trips

Starting Point

Hotel El Elefante
Corner of 10th Avenue and 10th Street.
Playa del Carmen
Mexico
Phone: +52 984 873 0262

Joining Point Instructions

Playa del Carmen is about 1 hour from Cancun Airport. The easiest way to get to your hotel is by taxi. You will need to negotiate the rate one of the companies located outside the custom exit and should expect to pay between $50 and $ 60 USD per cab. Alternatively, you can catch one of the mini vans that depart every 15-30 minutes from the curb outside the International exit for about $18.00 USD.

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Finishing Point

Gaudy's Hostel
Av 5 entre Calle 36 y 38, Casa 3636 (3636 - 5 Ave. between 36 an
San Jose
San Jose

Phone: (+506) 2480086
Fax: (+506) 258-2937

Finishing Point Instructions

San Jose airport is about 20 minutes from down town. While taking a ?Tuasa? bus may cost you around $1 USD, traveling with a backpack on these crowded buses is not our concept of fun! A taxi is will set you back about $12 to $15 USD. You will find the official taxi company?s booth (Taxis Unidos Aeropuerto) outside the international arrival exit, where you will need to buy a prepaid voucher to your hotel and hand it over to your cab driver.

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Physical Rating - Moderate

Activities include treks of 3 to 4 hours per day in hilly terrain, flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which are likely to be hot and muggy. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.

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Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

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Accommodation

Simple hotels (29 nts), homestay (2 nts)

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi share basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accomodation has cold water only. Multishare includes triple and quad rooms or even dorm rooms.

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Meals

While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

Allow USD $750 for meals not included.

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Local Payment

There are no local payments on this trip.

Local Payment FAQ

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Single Supplement

A single supplement fee is not available on this trip.

Single travellers will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

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Included

This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

Orientation walk - Antigua

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Not Included

International Flights

Optional Activities

We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by your tour operator/agent nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with tour operator/agent.

Snorkel rental, Playa del Carmen - US$5
Ferry to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen - US$10
Bus to Tulum, Playa del Carmen - US$3
Entrance Tulum, Playa del Carmen - US$4
Diving course, Playa del Carmen - from US$100
Xel-Ha, Playa del Carmen - US$35
Bicycle rental (per day), Playa del Carmen - US$16
Horseback riding, Playa del Carmen - US$40
Xcaret, Playa del Carmen - US$40
Tulum, Playa del Carmen - US$10-$40
Dos Ojos Cenote Snorkeling Tour, Playa del Carmen - US$35
Cenote IKIL, Playa del Carmen - US$5
Snorkel Rental (per day), Tulum - US$8
Tulum Ruins, Tulum - US$4
Guided Bike tour (full day), Tulum - US$40
Ocean Dives (2 dives), Tulum - US$60
Cenote Dives (2 dives), Tulum - US$90
Cenote Snorkeling, Tulum - US$35
Blue Hole dive tour, Caye Caulker - US$180
Manatee & dolphins tour, Caye Caulker - US$35
Snorkel equipment rental (per day), Caye Caulker - US$5
Windsurfing (per hour, board and instruction), Caye Caulker - US$15
Sea kayaking (half day), Caye Caulker - US$13
Two-tank dive, Caye Caulker - US$75
Snorkel trips, Caye Caulker - US$40
Canoe rental, San Ignacio -US$12
Barton Creek Cave, San Ignacio - US$25
Mountain Pine Ridge, San Ignacio - US$35
Half-day caving, San Ignacio - US$$35
Full-day caving, San Ignacio - US$$75
Horseback riding, San Ignacio - US$50
Bicycle rental (per hour), San Ignacio - US$3
Butterfly farm, San Ignacio - US$8
Xunantunich, San Ignacio - US$8
River Tubing, San Ignacio - US$12
Pantí Trail, San Ignacio - US$6
Yaxha ruins complex (transport, lunch and guide), San Ignacio - US$50
Kayaking, San Ignacio - US$5
Boat tour on Lake Petén Itzá, Flores - US$12
Guided public tour of Tikal, Flores - US$10
Guided private tour of Tikal, Flores - US$45
Entrance fee for Tikal ruins, Flores - US$8
Rio Dulce Hot Springs, Flores - US$10
Boat trip to Livingston, Flores - US$20
El Castillo Fort, Flores - US$5
Horseback Riding, Flores - US$25
Birdwatching Boat Tour, Flores - US$25
Hot Springs, Rio Dulce - US$15
El Castillo Fort, Rio Dulce - US$5
Horseback Riding, Rio Dulce - US$25
Birdwatching Boat Tour, Rio Dulce - US$25
Boat trip to Livingston, Rio Dulce - US$20
Boat trip to Santiago de Atitlán and San Pedro, San Jorge - US$12
Bicycle rental (per hour), San Jorge - US$2
Kayak rental (per hour), San Jorge - US$2
Horseback riding (full day), San Jorge - US$50
Volcano climb, San Jorge - US$10
Nature Hike, San Jorge - US$5
Climb volcanoes, Antigua - US$12
Bicycle rental/tour, Antigua - US$19
Coffee /Macadamia nut Plantation tour, Antigua - US$10
Massage, Antigua - US$25
Mayan Horoscopes, Antigua - US$20
Village and Planeterra tour, Antigua - US$10
Salsa lessons (per hour), Antigua - US$4
Ruins entrance, Copan - US$10
Ruins guide (per group), Copan - US$25
Copan Museum, Copan - US$5
Horseback riding (3 hours), Copan - US$15
Intro Open water scuba diving course, Roatan Islands - US$240
One tank dive, Roatan Islands - US$25
Snorkel rental, Roatan Islands - US$10
Iguana Farm, Roatan Islands - US$3
Snorkel with dolphins, Roatan Islands - US$85
Boat tours, Roatan Islands - US$20
Moped Rental, Roatan Islands - US$40
Bicycle rental, Roatan Islands - US$12
Masaya Volcano, Granada - US$15
Masaya Market volcano tour, Granada - US$16
Boat ride around islets, Granada - US$12
Sea kayak to islets, Granada - US$25
Laguana Apoyo & Mirador Caterina, Granada - US$15
Laguna Madera volcano hike (4-6 hours), Ometepe Island - US$23
Taxi tour of Ometepe, Ometepe Island - US$50
Volcan Concepción hike (8-10 hours), Ometepe Island - US$20
San Ramón waterfall, Ometepe Island - US$20
Horseback riding (2-3 hours), Ometepe Island - US$10
Hike to Petroglyphs, Ometepe Island - US$8
Ojo de Agua Spring, Ometepe Island - US$2
Climb Vocan Masaya with a guide, Ometepe Island - US$20
Bike Rentals, Ometepe Island - US$12
Petroglyphs & Chaco Verde, Ometepe Island - US$25
Sky Trek and Sky Tram, Monteverde - US$60
Sky Walk, Monteverde - US$30
Sky Tram and Sky Walk, Monteverde - US$50
Horseback riding, Monteverde - US$30
Butterfly garden, Monteverde - US$10
Coffee tour, Monteverde - US$25
Serpentarium, Monteverde - US$8
Rafting (full day with lunch), La Fortuna - US$85
Kayaking (full day with lunch), La Fortuna - US$40
River float, La Fortuna - US$40
Cave tour, La Fortuna - US$45
Canyoneering (full day with lunch), La Fortuna - US$85
Caño Negro Reserve (full day), La Fortuna - US$50
Volcano hike, La Fortuna - US$25
Safari Adventure, La Fortuna - US$40
Horse trip to waterfall, La Fortuna - US$45
Tabacon Hot Springs (entrance and dinner), La Fortuna - US$65
Baldi Hot Springs, La Fortuna - US$28
Maleku indigenous reserve with lunch, La Fortuna - US$55
Canyoning rapell tour with breakfast, La Fortuna - US$80
Fishing on Lake Arenal (half day) (price for boat, holds 3 people), La Fortuna - US$120
Bike rental (per day), La Fortuna - US$20
Irazu Volcano, San José - US$43
Grecia & Sarchi, San José - US$31
City tour, San José - US$30
Poas Volcano, San José - US$43
Rafting (Pacuare), San José - US$95
Rafting (Sarapiqui), San José - US$75
Braulio Carara Reserve including breakfast and lunch, San José - US$88
Coffee Tour, San José - US$52
Butterfly Farm, San José - US$25

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Transport

Minibus, boat, local bus, walking

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What to Take

We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.

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Health & Safety

For vaccinations please visit the MDtravelhealth website. 

Sun:
It is very important that you wear sun block, even on a cloudy day when it feels cool as we are near the equator and the sun is very strong. A sunburn can turn a pleasant trip into a painful trip.

Hydration
Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two litres of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.

Diarrhoea:
It is normal for people travelling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food.You will be required to complete a participation form on day 1 of the trip. 

Participation Form

You may be required to complete a participation form on day 1 of the trip.

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Live to Xplore Country Guides

Belize Country Guide
Guatemala Country Guide
Mexico Country Guide
Honduras Country Guide
Nicaragua Country Guide
Costa Rica Country Guide

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Weather & Climate

Belize Country Guide
Guatemala Country Guide
Mexico Country Guide
Honduras Country Guide
Nicaragua Country Guide
Costa Rica Country Guide


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Important Info

Please note Hurricane season is June to November when landslides,
mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services may occur. Intrepid will monitor any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.

Costa Rica is a country which, in parts, is more developed compared to other Latin America countries. A high standard of living means that prices of food and activities can be as high as what you would expect to pay in the US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

Most of cultural life resides in San Jose. From museums, theaters, music concerts, impressive architecture, it's all happening in San Jose! Once you leave the capital city Costa Rica's main attraction swifts to its incredible biodiversity and wildlife abundance.

Costa Rica has done a great job at looking after their natural wonders yet maximizing its potential as tourist attraction. In Costa Rica you should expect to pay for nearly every optional activity available; allowing everyone to individually have the choice of deciding on which activities they particularly want to participate in - from white water rafting to hiking. This also means high standards of service, well maintained gear, clear paths and signalling and well trained local guides that allow you to make the most of every activity.

Disclaimer | The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and tour operator/agent. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. This tour is run by Intrepid Travel.

Visas | Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going.

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader.

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