

Robert Brady Museum of Folk Art (two hours)

This museum, located in downtown Cuernavaca, houses an eclectic collection of folk art from all over the world, with some emphasis on Mexican and other interesting Latin American folk art. The museum is the former home of Robert Brady, whose collection is known by collectors from all over the world.

Tlayacapan (half day)

Tlayacapan probably contains more small churches and barrio chapels than any community of its size, in addition to the large Augustinian ex-convent and adjacent museum. This museum contains much of the history of the village and the state of Morelos, and even has several mummies whose bodies were discovered in a remodeling of the church floor several years ago. A candle factory there has been transformed into a unique museum.

Puebla, the City of the Angels (duration: full and very long day) $55.00

Puebla is perhaps the best-preserved colonial city in Mexico.  Founded by the Spanish in 1531 and occupied by them for nearly 300 years, its colonial buildings are impressive.  Puebla is the home of the talavera tile which is famous all over Mexico. We will visit one of the factories where it is hand painted, as well as the lovely new Amparo Museum, the ex-convento of Santa Monica and the magnificent popular art museum of Santa Rosa.  We will also see the site of the victorious battle, Cinco de Mayo.  Before we depart, we will visit Tony’s Tacos, “the best taco place in Mexico” (according to Tony and every taxi driver in Puebla!!!).  

 

LONGER FIELD STUDY TRIPS FOR GROUPS

Tepozotlan, Tula, Tajin, Tecolutia (3-day trip)

This trip to the Gulf Coast of Veracruz state includes: a visit to the National Museum of the Viceroyalty in Tepozotlan; the Toltec capital of Tula, where the historical Quetzalcoatl started his journey toward the East; Tecolutia, a relatively undiscovered beach resort; and El Tajin, the ancient Totonac ceremonial center, home of the palo volador dance, the site of the Pyramid of the Niches, and sculpture on the ball court similar to that of Chichen Itza. This trip is of special interest to participants in the Yucatan Peninsula trip due to the similarities in architecture and sculpture in the two areas.

Valley of Oaxaca (5-day trip)

Oaxaca City is the center of a market cycle which is traditional in the Indian areas of mesoamerica. Markets meet in surrounding villages on different days of the week and in the city itself every day. using the city as a base, the trip follows the cycle and combines visits to the markets and visits to outstanding examples of Dominican sixteenth century architecture; prehispanic archaeological sites of Monte Alban, Mitla, and Yagul; the excellent museums of Oaxaca; and the homes and workshops of weavers and pottery.

Maya Highlands and Southern Lowlands; State of Chiapas and Guatemala (eight-day trip)

The focus of this trip is on the present-day Maya life of the highlands and the majestic archeological remains of the ancient Maya in the area visited. The trip begins at Na Blom, a study center established by Frans Blom in San Cristobal for the ethnographic study of the Indian population of Chiapas. In Guatemala participants visit the ruins of Zaculeu neary Huehuetenango; the mineral baths of Zunil; lake Atitlan; Guatemala's largest Indian market at Chichicastenango; Guatemala City; Kaminalijuyu ruins; Copan; Quirigua; (Tikal by air from Guatemala City optional.) To top off the trip with a magnificent fireworks display, a climb to a dormant volcano to look down on the crater of the active Pacaya Volcano is included.

Northern Maya Lowlands; Yucatan Peninsula (8-day trip)

This trip focuses on visiting examples of different types of Prehispanic architecture of the Yucatan Peninsula. It complements courses on Maya Culture. The trip starts from Merida and ends in Villahermosa with visits to the following archaeological sites: Uxmal, Kabah, Dzibilchaltun, Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, Kohunlich, Xpujil, Palenque, and Villahermosa's museums. The tour also visits Isla Mumeres, and as an option, Contoy Island. Isla Mujeres is known for its coral reef and the great number of fish that make their home on it. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent on the island. Contoy Island is three hours by launch north of Isla Mumeres and it is a National Bird Sanctuary where pelicans, frigate birds, and ducks make their nesting grounds.

Chalma and Malinalco (one day)

The shrine of Chalma has been known as a pilgrimage destination since Prehispanic times, when the god of caves, Ostoc Theotl, was worshiped there. Today, it is a major pilgrimage destination for the thousands who come to pay homage to El Senor de Chalma. The Precolumbian site of Malinalco, lies on the Cerro de Los Idolos (Hill of the Idols) and is unique in having one of the very few rock-cut early structures in mesoamerica.

Chalcatzingo (one day)

Off the beaten path, Chalcatzingo is an archeological site which was inhabited from olmec to Aztec times. little archeological work has been done at the site, and cows and goats graze among the ruins. Situated at the bottom of large hills, Chalcatzingo has some unusual Olmec (1500-100 B.C.) rock carvings and offers a wonderful view of the valley of morelos. It is a great place to get away from tourists, have a picnic, and enjoy the Mexican countryside.

We believe Cemanahuac offers the most interesting field study trips to the most interesting places in the world...from the butterfly sanctuary in Morelia to the Mayan cultures of the highlands of Chiapas in Mexico; from the magnificent volcanoes of Guatemala to the tropical rain forests of Belize; from the backyard folk artisans of Oaxaca in Mexico to the quetzal cloud forests of Monteverde in Costa Rica; from the Prehispanic archeological sites of the Yucatan to the animals in the Galapagos Islands...we go beyond the obvious and the usual tourist sights to really understand the people and the history and culture of each place we visit.

An exciting world of travel and learning in Mexico, Central America, and South America is available with the Cemanahuac Educational Community and our personally-planned and professionally-conducted educational travel programs. Every Cemanahuac tour is planned specifically for the group or individuals planning the field study trip; no two trips are alike!!

Cemanahuac program planners, using knowledge of available facilities, speakers, and other country and area-specific information, handle the logistics and communication with the group leader to plan the itinerary and the budget, including the day-to-day activities, all of which are chosen with the educational needs of the group in mind. Our leaders, with extensive knowledge of social, political, and historical aspects of Latin America conduct the tours and handle simultaneous interpretation for the many individuals our groups will meet as they tour the small villages and out-of-the-way spots whose residents bring the culture of the country in which they live alive for the thoughtful visitor. Each trip is handled personally by these knowledgeable and capable experts in educational travel.

What is a Field Studies Trip?

We can lead trips with special emphasis on art, on archeology, on cuisine, on folk crafts, on agriculture, on political and social issues, on nature/ conservation, and other topics. We enjoy this type of specialized field study trip, and we welcome opportunities to expand our own knowledge base, along with our participants. Through lecture, discussion, and on-site field study visits to places of historical or anthropological interest, participants in a Cemanahuac educational program will gain insights into the people and the culture of each area visited that are not possible with most other types of educational travel.

All requests for field study will be serious considered. Some periods of the year are busier than others, and we receive more requests than can be accommodated. Generally, we can accept no more than twelve field study requests per year, depending on the duration of each trip. Requests should be received at least one year prior to the expected travel date; more time is preferable. No group is too small for consideration; we are happy to consider requests from smaller groups. We provide our own 37-passenger Mercedes Benz motor coach for trips in Mexico and Belize; busses are rented from reputable companies in other countries.

Who travels with Cemanahuac?

Curious adults, ones whose enjoyment of learning continues to grow stronger each year and ones who enjoy experiencing new cultures find the Cemanahuac experience to be a most satisfying one. Many people travel again and again with Cemanahuac; they find the type of educational experience provided to the most in-depth one available, and at a cost that is so reasonable that it allows them to travel more frequently. For references, we are happy to provide a list of satisfied travelers and groups (Interhostel, Experiment in International Living, museum and university groups) who have traveled with us and will be willing to let you know about their experiences.

Financial Details

Cemanahuac believes in providing a first-class educational field study program at a reasonable price, within the reach of most travelers. Each group's projected costs are fully explained. All field study trips include hotels, guidance, transportation, speakers fees, admission fees, tips, and breakfasts. Some groups prefer that all meals be provided; others prefer fewer included meals. The type of hotel accommodations will be discussed; all will have private bathrooms and hot water. Our travel philosophy is to request the very best guides and speakers available, to make the travel program the most educational experience it can be.

Prices are quoted in US dollars. Deposit guidelines are very reasonable and can be discussed at the time of program planning.

Getting Started

Are you planning a trip for a group? We work closely with the coordinator of each group, large or small, to talk about special interests and the objectives of the field study trip. Each field study trip is planned from the bottom up...we try to work within your group's budget and time frame to offer the most educational and activity-packed program of travel and study. Call, fax, or write to us for additional details.

Who will you work with to plan your field study trip?

Charles P. Goff

Charles Goff has been leading educational tours through Mexico, Central America, and South America for over 34 years. He is well known for providing field study small villages and out-of-the-way places in every country and state he visits. Cemanahuac is pleased to provide several trips per year for Educational Odysseys; in each, much of the focus is on the people of the areas being visited, the small villages, and the customs and lives of the people who inhabit them. On each field study trip, he presents information on the social, political, economic, and historic aspects of the country and area being visited.

Charlie grew up in Colombia and attended college in California, where he majored in anthropology at the California State University at Northridge. He has also studied at the Autonomous University in Mexico City, and he has also taken graduate courses taught by the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City and California State University at Sacramento. He is bilingual and has been asked to do simultaneous translations for many visitors to Mexico.

He is a co-founder and director of the Cemanahuac Educational Community, the best and most academically-oriented program of its kind in Mexico. At Cemanahuac, a Spanish language school for those who want to study the language in a context of total immersion, he leads field study trips for students of all ages each weekend. It is largely through his interests that a program entitled "Mesoamerica in the Classroom" is taught each year at Cemanahuac. Currently over 50 school systems in the United States, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. encourage their teachers to study at Cemanahuac.

Vivian B. Harvey

Vivian Harvey has been living in Mexico for 17 years, and she has traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Central America, and South America with university students, faculty members, artists, teachers, and groups of adults. Prior to moving to Mexico, she was Assistant Dean in the College of Human Ecology at The Ohio State University for ten years, and she maintains a home in Columbus, where she lives about six months a year. She has taught child development and adolescent psychology at both OSU and Ohio Wesleyan University, and she remains interested in the beneficial effects of a study-abroad experience on the college-age student.

She is the Educational Programs Coordinator at the Cemanahuac Educational Community, where she works with college faculty members across the United States and Canada to establish cooperative academic programs with Cemanahuac for both graduate and undergraduate credit. She leads several trips each year in Mexico and Guatemala for groups of artists and art teachers.

Her educational background includes a degree in education from the University of Michigan, and two graduate degrees from The Ohio State University, one in early childhood education and the other in family studies. Two of her strong interests are cross-cultural childrearing and the role of women in developing countries. She has started an embroidery cooperative in a small village in the Department of Solola in Guatemala, and she visits the women of this cooperative about three times a year. She works with a community-based program in Cuernavaca named VAMOS! to help street artists find new outlets for their work.

 

Katherine L Derby

Kathi is the webmaster for Cemanahuac and assists with Educational Odysseys trips. She handles itineraries, logistics, budgets, as well as other details for all Educational Odysseys trips. Prior to her work with Educational Odysseys, she was an Interhostel Representative for the University of New Hampshire, accompanying many trips to Mexico, Australia, and France.

She has over twenty years experience working in higher education administration in Student Services, marketing, and college communications.. Kathi has brought her business, computer, and art skills into the classroom, teaching Information Technology and Graphic Design classes at several colleges and high schools. Currently, she is an Information Technologist at the University of New Hampshire.

Her educational background includes a degree in Business Administration from New England College and graduate work in business and social services.