Trek Tips

Mexican BLT
Trek Tips® 2016
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTS:
TREK CODE:
CANCUN
to CANCUN
MDB
TREK INCLUDES
Chichén Itza’s Great Ball Court &
Temple of Kukulkan
Uxmal’s Pyramid of the Magician
ITINERARY:
START 7.30am DAY 1
DAY 1 CANCUN > CHICHÉN ITZA >
)
MÉRIDA (L
)
DAY 2 UXMAL & CAMPECHE (L
)
DAY 3 CHIAPAS (L
DAY 4-6 AGUA AZUL & SAN CRISTÓBAL
)
DE LAS CASAS (L
)
DAY 7/8 PALENQUE (L
)
DAY 9 BACALAR (L
DAY 10/11 TULUM & CARIBBEAN COAST/
)
PLAYA DEL CARMEN (L







Boat trip on Bacalar ‘Lagoon of
Seven Colours’
Jungle tour & visit to the Temple of
Inscriptions in Palenque
Coastal ruins of Tulum
Playa del Carmen’s sugar white
Caribbean beach
Hidden natural cenotes
Misol-Ha Waterfalls
Coastal walled city of Campeche
Walking tour of Mérida, San
Cristóbal & Playa del Carmen
Chichén
Itzá
Mérida
Uxmal
Campeche
M
E
X
I
C
O
Tulum
Bacalar
Palenque
BELIZE
San Cristóbal
de las Casas
View a detailed day-by-day itinerary at:
GUATEMALA
www.trekamerica.co.uk/mdb
Cancun
Playa del
Carmen
MEXICO
Agua Azul
FINISH 5pm DAY 12 PLAYA DEL CARMEN
> CANCUN
>>
Agua Azul Waterfalls
HONDURAS
EL SALVADOR
NICARAGUA
PLUS YOU GET...
• Services of a professional bilingual tour leader
• Private transportation
• All accommodation
11 hotel /guesthouse nights on a twin or
triple share basis
ESSENTIAL INFO:
• Group Size: Max 11
•
Access available in the
some hostels either in
rooms or common areas.
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.
• Cenotes visit - Chichen Itza US$5
• Scuba diving - Xcaret aqua park
US$60-$200
• Xel-Ha & Xcaret aqua park activities Playa Del Carmen US$90-$100 each
• Bike rental - Campeche US$15
• Casa de la Bolom Museum - San
Cristobal US$12
• Museum of Mayan Medicine - San
Cristobal de las Casas US$8
• The Amber Museum of Chiapas - San
Cristobal de las Casas US$5
• Eco Park - Palenque US$12
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
FromTracks:
Trek
outside045
the 998
US: 001
16 38
707
440
523
or- 0052
1800 1998 16 38 440
• Guided nocturnal jungle tour Palenque US$65
• Kayak tour - Bacalar US$35
• Guided cenote snorkeling trip Playa del Carmen US$85
• Whale shark boat trip - Playa Del
Carmen (seasonal) US$160-$200
• Temple & the Convent of Santa
Domingo US$FREE
Any QUESTIONS?
Please contact our UK Sales team at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920
COSTA
RICA
JOINING YOUR TREK
Trek Joining Instructions
PACKING
Packing Tips
Your tour will begin at 7.30am at the ‘Joining point’ hotel below. 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.
You know what the Scouts say... BE PREPARED! Mexico 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:
• Towel
• Casual clothes and a few ‘evening out’ options
Finishing up
All good things must come to an end, and your trek will usually finish
at 5pm on the final day at the ‘finishing point’ hotel. 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.
• 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
• Swimwear
• Sun hat / sunglasses
• Sunscreen / insect repellent (20% DEET)
• Water bottle
JOINING POINT:
CANCUN HOTEL
Ramada Cancun City
Av. Yaxchilan #41 sm 22
Cancun, Q. Roo.,
Mexico C.P. 77500
Tel: +52 998 881 7870
Fax: +52 998 884 1324
• Toiletries / personal medicine
Transfer: The local Taxi Union operates a
“shared taxi” or “collectivo” shuttle from
the airport to the hotel for approx. MP
$70 (US$15-20). Purchase a taxi voucher
at the desk just outside the main terminal.
Do not pay the taxi driver directly.
Transfer takes approx. 45 minutes.
• Camera & charger
• Travel power adaptor / USB car charger and cord
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.
FINISHING POINT
CANCUN HOTEL
Ramada Cancun City
Av. Yaxchilan #41 sm 22
Cancun, Q. Roo.,
Mexico C.P. 77500
Tel: +52 998 881 7870
Fax: +52 998 884 1324
Transfer: Please arrange a transfer/taxi
to the airport with the hotel reception.
High/Low Temperatures
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Cancun
Merida
Campeche
Chiapas
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.
HIGH
24
25
21
27
28
23
30
32
28
28
28
23
LOW
24
25
20
27
28
23
30
32
28
24
28
23
HIGH
31
33
35
37
37
36
35
35
35
33
32
31
LOW
18
18
19
21
23
23
23
23
23
22
19
18
HIGH
29
31
33
35
35
35
34
34
33
32
31
29
LOW
18
19
20
22
23
24
23
23
23
22
20
19
HIGH
23
25
27
28
27
25
24
25
25
24
23
23
LOW
11
11
12
14
15
15
15
15
15
14
12
11
San Cristobal HIGH
de las Casas LOW
20
21
23
23
23
22
22
21
21
21
21
19
5
6
6
8
10
12
11
11
11
10
8
6
Palenque
29
31
33
35
34
32
31
31
31
30
30
29
Bacalar
Tulum
HIGH
LOW
15
15
17
19
20
20
20
19
19
19
17
15
HIGH
30
31
32
33
34
33
34
34
34
33
31
30
LOW
19
20
21
23
25
25
25
24
24
23
21
19
HIGH
28
29
30
31
32
32
33
33
32
31
29
28
LOW
21
22
23
24
25
26
26
26
26
25
24
22
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:
Trek Tracks: 045 998 16 38 440 or 0052 1998 16 38 440
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 18/12/2015
Emergency Contact Details:
For all departures in Central America:
Trek Tracks: 045 998 16 38 440 or 0052 1998 16 38 440
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
Tours usually start at 7:30am and fi nish at 5:00pm so it’s a good idea to book hotel
accommodation before and after your tour. Hotels are conveniently located in each
of our departure and arrival cities and room rates are usually based on twin share as
most people prefer to stay with other travellers at an affordable price. It’s also a great
opportunity to make friends with fellow travellers! We can also offer a ‘Full Room’ rate for
single or double occupancy for people on the same booking. 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 fl ights. We recommend you book your fl ight
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 fl ight for at least one day after your trek fi nishes. If you do have to return home
earlier than the tour fi nishes, we are unable to fi nish a tour early due to your fl ight 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 Mexico/Costa Rica
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
Emergency Contact Details:
For all departures in Central America:
Trek Tracks: 045 998 16 38 440 or 0052 1998 16 38 440
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.
Visas for entry to Mexico or Costa Rica 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 fi nal 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/
Any QUESTIONS?
Please contact our UK Sales team at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920
Luggage Allowance & Storage
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 fl ying with as this may be less than 23kg.
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
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 need to 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.
Drinking Ages / Drugs
The legal drinking age Mexico and Costa Rica 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 fi nd yourself in the world you need to look after your valuables. Use
your common sense! While in cities, do not leave valuables in the vehicle. Always use a
lockable safe where available, either in your room or at the hotel’s reception. In general,
the safest place for items such as passports, fl ight 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.
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 dollars per day for drinks, snacks, tips and other
incidentals, plus $35 per day for meals in restaurants in Mexico. Whilst in Costa Rica as
breakfasts are included we recommend you take $25 per day for meals in restaurants.
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$150 with you in cash.
In Mexico the offi cial currency is the Peso (MXN). The current currency conversion
from GBP-MXN is 22.82 / USD-MXN is 14.83.
In Costa Rica the offi cial currency is the Colon (CRC). The current currency
conversion from GBP-CRC is 825.82 / USD-CRC is 536.86.
With ATMs being widely available in major towns and cities, credit and debit cards
are the most convenient way to access money in Latin America. Please alert your
bank prior to travel to avoid blockage, check if charges apply, and ensure your card
is accepted in the country. It is advisable to carry some cash in small denominations
notes, for those times when ATMs may not be available.
IMPORTANT: US$ dollars is the most readily changeable currency but ensure bills
are unmarked and unblemished, otherwise can be diffi cult to exchange at banks.
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$26 for international departure tax from Costa Rica. Typically Mexico
includes departure tax in the price of the ticket, although this is subject to change.
Your Tour Leader
Your Tour Leader will take care of all the planning and organisation throughout your tour,
they will drive the van taking you from A to B and make 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.
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, guides, taxi drivers and anyone who offers you a service.
Service workers are paid a low wage and depend on their tips for their livelihood. A
standard tip of 10% is expected in restaurants and $1-2 per bag for porters. 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$5 per
person, per day.
Clothes Washing
You will have the opportunity to wash your clothes while on trek. This can often be done
at the 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.
Emergency Contact Details:
For all departures in Central America:
Trek Tracks: 045 998 16 38 440 or 0052 1998 16 38 440
Any QUESTIONS?
Please contact our UK Sales team at:
[email protected] or call +44 (0)208 682 8920