In January, 2009, ten Explorations Academy students and two teachers left Bellingham for a month-long expedition to Guatemala and Belize. Our journeys in Mesoamerica included visiting the rich coffee- growing area west of Lake Atitlan, a five-day backpack trip in the Mirador Basin to explore the largest known Mayan pyramid and a paddle into a sacred cave, passing ledges adorned with human skulls. We also visited the south coat of Belize to complete our academic studies and reflect upon our incredible experiences. Come join us and hear about our adventures, including learning backstrap weaving, watching chicleros tapping the chicle tree for gum, working with leading Mayan archaeologists, and being the first ever high school group to hike the 155km Mirador Trail --- all while studying a full high school curriculum of Mayan history, tropical ecology, and Spanish!