19-Day Maya Adventure: Complete Mexico, Belize & Guatemala with Intrepid Premium

Tour Overview

Embark on the ultimate 19-day Maya adventure through Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, exploring the complete Maya world from the ancient ruins of Palenque and Chichén Itzá to the stunning Tikal and the beautiful Lake Atitlán. This premium journey combines world-class archaeology, vibrant indigenous cultures, stunning natural scenery, and beautiful beaches for an unforgettable Central American experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Mexico City

Arrive in Mexico City and transfer to your premium hotel. Explore the historic center: Zócalo (main square), the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace (with Diego Rivera murals), and the Templo Mayor (Aztec temple ruins). Evening welcome dinner with Mexican cuisine. Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 2: Mexico City – Teotihuacan & Frida Kahlo

Morning visit Teotihuacan, the ancient Mesoamerican city with the massive Pyramid of the Sun (third-largest pyramid in the world), the Pyramid of the Moon, the Avenue of the Dead, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Climb the pyramids for stunning views. After lunch, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (Blue House) in Coyoacán, the former home of the famous artist Frida Kahlo, with her artwork, personal belongings, and beautiful garden. Visit the nearby León Trotsky Museum. Evening explore the trendy Roma or Condesa neighborhoods for dinner. Overnight in Mexico City.

Day 3: Mexico City to Oaxaca (Flight)

Morning visit the National Museum of Anthropology, one of the world greatest museums, with its world-class collection of Mesoamerican artifacts including the Aztec Sun Stone, the Olmec colossal heads, and the Maya exhibit. After lunch, fly to Oaxaca (approximately 1.5 hours), the cultural capital of Mexico and a UNESCO Creative City. Upon arrival, explore the historic center of Oaxaca City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), with its beautiful colonial architecture, the Zócalo, the Santo Domingo Church, and the bustling markets. Evening enjoy Oaxacan cuisine (considered the best in Mexico), including mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. Overnight in Oaxaca.

Day 4: Oaxaca – Monte Albán & Craft Villages

Morning visit Monte Albán, the ancient Zapotec capital located on a hilltop overlooking Oaxaca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ruins including the Main Plaza, the South Platform, the North Platform, the Building of the Dancers (with its famous stone carvings of dancers), the Observatory, and the museum. After lunch, visit the craft villages around Oaxaca: San Bartolo Coyotepec (famous for its black pottery), San Martín Tilcajete (famous for its brightly painted wooden animal carvings called alebrijes), and Teotitlán del Valle (famous for its wool rugs and textiles). Watch artisans at work and visit their workshops. Evening visit a traditional mezcal distillery for a tasting. Overnight in Oaxaca.

Day 5: Oaxaca to San Cristóbal de las Casas (Chiapas)

Morning fly to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas (approximately 1.5 hours), and drive to San Cristóbal de las Casas (approximately 1 hour), a beautiful colonial city in the highlands of Chiapas, known for its vibrant indigenous culture, colorful markets, and beautiful architecture. Explore the historic center: the Zócalo, the Cathedral, the Santo Domingo Church, and the bustling markets selling textiles, handicrafts, and traditional goods. Visit the Na Bolom Cultural Center, a museum and research center dedicated to the indigenous cultures of Chiapas. Evening enjoy Chiapan cuisine. Overnight in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Day 6: Chiapas – Indigenous Villages & Cañón del Sumidero

Morning visit the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, two Tzotzil Maya villages near San Cristóbal. In San Juan Chamula, visit the unique church of San Juan with its fascinating blend of Catholic and traditional Maya religious practices (no photography allowed inside). In Zinacantán, visit the church of San Lorenzo and meet the local artisans who make traditional textiles and clothing. After lunch, visit the Cañón del Sumidero (Sumidero Canyon), a spectacular 1,000-meter-deep canyon carved by the Grijalva River. Take a boat cruise through the canyon to see the towering cliffs, waterfalls, crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of birds. Overnight in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Day 7: Palenque

Morning drive to Palenque (approximately 4-5 hours through the beautiful Chiapas countryside), arriving at the ancient Maya city of Palenque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful and important Maya archaeological sites, located in the lush tropical rainforest of Chiapas. Explore the ruins including the Temple of the Inscriptions (the funerary temple of King Pakal the Great, with its famous carved stone sarcophagus lid), the Palace (with its distinctive tower), the Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Foliated Cross, the Great Plaza, and the museum. Visit the nearby Palenque National Park with its waterfalls and jungle trails. Evening enjoy a dinner in the nearby town of Palenque. Overnight in Palenque.

Day 8: Palenque to Campeche (via Usumacinta)

Morning visit the nearby Maya site of Yaxchilán (if accessible by boat from the Usumacinta River) or Bonampak, known for its spectacular well-preserved Maya murals depicting royal ceremonies, battles, and rituals. After lunch, drive to Campeche (approximately 4-5 hours), a beautiful colonial walled city on the Gulf of Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic center with its colorful colonial buildings, the city walls and forts, the Cathedral, and the waterfront malecón. Evening enjoy Campeche cuisine including pan de cazón (shark casserole) and agua de chile. Overnight in Campeche.

Day 9: Uxmal & Mérida

Morning visit Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Maya archaeological sites, known for its distinctive Puuc style of architecture with its intricate stone mosaics. Explore the ruins including the Pyramid of the Magician (an oval pyramid unique in Maya architecture), the Nunnery Quadrangle (with its beautiful mosaic facades), the Governor Palace (with its massive facade of mosaic stonework), the Great Pyramid, and the Ball Court. After lunch, drive to Mérida (approximately 1.5 hours), the capital of Yucatán and a beautiful colonial city known as the White City. Explore the historic center: the Plaza Grande, the Cathedral, the Casa de Montejo, the Paseo de Montejo (with its beautiful mansions), and the bustling markets. Evening enjoy Yucatecan cuisine including cochinita pibil, panuchos, and salbutes. Overnight in Mérida.

Day 10: Chichén Itzá & Valladolid

Morning visit Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, one of the most important and most visited Maya archaeological sites. Explore the ruins including the iconic Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo), the Great Ball Court (the largest in Mesoamerica), the Temple of the Warriors, the Group of a Thousand Columns, the Sacred Cenote, the Observatory (El Caracol), and the Temple of the Jaguars. Visit the nearby cenote Ik Kil for a refreshing swim in a beautiful natural sinkhole. After lunch, visit the nearby colonial town of Valladolid, with its beautiful center, the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, and the nearby Cenote Suytun. Overnight in Valladolid or Cancún.

Day 11: Tulum & Playa del Carmen

Morning visit Tulum, the only Maya archaeological site located on the coast, with its stunning setting on cliffs overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Explore the ruins including the Castillo (the main temple), the Temple of the Frescoes (with its beautiful murals), the Temple of the Descending God, the Great Palace, and the beach. After exploring the ruins, enjoy some time on the beautiful Tulum beach. After lunch, drive to Playa del Carmen (approximately 45 minutes), a vibrant beach town on the Riviera Maya. Explore the famous Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) with its shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and the Caribbean Sea. Evening enjoy a seafood dinner on the beach. Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 12: Cancún to Belize City (Flight or Ferry)

Morning free for beach time or optional activities including snorkeling, diving, or visiting the nearby eco-archaeological park of Xcaret. After lunch, fly or take the ferry to Belize City (approximately 1.5 hours flight or ferry from Chetumal). Upon arrival in Belize City, transfer to your hotel. Explore Belize City: visit the Government House (now a museum), the Supreme Court, the St. John Cathedral (the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America), the Swing Bridge, and the Belize Museum. Evening enjoy Belizean cuisine including rice and beans, stew chicken, and fresh seafood. Overnight in Belize City.

Day 13: Belize – Altun Ha & Cave Tubing

Morning visit Altun Ha, the most important Maya archaeological site in Belize, located near Belize City. Known as the Stone of the Water, Altun Ha was a major Maya trading center and ceremonial site. Explore the ruins including the Temple of the Green Tomb (where the famous carved jade head of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau was found, weighing nearly 10 pounds), the Temple of the Masonry Altars, the Plaza, and the reservoir. After lunch, go cave tubing in the nearby Cayo District – float on inner tubes through a series of spectacular limestone caves with stalactites, stalagmites, and ancient Maya artifacts. This is a fun and unique adventure for all ages. Evening return to Belize City or overnight in San Ignacio. Overnight in Belize City/San Ignacio.

Day 14: San Ignacio & Xunantunich

Morning drive to San Ignacio (approximately 2 hours), the main town in the Cayo District of western Belize, near the Guatemalan border. Visit Xunantunich (meaning Stone Woman in Maya), a stunning Maya archaeological site located on a ridge above the Mopan River, with its iconic El Castillo pyramid (the second-tallest building in Belize at 40 meters) offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Guatemala. Explore the ruins including El Castillo, the Plaza, the palaces, and the ball court. After lunch, visit the nearby Maya site of Cahal Pech (meaning Place of the Ticks), a smaller but beautiful site located on a hill above San Ignacio, with its well-preserved palaces, plazas, and ball court. Visit the nearby town of Benque Viejo del Carmen on the Guatemalan border. Evening enjoy a dinner in San Ignacio. Overnight in San Ignacio.

Day 15: Tikal, Guatemala

Morning cross the border into Guatemala and drive to Tikal (approximately 2-3 hours from San Ignacio), one of the greatest Maya archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the heart of the Petén rainforest. Tikal was one of the most powerful and populous cities of the ancient Maya world, with its towering pyramids rising above the jungle canopy. Explore the ruins including the Great Plaza, Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar, 47 meters tall), Temple II (Temple of the Masks), Temple III, Temple IV (the tallest at 70 meters, offering stunning views over the jungle canopy), the North Acropolis, the Mundo Perdido (Lost World) complex, the Palace, the Ball Court, and the many plazas and temples. Look for wildlife including howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, and a variety of birds. Visit the museum and the visitor center. Evening enjoy a dinner in the nearby town of Flores or at the Tikal National Park lodges. Overnight in Flores/Tikal.

Day 16: Yaxhá & to Guatemala City

Morning visit Yaxhá, a stunning Maya archaeological site located between two lakes (Yaxhá and Sacnab) in the Petén region, less visited than Tikal but equally impressive. Yaxhá means Blue-Green Water in Maya, and the site features over 500 structures including temples, palaces, plazas, and ball courts, with stunning views over the lakes and surrounding jungle. Explore the ruins including the North Acropolis, the South Acropolis, the Great Plaza, the Temple of the Red Hands (with its well-preserved red hand stencils), and the beautiful lake views. After lunch, fly to Guatemala City (approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Evening explore Guatemala City: visit the historic center, the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and the trendy Zona Viva area for dinner. Overnight in Guatemala City.

Day 17: Antigua Guatemala

Morning drive to Antigua Guatemala (approximately 1 hour), a beautiful colonial city surrounded by volcanoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful cities in Central America. Explore the historic center: the Central Park (Parque Central), the Cathedral of Santiago (partially in ruins after earthquakes), the Arco de Santa Catalina (the iconic yellow arch), the Convento de las Capuchinas, the Iglesia de la Merced (with its beautiful yellow and white facade), the Casa Santo Domingo (a luxury hotel and museum in a former convent), and the many ruins of churches and convents destroyed by earthquakes. Visit the markets selling textiles, handicrafts, and traditional goods. After lunch, visit a nearby coffee plantation for a tour and tasting (Antigua is famous for its coffee). Optional: hike the nearby Pacaya Volcano for stunning views and the opportunity to see an active volcano. Evening enjoy Guatemalan cuisine including pepián, kak ik, and fresh tropical fruit. Overnight in Antigua.

Day 18: Lake Atitlán

Morning drive to Lake Atitlán (approximately 2.5 hours), one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by three volcanoes (Tolimán, Atitlán, and San Pedro) and a dozen Maya villages. Take a boat across the lake to visit the villages: Santiago Atitlán (the largest village, with its famous Maximón shrine and textile market), San Juan La Laguna (known for its natural dyes and textiles), San Pedro La Laguna (a popular backpacker destination with beautiful views), and Santa Catarina Palopó (known for its colorful painted houses). Explore the villages, meet the local Maya people, learn about their traditional culture and crafts, and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and volcanoes. After lunch, visit the nearby town of Panajachel (the main tourist hub on the lake) for shopping and exploration. Evening return to Antigua or overnight at a lakeside lodge. Overnight in Antigua/Lake Atitlán.

Day 19: Departure from Guatemala City

Morning free for last-minute exploration of Antigua or shopping for Guatemalan handicrafts including textiles, jade, coffee, and traditional crafts. Drive to Guatemala City (approximately 1 hour) and transfer to La Aurora International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your extraordinary 19-day Maya adventure through Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses