Day 1
We are treated to a glimpse of beautiful countryside: the jungle and ruins of Guatemala. Then we see Jeff who explains the history of the country hosting this season’s installment of Survivor. “We’re in Petan, Northern Guatemala surrounded by ruins thousands of years old. Hidden deep in the jungle, these ruins are a monument to a once powerful and sophisticated civilization, the Maya’s. Best known for their advanced celestial knowledge and uncanny ability to calculate time, the Maya culture thrived and then mysteriously vanished."

Jeff continues, "Today, these jungles are home to exotic and dangerous wildlife, Jaguar, poisonous snakes and crocodiles that lurk in every body of water. It’s an unforgiving environment where extreme temperatures, high humidity and torrential rain storms bring even the strongest to their knees. It's here that a group of Americans have already begun the adventure of a lifetime. They have been divided into two tribes, hiking to a destination unknown with no idea of the surprise that awaits them. It is the ultimate challenge. 18 strangers forced to work together to create a new society while battling the elements and each other. They must learn to adapt or they will be voted out of the tribe. In the end, only one will remain to claim the million dollar prize. 39 Days, 18 People 1 Survivor!”

We see the different tribes emerging from the jungle and making their way to the mats placed for each group, one yellow one blue. Jeff welcomes them and goes on to explain, “Welcome to Survivor Guatemala. You are standing in the ruins of and ancient civilization that is literally thousands of years old. For the next 39 days you will live amongst these ruins like the Maya did. You have already been divided into two tribes. Nakum wearing yellow; and Yaxha wearing blue.” (Jeff passes the flag poles to each tribe). 

“You will both live at separate camps. Waiting for you are a few items used by the Maya that will help you live as the Maya did. In addition to the things waiting for you, each tribe will have one other tool in this game.” Jeff motions to the top of one of the ruins and says, “C’mon out.”

We see Stephanie and Bobby Jon from Survivor Palau emerge from the top of a pyramid. The girls seem very happy to see Stephenie. Everyone is clapping. They make their way down. Jeff goes on, “I’m sure you guys recognize Stephenie and Bobby Jon from Survivor Palau. These are two proven survivor players. They have been through this experience. They know how to make fire. They know how to source food. They know how to build shelter. With Stephenie, you have arguably the strongest woman to ever play this game, and somebody who has proven she WILL NOT QUIT. Bobby Jon, a strong competitor at challenges, and at day-to-day camp living: arguably the hardest working Survivor EVER.” By the time Jeff finishes talking Steph and Bobby Jon have made it to where everyone is. Stephenie says, “What’s up guys?” Jeff informs them what tribe they are on. Stephenie will be a member of Yaxha and Bobby Jon a member of Nakum.

Yaxha’s interviews: Brian: “I’m like in LOVE with Stephenie. So when I found out she was in our tribe I’m like, Woo-hoo. We’re winning, we’re good to go.” Brianna tells us: “I cried. I couldn’t help but just cry. She is such a inspiration.” and finally James, who isn’t so happy: “All the girls were crying when they saw Stephenie ‘cause that’s their hero. I didn’t shed a tear when I saw her. How am I gonna win a million dollars now she’s here?”

From Nakum we hear from Danni: “We’re really happy to have Bobby Jon on our tribe. A man is just stronger and he makes it easy on the eyes. So that’s always a plus.” Cindy: “We are just thrilled to have Bobby Jon cause he‘s not gonna quit for anything. And he is not gonna disappoint on his tribe.” Brandon adds: “Bobby Jon is a tough worker supposedly but I don’t know we’ll just have to see. But I don’t know he’s kinda dumb I guess you’d say.”

Jeff makes it clear that Steph and Bobby Jon are members of the tribe and they are players in this game. You can use their experience and back bone in this game.

The first challenge is for reward. It’s an 11-mile grueling trek. The reward is the better camp. The winning tribe claims the right to that camp and they get flint to make fire. Each tribe follows a path. They have to decide how much food and supplies they want to carry with them on the trek. They race for the starting point. They are given a map and compass. Use your compass to walk a straight line until you hit the old archaeological road.

Jim takes the lead with his tribe and gets someone to walk in front in a straight line. He is worried that they will walk in circles. Garry and Steph take the lead in the other tribe. Garry lies and tells the tribe he is a landscape gardener not a Pro Football player. Garry admits they made a few mistakes. He said his maternal instincts kicked in with them as they are all kids.

Bobby Jon's tribe, Nakum, are in the lead. As they are deciding their next move, a tree branch falls onto Blake's shoulder. The branch had some kind of thorn/briar-type thing protruding. Margaret, a nurse, ends up pulling the thorns from his shoulder. We go back to Yaxha tribe. Nightfall is upon them. They have to decide if they keep going or stop for the night. They can’t see but they know they are behind Nakum. Stephenie really didn’t want to stop. She doesn’t want to start off on the losing team. Back again to the Nakum, Blake is throwing up now. Dehydration and pain from his shoulder are taking a toll. He thanks Margaret for all her help. Margaret: “I hope he is better in the morning.”  Part One [16 minutes]

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Day 2
Yaxha: As soon as the sun came up, they hear animals and someone spots a monkey. Brian wanted to get started to get a jump on the other tribe. They pack up and start through the jungle and hear the other tribe, Nakum. Morgan thought they were hours behind the other tribe. Margaret: "Coming across the other tribe let the air out of their balloon." It's raining and they come across an open trail. Nakum are leading at this point. Yaxha have two members lagging behind, Lydia and Amy weren’t as fit (according to Stephanie). Stephanie gets Lydia to do a slow jog together to catch up. Bobby Jon got cold and dehydrated, fell and claims he’s having leg cramps. Margaret went to the rescue, again.

Judd sees the water and boats and knows the end is near. They read the next directions to find their camp. They all get into their boats and start paddling and as they’re in the water, they spot the other tribe. Yaxha – trailing. They see the other tribe and start running to their boat to start rowing to catch up. Nakum – leading. Judd jumps out of the boat into the mud that is almost like quicksand. Bobby Jon can barely move and was struggling to get out of the boat. Judd reaches the Mayan Ruins and the rest of the tribe is running. They see Jeff Probst who welcomes Nakum! “CONGRATULATIONS, nicely done guys. So 11 miles, 24 hour trek." He hands them their flag: “You guys definitely earned this.” They are given the flint and told good luck. 

Jeff tells the other tribe that this is not their camp. They are given another map to their camp and given their flag. They are told to get their stuff and go. Stephanie says this was the most difficult challenge the game has ever had.  Part Two [8 minutes]

Yaxha now has to paddle to their camp. They‘re all tired and start walking to their tribe. They finally get to camp and find pots and start to decide where they want to build shelter. They start looking for wood and leaves to make their shelter. Stephenie is excited that their tribe has energy and determination like she does. 

Nakum: Blake is still puking. Judd is now sick. Jim isn’t doing well. Bobby Jon is cramped up and his eyes are rolling in his head. Margaret is trying to get his attention and help him as she pours water over his head. Margaret: "These big strong guys and they’re all down! The girls are holding up remarkably well." Cindy: “It was a bittersweet victory. They won, but they’re weak.” 

Day 3
Stephenie gets the tree mail (it's on a boat paddle) and brings it back to the tribe to read. Stephanie starts talking to the tribe: “Now. Here’s what I’ve learned.” 

At Nakum the mail is being discussed. Bobby Jon says with their tribe not being good shape, it’s a concern. He thinks the girls are now the strongest physically, but if our guys go through this challenge and turn it on, they’re definitely going to have a good day today.

Immunity challenge:
Each of the tribes paddles to their first immunity challenge. Jeff Probst shows them what they’re playing for: the immunity idol. “The game revolves around immunity. As long as you have it in your possession, whether as a tribe or an individual, then you are safe. If not, you’re in danger of going home. Okay, let’s get to it.”

“The challenge: It is based on the method that the Maya use for transporting their materials to build their pyramids. On my go, all nine of you paddle out in a boat, around the buoy, grab a torch and come back. Once you reach the shore, you’ll drag your boat up the beach and attach it to a rope. At that point, four people will race up a hill and begin pulling on that rope. As you pull, you’ll move your boat over a series of rolling logs. This is how the Maya did it. Every time you clear a log, four other people will take that back log and move it to the front. That will keep the momentum going. That leaves one person left. Their sole responsibility will be to carry that torch. Once the boat crosses the finish line, the person with the torch lights the fire. The first tribe to get their flame lit wins immunity. The loser’s tribal council and the first person will be voted out. Yaxha you still need fire. Win this challenge and you get flint.”

Each tribe sets out and are pretty even. It’s dead even at the buoy. Yaxha has their torch first. Then makes the turn and almost has a collision. Each team struggles. Stephenie’s foot gets caught under a log. Both tribes are even. Yaxha starts to get a bit of a lead. Danni gets caught under a log. Nakum really starts to struggle. Yaxha takes a big lead. Nakum is not giving up. Yaxha are very close to the finish. Lydia lights the fire and YAXHA wins. They win flint to start a fire and immunity. Part Three [10 minutes]

Nakum returns from the challenge. Jim says his left bicep snapped. Brandon has his doubts that half the people will make it. Jim is hurt. Blake is sick. Margaret gives Jim water. Margaret says it’s really tough when a third of your team is sick, but it’s all about who can carry this tribe forward.

Nakum is not happy to be going to TC. Back at camp, we find that Jim snapped his left bicep during the competition. He says he lifted the boat before everyone else was ready. Nurse Margaret to the rescue once again, put his arm in a makeshift sling in his shirt. Jim was a bit down on the others for not lifting when he did. The girls and Brandon were at the boat talking about the men going down with cramps, vomiting, and dehydrated. They say Bobby Jon was worse off with his eyes rolling back in his head. Brandon threw his two cents worth in calling them "a bunch of crippled broken down guys.” Margaret: “Losing is rough, heat really zapped us, third of team is down, hard to strategize, it’s all about who can carry team forward.”

Nakum arrives at TC set in a Mayan ruin with lots of fire all around. (They seem to be looking around like a bunch of tourists at Disney World.) Jeff is waiting for them. Jeff: "Behind you is a torch. Approach the fire and light your torch. Fire represents your life. When fire is gone so are you. Take a seat.”

Jeff says this is the toughest start to Survivor ever. Bobby Jon, Blake, Judd and Jim: all down.

Bobby Jon " Don't like getting beat down this early in game, I could be saying sayonara I hope not, not too many people get a second chance at a Million dollars. 
Jeff: Does his usual asking certain ones to express their view?
Danni: I'm a little surprised. Guys were carrying the biggest load and were more physical while the women have more endurance.
Jeff: Judd you have to be thinking "am I in trouble?”
Judd: Not at all, I was only on my back for an hour: puked and got right back up, I'm ready to do a back flip right now if you want me to (sarcastically). 
Jeff: Whoa! I only asked a simple question. Jeff asks Jim about his makeshift sling. 
Jim: “It’s going to hurt the tribe if everyone isn’t giving their all.” He explained to Jeff how it happened. He’s not blaming it on his arm when everyone isn’t giving 100%. 

Jeff: "It’s time to vote Blake you are up." While the voting is going on the Survivors look around at the ruins. The Survivors all cast their votes and return to their seats. One comment made during voting: “You are one of the toughest dudes I met.” Jeff: "I'll go tally the votes." Jeff reads them, five votes all for Jim. “The first person voted out of Survivor Guatemala: Jim. That’s five; that’s enough. The tribe has spoken. Bring me your torch. It is time for you to go.” Jim leaves. 

Jeff: “36 more days to go. Seems like your dilemma is, you have to learn how to give your all without destroying yourself in the process. Time to go back to camp. Good night." They all take their torches and head off to camp. 

Jim's final remarks were that it was a great experience and he doesn’t blame his tribe mates for voting for him. Jim hopes no one gets hurt and wishes them all well. Part Four [10 minutes]

Big Morty thanks to the following people. smirnoff, MASHEE, pebbles468, DenimPerzina, marioandluigi82 and poohBear for your contributions to the page.

The cast of Survivor 11  Guatemala The Maya Empire

As always, we're looking for those people that didn't miss the show to write about it.  You don't need to be Shakespeare, it's just TV, Click Here if you think you'd like to give it a try. We're also looking for "spoiler scouts" who've dug up a detail that hasn't aired yet.

Are you ready for the debut?  Hanklee filed this pre-show report:

There have been numerous rumors that have surfaced in the reality sites that there will be two additional guests on the Survivor Guatemala season this year.

Jeff Probst stated that 18 people would make up the cast of Survivor Guatemala.

This morning CBS showed 16 people in the preview of the season.

The CBS site shows 16 cast members.

The Survivor 11 preview shown at the finale of Survivor Palau stated that 18 people would participate in Survivor Guatemala - The Mayan Empire.

According to CBS, Survivor: Guatemala's castaways will begin their adventure with an eleven mile hike through the jungle. At the end of their hike, they will arrive at an ancient Mayan ruins and ceremonial site (reported to be located within Guatemala's Yaxhá national park) where they will "be faced with two additional surprises" that will "dramatically impact how they play the game"

There have been numerous on-line postings that Stephanie LaGrossa and Bobby Jon Dinkard from Survivor - Palau's Ulong Tribe have been sighted within the Yaxhá national park complex during the filming of Survivor 11 during June and July of this year.

If we add Stephanie and Bobby Jon to the 16 cast members announced today, we get the 18 people previously announced by CBS

Stephanie LaGrossa – from Survivor 2005 – Palau – Ulong Tribe

Bobby Jon Dinkard – from Survivor 2005 – Palau – Ulong Tribe

Will our buff and ready favorite from Palau, Stephanie, be there? We will have to wait for further information. Survivor 11 Guatemala Preview #2 [4 minutes]

Here's Primer on the Mayan Empire:  Maya, group of related Native American tribes of nations of the Mayan linguistic stock, living in Mexico, in the states of Veracruz, Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, and Chiapas, and also in the greater part of Guatemala and in parts of Belize and Honduras. The best-known tribe, the Maya proper, after whom the entire group is named, occupies the Yucatán Peninsula. Among the other important tribes are the Huastec, Tzeltal, Chol, Quiché, Cakchiquel, Pokonchi, Pokomam, and Chortí. They were all part of a common civilization, and with the exception of the Huastec, these tribes today occupy contiguous territory. Maya, called also Yucatec, the language of the Maya proper, is spoken by about 350,000 people in Yucatán, Guatemala, and Belize.

Mayan ruins in Guatemala Click to Enlarge

Knowledge of the Mayan civilization's origins depends on conflicting interpretations of archaeological evidence. The civilization formed at least as early as 1500 BC. About AD 300 to 900 a more or less uniform civilization spread throughout the Mayan territories. Great ceremonial centers included Palenque, Tikal, and Copán, but they were mysteriously abandoned about 900. From that time until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, Mayan civilization centered in Yucatán. Chichén Itzá and Mayapán were prominent cities but were abandoned after a period of civil war and revolution. The Spanish easily overcame the major Mayan groups, although the Mexican government did not succeed in subduing the last independent communities until 1901. Today the Maya make up the bulk of the peasant population in their former lands.

Agriculture formed the basis of the Mayan economy in pre-Columbian times. The tribes were ruled by hereditary chiefs, descended in the male line, who delegated authority over village communities to local chieftains. Land, held in common by each village, was parceled out by these chieftains to the separate families. The Mayan religion centered around the worship of a large number of nature gods. The Maya's remarkable architecture remains as great ruins at former centers for religious ceremonies, including Palenque, Uxmal, Mayapán, Copán, Tikal, Uaxactún, and Chichén Itzá. The usual plan consisted of pyramidal mounds, often surmounted by temples or other buildings, grouped around open plazas.