Explore the Wonders of the Past

From the remote jungles of Honduras to the pristine rivers of the American Southwest, our archaeological tours promise exciting adventure. Whether you like touring Maya temples or learning about North American rock art, you'll be sure to find a Conservancy tour that fits your interest. For more than 20 years, the Conservancy has conducted tours ranging in length from four days to two weeks. Expert guides always accompany our tours, providing unique insights about the places we visit. Tour regions include the American Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest, as well as Mexico and Central and South America.

 

tours

Here are a few of the exciting tours we're offering in the coming months.

Click on info for a description of each tour

Yampa River
May 31 – June 7, 2008

Join us for a downriver adventure through the spectacular scenery of Dinosaur National Monument. One of the highlights, Whirlpool Canyon, was first described by the explorer John Wesley Powell.  In addition to the beautiful scenery, this 70-mile journey down the Yampa and Green rivers is an opportunity to visit remote archaeological sites, including Freemont culture rock art panels and prehistoric rock shelters.

Ohio Mound Builders
September 13 - 17, 2008

 

Massive mounds and earthworks, some nearly 70 feet tall and others covering hundreds of acres, are the legacy of the Hopewell and Adena cultures that dominated the eastern United States from 800 B.C. to A.D. 400.  We'll visit many sites including Newark Earthworks, Chillicothe and Serpent Mound.

Best of the Southwest
September 20-30, 2008

 

The American Southwest is home to some of the best-preserved evidence of prehistoric civilizations in the New World.  The magnificent ruins of Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde are but two vivid reminders of the complex cultures that dominated the region between the 10th and 14th centuries.  The Best of the Southwest tour includes these two settlements as well as other prehistoric sites and modern pueblos where ancient traditions persist.

Native Peoples of Alabama
September 29 - October 3, 2008

 

A place of natural beauty, Alabama is a state where great rivers and great cultures meet. Join us as we follow in the footsteps of naturalist William Bartram and explore the beauty and history of Alabama - from ancient earthen mounds to Creek War battlefields.  We’ll spend our last day at the Moundville Native American Festival featuring crafts, performances, demonstrations and food.

Oaxaca
October 24 - November 3, 2008

Join us in Oaxaca, Mexico during one of the most unusual festivals anywhere—the Day of the Dead.  On this day, people prepare home altars and cemeteries to welcome the dead, who are believed to return to enjoy the food and drink they indulged in while alive.  The Day of the Dead is one of the celebrations. Our tour also explores the Mixtecan and Zapotecan archaeological sites in the region, including Mitla, Monte Albán, San José Mogote, and Dainzú.