Trek Tips

Playa Del Carmen
to San Jose
Trek Tips® 2016
DEPARTS:
PLAYA DEL
CARMEN to
SAN JOSE
TREK CODE:
BPS
ITINERARY:
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START 6pm DAY 1
)
DAY 1 PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO (L
)
DAY 2/3 TULUM, MEXICO (L
)
DAY 4-6 CAYE CAULKER, BELIZE (L
)
DAY 7/8 SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE (L
DAY 9 TIKAL, GUATEMALA
)
DAY 10/11 RIO DULCE, GUATEMALA (L
L

DAY 12 ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA ( )
DAY 13 CHICHICASTENANGO & SAN JORGE LA
)
LAGUNA, GUATEMALA (L
)
DAY 14 PANAJACHEL, GUATEMALA (L
)
DAY 15/16 ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA (L
)
DAY 17 COPAN, HONDURAS (L
)
DAY 18/19 SUCHITOTO, EL SALVADOR (L
)
DAY 20 EL TUNCO, EL SALVADOR (L
)
DAY 21/22 EL CUCO, EL SALVADOR (L
)
DAY 23/24 GRANADA, NICARAGUA (L
)
DAY 25/26 OMETEPE ISLAND, NICARAGUA (L
)
DAY 27/28 MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA (L
DAY 29/30 LA FORTUNA & ARENAL VOLCANO
)
NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA (L
TREK INCLUDES
Visit Mexico, Belize, Guatemala,
Honduras, Nicaragua and
Costa Rica
Spot wildlife on Ometepe Island
Travel south through legendary
Central America
Explore the steamy Monteverde
cloud forest
Enjoy sand, sun and fun in Playa
del Carmen
Enjoy a laid back day sightseeing
in Antigua and Granada
Learn the history of ancient
Guatemalan ruins
Admire the dramatic scenery
surrounding San Jose
Kick back on the beautiful coast
of Belize
Experience traditional
Guatemalan life with a
local homestay
Enjoy colonial buildings and
volcanoes in Antigua
Haggle in the markets of
Chichicastenango
Bargain hard in the markets in
Granada and Costa Rica
Swim in the warm Pacific waters
in El Tunco and El Cuco
Tour through the ancient Mayan
ruins at Copan
)
DAY 31/32 SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (L
(Finish Day 32 after breakfast)
>>
View a detailed day-by-day itinerary at:
www.trekamerica.co.uk/bps
Emergency Contact Details: For all departures in the USA & Canada call:
From
For
allthe
departures
US: Toll-Free:
in Central
1 (800)
America:
786 - 8735 or 707 523 1800
From outside
Viaventure:
502
the5778
US: 001
4100
707
or 523
+502- 1800
5778 4052
Any QUESTIONS?
Please contact our UK Sales team at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920
PLUS YOU GET...
• Services of a professional bilingual tour leader
• All transport by BOLT (Buses or Local Transport)
)
• All accommodation (L
25 twin share & 4 multi-share hotel nights, 1 homestay
& 1 camping night (no sleeping bag required)
ESSENTIAL INFO:
• Group Size: Max 16
•
Access available in the majority of hotels either in
rooms or common areas.
JOINING YOUR TREK
Trek Joining Instructions
Your tour will begin with a pre departure meeting at approximately 18:00 on
the evening of day 1. These times do occasionally change so make sure you
check your tour voucher for the most up to date info on your departure date.
Make sure you have packed your bags, eaten breakfast and checked out of
your room before meeting your tour leader in the hotel lobby. You will spend
a while filling out paperwork and meeting your fellow trekkers before getting
on the road.
Finishing up
All good things come to an end, and your trek will typically finish in the
morning on your final day of the tour. If you need accommodation for after
your tour, you must book this in advance. Do not book a departure flight that
leaves before 9pm on the final day of your tour. You will be responsible for any
transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier flight.
JOINING POINT:
PLAYA DEL CARMEN HOSTEL
For joining point hotel information,
please check your voucher for most
up to date information.
Transfer: Playa del Carmen is approx. 1
hour from Cancun Airport. The easiest way
to get to your hotel is by taxi. Negotiate
the rate with one of the companies outside
the customs exit, expect to pay between
US$50-$60 per cab. Alternatively, catch
a mini vans departing every 15-30 mins
from the curb outside the International exit
for approx. US$18. If you pre-booked an
arrival/departure transfer and you can’t
locate your driver at the agreed time call
(+52 998)167 5011 or (+52 998) 173 8861.
FINISHING POINT
SAN JOSÉ HOTEL
Rincon de San José Hotel,
Calle Lang
San José
Costa Rica
Tel: +506 2296 1001
Transfer: Take the shuttle service to the
airport. Transfer takes 20-30 mins, cost
approx. US$15 (one way per person). You
must reserve the shuttle online www.
interbusonline.com at least 48 hours
before arrival. Taxis take 30 mins to the
International Airport (traffi c dependent).
To book nights in hotels before or after your trip, contact our sales
team on: [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920
Arrival Complications
The unexpected can happen. Your plane may be delayed or you may even
miss it! If you have missed your trek departure, first check with the hotel to
see if your tour leader left you a message. If not, call the relevant TrekAmerica
emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you
catch up with the group. You are responsible for any extra travelling expenses
incurred because of a missed trek, so please be on time.
Emergency Contact Details:
For all departures in Central America:
Viaventure: 502 5778 4100 or +502 5778 4052
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (paid locally)
There are loads of exciting optional activities for you to choose
from during your trip giving you the flexibility to do the things
you want to and leave out the things you don’t. Below are the
main optional activities for this trip, these can be arranged once
you are on tour via your Tour Leader and are paid for locally.
Please note, all costs are subject to change.
• Dos Ojos Cenote snorkelling tour - Playa del Carmen US$35
• Ferry to Cozumel - Playa del Carmen US$27
• Akumal Bay snorkelling tour - Tulum US$35
• Entrance to ruins - Tulum US$10
• Bike rental - Tulum US$10 per day
• Guided Snorkelling trip - Caye Caulker US$35-$70
• Sunset sailboat cruise - Caye Caulker US$37
• Sea kayaking - Caye Caulker US$25 (half day)
• Manatee tour - Caye Caulker US$60
• Xunantunich Ruins - San Ignacio US$10
• Barton Creek canoe trip - San Ignacio US$80
• Bicycle rental - San Ignacio US$4 per hr
• Guided Caracol Ruins tour - San Ignacio US$80
• Actun Tunichil Muknal cave tour - San Ignacio - US$105 (incl.
transport, guide & lunch)
• Butterfly farm - San Ignacio US$10
• River tubing - San Ignacio US$95
• Sunrise tour of ruins - Tikal US$60
• Zipline tour - Tikal US$45
• Guided private tour of ruins - Tikal US$40
• Boat trip to Livingston - Rio Dulce US$30
• Natural hot springs - Rio Dulce US$20
• Quirigua ruins - Rio Dulce US$30
• Salsa lessons - Antigua US$7 per day
• Bicycle tour - Antigua US$30
• Coffee & Macadamia Nut Plantation - Antigua US$45
• Santiago Zamora village tour - Antigua US$10
• San Pedro Volcano hike - Panajachel US$65
• Lakes & villages tour - Panajachel US$30
• Kayak rental - Panajachel US$6 per hour
• Bike rental - Panajachel US$10 per day
• Copan Ruins US$15
• Natural Hot Springs - Copan US$20
• Macaw Mountain Reserve - Copan US$10
• Lake Suchitlan boat tour - Suchitoto US$20
• Cinquera Forest hike - Suchitoto US$5
• Guazapa Volcano tour - Suchitoto US$60
• Cihuatan Ruins - Suchitoto US$3
• Mangrove Kayak - El Cuco US$40
• Volcan de Conchagua - El Cuco US$30
• Surf Lesson - El Cuco US$10
• Surf Trip to Las Flores Beach - El Cuco US$10
• Kayaking tour - Granada US$15
• Mombacho Volcano hike - Granada US$30
• Bicycle rental - Granada US$10 per day
• City Tour - Granada US$15
• Maderas Volcano hike - Ometepe Island US$15
• Concepcion Volcano - Ometepe Island US$25
• Ojo de Agua natural spring - Ometepe Island US$7
• Scooter rental - Ometepe Island US$30
• Night walk - Monteverde US$25
• Butterfly garden & insects farm - Monteverde US$10
• Coffee & Chocolate tour - Monteverde US$30
• Cloud Forest walking tour - Monteverde US$17
• Canyoneering - La Fortuna US$55
• Fortuna waterfall - La Fortuna US$10
• Hanging bridges - La Fortuna US$57
• Poas Volcano half day tour - San Jose US$46
• Irazu Volcano, Ososi Valley, Lankester garden full day tour San Jose US$80
• National Museum - San Jose US$7
Any QUESTIONS?
Please contact our UK Sales team at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920
PACKING
Packing Tips
You know what the Scouts say... BE PREPARED! Central America is huge,
and you’re likely to encounter lots of different climates during your trip.
Check the weather averages for the time of year you’re travelling and pack
accordingly. Here are some of the things that should be in your case as well
as your general clothes:
• Pillowcase / Sleeping bag liner
• Towel
• Casual clothes and a few ‘evening out’ options
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable day shoes / sandals or flip-flops
• Sensible footwear for walking, ideally walking boots with ankle support,
but trainers with good grip will suffice
• Warm sweater / fleece
• Warm hat / gloves
Weather
Weather can be changeable so it’s wise to pack something to cover all
seasons! Here’s a guide to the average high and low temperatures in some
of the places you’ll visit to help you decide what to pack.
• Swimwear
• Sun hat / sunglasses
High/Low Temperatures
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)
• Water bottle
Playa Del
Carmen
28
30
31
32
34
32
32
32
32
31
29
LOW
16
17
18
19
22
23
22
22
21
20
18
18
• Toiletries / personal medicine
Caye Caulker HIGH
28
29
30
31
32
32
32
32
32
31
30
29
LOW
20
21
22
24
25
26
25
25
25
24
22
21
HIGH
28
29
30
31
32
32
32
32
32
31
30
29
LOW
20
21
22
24
25
26
25
25
25
24
22
21
HIGH
26
26
29
31
32
31
31
31
30
28
27
26
• Camera & charger
• Travel power adaptor / USB car charger and cord
San Ignacio
Tikal
HIGH
29
LOW
17
18
18
20
21
22
22
22
22
21
19
19
Rio Dulce
HIGH
34
35
36
36
35
33
34
34
33
33
34
34
LOW
21
21
22
23
24
23
23
23
23
23
22
21
Antigua
HIGH
22
23
25
25
25
24
23
24
23
22
23
22
LOW
12
12
13
15
16
16
16
16
16
15
14
13
Panajachel
HIGH
22
23
26
25
25
23
23
23
23
22
22
22
LOW
7
7
9
10
12
14
13
13
14
12
10
7
Copan
HIGH
26
26
29
29
28
27
27
27
26
26
26
27
LOW
17
17
18
19
20
20
19
19
19
19
20
19
Roatan Island HIGH
28
29
30
31
32
32
32
32
32
31
29
28
LOW
19
19
20
21
22
23
22
23
23
22
21
20
HIGH
29
30
32
31
31
28
27
29
28
29
29
30
LOW
20
20
22
23
23
22
21
22
21
22
21
21
Ometepe
Island
HIGH
26
28
29
28
28
26
27
28
27
27
27
27
LOW
22
23
23
23
23
22
23
24
22
23
22
23
Monteverde
HIGH
29
29
30
30
30
30
30
30
31
31
29
29
LOW
21
21
22
22
23
23
23
23
23
23
22
22
Arenal
Volcano NP
HIGH
13
32
33
33
31
29
29
30
30
30
30
30
LOW
5
22
22
23
23
22
22
22
22
22
22
21
San Jose
HIGH
28
29
30
30
29
28
28
28
28
28
28
28
LOW
18
18
18
19
19
19
19
18
18
18
18
18
Granada
C / F Conversions:
-10ºC = 14ºF • 0ºC = 32ºF • 10ºC = 50ºF • 20ºC = 68ºF • 30ºC = 86ºF • 40ºC = 104ºF
EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS
In the event of an emergency or if you wish to report a
problem on tour, please contact us on the number below.
For all departures in Central America:
Viaventure:
502 5778 4100 or +502 5778 4052
READY TO GO? DON’T FORGET!


Trek vouchers

Pre & post hotel
confirmation
Flight booking
confirmation


Spending money
Visa / ESTA for entry
via the USA

Travel Insurance
These Trek Tips were last updated on 22/01/2016
Emergency Contact Details:
For all departures in Central America:
Viaventure: 502 5778 4100 or +502 5778 4052
Any QUESTIONS?
Please contact our UK Sales team at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920
Making the most
of your trip
Get yourself
Connected!
Did you know we have our ver y own social network, with loads
of great features which will put you at the centre of all the
Trek America action? With TrekAmerica Live you can:
Access your virtual tour group and meet your fellow Trekker’s six
weeks before departure
Chat to other Trekkers in our forums; talk packing, budgeting,
travel tips and more
Create an online scrapbook of your Trek America experience.
Connect your Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube
accounts, use the hashtags #iTrekHere and #TrekAmerica and
there you have it, all your Trek memories in one place!
Join now at: www.trekamericalive.com
KEEP IN TOUCH
As a TrekAmerica
customer receive a FREE
4G SIM Card when you purchase
an inclusive data plan including
unlimited domestic calls & texts.
www.trekamerica.co.uk/ekit
CURRENCY CARD
Get a FREE FairFX
currency card and top
up in advance for the best rates
available and no fees.
www.fairfx.com/trekamerica
Before you go
Tour Vouchers
Once your trip has been paid for in full, we’ll email you with your tour vouchers which you
can either print or download to your smart phone. If you’ve booked pre & post tour hotels,
your accommodation vouchers will also be sent at the same time. As a helpful reminder,
6 weeks before travel all vouchers will be emailed again as a PDF. Please keep these
vouchers safe and refer to them for the full details of your trip.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels
The first day of the tour is an arrivals day and you are free to arrive at any time. We include
a pre departure meeting at approximately 18:00, please look for a note in the hotel lobby
or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. Should you wish to reserve additional
pre tour nights, accommodation is offered on a single basis if travelling solo, or in a twin
share room with two single beds if travelling in a pair. Make sure you book your hotel well in
advance as availability is limited.
Flight Arrangements
We can book flights departing from most UK airports, but cannot be held responsible for
any delays, cancellations or changes to your flights. We recommend you book your flight
to arrive into the gateway city at least one day prior to your trek’s departure, this will allow
you some adjustment time and opportunities for sightseeing. If possible, book your return
flight for at least one day after your trek finishes. If you do have to return home earlier
than the tour finishes, we are unable to finish a tour early due to your flight times.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must be insured against medical
and personal accident risks (including repatriation costs, air ambulance, and helicopter
rescue service). Our insurance policy is designed specifically to cover the potential risks
on our holidays-particularly the optional activities offered, and covers those residing in
the EU. Contact us for more information or to get yourself covered.
Passports, Visas & Rules for entry
to Central American countries
Visas for entry to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and
Panama are not required by holders of UK, EU, Australian, New Zealand or US passports.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant embassy.
If you are planning to transit, or intend to stopover in the USA on your way to Central
America you will still need to follow the rules for entry to the USA.
Rules for entry to the USA
Holders of UK, Australian, New Zealand and most EU country passports are eligible to
travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver program is open to
people for travel in the USA for up to a 90 day stay, and is still a requirement even if you
are planning to transit in the USA or intend to stopover on the way to your destination.
All eligible travellers who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for
electronic travel authorisation from the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)
at least 72 hours before arrival. You can apply for an ESTA at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
You will require your passport details and your address in the US (you can use the starting
point hotel address).
At the time of compilation there is a USD$14 fee for the electronic approval (ESTA.) Your
ESTA will be valid for a period of two years, or until your passport expires. We recommend
you carry your ESTA approval with you when you travel.
From 1 April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program will
need to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). From 21st January 2016
new rules will also exclude from the VWP most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq,
Sudan or Syria since 1 March 2011, and those who have dual nationality of these countries.
This means that existing ESTAs could be revoked, and you will instead need to apply for a
visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate
Residents from countries who cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Programme must
consult their relevant embassy. For more information about who is eligible to travel
under the Visa Waiver Program, and the eligibility requirements please visit
http://travel.state.gov/visa/
Anyone that has not applied for and received travel authorisation via ESTA prior to travel
may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the US
port of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for
travelling visa-free on the VWP, guarantees admission to the United States. As with most
countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the
port of entry. We keep the above visa information as up to date as much as possible, but it
is important that you check this for yourself.
Immigration & Customs
On entering a country you will need to proceed through customs. As long as you have a
valid passport and the necessary visa/s you will have no problems. You may be asked how
you intend to support yourself during your visit, if this happens please present your return
airline ticket and tour voucher.
Health Requirements
If you have any medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, take prescribed
medicines, or have a condition that will affect your participation in the trek, you must
tell us or your travel agent at the time of booking. Please be aware we may require a
doctor’s note prior to travel for some conditions. This information is essential in case of
emergency. Please bring your own medical supplies, such as, pain relievers, antibiotic
cream, upset stomach relievers, in addition to sunscreen and insect repellent.
Vaccinations
We recommend that you contact your doctor or travel medicine clinic at least two months
before travel in order to allow enough time for any immunisations that may be required
to be completed. A health professional will be able to assess your individual need for
immunisations or preventative medication depending on your health situation, previous
immunisation history and your travel itinerary. More information can be obtained from the
‘Fit for Travel’ website http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/
It is your responsibility to ensure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas
for your tour. As a general rule you will need a passport with at least six months validity
following the end of your trip. The visa requirements for your trip may vary depending on
where you are going, and where you are from. It is important that you check which visas
you will need, and apply for each of the necessary visas whilst in your home country.
Please bear in mind that some tours may spend time in more than one country.
One suitcase, soft holdall or rucksack (23kg maximum) per person, plus a sleeping bag. A
small daypack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel, please check
the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as this may be less than 23kg.
Emergency Contact Details:
Viaventure: +502 5778 4100 or +502 5778 4052
Any QUESTIONS?
Please contact our UK Sales team at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920
Luggage Allowance & Storage
TrekAmerica is unable to offer luggage storage facilities however some of the pre and post
tour hotels we use can provide this service. Please contact them directly.
Whilst you’re away
Your Tour Leader
Your Tour Leader will take care of all the planning and organisation throughout your
tour, taking you from A to B and making sure everything runs smoothly. Your Tour
Leader is there to make sure you get the most out of your tour; organising activities,
providing information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting
out any queries or problems you may encounter. If you have any particular interests or
things you would like to do on your tour, then please let your Tour Leader know at the
beginning of the tour and they will do their best to help you. We will also use specialist
tour guides in certain locations, to provide in depth information.
Accommodation on Trek
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi share basis. Please note there may be
times where facilities will be shared rather than en suite and rare occasions when you
share a room with passengers travelling on different trips than your own. The style of
accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions,
alternative arrangements may be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual
accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
Please note that some hotels may take a debit or credit card as a deposit at check in. They
may also take an amount to cover incidentals. Funds can be held until check out at which
time the amount actually incurred will be charged. Please clarify with the hotel when you
check out that all deposits will be refunded as promptly as possible.
Transport
A variety of transport is used in Central America from public bus, private bus, overnight coach,
ferry, boat and taxi. Please note at times it may be more time efficient to use private transport
depending on the group size. Whilst travelling on public transport your main luggage will be
stored on another area of the transport however, you will carry a day pack with you.
Keeping in touch
In Central America some accommodation offers free Wi-Fi within the rooms or
common area.
TrekAmerica has partnered with e-kit to provide some of the cheapest ways to keep in
touch with family and friends while on tour. E-kit can provide international calling cards,
prepaid SIMs or international mobile handsets.
All TrekAmerica travellers are eligible for a free SIM card plus US$5 calling credit,
please see www.trekamerica.com/ekit for more details.
Spending Money
We recommend you take at least US$15-$20 per day for meals not included in the trip
however, please note everyone has different meal preferences so this is only to be used
as a guideline. You should also budget for the optional activities that you would like to
do. Guideline prices for the most popular optional activities are listed on page 1 and on
the tour pages on our website. We suggest you bring US$300 with you in cash.
In Mexico the official currency is the Peso (MXN). The current currency conversion from
GBP-MXN is 22.82 / USD-MXN is 14.83.
In Belize the official currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD). The current currency conversion
from GBP-BZD is 3.06 / USD-BZD is 2.
In Guatemala the official currency is the Quetzal (GTQ). The current currency
conversion from GBP-GTQ is 11.74 / USD-GTQ is 7.64.
In Honduras the official currency is the Lempira (HNL). The current currency conversion
from GBP-HNL is 32.25 / USD-HNL is 21.
In Nicaragua the official currency is the Gold Cordoba (NIO). The current currency
conversion from GBP-NIO is 41.14 / USD-NIO is 26.78.
In Costa Rica the official currency is the Colon (CRC). The current currency conversion
from GBP-CRC is 825.82 / USD-CRC is 536.86.
With ATMs being widely available in major towns and cities, credit and debit cards are
the most convenient way to access money in Latin America. Please alert your bank prior
to travel to avoid blockage, check if charges apply, and ensure your card is accepted in
the country. It is advisable to carry some cash in small denominations notes, for those
times when ATMs may not be available.
IMPORTANT: US$ dollars is the most readily changeable currency but ensure bills are
unmarked and unblemished, otherwise can be difficult to exchange at banks.
In some off the beaten track destinations ATM’s and cash machines may be limited.
Pre-paid credit cards can be a cost effective and safe way to take funds overseas.
See: www.fairfx.com/trekamerica
Tipping
Although it may not be customary in your country, it’s normal and expected in
Central America to tip waiters, bar staff, private coach drivers, guides, taxi drivers and
anyone who offers you a service.
The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and
feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - round your bill up to the nearest
US$5. More up-market restaurants we suggest 10% to 15% of your bill.
Emergency Contact Details:
Viaventure: +502 5778 4100 or +502 5778 4052
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to
your tour leader. We suggest US$10 per passenger per day.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short
journey while others may be with you for several days. We suggest US$3-6 per day for drivers.
In total, we recommend you budget approx. US$5-US$10 per day of your trip to cover
tipping. Your driver and tour leader work long and hard for you and although they may well
become your close friend during the trek, they also need to pay their bills. If your leader’s
or driver’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations we recommend a tip of
US$2-4 per person, per day.
We have found that travellers find the need for tipping can be embarrassing. With this in
mind we have established a tipping kitty system where your tour leader may discuss the
idea of running a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount
and then your tour leader pays the tips while keeping a running record of all monies spent
(except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining
at the end of the tour returned to group members.
Clothes Washing
You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes while on trek. This can often be done at
hotels, or in a nearby town. Ask your tour leader for local information.
Battery Charging
Many of our trekkers bring mobile phones, music devices and cameras that require
frequent battery charging during a tour. We recommend bringing a charger with travel
adaptor.
Drinking Ages / Drugs
The legal drinking age is 18. If you are under the legal drinking age you will be refused entry
to bars and most nightclubs. Proof of age (ID) is your passport, so never forget to take your
passport on nights out. Obviously these restrictions are not within TrekAmerica’s control.
Possession of drugs without a proper medical prescription will not be tolerated. If anyone
is found with an illegal drug, they will be instantly removed from the trek.
Security
No matter where you find yourself in the world you need to look after your valuables.
Use your common sense! We recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while
travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items.
Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won’t need it while travelling. Many of our
hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A
lock is recommended for securing your luggage. In general, the safest place for items such
as passports, flight tickets and cash is on your person or in a hotel safe where available.
When in doubt consult your tour leader.
Responsible Travel
You and your fellow trekkers are sure to be really excited for your trip, but please be
considerate to those around you.
Please also be aware of the delicate balance that exists in the variety of natural wonders
you will visit. National Parks and monuments, archaeological sites and other sensitive
areas should and MUST be treated with respect. TrekAmerica strives to operate tours with
minimum impact on the land. So, if you see a notice to ‘stay on the path’ or ‘pick up litter’,
please be a responsible traveller and understand that there is a good reason for the notice.
And the rest...
Itinerary changes
We endeavour to run all tours as they are published; however, it’s sometimes necessary to
alter itineraries to adapt to local conditions and park entrance regulations. We will do our
best to keep you posted if that happens and your tour leader will provide a more detailed
trip outline at the beginning of your particular tour.
Please note: Hurricane season is between June to November when landslides, mudslides,
flooding and disruptions to services can occur. We monitor any situations that arise
and may need to change itineraries or services in response to these natural weather
occurrences.
Departure tax
Please allow US$25 for international departure tax from Mexico, although this is typically
included in your international airfare.
Please allow US$19 for departure tax from Belize.
Please allow US$15 when flying from into Guatemala City airport and a further US$15 if
you are flying out of Guatemala airport. These payments must be made in cash at the
airport and are in addition to the US$30 international tax which may be included in your
international flight ticket. If departing from Guatemala by land, please allow US$3 for
departure tax.
Please allow US$3 each entrance and departure for Honduras.
Please allow US$15 tax when entering Nicaragua by land, and US$10 when entering by air.
Please allow US$26 for international departure tax from Costa Rica.
Departure tax of US$45 from Panama is usually included in your international flight ticket.
Any QUESTIONS?
Please contact our UK Sales team at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920