INTRIQ SIGNATURES: 13 DAYS ECHOES OF THE MAYA - MEXICO TO GUATEMALA

Transfer from Airport to Hotel

Arrive in Mexico City, a bustling metropolis known for its world-class museums, dynamic culinary scene and vibrant culture. 

Transfer to your hotel for dinner and a good night’s rest after your long flight. 

Coyoacan & Frida Kahlo Museum 

Coyoacan is a charming bohemian neighbourhood with lively plazas, cafes and beautiful old buildings. Here, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum, and dive into the life and work of this world-renowned Mexican artist. The museum also showcases artefacts providing insight into her life with her husband, famous muralist Diego Rivera.

Mexico City Highlights

Explore the historic centre centred around the Zocalo (Main Square) and iconic landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and Aztec ruins of the Templo Mayor.

Discover Teotihuacan

Just outside Mexico City, Teotihuacan is the most important pre-Aztec ancient city famous for its pyramids. We explore its temples, palaces and pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Moon and the immense Pyramid of the Sun, ranked among the biggest in the world.

National Museum of Anthropology

Situated within Chapultepec Park, this sprawling museum holds the world’s largest collection of ancient Mexican artefacts and is the most visited in all of Mexico.

Flight Transfer to Merida

Fly to Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, where we continue our Mayan site explorations and uncover unique geographical features such as Cenotes (natural sinkholes).

Upon arrival in Merida, drive around 2h to our hotel near Chichen Itza.

KulKulkan Nights (Chichen Itza)

Be mesmerised at the Kukulkan Nights night show, as this ancient Mayan site comes to life with vibrant lights and projection.

Chichen Itza

The magnificent ruins of Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and best restored of the Yucatan’s Mayan sites. It’s known for its impressive structures, including the iconic Pyramid of Kulkulkan with a striking geometric design and the Great Ball Court.

Intriq Signatures Collection: Lunch at Private Cenote Xocempich

Cenotes are natural sinkhole pools filled with crystal-clear freshwater, and considered sacred sites in ancient Maya. In this Intriq Signatures exclusive, indulge in an idyllic private lunch amidst the serenity of a hidden cenote, followed by a refreshing swim at your fancy!

Merida City Tour

Drive to Merida, the cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. We explore its historical center on a walking tour, and drive along Paseo Montego boulevard with its stately homes, shops and restaurants.

Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Around 1.5h drive west of Merida, Celestun Biosphere Reserve is home to over 550 plant species and some 300 species of birds, including the Mexican pink flamingo. Embark on a boat ride through the estuaries and mangrove forests to spot these beautiful pink flamingo colonies and other birds.

Drive to Campeche

After lunch, we drive around 3 hours south to Campeche, a quaint colonial town known for its well-preserved historic centre and impressive city walls.

Drive to Palenque

We start this day bright and early, for a 5.5h drive to Palenque

Explore Palenque

The Palenque archaeological site is nestled amidst the lush jungles of Chiapas in southern Mexico and stands out for its seamless integration with the surrounding rainforest and its intricately-carved stone structures. Key sites include the Temple of the Inscriptions and The Palace, with a tower offering panoramic views of the site.

Crossing the Border into Guatemala

Today will be a long drive to Guatemala. En route, visit the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls with beautiful turquoise-coloured waters cascading over limestone formations. After crossing the border into Guatemala, drive around 3.5 hours to our hotel to rest for the night.

Note: We will be switching tour guides and buses at the Mexican border.

Tikal & Uaxactun

Discover Uaxactún, featuring the oldest complete Maya astronomical complex discovered. Its extensive history and advanced astronomical knowledge highlight the sophistication of the Maya culture.

After lunch, explore the magnificent ruins of Tikal, with impressive sites such as the Great Plaza and the Temple of the Jaguar, set against the backdrop of vibrant wildlife like howler monkeys and the dense jungle.

Flight transfer to Lake Atitlan (via Guatemala City)

After breakfast, we fly to Guatemala City.

Upon arrival, have lunch en route a 3-hour drive to Lake Atitlan. Enjoy sunset views and a relaxing dinner at Lake Atitlan.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, renowned for its stunning beauty, is surrounded by picturesque volcanoes and charming Mayan villages. Key villages here include San Juan, famous for its weaving workshops using natural dyes and traditional back-strap looms. We also take a boat ride to Santiago to visit the house of Maximon, the revered Maya folk saint.

Privately Chartered Chicken Bus

“Chicken buses”got their name as passengers often brought live poultry on board these colourful, repurposed American school buses. Hop on a Chicken Bus privately chartered for our tour en route back to Antigua!

Holy Week (Semana Santa)

Enjoy a preview of Holy Week Festivities without the massive crowds, such as Sunday processions from nearby villages. A notable highlight are elaborate street carpets (alfombras) made with colourful sawdust and flowers, particularly prominent and unique to Guatemalan culture.

Antigua Highlights

Antigua is among the most charming cities in the Americas, nestled amidst 3 volcanoes and famous for its stunning Spanish colonial architecture. Embark on a walking tour to explore ornate churches, Spanish colonial ruins including the Cathedral of San Jose and the Arco de Santa Catalina.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport

Transfer to Guatemala City for your departure flight home.