The spiritual highlight of the Book of Mormon is the Savior’s visit to the Nephite-Maya people who had gathered themselves together at the temple in the land Bountiful where they witnessed the fulfillment of the Law of Moses.From information in the Book of Mormon, we know that the city of Bountiful was in the land Bountiful and close to the city of Mulek which was located in east wilderness of the land of Zarahemla by the east sea, or the Caribbean ocean, in northern Belize.
This magnificent seven day all-inclusive tour emphasizes both late pre-classic and early classic activity regarding Nephite, Lamanite and Mulekite activity as we visit the ruins of Dzibanche, Kohunlich, Becan, Edzna, Uxmal and Chichen Itza.
On this tour you will see the Book of Mormon history come to life as we travel throughout the area proposed as the land of Bountiful. You will visit the LDS temple in Merida, Yucatan, seven archaeological sites, four locations associated with the Book of Mormon and other places of interest.
Itinerary
Day 1: Sunday, March 6, Merida, Yucatan
Our air flights take us to Merida, Mexico, the capital city of the state of
Yucatan. Merida is known as “WhiteCity” because of the extensive use of white limestone and white paint used in their buildings. Merida depicts much of the splendor of Colonial Mexico.Upon arrival in Merida, we will transfer to our deluxe hotel.(No meals provided)
Day 2: Monday, March 7, Merida, Yucatan
Today we visit the exciting, post-classic ruins of Chichen Itza, “Mouth of the Well of the Itzas.”One of the largest cities in the region, the buildings fall in the AD 1000 era.The Temple of Kukulcan, the sacred well and the observatory are highlights of this majestic post-Book of Mormon site.We will return to Merida for the evening. (Breakfast, Lunch).
(The Temple of Kukulcan is located at the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. It is labeled one of the seven wonders of the world and dates from 1000-1200 BC. Photo by Sheryl Lee Wilson.)
Day 3: Tuesday, March 8, Campeche
Today we will visit the magnificent archaeological city of Uxmal.The name Uxmal means 'thrice-built' in Mayan, referring to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician.Many call this site a photographer’s paradise.We continue on to the city of Campeche, the capital of the state of the same name, for the evening.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
(The Maya ruins of Uxmal dating to the Classic period labeled the GovernorsPalace. Uxmal is representative of the great Nephite apostasy and the Maya Classic period where many elaborate buildings were construced as outlined in Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon. Photo by Sheryl Lee Wilson.)
Day 4: Wednesday, March 9, Kohunlich
We begin our day by traveling to the ancient fortified city of Becan, which is remarkably similar to those constructed by Captain Moroni in the East Wilderness of the Book of Mormon.Becan would be located in the East Wilderness area.After our visit of Becan we will transfer and check into our deluxe jungle lodges.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5: Thursday, March 10, Kohunlich
This morning we will visit the archaeological zone of Dzibanche, a fertile region where evidence suggests the city Bountiful may have been located where the Savior visited the Nephites.Dzibanche, meaning “writing on wood,” owes its name to the fact that Temple number VI had a fairly large lintel made from quebracho wood that bears eight glyphs dated to AD 618.Dzibanche was a major site in the Maya area in the Classic Period (AD 300-900).In the afternoon
we will explore the majestic site of Kohunlich, named after the cohune palm.The site contains over 200 building, most of which are unexcavated.Settled around 200 BC, most of the construction took place between AD 200 and AD 600.The stone masks that are over 8 feet tall and date to around AD 500 are impressive to see.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Friday, March 11, Belize
Today we cross the border of Belize and bus to the town of Orange Walk and take a scenic motor boat ride up the river to the ancient Maya ruins of Laman Ayin.Dating to the Book of Mormon time period, these ancient ruins provide us with insights of the Nephites in the East Wilderness.We will continue on to Belize City for our final night of our tour.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
(Maya ruins of Laman Ayin located in Belize, Central America. Photo by Sheryl Lee Wilson)
Day 7: Saturday, March 12, Flights Home
Transferring to the airport, we will check in for our flights home. Our journey to the Land Bountiful has come to an end, but we will take with us memories that will last a lifetime. (No meals provided)
Mexico City option: Enhance your experience by adding an option to Mexico City
prior to embarking on the Land Bountiful tour.You will begin by flying to Mexico City on March 3 where you will spend three nights, visit the sites of Teotihuacan and Tenochtitlan, the Museum of Anthropology and History and other places of interest.You will the fly to Merida to begin the Bountiful tour on March 6 as outlined above.Combine the tour tours for just an additional $495 per person, double occupancy.
Prices and itineraries are subject to change.Provided meals are noted at the end of each day.Time will be given for optional second or third meals during the day.
The price of the tour is $1,825 per person based on double occupancy. Airfare is extra and is currently around $500-$600 per person for round-trip flights from the USA to Merida, Mexico and back from Belize City.Everyone needs a passport.Please contact us by email at blake@ldstours.com if you need information on obtaining a passport, for help on booking your airline tickets or if you have any other questions.
A $500 deposit per person is required to reserve your space. The deposit is non-refundable but may be applied to another tour if taken within 12 months of the original tour date.The balance is due sixty days prior to departure.
Tour includes six nights hotel accommodations, daily buffet breakfast, seven additional lunches or dinners at restaurants, first class bus transportation, entrance fees and guide service to places listed on the itinerary, taxes and tips on group items, literature and maps pertaining to your tour, and escorted by professional tour director Blake Joseph Allen.
(Fabulous Fiesta America Hotel in Merida, Yucatan where we spend three nights. Daily breakfast and dinner provided.)
Let the Book of Mormon change your life.....again!
