Audley Central America, Mexico & Cuba by Travel Designers

Centr al America , M e x i co & C u b a

Ta i lor - m a d e J o u r n e y s

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D i s c e r n i n g T r av e l l e r

Dear Traveller Central America, Mexico and Cuba are destinations that never cease to inspire me. The opportunity to glimpse exotic birds in the cloudforest, soak in geothermal springs and then finish your day learning to salsa is difficult to beat. It is the juxtaposition of old and new, however, that most astounds me. Ancient Maya ruins and remote indigenous communities unchanged for centuries contrast with glittering cities and modern marvels of engineering such as the Panama Canal. Our specialists return frequently to track new developments and uncover unique experiences. This brochure includes their most recent discoveries, such as the remarkable Totoco Eco Lodge on Ometepe Island in Nicaragua and the charming beach hotels on tranquil Isla Holbox in Mexico – a world away from the sprawling resorts to be found around nearby Cancún. It also includes details of our new itinerary in Baja California which showcases magnificent whale watching, giant cacti-filled forests and opportunities to snorkel with sea lions in pristine bays. Whether you are planning your first visit to the region or returning to explore further, I hope the brochure further inspires your travels to this captivating part of the world.

Craig Burkinshaw, Founder Director

Introducing Audley I

t was a trip around Asia in the early 1990s that ignited Craig Burkinshaw’s passion for travel. On his return he was so keen to share his experiences that he founded Audley, or Asian Journeys as we were then called. We offered a new type of travel – individual journeys, designed to match the traveller’s interests, tastes and budget, created with an absolute commitment to quality and authenticity. Today this desire to share authentic travel experiences is undiminished and Audley is one of the UK’s most highly regarded specialist tour operators, providing tailor-made trips throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australasia, North America, Antarctica and the Arctic.

Specialist knowledge

Tailor-made journeys

Speaking to one of our specialists is the best way to start planning your trip, whether you already know where you want to go or just have the seed of an idea. They can discuss your plans, offer advice and give you ideas and inspiration for your trip, before creating a detailed itinerary, which will be forwarded to you together with maps, accommodation descriptions and a price. The same specialist will then refine the plans until you are completely satisfied and will be on hand to answer questions from your very first telephone call until you return from your trip.

The beauty of tailor-made travel is that every trip is unique. Whether you want to stay in simple or luxurious accommodation, have great guides on hand or explore under your own steam, travel for one week or five, we can create a trip to match your tastes and budget. We can also design trips for a special occasion, whether this is a spectacular honeymoon or milestone anniversary. Throughout the brochure you will find suggested itineraries and some of our favourite places to stay, but these are all just for inspiration as each trip is created uniquely for you and there are many more options available.

Our specialists have all travelled extensively throughout the region and in many cases lived there, so you can rely on their in-depth, first-hand knowledge. They regularly return to discover new hidden gems in each region, stay in the accommodation and meet our guides – many of whom are firm friends – as well as experience all the excursions and activities. We believe this is the only way that we can genuinely offer you a tailor-made service and enable you to experience a side of these countries that others might miss.

Planning your trip

Financial security All travel arrangements in this brochure that include a flight from the UK are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 4817. Please see our booking conditions for more information. If your arrangements do not include any flights from the UK they are protected by a separate financial scheme, for further details please visit www.audleytravel.com/protect

La Merced Bell Tower, Granada, Nicaragua

Contents Introduction 2-7 Maya highlights of Central America

6-7

Costa Rica 8-23 Osa Peninsula

12-13

Cloudforests of Costa Rica

18-19

Nicaragua 24-31 Panama 32-37 Cuba 38-47 Mexico 48-61 Whale watching in Baja California

Guatemala 62-69 Belize 70-79 Honduras 80-82 Useful information 83

Introduction

Experience

Central America, Mexico & Cuba W

hether you’re in search of ancient civilisations, powder-soft beaches, colonial grandeur or prolific wildlife, Central America offers a depth and array of experiences seen in few places on Earth. From the lush cloudforests and spectacular birdlife of Costa Rica to Mexico’s elaborate Maya ruins, and Cuba’s picturesque nostalgia, a trip here offers the chance to marvel at the world’s wonders both natural and manmade. Hike, bike, dive, dance or bask in the sunshine, admire the incredible landscapes, species diversity and wealth of history.

Maya woman, Guatemala

History

Wildlife

Some of the most advanced societies in the world rose and fell in Mesoamerica – the area stretching from present-day Mexico to Honduras – and it provided both a battleground and a haven for everyone from the Maya and the Aztecs to Christopher Columbus. Although frequent violent battles and the vagaries of Mother Nature meant that life here was always precarious, it was the well-equipped armies and devastating diseases of the European conquistadors that ultimately decimated the region.

An internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot, Central America is a superb place to go in search of wildlife. The species density and variety is simply astonishing, and with many endemic species, wildlife tracking here is a unique experience. Dense forests, rugged coastlines and volcanic landscapes provide a huge array of habitats and a growing number of national parks offer excellent opportunities for spotting monkeys, sloths, colourful tree frogs and other curious creatures.

After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, Catholicism quickly spread across much of Central America and grand cathedrals and impressive colonial towns sprung up in its wake. By 1811 however, independence movements began to emerge. Persistent revolts against Spanish rule led to the eventual formation of the Federal Republic of Central America in 1823, comprising Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Xunantunich, Belize

Mexico was not part of this alliance and even today is considered part of North America, while Panama did not join its neighbours until after it gained independence from Colombia in 1903. The Western Caribbean Zone, home to runaway slaves and English settlers, was also an exception which would eventually become British Honduras, finally gain independence in 1981 and adopt the name Belize.

Central America also offers superb birdwatching opportunities thanks to its diverse array of forests, with Costa Rica the leading destination for birdwatchers. The large tracts of protected cloudforest and rainforest here provide a home for hundreds of species of bird, and in neighbouring Panama the renowned Pipeline Road also offers some fabulous bird sightings. Boasting both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, Central America hosts an abundant variety of marine life. The Pacific coasts of Mexico and Costa Rica offer excellent whale and dolphin watching. The clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean cloak the world’s second largest barrier reef system and provide superb snorkelling and diving opportunities for enthusiasts from all over the world.

Whilst Cuba’s past mirrors that of much of Central America during the colonial era, its recent history sets it firmly apart. To this day it is still in the throes of significant change. Keel-billed toucan, Costa Rica

Colón Island, Panama

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GUATEMALA HONDURAS CITY Copán TEGUCIGALPA Lake Atitlán NICARAGUA MANAGUA Arenal Volcano

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PANAMA CITY

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Traditional food, Mexico

Beaches

Food & Drink

With Pacific and Atlantic seafront, numerous islands, idyllic cayes and extensive reef systems, the long and winding coastlines of Central America, Mexico and Cuba provide a seemingly endless choice of beaches to relax on. Although the wide strands of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera and Cuba’s northern cayes have long been popular, some of our other favourites are a little more secluded, such as Bocas del Toro in Panama, the Pacific coastlines of Costa Rica and Nicaragua and the cayes off Belize. Accommodation ranges from luxurious resorts to rustic beach huts and is generally of a high standard, with plenty of new options opening in the region’s emerging destinations.

Ancient civilisations, indigenous tribes, foreign invaders and modern-day settlers have all influenced the food of Central America and many dishes will be familiar, such as fried chicken in Guatemala, fruit smoothies in Costa Rica and the chilli dishes of Mexico. Most countries have a signature dish however. In Mexico it is mole, meat served with a chilli-based sauce. In Costa Rica it is gallo pinto, a rice and bean dish, and in Panama it’s carimanola, a fried yuca roll stuffed with meat and egg.

Activities Central America’s rich history and variety of landscapes create countless opportunities for walking, diving, fishing, rafting and biking. You can hike through dense forest to remote ruins, go horse riding through dramatic valleys and lush forests, or opt for more serious adventure and go white water rafting, mountain biking or zip-lining. Whether you’re exploring canopy walkways through the cloudforest, soaking your limbs in thermal springs, canoeing into caves or river-tubing through lowland jungle, you’ll be exposed to incredible flora and fauna, seeing many species up close and getting a glimpse of some of the region’s magnificent birdlife.

Fish is a staple throughout the region as is glorious freshly squeezed juice, excellent coffee and rum. Along with international brands such as Havana Club and Bacardi, you’ll find equally impressive varieties such as Flor de Caña and Ron Zacapa from Nicaragua and Guatemala respectively.

Culture Central America’s rich cultural heritage makes it a wonderfully colourful and diverse place with ancient beliefs, customs and traditions blending with a fervent form of Catholicism. The majority of the population are descendants of ancient indigenous groups and many communities still speak their native languages and preserve traditional dress. In Mexico 50 indigenous groups speak 60 languages while in Guatemala there are 21 languages spoken. You can visit many of these

native communities including the K’iche in the Guatemalan highlands, who are direct descendents of the Maya, the Kuna Indians in Panama and the Kekoldi Indians in Costa Rica. While the Spanish colonial influence is obvious across the region, the Garifuna communities of Belize, Honduras and southern Guatemala have firm connections to West Africa and the Caribbean, a fact plainly evident in their food, music, dance and religion. One common characteristic of the people across the region is their love of festivals. Countless fiestas are celebrated throughout the year with extravagant costumes, fireworks, song and dance all harking back to long lost ancestors, deities and rituals.

Cruises The ocean plays a major role in life in most of Central America and venturing out by boat is a great way to experience another facet of the region. One of the most popular boat trips is along the Panama Canal, travelling alongside enormous container ships to discover the sheer scale and audacity of this feat of engineering. In Baja California, Mexico, you’ll find excellent whale watching, and in Cuba you can board an elegant tall-ship to cruise around pristine Caribbean islands. In numerous other locations you’ll find boat trips to deserted islands with idyllic beaches or remote rainforest reserves with abundant wildlife.

01993 838 638 • Introduction

Caracol, Belize

Maya highlights of Central America Mesoamerica, the land south from central Mexico into Guatemala, Belize and Honduras, was once home to some of the most advanced societies in the world and exploring the diverse remnants of these ancient civilisations is one of the main draws for many visitors to Central America. One of the most dominant and intriguing of these ancient civilisations is the Maya. Famous for their art and architecture as well as their sophisticated written and mathematical systems, during their heyday from 300 to 900 AD the Maya constructed countless great cities. The remains of their huge temples and ceremonial centres give a glimpse of their religious fervour and their belief in a pantheon of deities who influenced day-to-day living, demanded human sacrifices and presided over ritual ball games. Visiting even just one or two of these sites during a trip to Central America offers a step back in time and an intriguing insight into some of the world’s most beguiling ancient cultures.

Chichén Itzá, Mexico Located in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, the spectacular site of Chichén Itzá is over 1,500 years old and undoubtedly one of Central America’s most impressive and popular visitor attractions. Observe the remnants of the largest ball court in Mesoamerica, measuring 168 metres in length and 70 metres in width, where the Maya played a game called ‘pok ta pok’. The captain of the team that made the first successful shot was then decapitated as a sacrifice to the gods. This was seen as an honour and guaranteed safe passage to the heavens.

Other highlights of Chichén Itzá include the towering El Castillo pyramid with its 365 steps to mark each day of the year, and the enormous sinkhole, Cenote Sagrado. All sorts of treasures have been found in its waters including rings, necklaces, gold and jade objects, as well as the bones of young women who were thrown into the water as an offering to Chaac, the Maya rain god. El Castillo, Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Embroidered depiction of the Maya, Guatemala

Tikal, Guatemala Equally as impressive as Chichén Itzá, though still attracting far fewer visitors, is the vast Maya complex at Tikal. Situated in the northern district of El Petén, the dense jungle surroundings of Tikal are an attraction in their own right, with over 300 square miles of protected national park providing a haven for wildlife. The sight of toucans fluttering in the trees above you and the ominous call of howler monkeys make the experience of discovering the soaring temples all the more atmospheric and memorable. The site itself contains more than 3,000 individual structures, temples and courtyard groups which extend over six square miles. At its peak some 1,500 years ago, Tikal was one of the more important urban centres of its time, almost entirely dominating the Maya-controlled area of Central America politically, militarily and economically.

Tikal, Guatemala

Copán, Honduras In the hills of western Honduras, the archaeological site of Copán marks the most southerly point of the Maya Empire. Abandoned in the 10 th century, the site soon became covered by jungle vegetation and was only rediscovered in 1839, and fully cleared in the 1930s. Highlights include the enormous and impressively carved stelae (upright stone slabs) representing the 17 Maya leaders, a well-preserved hieroglyphic stairway and subterranean tunnels dug by archaeologists to expose earlier stages of Copán civilisation, some of which are now accessible to visitors.

Tikal, Guatemala

Chichén Itzá complex, Mexico

Copán, Honduras

Caracol, Belize Situated within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in central Belize, Caracol is the largest Maya archaeological site in the country. During the Maya classic era, urban Caracol supported a population of over 140,000 people through an immense agricultural field system and elaborate city planning. The kingdom was notable not only for its size but also for its prowess in war, with achievements including the defeat of Tikal in 562 AD. Visitors to the site today can enjoy such attractions as Caracol’s astronomic observatory, five plazas and an enormous pyramid capped by three temples that rises over 50 metres above the jungle floor.

Hieroglyphic stairway at Copán, Honduras

01993 838 638 • Introduction

Costa Rica A

diminutive country between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse countries in the world. Roughly a quarter of its landmass is protected and conservation efforts here are long established. Consequently, the wildlife is prolific and a walk through the forest will offer a chance to see iridescent butterflies, brightly-plumed birds, monkeys, sloths and caimans. Elevated walkways in some regions get you right into the forest canopy where an early morning walk is a cacophony of howler monkeys and awakening birds. Along with dense rainforest and mist-shrouded cloudforest, you’ll find superb tropical beaches, gushing waterfalls and smouldering volcanoes. This geographical variety means there are endless opportunities for activities from rafting along secluded rivers to hiking up volcanic peaks. You can walk through the rainforest by night, canoe through flooded forest canals, go horse riding through the cloudforest or fly through the treetops on a zip-line. Once you’ve had your fill of adventure you can simply relax on a powder-soft beach or soothe your limbs in volcanic thermal pools.

Audley in Costa Rica Lake Nicaragua NICARAGUA Rincón de la Vieja National Park

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The activity heartland of the country with a stunning backdrop of the conical Arenal Volcano. See page 16 3 Northern Pacific coast The extensive coastline stretching south from the Papagayo Gulf around to the Nicoya Peninsula is lined by a wealth of appealing beaches. See page 21

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National Park Abundant wildlife resides in a network of canals, mangroves and waterways, including nesting turtles between July and September. See pages 14-15

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Arenal Volcano

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Tenorio Volcano National Park

Lake Arenal

Accommodation Costa Rica is well developed and offers a great choice of accommodation from luxurious beach resorts to remote ecolodges. It is also one of Central America’s best value destinations with properties to suit almost every taste and budget. As a rule we tend to avoid large, international resorts, and prefer to recommend properties that offer more character and insight into local life. Understandably, these properties are very popular and you’ll need to book at least nine months in advance to secure a room in the best locally-owned lodges during high season. Along the Pacific coast there’s a broad range of beachfront options but the Caribbean coast and the remote Osa Peninsula offer less choice. Most properties in these areas are simple but offer magnificent locations.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

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Costa Rica’s sheer wealth of attractions can make it difficult to decide what to do and where to go. At first glance the country’s 26 national parks may appear to offer very similar experiences and there are so many good beaches to choose from it can all get a little overwhelming. That is where our specialists come in. They know the country intimately and can plan a trip that will ensure you get the most out of your time, creating an itinerary that includes all your interests and combines Costa Rica’s highlights with more unusual experiences you may not have originally considered. Thanks to the country’s small size and good infrastructure getting around is relatively easy, with an efficient internal flight network and manageable road journeys. If you’re keen on exploring further, a trip to Costa Rica also combines well with neighbouring Nicaragua and Panama, offering interesting contrasts.

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National Park Wildlife-rich rainforest and idyllic beaches await in Costa Rica’s most accessible national park. See page 20 5 Osa Peninsula

This wild and remote isthmus, home to the Corcovado National Park, offers unparalleled wildlife-viewing opportunities and fantastic lodges. See pages 12-13

Cloudforests Renowned for their rich and varied birdlife, the Costa Rican cloudforests offer a unique habitat for many species as well as plenty of adventure for thrill seekers. See pages 18-19 Wildlife Rare and endemic species, high wildlife density and committed conservation make Costa Rica a haven for wildlife lovers.

www.audleytravel.com/costarica • 01993 838 665 • Costa Rica

View across the Central Valley to San Jose

San Jose & the Central Valley Ringed by rolling mountains and volcanoes, Costa Rica’s sprawling capital sits at the heart of the pastoral Central Valley. Although most of the city’s colonial architecture has been ravaged by earthquakes, some pockets of grandeur remain and the elegant mansions of Barrio Amón now house hotels, restaurants and art galleries. San Jose is also the country’s cultural hub and there are plenty of museums to explore, but the real reason most visitors come here is to venture in to the surrounding Central Valley. Winding roads meander through coffee plantations and picturesque villages to pockets of lush forest, home to colourful butterflies, birds and orchids. Above them tower volcanic peaks and craters such as Irazú and Poás, with rivers tumbling down their slopes and offering superb opportunities for rafting.

Xandari Plantation Inn, Central Valley

Grano de Oro, San Jose The capital’s finest boutique hotel, Grano de Oro is set in a stately mansion dating from 1910. Renowned for its excellent service, this is a popular option and conveniently located in the heart of the city. Rich fabrics and generous planting give it a tropical charm, while the rooftop deck makes a great retreat from the city. The 40 rooms here feature classical decor with wrought-iron beds, period photos and local art, while the on-site restaurant is one of the cities best dining options.

National Theatre, San Jose

Xandari Plantation Inn, Central Valley Set among coffee plantations and overlooking the Central Valley, Xandari Plantation Inn is just 25 minutes’ drive from the airport but feels like a world away. The hotel is set in a private nature reserve with lush landscaped gardens and the opportunity to explore on numerous walking trails. There are 24 spacious villas here, built in a contemporary style, with bright colour schemes and large terraces with panoramic views of the valley. There are two swimming pools, a spa offering treatments in a beautiful setting, and a terrace restaurant where much of the food comes from the hotel’s own organic farm and orchards. Grano de Oro, San Jose

Birdwatching in Costa Rica Costa Rica’s vast swathes of protected forests and national parks make it one of the best destinations for birdwatching in the Americas. The wealth of locations for discovering birds can sometimes be overwhelming, so here we explain some of the prime habitats. San Gerardo de Dota The delicate ecosystems of Costa Rica’s numerous cloudforests make them a haven for hundreds of species of highland birds. What sets San Gerardo apart is the opportunity for year-round sightings of the resplendent quetzal, whose shimmering turquoise tail feathers and scarlet crest will delight even those with only a passing interest in birds. La Selva Biological Research Station Set in the primary lowland rainforest in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, the research station at La Selva is renowned in the birding world. Over 448 species of bird have been recorded to date in the centre’s six square miles of protected rainforest, including the chestnut woodpecker, snowy cotinga and white-ringed flycatcher.

Resplendent quetzal, can be seen year-round in San Gerardo de Dota

Turrialba Valley The verdant slopes in the Turrialba Valley support a remarkably diverse range of habitats, and over 450 species of endemic and migratory bird species have been recorded here. A visit to the tropical agricultural research station at CATIE offers superb birdwatching opportunities as part of a nature tour, whilst a stay at the renowned birdwatching lodge Rancho Naturalista offers a more immersive experience with the services of a resident specialist guide.

Chayote Lodge, Llano Bonito

Osa Peninsula The dense rainforests, mangroves and open forests of the Osa Peninsula support some the highest diversity of birds in Costa Rica. The opportunity to spot endemic species only found in a very small area, such as the black-cheeked ant-tanager, will delight aficionados. Even those with only a general interest will find it difficult not to be captivated by the scarlet macaw, soaring above the palm trees that fringe the Osa’s wild beaches.

Accommodation around Turrialba

Surrounded by cloudforest and coffee plantations, Chayote Lodge offers a chance to immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s rural heartland. The 12 coffee-themed bungalows feature furniture crafted by local artisans and suspended balconies that offer sweeping views of the valley. What really sets this place apart however, is its ethos, which aims to help guests understand the way of life here. Activities involve meeting local people and learning about coffee cultivation, culture and craft. Chayote Lodge is just 45 minutes’ drive from San Jose airport.

For those with a general interest in exploring Turrialba’s scenery and attractions, we recommend Casa Turire. This elegant 12 room colonial-style hotel is set in the grounds of a sugar cane, coffee and macadamia nut plantation adjacent to tranquil Lake Angostura and is a wonderful place to relax. Keen birdwatchers will enjoy the rustic but well-positioned Rancho Naturalista, a specialist lodge of 14 rooms with extensive grounds.

Guayabo Monument, Turrialba

Turrialba An important agricultural region, the Turrialba Valley boasts a mountainous backdrop, pristine tropical forests and thundering rivers along with extensive plantations of sugar cane, coffee and macadamia. The valley sits against the Caribbean slopes of the Central Mountains, 37 miles east of San Jose, and is easily accessible yet little-visited. Along with plantation visits you can explore thick pockets of primary forest, home to a huge variety of flora and fauna, and enjoy some of Costa Rica’s best white water rafting. Turrialba is also home to the Guayabo Monument, Costa Rica’s largest archaelogical site. Chayote Lodge, Llano Bonito

Turrialba Volcano

www.audleytravel.com/costarica • 01993 838 665 • Costa Rica

Rainforest coastline, Osa Peninsula

Osa Peninsula El Remanso Lodge, Osa Peninsula

A remote yet hugely rewarding destination on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the Osa Peninsula is home to magnificent primary rainforest, deserted beaches and incredible wildlife. Described by National Geographic as ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth’, the peninsula is home to countless rare and endangered species and offers a good chance of seeing many shy and elusive creatures that are difficult to spot elsewhere. Much of the region has been protected since 1975 and the lodges here immerse you in the heart of the forest with only the screech of macaws or the howl of monkeys to interrupt your thoughts. Access is either by air from San Jose or via a scenic drive along the coast from Manuel Antonio. It’s worth spending at least three nights here to soak up the unique atmosphere and explore the many jungle trails that surround the lodges.

Capuchin monkey, Corcovado National Park

Wildlife The wide variety of ecosystems on the peninsula means that wildlife diversity here is unmatched anywhere else in the country. Birdwatching opportunities abound with hummingbirds, flycatchers and parrots to hawks and falcons. The area is also one of the last strongholds for scarlet macaws. Four species of monkey are commonly seen along with margays, ocelots, sloths and anteaters.

Although one of the region’s simpler lodges, El Remanso is one of our favourites thanks to its superb location, excellent service, and highly knowledgeable guides. It is a remarkable place to stay and is set on a private reserve high above the Pacific. There are just 13 rooms and cabins, all spacious and comfortably furnished, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. You can follow an 800-metre-trail to the coast, join an early morning birdwatching trip or go in search of wildlife at dusk. Dolphin watching excursions are also available, as are horse riding and zip-line tours.

Just off Caño Island, untouched coral reefs are thronged with schools of tropical fish as well as turtles, sharks and rays, while to the east of the peninsula the Golfo Dulce inlet is home to common, bottlenose and spotted dolphins and various species of whale that pass by throughout the year. Yellowfin surgeonfish, off Caño Island

El Remanso Lodge, Osa Peninsula

Bosque del Cabo, Osa Peninsula

Bosque del Cabo, Osa Peninsula Set high on a cliff above the Golfo Dulce, Bosque del Cabo offers wonderful views of the coastline below. It’s a comfortable place to experience the rainforest with ten thatched bungalows and two family villas set in lush tropical gardens. All the rooms are spacious and have beautiful garden showers and private terraces with views of the ocean. Lie in a hammock and enjoy the cooling breezes, take a dip in the pool or hike through the private reserve to deserted beaches. You can also climb to a tree platform in the jungle canopy for excellent views, zip-line back to the ground or join numerous organised activities such as birdwatching and jungle walks, waterfall rappelling and whale and dolphin watching tours.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula

Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula Located on the southernmost tip of the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios Ecolodge is one of the most comfortable accommodation options in the region. Its 17 stylish bungalows are connected by walking paths and steps and each has a spacious private deck with sweeping views over the coastline and forest below. The main lodge, restaurant and pool have beautiful views over the forest canopy and there is an additional 18-metre-high tower for birdwatching. Activities on offer include early morning nature walks, night walks through the jungle, talks on medicinal plants and coastal ecology, as well as kayaking and surfing.

Two-toed sloth, Corcovado National Park

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, Osa Peninsula

Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge, Osa Peninsula Wild and remote, even getting to Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge is something of an adventure. After flying to Palmar Sur or Drake Bay you’ll take a boat ride through the beautiful mangroves of the Sierpe River and then continue out into the Pacific Ocean before landing on an isolated beach. The lodge is set in a private reserve that borders the Corcovado National Park and its 14 deluxe bungalows are set in landscaped gardens. They have tiled floors, ceiling fans and private terraces with hammocks, and there’s also a pool and restaurant. The real allure lies in the location, surrounded by some of the world’s most biologically-significant ecosystems and close to the Corcovado National Park and Caño Island, which offers some of the best snorkelling in Costa Rica.

Northern tamandua, Corcovado National Park

Playa Cativo, Osa Peninsula

Playa Cativo, Osa Peninsula A beachfront boutique hotel offering more luxury than most Osa Peninsula lodges, Playa Cativo overlooks the tranquil waters of Golfo Dulce. Guests arrive by boat to stay in one of the seven elegant guest rooms built in a tropical plantation style. Expect hand-carved hardwood furniture, tiles painted by local artists, rain showers, ocean views and plenty of privacy. The hotel is set in a large private reserve and guests can relax on the beach and make use of the complimentary kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling equipment, enjoy guided or self-guided wildlife excursions into the jungle or go pier fishing with local villagers.

Scarlet macaw, Corcovado National Park

www.audleytravel.com/costarica • 01993 838 665 • Costa Rica

Plumed basilisk, Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero National Park One of Costa Rica’s most popular and affordable wildlife viewing options, Tortuguero National Park is a wetland conservation area set around a network of marshy islands. Access is by plane or water, and time spent meandering along the canals and through the verdant swamps offers the chance to see river turtles, caimans, poison dart frogs, spider, howler and capuchin monkeys. The birdlife here is also remarkable with toucans and endangered green macaws perched in the trees and Amazon kingfishers, spoonbills and herons lining the waterways. From July to October the park plays host to green, hawksbill, loggerhead and giant leatherback turtles who clamber ashore to nest.

Colourful houses, Tortuguero village

Mawamba Lodge, near Tortuguero National Park Set on a thin strip of land between Tortuguero’s canals and the Caribbean Sea is Mawamba Lodge. An affordable option, its 58 wood-panelled cabins are simple but comfortable and feature local furniture and artworks, and a small porch overlooking the gardens. Facilities here are good with a beautiful swimming pool with Jacuzzi, two restaurants, frog and butterfly gardens and daily lectures on Tortuguero’s natural history. Evergreen Lodge, near Tortuguero National Park

Evergreen Lodge, near Tortuguero National Park A great value option with spacious rooms and excellent guides, Evergreen Lodge is one of our favourite bases in Tortuguero, just a short boat ride from the village and national park. It is one of the smallest lodges in the area with 55 individual cabins set in lush grounds. Wooden walkways link the cabins and are flanked by untouched forest where guests often spot sloths, monkeys and colourful birdlife. The cabins are simple but comfortable and have their own terraces so you can just sit and immerse yourself in the sounds of the jungle. The lodge also has a large swimming pool, restaurant and bar, as well as a canopy zip-line. Specialist guides accompany guests on nature walks and boat trips along the canals of the flooded forest. Strawberry poison dart frog, Tortuguero National Park

Howler monkey, Tortuguero National Park

Canals through Tortuguero National Park

Rafting on the Sarapiquí River

Chestnut-mandibled toucan, Sarapiquí

Manatus Lodge, near Tortuguero National Park

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

Set right on the waterfront, Manatus Lodge is small, friendly and by far the most comfortable accommodation option in the region. There are just 12 beautifully furnished rooms here, each featuring air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers and terraces with canal views. Facilities include a good restaurant, a lovely swimming pool, massage service and a small gym and games room. Guests can also make use of the lodge’s complimentary kayaks to explore the canal network.

Sleepy Sarapiquí, a small town two hours northeast of San Jose, is best known for its surrounding forests – some of the last stands of primary rainforest in Costa Rica. The region is less visited than Tortuguero yet known for its superb wildlife viewing with the highly regarded La Selva Biological Station providing a fascinating insight into the life of the rainforest. Guided walks along the reserve’s 30 miles of trails reveal just how rich life in this ancient forest is with 450 species of tree, over 400 recorded species of bird and 100 species of mammal. Umbrella birds, warblers, flycatchers, toucanets and trogons are commonly seen along with howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, white-nosed coatis, raccoons and peccaries. Outdoor activity is another key draw of the region with cacao plantation tours, tubing, river rafting and horse riding offering an alternative view of this unique region.

Accommodation around Sarapiquí Lodges in the Sarapiquí region are generally simple and have a strong connection to their environment. Rooms are set in lush gardens carved out of the forest and provide comfortable accommodation with private bathrooms with hot showers. All lodges have their own restaurant.

Hanging bridge, La Selva Biological Station

Self-drive, Costa Rica Due to the quiet roads, great scenery and friendly locals, self-drive is an enjoyable experience. Travelling independently offers the chance to explore at your own pace, stopping off at will, lingering over coffee in a remote village or just pausing to admire the view. You can follow winding coastlines, explore the verdant Central Highlands or meander between national parks as you go. Although road signs are rare and some roads are unpaved, GPS will make navigation relatively straightforward and a small 4x4 will cope with the road conditions. Our specialists will help you plan an itinerary, allowing you to make the most of each day.

Manatus Lodge, near Tortuguero National Park

www.audleytravel.com/costarica • 01993 838 665 • Costa Rica

Cap cloud over Arenal Volcano, near La Fortuna

Arenal Once the most active volcano in Central America, Arenal is a striking sight, its conical peak rising out of a blanket of lush forest. Although now considered dormant, the region offers magnificent views in clear weather, old lava fields to explore and a multitude of activities. This is Costa Rica’s outdoor activity centre with plenty of adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer from volcano walks and horse riding to rafting, zip-lining, canopy tours and kayaking. Alternatively, you could relax in one of the many thermal springs. Most visitors stay in the bustling town of La Fortuna which has a good range of shops and restaurants but many of our preferred hotels are along the road between the town and glittering Lake Arenal.

Lomas del Volcan, near La Fortuna Set in a tranquil location close to the base of the volcano, Lomas del Volcan is surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and offers excellent value for money. The 47 rooms are set in rustic wooden cabins with high ceilings, tiled floors and wood panelling. Each has two terraces that offer great views in clear weather, while the deluxe bungalows have a private Jacuzzi on the balcony. There’s a large pool with views of the volcano and nature trails within the grounds which attract a variety of birds.

Arenal Springs Hotel, near La Fortuna

Arenal Springs Hotel, near La Fortuna With its own private hot pool complex, spa and yoga classes, Arenal Springs Hotel makes a comfortable and relaxing base for exploring the area. The 87 rooms here are decorated in a modern style and each has a volcano view, when the weather is clear. Tropical gardens lead down to the main lodge where you’ll find two restaurants, a large pool, cascading thermal pools and even a swim-up sushi bar.

Lomas del Volcan, near La Fortuna

Arenal Nayara, near La Fortuna

Arenal Nayara, near La Fortuna One of the region’s most stylish hotels, Arenal Nayara has 33 free-standing casitas decorated in an elegant style. Canopied beds create a sense of luxury while the volcano-facing deck with Jacuzzi and hammock, and the small private garden with outdoor showers mean you’ll still feel connected to the local environment. The hotel has two highly-regarded restaurants, two bars and a lovely pool with volcano views. There is also an open-air massage pavilion and a riverside Jacuzzi to relax in at the end of a day trekking or sightseeing.

Outdoor activities in Costa Rica The wealth of activities on offer around Costa Rica’s forests, rivers, lakes and volcanoes is a key attraction of the country, but it does not just cater for the thrill-seekers. Soft adventure activities suitable for all ages and fitness levels are available throughout the country, and trying even one of these during your visit is to experience Costa Rica at its most enjoyable.

Canopy zip-lining, Monteverde cloudforest

Canopy zip-lining Remarkably little effort is required to enjoy one of Costa Rica’s most renowned activities – simply sit back and enjoy the ride as you zoom through the treetops securely attached to an extended cable, admiring the passing scenery of cloudforests or volcanoes. Hot springs Costa Rica is home to over 60 volcanoes and if strenuous hiking does not appeal, a relaxing way to enjoy the country’s geothermal activity is to take a soak in one of the numerous thermal springs. Many of the hotels around Arenal feature their own thermal pools, but for something a little different we like the rainforest setting of the Ecotermales complex – particularly enjoyable in the evening for an atmospheric soak under the stars.

Pacuare Lodge, near Turrialba

Pacuare Lodge, near Turrialba With an arrival and departure by white water raft, Pacuare Lodge is without doubt one of the most unique places to stay in Costa Rica. The 19 elegantly furnished cabins, some with private plunge pool, are dotted around pristine grounds in the heart of the Talamanca Valley where there is little to disturb you other than the sounds of the rainforest and the Pacuare River.

Rafting Whether you prefer a gentle river float through tropical forest or an adrenaline rush in some serious rapids, there is an option to suit every taste in Costa Rica. Particularly recommended is the Balsa River, with Class II-III rapids catering for beginners and experienced rafters alike, whilst thrill seekers will love the options around Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí and Pacuare whose rapids reach Class V depending on the season.

Rafting on the Pacuare River

Spectacled caiman, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Blue morpho butterfly, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge This remote reserve encompasses a region of flooded forest and low-lying wetland close to the Nicaraguan border and is one of the most wildlife-rich areas which can be visited as a day trip from Arenal or the Tenorio region. A boat trip here allows you to observe roseate spoonbills, white ibis, woodstorks, jaribus and cattle egrets as well as a variety of other creatures such as three toed sloth, turtles, caiman and spider monkeys.

Tenorio Volcano National Park More tranquil than Arenal and arguably more beautiful, Tenorio National Park is a much less visited reserve on the northern shores of Lake Arenal, about two hours’ drive from La Fortuna. The park is dominated by two volcanoes, Tenorio and Montezuma, blanketed in rainforest and cloudforest and dotted with picturesque rivers, lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. Its abundant wildlife, excellent walking trails and scenic swimming areas make it a rewarding place to explore. The park’s most well-known attraction however, is the Rio Celeste waterfall, a 20-metre cascade tumbling into a natural pool, coloured bright blue by deposits of sulphur and calcium carbonate. Rio Celeste waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park

www.audleytravel.com/costarica • 01993 838 665 • Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve

Cloudforests of Costa Rica

Canopy walkway, Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve

It takes a unique combination of conditions to promote the growth of cloudforests and in Costa Rica these factors come together to spectacular effect. With a tropical climate and a band of mountains running down the country, warm, moist air is driven upwards to cooler elevations and in turn causes persistent low-level cloud over the central mountains. The consistently damp conditions are ideal for mosses, ferns and orchids, and hundreds of species of tree.

Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve The last sizeable pocket of primary cloudforest in Central America, Monteverde is Costa Rica’s best known and most visited cloudforest reserve. Home to 2,500 species of plant, 490 species of butterfly and over 400 species of bird, it is a fabulous place for walking, especially in the morning when mist drapes the forests and the birdlife is at its most active. There are hummingbird, butterfly and frog gardens as well as canopy walks and a system of zip-lines. Monteverde is undoubtedly a very popular destination, particularly in peak season, so if you’re after something more tranquil a guided walk in the nearby Santa Elena Reserve can offer an interesting contrast.

Hotel Belmar, near Monteverde An elegant and family-run hotel set on a tranquil hillside, the chalet-style Belmar offers 26 spacious rooms in two buildings separated by well-tended gardens. There’s a choice of room types including deluxe chalets offering floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces with hot tubs. Environmental responsibility is a key theme with natural materials used throughout and a farm-to-table concept in the restaurant. The hotel also has an on-site micro-brewery, a beautiful spa with a wide range of treatments and yoga classes.

Costa Rica’s cloudforests are renowned for their rich and varied birdlife, although the resplendent quetzal, which is usually seen between January and April, is their most notable resident. Along with birdwatching and nature walks, many reserves offer canopy zip-lining, hummingbird gardens, horse riding or night walks, and your specialist can advise on the best place to visit depending on your interests. Hotel Belmar, near Monteverde

Froghoppers, Santa Elena Reserve

Hummingbird, San Gerardo de Dota

Catarata del Toro, near Bajos del Toro

San Ramón Conveniently located just an hour from San Jose, the colonial town of San Ramón is known as the ‘City of Presidents and Poets’. Surrounded by rolling hills and pastures, it’s a good base for a trip to the Los Angeles Cloudforest Reserve, a remote pocket of forest in the highlands which is known for its epiphytes, mosses and over 225 species of bird. The emphasis here is on quiet exploration of the cloudforest trails rather than offering the wealth of activities to be found elsewhere, which for many, is a great part of its appeal.

San Gerardo de Dota World-renowned among the birdwatching community for its year-round sightings of the resplendent quetzal, the charming village of San Gerardo de Dota is a tranquil destination that has retained its authentic rural charm. This tiny farming community sits in the narrow Savegre River valley, three hours’ drive south of San Jose and the nearby Los Quetzales National Park which offers a much quieter alternative to Monteverde. Along with the quetzals you’re likely to see tanagers, woodpeckers and hummingbirds, and enjoy wonderful hiking.

Villa Blanca, near San Ramón Set in the heart of the private Los Angeles Cloudforest Reserve, Villa Blanca has 35 spacious bungalows with smart decor, cosy fireplaces and private terraces. The rooms are well spaced across the grounds and even the short walk to the main lodge offers the chance to spot exotic birds swooping between the trees. There is a good restaurant with views to Arenal on clear days and an excellent spa. Activities here include a variety of guided walks as well as horse riding and zip-lining.

Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa

Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa, San Gerardo de Dota The most well-established base for a stay in San Gerardo, this family-run hotel is set in rich forest grounds where the resplendent quetzal is often sighted in close proximity. Accommodation is in 50 cosy wood cabins with tiled floors, pale wood panelling, en suite bathrooms and a heater for cooler evenings. Junior suites have open fireplaces and beautiful views. The hotel also features a lounge bar and a good restaurant serving both local and international dishes.

Villa Blanca, near San Ramón

Bajos del Toro Costa Rica’s lush forests and stunning wildlife inevitably attract the crowds but little-visited Bajos del Toro offers an idyllic vision of what the country must have been like before it was discovered by the rest of the world. Hidden in the central volcanic region, this tiny town is about 90 minutes’ drive from San Jose but half a world away. Expect lush foliage, tumbling waterfalls, hundreds of species of bird, butterfly and plant and utter tranquillity. Organised activities are more limited here, but for some this is a significant attraction.

El Silencio Lodge, near Bajos del Toro Easily accessible yet totally serene, El Silencio Lodge is a luxurious back-to-nature escape set deep in a private reserve. This eco-friendly retreat has just 16 stylish suites with floor-toceiling windows, private balconies with hot tubs, and hummingbirds feeding in the grounds. Facilities include a beautiful spa, a yoga deck and an excellent restaurant serving local organic produce. Walking trails lead into the surrounding cloudforest reserve which is dotted with gently flowing streams and hidden waterfalls, and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Along with guided walks guests can learn about local medicinal plants, visit village markets, take a local cookery class and plant trees.

El Silencio Lodge, near Bajos del Toro

www.audleytravel.com/costarica • 01993 838 665 • Costa Rica

Beach near Manuel Antonio

Central Pacific coast & Manuel Antonio Beautiful beaches, dense tropical forest, a choice of national parks and easy access from San Jose makes the central Pacific coast a great place to visit. Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica’s smallest, is the most popular destination, and is renowned for its idyllic beaches, excellent walking trails and abundant wildlife. Further north, Carara is favoured by birdwatchers as it is possible to spot both rainforest and dry forest species in one place. To the south is wild and rugged Dominical with its vast black-sand beaches popular with surfers, jungle-covered foothills rich in birdlife and excellent whale watching. The protected waters of the Marino Ballena National Park are a haven for pods of dolphin, nesting sea turtles and migrating humpback whales which gather here between January and April and again from August to October.

Parador Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio

Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio Beachfront Arenas del Mar is located on a private forest reserve and features just 38 contemporary and elegant rooms, suites and apartments. There are two swimming pools, a small spa and a good restaurant. Nature trails lead into the forest and along the beach to the national park, and guests can also join forest tours, go surfing, kayaking, rafting or visit a local spice farm. Arenas del Mar, Manuel Antonio

Caribbean coast

Parador Resort & Spa, Manuel Antonio

Lush, laid-back and largely undeveloped, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is quite unlike the rest of the country. This is largely down to its fusion of cultural influences with Jamaican, Italian and Chinese traditions blending with local and indigenous customs to create a unique regional vibe. Dark sandy beaches and tropical forest hug the coastline while banana plantations provide employment for the local people. Wildlife flourishes here and you’ll frequently see toucans, sloths and monkeys. Although accommodation is generally simple, we can recommend several good bases. Weather here can be unpredictable at any time of year, but the best time to visit is between July and October when rainfall is lowest.

Set between the jungle and the beach, the Parador Resort stands high on a ridge with sweeping ocean views. The 129 rooms range from great value Garden View rooms with simple but elegant Mediterranean styling to spacious suites with large private balconies and Jacuzzis. Although a family-friendly hotel with three swimming pools, two are for adults only, so if you’re travelling without children you can still enjoy the peace and quiet of the surroundings. There’s also a gym and spa, four restaurants, and walking trails through the surrounding rainforest with monkeys, sloths, and toucans frequently seen. Secluded Biesanz Beach is a ten-minute walk away and is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.

Geothermal activity, Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Beach near Tamarindo

Bahia del Sol, Playa Potrero

Squirrel monkey, Manuel Antonio National Park

Northern Pacific coast Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coast offers a host of blissful beaches, including some of the country’s most scenic along Nicoya Peninsula and around Guanacaste. Tamarindo is by far the most popular destination and is a lively town with good surfing, an excellent selection of restaurants and a long, west-facing beach that enjoys fantastic Pacific sunsets. If you’re after something a little more secluded, Playa Potrero to the north is a good option, or to the south the Nicoya Peninsula, Tambor and Malpaís all offer charming places to stay. The pace of life is slower here and much of the coastline is untouched making it a prime destination for a tranquil retreat.

Capitán Suizo, Tamarindo Set at the end of the beautiful Tamarindo beach, Capitán Suizo offers easy access to the restaurants and nightlife of the town without being too close to the action for peace and tranquillity. There are 22 rooms and eight thatched-roof bungalows, all elegantly styled with white linens, warm woods and photographs of the local area in times past. All rooms open onto tropical gardens where exotic birds, howler monkeys, geckos and raccoons can be seen. The hotel has a large swimming pool with an adjacent open-air restaurant and bar where you can dine under the stars.

Hotel Punta Islita, Punta Islita

Hotel Punta Islita, Punta Islita Perched on a secluded clifftop with spectacular views, Hotel Punta Islita is a unique hideaway. The 50 rooms and casitas are cut into the hillside and each has a terrace overlooking the ocean. At their heart is the main lodge housing the bar and restaurant as well as a beautiful infinity pool and gym. At the foot of the hill is a black-sand beach with a separate restaurant and pool. Responsible tourism is a key facet of the resort and Punta Islita is heavily involved with the local community and conservation projects. Guests can enjoy the herbalist wisdom of the native Chorotega tribes in the hotel spa and meet friendly locals at the nearby village.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Bahia del Sol, Playa Potrero Set on one of the calmest swimming beaches on the Guanacaste coast, this 28 room hotel has a great location and plenty of local character. It’s a good value option designed in traditional Costa Rican style with bright and cheerful decor and a large pool with a swim-up bar shaded by palm trees. Rooms are simple but spacious and feature private terraces overlooking the gardens. There is a small outdoor spa offering a range of treatments and the option to take fishing, snorkelling or catamaran tours. Most memorable however, is the view from the beach bar at sunset.

A geothermal wonderland, Rincón de la Vieja National Park encompasses several volcanic peaks, lakes and vents as well as fertile rolling hills, tropical forests and grasslands. One of the most active areas, Las Pailas (Kitchen Stoves) can be reached on foot or horseback and is a fascinating spot with a series of hot springs, boiling mud pools, sulphur lakes and geysers. Despite its obvious attractions, the park remains largely off most visitors’ radars and you can enjoy the many trails and viewpoints, which on a clear day afford breathtaking panoramas without the crowds. Capitán Suizo, Tamarindo

www.audleytravel.com/costarica • 01993 838 665 • Costa Rica

nicaragua

costa rica

Arenal Volcano

Monteverde Cloudforest San Jose

Manuel Antonio

Simply Costa Rica Take in the some of the highlights of Costa Rica but without vast distances to travel, making this an ideal introduction to the country at a gentle pace. Experience the wildlife and activities the country is famous for and finish with some relaxation close to the jungle-fringed beaches of Manuel Antonio. Day 1

Arrive in Costa Rica’s capital city San Jose and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Travel to your hotel in the Arenal Volcano region, with a free afternoon to start exploring.

Day 3

Full day trip to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, where you will enjoy a boat journey in search of sloths, tropical birds and monkeys.

Day 4

Free day to relax by the pool or enjoy more activities – you could go kayaking, zip-lining, visit the hanging bridges or soak in the hot springs.

Day 5

Travel to the Monteverde Cloudforest. Afternoon to relax or start exploring, before your guided night tour in the forest.

Day 6

Enjoy a tour to a local family-run plantation. You will then visit the canopy walkways and try out some zip-lining through the treetops.

Day 7

Travel by road to the central Pacific coast and your hotel close to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Day 8

At leisure in Manuel Antonio – head to the beach, relax by the pool or visit the nearby national park, full of playful monkeys and sloths.

Day 9

Further relaxation on the beach, or you could perhaps arrange a kayaking or catamaran tour.

Day 10

Travel by road back to San Jose in time for your international flight.

Silhouette of a red-eyed tree frog, Tortuguero National Park

Tailoring your trip The itineraries shown are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and are routes that work particularly well. We can use these as a basis to plan your trip or design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Costa Rica specialists to start planning your itinerary.

T 01993 838 665

Getting around Costa Rica’s relatively small size means that most of the country is accessible by road. Transport options include a network of minibus transfers which carry passengers from hotel to hotel and offer an extremely cost effective way to travel around. Alternatively we can offer private transfers with your own driver, or even a driver and separate guide. For those who enjoy a little more independence our specialists have also researched a number of self-drive routes around the country. We may also call upon the excellent network of internal flights using small propeller planes and remote landing strips. This can save a considerable amount of time on certain routes, and it is often a memorable experience to observe the country’s volcanic peaks and dense jungle from a different perspective. 22

When to go Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33 33

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.

Much of Costa Rica is covered by rainforest and, as the country lies on the Tropic of Cancer, rain should be expected at any time of the year. The dry season on the Pacific coast and in the Central Highlands technically runs from December to April and the wet season from May to November. The heaviest rainfall tends to be in September and October. The most popular time to travel is between December and April when many properties are fully booked months in advance. We also like the ‘Green Season’, the months of May to June, and November, when the seasons are in transition and many parts of the country have a much quieter feel. Time difference: GMT-6 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Costa Rica on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Stay longer Slow the pace further at the start of the itinerary to experience Costa Rica’s coffee culture in the Central Valley. Alternatively, add a few days in the Osa Peninsula for an in-depth wildlife experience before you travel home.

Suggested itineraries nicaragua

Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

nicaragua

Costa Rica Playa Potrero

Arenal Volcano

Tortuguero National Park

Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano

San Jose

San Ramón

Turrialba

San Jose

Monteverde Cloudforest

San Gerardo de Dota Manuel Antonio

San Jose costa rica

Osa Peninsula Osa Peninsula

Classic Costa Rica

Wildlife of Costa Rica

Birdwatching in Costa Rica

Combine national parks and activities with some beach relaxation on the peaceful northern Pacific coast. The diversity of landscapes will provide a great insight into Costa Rica’s varied flora, fauna and opportunities for outdoor activities.

An eleven day trip specifically focused on Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife. Explore the central volcanic range, tranquil cloudforest, Manuel Antonio’s tropical coastal forests and the rainforests of Osa Peninsula, home to the highest concentration and diversity of species in all of Costa Rica.

Despite its diminutive size, Costa Rica is home to an astounding array of birds making it a key destination for bird enthusiasts. This two week trip is based in well-appointed lodges exploring four key forest habitats.

Day 1 Day 2

Day 3

Day 4 Day 5

Day 6

Day 7 Day 8

Day 9

Arrive in San Jose and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Travel by road and boat into Tortuguero National Park. Small group excursions will begin after lunch at your lodge. Second day of group excursions, exploring the canals in search of caimans, turtles, howler and capuchin monkeys. Depart Tortuguero for your hotel in the Arenal Volcano region. Enjoy a morning at the Arenal Hanging Bridges – a beautiful canopy walkway tour through the rainforest. Then visit the national park followed by a soak in thermal springs. Free day in Arenal to relax and experience more activities – you could go kayaking on the lake, zip-lining, or visit a wildlife refuge. Take the scenic journey to the Monteverde Cloudforest. Early morning guided nature walk to look for wildlife in the cloudforest. You will then visit the canopy walkways and try some zip-lining. Private transfer to your beach hotel on the peaceful northern Pacific coast.

Days 10-11 Relax on the beach. Day 12

Private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Stay longer Add a couple of days in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí to take in cacao plantations, birdwatching and some of the best white water rafting in the country. If beach time is not of interest, finish the trip in the Osa Peninsula for an intense wildlife experience.

Day 1

Day 2

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, you will be driven to your peaceful lodge near San Ramón. Morning birdwatching in the Los Angeles Cloudforest with a specialist guide. Afternoon to relax or perhaps enjoy another activity.

Day 3

Travel by private vehicle to your hotel located in tropical gardens near the Arenal Volcano.

Day 4

Visit the Hanging Bridges – a beautiful canopy walkway through tropical forest. Then visit a nearby hot springs complex.

Day 5

Full day trip to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll take a boat journey in search of sloths, caimans, monkeys and turtles.

Day 6

Travel to Manuel Antonio on the central Pacific coast, where the jungle meets beach.

Day 7

Enjoy a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, in search of toucans, sloths and playful monkeys.

Day 8

Transfer along the Pacific coast to the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica’s jewel in the crown for wildlife.

Days 9-10 Free time to arrange activities in the Osa Peninsula. Exploring with the specialist guides maximises your chances of spotting wildlife. Day 11

Take a scenic light aircraft flight back to San Jose, in time for your onward international flight.

Stay longer Head to the Caribbean side of the country, spending a few days exploring the wetlands and flooded forests of Tortuguero National Park before visiting the renowned La Selva Biological Station in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí.

Day 1

Arrive in Costa Rica’s capital city San Jose and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Travel to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí, home to rich birdlife and tropical plantations. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3

Enjoy a half day tour of La Selva Biological Station, home to over 445 species of birds.

Day 4

Transfer to your specialist birding lodge in the Turrialba region, nestled in the verdant hills of the central volcanic range.

Days 5-6 Free time to go birdwatching independently or accompany one of the specialist guides. Day 7

Travel to the remote and tranquil cloudforest of San Gerardo de Dota.

Day 8

Enjoy an early morning walk in search of the resplendent quetzal and many other highland birds.

Day 9

Second day exploring the cloudforest trails of San Gerardo. You could hike to the Savegre waterfall or explore on horseback.

Day 10

A scenic drive will take you to the wild and beautiful Osa Peninsula.

Days 11-12 Free time for birdwatching, nature walks or other activities in the Osa Peninsula. Day 13

Take a scenic light aircraft flight back to San Jose, in time for your onward international flight.

Stay longer For birdwatching in the flooded forests, head to the Tortuguero National Park for a couple of days and explore the canals on a group basis from your lodge. Alternatively, use Arenal as a base to visit the remarkable Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge close to the border with Nicaragua.

www.audleytravel.com/costarica • 01993 838 665 • Costa Rica

Nicaragua N

ow enjoying a prolonged period of political stability, visitor numbers to Nicaragua still remain refreshingly low, despite the country offering many of the attractions of its more famous neighbours. This relative anonymity has ensured that Nicaragua remains a place of authentic charm, where the locals are genuinely glad to see you and even the most beautiful stretch of coastline remains pleasingly unspoiled by development. Natural wonders abound, from active volcanoes and deep crater lakes to untouched rainforest, verdant mangroves, pristine beaches and colourful coral reefs. You can surf a world-class break, snorkel with tropical fish, explore indigenous villages, relax on a mesmerising inland sea or wander around the atmospheric streets and plazas of grand colonial cities. Everywhere you go you’ll be greeted with enthusiasm, wowed by nature and surprised by the lack of crowds. Nicaragua embraces travellers with a charm and welcome that leaves many wanting to plan their next visit before they have left.

Audley in Nicaragua

Estelí

Selva Negra Cloudforest Reserve

Matagalpa

Cerro Negro Volcano

León

Puerto Cabezas

lia sabe ra I dille

Jinotega

San Cristóbal Volcano

NICARAGUA

Lake Managua

Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve

MANAGUA

Masaya Volcano Mombacho Volcano

IC N

Nicaragua’s accommodation options are increasing all the time and in urban centres such as Granada and León you’ll find beautiful rooms in converted colonial mansions. Apart from a few striking exceptions, accommodation elsewhere is far simpler in style however. Clean, comfortable and often family-run, rural accommodation offers an insight into Nicaraguan life but may not have all the facilities or the standards of service of more developed destinations. Our specialists visit regularly and inspect all the accommodation we recommend so can provide first-hand and up-to-date advice.

r Co

Accommodation

HONDURAS

C PA

As the trickle of visitors to Nicaragua gradually increases, its tourism infrastructure steadily improves but progress is pleasantly slow. For now it remains a charming place to travel but with much talk of proposed development it may not be long before this changes. Our specialists know the country extremely well and have carefully selected the best destinations and accommodation options, as well as hand-picking a group of guides whose knowledge and passion about their homeland will bring the country to life. Whether you wish to see the colonial splendour of Granada or León or explore Lake Nicaragua, the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve or the remote Corn Islands, we aim to give you an insight into real life in this fascinating country. Nicaragua combines well with a trip to Costa Rica and we can advise on the best land and air routes between the two countries.

Little Corn Island Granada

Concepción Volcano

5 San Juan del Sur Peñas Blancas

40 miles

64 kilometres

Solentiname Islands

Lake Nicaragua

San Carlos El Castillo

Caribbean Sea Indio Maíz Biological Reserve

Rio San Juan

COSTA RICA

1 León Vibrant, dynamic and cultured, León is a handsome university city with great museums and nightlife. See page 29 2 Granada A stunningly picturesque city of grand colonial architecture, gilded churches and cobbled streets made for wandering. See page 26

4 Indio Maíz

Biological Reserve Off the beaten track and incredibly rewarding, Indio Maíz is Nicaragua’s premier wildlife viewing destination. See page 28

3 Ometepe Island A dramatic pair of volcanic peaks rising from Lake Nicaragua, Ometepe offers wildlife, relaxation and wonderful walking. See page 27 View of Ometepe Island across Lake Nicaragua

Great Corn Island

Bluefields

Ometepe Island

5 Pacific coast beaches Near deserted golden-sand beaches backed by lush tropical forest. See page 30

Volcanoes Set on a junction between tectonic plates, Nicaragua has a landscape shaped by volcanic activity with smouldering peaks, spectacular crater lakes and lush surrounding forests that are a haven for wildlife. See page 27

Little Corn Island, Caribbean coast

www.audleytravel.com/nicaragua • 01993 838 680 • Nicaragua

Bell towers of Granada Cathedral, Granada

Managua

Granada

Nicaragua’s capital city, Managua is usually a logistical necessity rather than a destination in itself. Those who decide to stay will discover a number of interesting museums, crumbling churches and elaborate street art among the urban sprawl. A city of contrasts, it is one of the few places where you’ll see a horse and cart pull up next to a lorry.

A grand colonial city awash with stately buildings, elaborate churches and photogenic streets, Granada is set between magnificent Lake Nicaragua and the imposing Mombacho Volcano. It is the oldest Spanish-built city in Central America and its cobbled streets are a joy to wander. The atmosphere is easy-going and continental, with a steady flow of travellers to frequent the many cafes and restaurants of the city centre. A guided walking tour of the colonial streets offers a great introduction to the city after which you can linger over a coffee or fresh juice, watch the locals throng around food stalls, and just soak up the timeless atmosphere of this most genteel of cities.

Hotel Colonial, Granada

Street food seller in Parque Central, Granada

Hotel Colonial, Granada

Set just off Granada’s main square, Hotel Colonial is an affordable option with plenty of local character and charm. The 36 rooms are set around two courtyards brimming with exotic plants which creates a very tranquil atmosphere. The room decor is traditional in style, with terracotta tiles, warm woods and colourful bathrooms. All have air-conditioning and there are a couple of spacious split level suites ideal for families. The hotel has two swimming pools with swim up bars but no restaurant, though the surrounding streets offer plenty of choice and ambience when finding somewhere to eat.

Hotel Plaza Colón, Granada

Hotel Plaza Colón, Granada A lovingly restored colonial mansion set around a series of internal courtyards, Hotel Plaza Colón is one of Granada’s most comfortable accommodation options. There are 27 classically elegant rooms with dark woods and ceiling fans. All are spacious and bright and some also have large balconies overlooking the city’s central Plaza Colón and its magnificent cathedral. There is also a swimming pool, bar and cafe. Although the hotel does not have a restaurant, the convenient central location means that the best dining options in the city are all within easy walking distance.

Nicaragua’s volcanoes With a combination of 19 active and dormant volcanoes, the spectacular central range of Nicaragua is one of the country’s geographic highlights. You will be sure to pass at least two or three volcanoes on your travels through the country, but these are some of our favourite options for closer encounters.

Las Isletas, Granada

Santiago crater, Masaya Volcano

Best for lava: Masaya A visit to the enormous Santiago crater of the Masaya Volcano is an assault on the senses. Sulphurous gases bellow forth and the sound of the lava thundering below ground is truly memorable. Taking a tour at dusk, you may even be able to observe the glow of the lava as well as the curious phenomenon of the green parakeets who return every night to roost.

Best for wildlife: Mombacho The cloudforest surrounding Mombacho Volcano is full of luxurious vegetation that has flourished since the last volcanic activity in 1570. Its area contains approximately 50 species of mammal, 174 species of bird and 30 species of reptile. Endemic species include salamanders, orchids and butterflies, and optional zip-lining can be arranged here to view the forest canopy from a different perspective.

Volcano boarding, Cerro Negro

Best for activity lovers: Cerro Negro One of Nicaragua’s youngest volcanoes, hiking the stark black slopes of Cerro Negro to reach two active and colourful craters is an experience in itself. The adventure does not end here however. When you reach the top you can admire the unforgettable view stretching right over the volcanic chain, before making the optional, thrilling descent by volcano boarding.

Hand-painted birds, Solentiname Islands

Las Isletas

Ometepe Island

An archipelago of tiny volcanic islands just offshore from Granada, Las Isletas play host to everything from rustic fishing huts to elaborate private mansions and abandoned Spanish fortresses. Boat trips offer an overview of the islands but you can also stay at one of Nicaragua’s most luxurious resorts, Jicaro Island Ecolodge. Set on a private island, it is a chic and stylish place with just nine elegant casitas.

Lake Nicaragua is Central America’s largest freshwater lake and is dominated by the twin conical peaks of Ometepe Island. Its volcanic soil feeds rich forests with abundant wildlife and shelters little-visited pre-Columbian sites. You can hike or ride through the cloudforest and explore the volcanic peaks, spot monkeys, armadillo, opossum and deer, visit petroglyphs dating from 300 BC or sit back and relax on the island’s wide beaches. Although it is possible to take a day trip to the island from Granada, it’s well worth spending a couple of days here to explore in more depth.

Totoco Eco Lodge, Ometepe Island A beautiful ecolodge set on the slopes of Ometepe’s extinct Maderas Volcano, Totoco has eight rooms set in individual thatched lodges. Decor is simple but elegant with locally-made furniture and natural colour schemes. Each room has a balcony with impressive views over the surrounding cloudforest, the perfect peak of active Concepción Volcano and below it, Lake Nicaragua. There’s a lovely pool with similar views, a good restaurant and high environmental standards with solar energy and water recycling systems used throughout. Staff and guides are all local and incredibly welcoming, and the lodge operates its own organic farm. San Fernando Island, Solentiname Islands

Totoco Eco Lodge, Ometepe Island

Solentiname Islands A magical archipelago in the southern part of Lake Nicaragua, the Solentiname Islands are an idyllic place to relax. Draped in dense tropical vegetation and isolated from the rest of the country, wildlife thrives here and the lush forests and colourful creatures who inhabit them are immortalised in the bright paintings and carvings for which the islanders are famous. Access is via a short flight from Managua to San Carlos and then a motorboat trip out onto the lake.

Scarlet macaws, Solentiname Islands

www.audleytravel.com/nicaragua • 01993 838 680 • Nicaragua

Indio Maíz Biological Reserve

Hotel Luna del Rio, El Castillo

Rio San Juan

Coveniently located just a short boat trip from the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve, Hotel Luna del Rio’s five rustic rooms offer a simple but comfortable base for your time in the area. All rooms feature a small terrace with views out to the Rio San Juan, as well as air-conditioning and a private bathroom. Although there is no restaurant at the hotel, staff will arrange evening meals for you at a nearby restaurant as part of a project supporting the local community.

Running east out of Nicaragua along the Costa Rican border and into the Caribbean Sea, the Rio San Juan has long been significant in the country’s history. Used by everyone from indigenous traders to Spanish invaders and marauding pirates, the river is flanked by dense forest, rolling hills and vast wetlands. Apart from a few sleepy villages there’s little here to disturb the wildlife and you’ll spot sloths, howler monkeys, parrots and macaws as you travel downstream. Part of the draw of this region is simply watching life along the river banks, and the only town of any size is picturesque El Castillo. Strategically located on a sharp curve in the river, its 17th-century fortress dominates the view. Below, the colourful wooden buildings sit on stilts above the rapids and give the impression that little has changed here in centuries. El Castillo, Rio San Juan

Indio Maíz Biological Reserve Just 15 minutes downstream from El Castillo, the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve protects one of Nicaragua’s last stands of primary forest. This remote reserve is one of the least visited in the country and much of it is still off-limits to visitors. There are over 600 species of tropical bird and 200 species of mammal here as well as towering cathedral trees making this the ultimate destination for adventurous travellers. Hike along trails between magnificent trees, marvel at the aerial acrobatics of the many monkeys and seek out poison dart frogs.

Nicaragua past & present Nicaragua’s turbulent recent history is difficult to ignore when embarking on a visit to the country, but to learn about it during your travels here only helps to truly appreciate just how far this remarkable country has come. Church of the Recollection, León

The emergence in the 1960s of the FSLN, otherwise known as the Sandinista movement, brought about some of the most significant events in Nicaragua’s living memory. Many years of oppressive rule by the dictatorial Somoza family were eventually brought to a bloody end in the 1978 revolution, a devastating 18-month conflict which took the lives of some 50,000 people.

Reagan-backed Contra War ultimately led to the government’s demise. It was only the elections of 1990 that finally brought lasting democracy and peace to Nicaragua.

The decade of Sandinista rule that followed was a controversial one, the legacy of which divides opinion to this day. Significant cultural advances and infrastructure improvements were made during this time, along with a literacy drive that earned Nicaragua worldwide acknowledgement. However, human rights abuses and autocratic leadership set against a backdrop of US economic embargoes and the

Over a quarter of a century of stability has finally given Nicaragua the opportunity to flourish and shake off the negative image of its troubled past. Emerging as one of the friendliest and most welcoming countries in Central America, one of the results of this troubled past is that Nicaragua today is still blissfully under the radar, helping to preserve its authenticity and adding to its fascination and charm.

Statue of Augusto Cesar Sandino, Managua

Cathedral bell, León

León

Around León

In many ways, León is Nicaragua’s most enthralling city. As the former capital it is graced with grand colonial-era buildings, an enormous cathedral, numerous churches and beautiful streets. It is also Nicaragua’s cultural and intellectual centre, home to the National University, the country’s best art gallery and a large student population. This youthful nature gives it a vibrant, dynamic spirit and you’ll find great restaurants and nightlife, live music, theatre and plenty of entertaining people-watching from one of its many cafes. The city’s most famous sight is the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest cathedral in Central America.

León sits in a region of extreme volcanic activity and the city moved from its original site in the 17th century following a devastating eruption of Momotombo Volcano. You can visit the remains of the original city, León Viejo, trek the now dormant Momotombo, or take a moderate hike up Cerro Negro. For wildlife sightings, Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve, just an hour from León, is easy to visit on a day trip and is home to a diverse range of birds as well as caiman and iguanas.

Selva Negra Cloudforest Reserve

El Convento, León Located in the heart of historic León, El Convento is a charming place to stay and is set in a beautifully converted former convent which dates from 1639. The rooms surround a large courtyard with clipped hedges, fragrant flowers and trickling fountains. Long open corridors lead to the 31 simple rooms which have terracotta tiling and exposed brick walls, while the hotel’s one suite offers more character with antique furniture and rich fabrics. The hotel has a small courtyard pool as well as a well-respected restaurant serving international dishes.

Selva Negra Cloudforest Reserve Founded by German immigrants in the 1880s, the Selva Negra estate encompasses undulating fields and mountainous forests that harbour coffee plantations and an abundance of wildlife. You can tour the region on foot or horseback, take wildlife and coffee plantation tours, or visit the estate’s sustainable farm. There are a variety of simple but comfortable accommodation options, a lakeside restaurant and a choice of trails through the forest. El Convento, León

www.audleytravel.com/nicaragua • 01993 838 680 • Nicaragua

Beach in San Juan del Sur

Victoriano Hotel, San Juan del Sur One of the more affordable options in San Juan del Sur, Victoriano Hotel was built as a private residence in 1902 and retains much of its original Victorian charm with antique rugs, polished wood floors and paintings by local artists. The 21 rooms are decorated with hand-carved cedar furniture and some face a pretty internal courtyard. Others have French doors leading to balconies overlooking the beach or the hotel’s small pool. San Juan del Sur has attracted Nicaragua’s elite for many years and while travelling, Mark Twain was once a guest at the hotel. Colourful shopfronts, San Juan del Sur

Morgan’s Rock Ecolodge, near San Juan del Sur Overlooking a mile-long stretch of private beach and backed by a large jungle reserve, Morgan’s Rock is a luxurious ecolodge half an hour by road from San Juan del Sur. The hotel’s 15 bungalows are set into the hillside above the beach and are reached via a suspension bridge flanked by thick tropical vegetation. Made from sustainable woods and powered by solar energy, they blend seamlessly into their environment and have large terraces offering ocean views. There is an infinity pool and a beachside yoga pavilion as well as a restaurant serving food made with ingredients from the hotel’s organic farm. Guests can go hiking, fishing or kayaking, take surfing lessons or look out for nesting sea turtles who visit the beach between August and February.

Pacific coast A dramatic landscape of dormant volcanoes, sweeping bays and golden-sand beaches backed by lush tropical forests makes Nicaragua’s Pacific coast a wonderful place to relax. Apart from a scattering of fishing villages, the region is largely undeveloped and you can walk along some of its more remote and beautiful beaches without encountering another soul. The friendly fishing town of San Juan del Sur, a two hour drive south of Granada, is the biggest in the area and has a good selection of restaurants and low key nightlife. The majority of accommodation options in the region lie just north and south of the town. Victoriano Hotel, San Juan del Sur

Morgan’s Rock Ecolodge, near San Juan del Sur

Suggested itinerary Tailoring your trip

Little Corn Island

The itinerary shown is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and is a route that works particularly well. We can use this as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Nicaragua specialists to start planning your itinerary.

nicaragua León

Managua

Granada

Ometepe Island

T 01993 838 680 San Juan del Sur

Getting around

Local signposts, Little Corn Island

Travelling around Nicaragua by road is relatively straightforward with the main cities of Managua, Granada, León and San Juan del Sur a few hours apart. The Pan American Highway is the main artery through the country and is in good condition. Branching off this road, surfaces tend to be a little bumpy but are improving all the time. We recommend both a guide and driver for longer distances to enhance your experience of the country, but it is also possible to travel with just a driver if you would prefer. Internal flights on small propeller planes are required to access the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve and Corn Islands. A trip to Nicaragua can easily be combined with Costa Rica via numerous daily flights or by road via the Peñas Blancas border crossing, which is relatively hassle-free.

Corn Islands

When to go

Local man, Big Corn Island

A pair of beguiling islands off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast, the Corn Islands are renowned for their excellent snorkelling and diving, glorious food and laid-back vibe. Refreshingly undeveloped despite their obvious charms, you can relax on white-sand beaches backed by colourful wooden houses, watch lobster fishermen land their catch and just enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets before you. Accommodation options are limited and there is little in the way of infrastructure here but this only adds to the islands’ charm.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33 33

Classic Nicaragua Explore the highlights of Nicaragua including colonial León and the vibrant city of Granada. You will also take in some of the country’s natural highlights such as Masaya Volcano and Ometepe Island before finishing with some relaxation on the Pacific coast. Day 1

Arrive in Managua where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2

Travel in a private vehicle to León and enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful colonial centre.

Day 3

Visit the Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife.

Day 4

Travel by road to the grand colonial city of Granada, stopping en route to visit the vast crater of the Masaya Volcano.

Day 5

Enjoy a private tour of Granada plus a boat trip on Lake Nicaragua to Las Isletas.

Day 6

Today you will visit Mombacho Volcano, and have the opportunity to hike through the cloudforest at its crater.

Day 7

Travel by road and then ferry across Lake Nicaragua to Ometepe Island.

Day 8

Free time on Ometepe Island to go hiking, kayaking or swim from Playa Santo Domingo and admire the views of the volcanoes.

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

~ Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year. The best time to visit Nicaragua is in the dry season which runs from December to April. Temperatures tend to be at their highest during April and May. Between July and the end of October it can be very wet, and the rain makes it more difficult to travel on the many unpaved roads throughout the country.

Time difference: GMT-6 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Nicaragua on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Beach on Little Corn Island

Days 9 -11 Transfer to San Juan del Sur for some relaxation on the Pacific coast. Day 12

Transfer to Managua for your international flight.

Stay longer Spend a couple of nights in the Selva Negra Cloudforest and visit a coffee plantation. Alternatively fly south to El Castillo to enjoy a boat trip along the Rio San Juan and a tour of the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve.

Calle La Calzada, Granada

www.audleytravel.com/nicaragua • 01993 838 680 • Nicaragua

Panama A

narrow STRIP of land at a crossroads of continents and oceans, Panama is a nation of contrasts and surprises. Best known for its astounding canal, it is also home to wild and rugged jungle, staunchly traditional indigenous tribes, manicured coffee plantations and deserted Caribbean islands. The country was built on the wealth of plundered gold and is still a prosperous place in parts, with gorgeous colonial mansions set alongside glittering modern high rises in the capital. Elsewhere it is a wealth of natural attractions that give this diminutive country its real appeal. Dense rainforest, rolling grasslands, and coastal wetlands and mangroves provide a variety of habitats for birdlife which, coupled with Panama’s location between hemispheres and oceans, explains the 976 species recorded here. You can relax on pristine beaches, hike, bike, raft and dive, zip-line through forest canopies, or traverse the eponymous canal for a close-up of this massive feat of engineering. Along with all this there are the wonderful Panamanian people, open-minded, welcoming and multi-cultured. The mix of indigenous, Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and American influences make travelling here an enthralling experience.

Audley in Panama

81 kilometres

Cari bbean Sea

COSTA RICA

4 Bocas C ig hir hl iq an u í ds Barú Volcano

Boquete 5 Centr al David

Soberanía National Park

Colón

Moun

Gatún Lake Panama Canal

tain Ran ge

El Valle

PANAMA

Boca Brava

Chiriquí Gulf

San B las Is la

Portobelo

del Toro

Santiago

nds Lake Bayano

PANAMA CITY

Pearl Islands

Coiba Island

DARIÉN

Panama Gulf Darién National Park

PAC IFIC

COLOMBIA

OCEAN

3 San Blas Islands

Snorkel in turquoise waters and gain a fascinating insight into the indigenous culture of this autonomous archipelago. See page 37

Accommodation Panama City and the Canal Zone have a wide range of hotels that cater for the large number of business travellers to the country. Many of these are part of international chains and offer high standards of accommodation and service but less local character. We’ve sought out a number of alternatives however, that offer a central location in Panama City’s atmospheric old town and a stronger connection to the local community. Outside the capital accommodation is often in more rustic, family-run establishments set in beautiful locations.

50 miles

Whether your curiosity principally lies in the awesome Panama Canal or you wish to venture further afield on paths less travelled, our specialists can advise you on how best to spend your time in Panama. Their in-depth, on-the-ground knowledge makes planning an itinerary easy, and frequent return visits keep them up to date on new developments. While Panama City is a modern, sophisticated metropolis with all the infrastructure of a developed nation, more remote areas of the country lag behind. Things are changing fast however and with new developments regularly opening up our specialists are well-placed to advise you on all the current options. Panama’s many attractions make it easy to spend a couple of weeks here but its central location and excellent flight connections mean that it is also possible to visit Panama City and the Canal Zone as a stopover en route to Costa Rica and the South American countries of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela.

4 Bocas del Toro

Hike, bike or kayak around these forested islands that have an infectious Afro-Caribbean charm. See page 36 View of the Panama Canal 1 The Panama Canal Huge container ships inch their way along this astounding and historic canal which links two vast oceans. See page 35

Rose-breasted grosbeak, Boquete 5 Boquete Draped in cloudforest, coffee plantations and cleaved by surging rivers, the remote Chiriquí Highlands offer excellent walking, rafting and birdwatching. See page 35

2 Panama City A glorious combination of old and new in Central America’s most cosmopolitan city. See page 34 Marine life, San Blas Islands

www.audleytravel.com/panama • 01993 838 675 • Panama

Panama City at dusk

Panama City A sophisticated, modern metropolis with a sleek business district and dynamic spirit, Panama City is set around a large bay. The city is home to half the country’s population and has built its wealth on trade, banking and the constant movement of traffic through the nearby canal. Beyond this, you’ll find the atmospheric Casco Antiguo, an attractive district of beautiful 17th and 18thcentury churches, where convents and museums alternate with stunning colonial mansions built by the Spanish and French. Older still are the ruins of the original capital founded in 1517. The first city built on the Pacific coast of the Americas, it was razed by the notorious British pirate, Henry Morgan. Modern Panama City is most alluring by night, when people gather for a sunset drink overlooking the entrance to the canal.

Las Clementinas, Panama City

Country Inn & Suites Amador, Panama City A long-term Audley favourite is the excellent value Country Inn & Suites Amador which offers 254 rooms and suites, all featuring air-conditioning and coffee making facilities. Despite lacking a little character, the hotel is in an enviable location with some rooms enjoying superb views over the entrance to the canal and the Bridge of the Americas. Facilities include a gym, and the hotel is also well-positioned to try some of the various restaurant options on the nearby causeway.

El Valle Nestled in the crater of an enormous extinct volcano and surrounded by mountains shrouded in lush forest, El Valle is a picturesque weekend escape for Panama’s wealthy. Easily accessible from the city and cooler thanks to its altitude, it is a tranquil little town with wonderful walking and riding in the surrounding hills. You can explore traditional markets and cool tropical forests, go in search of exotic birdlife or picturesque waterfalls, or simply relax in a quiet cafe and watch the world go by.

Las Clementinas, Panama City Locally-owned and ideally located for exploring the cobbled streets of the old town, Las Clementinas is a charming boutique hotel in the Casco Antiguo. Set in a former apartment building dating from 1930, it retains much of its period charm and the six large guest rooms are furnished in a chic and stylish manner with hand-painted tiles, antique and specially-commissioned furniture, and modern artworks. Each has its own kitchenette and access to the lovely rooftop terrace.

Handicrafts stall, El Valle

Rufous motmots, Soberanía National Park

The Panama Canal The astounding Panama Canal is the principal reason many travellers choose to visit the country, and there really is nothing quite like watching huge ocean liners navigate through the locks, some with only inches to spare. You can visit the vast Miraflores Locks, which have an observation platform and museum detailing the canal’s history, or join the flotilla of boats on the canal itself. On the Caribbean side of the canal you will find the ruined forts of Portobelo and San Lorenzo overlooking the sea. Strategically located during the early days of Spanish rule, these forts were repeatedly ransacked by

pirates trying to intercept the Inca gold that was being shipped back to Spain. The colonial town of Portobelo is still home to the original custom house where all the treasures were stored. The true highlight, however, is usually a boat transit on the canal itself as you pass under the Bridge of the Americas alongside enormous tankers, and then make the memorable 18-metre-descent at the Miraflores Locks. Partial transits of the canal are the most convenient way of including the experience in your itinerary, or for real enthusiasts full transits operate once a week.

Canopy Tower, Soberanía National Park

Soberanía National Park Renowned for its prolific birdlife, Soberanía National Park runs alongside Gatún Lake and the Panama Canal. Its dense rainforest is home to 525 species of bird and a trip along the famous Pipeline Road promises sightings of trogons, tanagers, antbirds, cuckoos and manakins among others. In a single record day, up to 385 different species have been identified on this route making it one of the most rewarding destinations in Central America for birdwatchers. Accommodation in the area is predominantly simple but the lodges are well geared up for birdwatching and are ideally placed for taking to the trails.

Canopy Tower, Soberanía National Park Only 15 minutes’ drive from the Pipeline Road, this unique accommodation option is set in a former US Air Force radar station, a three-storey structure topped by an observation deck and geodesic dome. The 12 rooms are simple enough but are all elevated and have large windows overlooking the surrounding forest so you can watch the birdlife right from your bed. The tower’s observation deck is level with the forest canopy and offers a superb location for birdwatching as well as wonderful views over the forest and out to the canal. Coffee harvesting, Boquete

Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Soberanía National Park

Boquete

A large resort set in manicured grounds, Gamboa Rainforest Resort offers a great range of facilities. The 186 classically elegant rooms are spacious and bright and have large balconies with hammocks that overlook the Chagres River. There’s a swimming pool, a choice of three restaurants and live music in the bar. Guests can take an aerial tram through the forest to observe the upper rainforest canopy, go on guided birdwatching or fishing tours, kayak along the Panama Canal, cycle along forest trails or take a riverboat tour.

The Chiriquí Highlands are a showcase of Panama’s beauty with the country’s highest peaks, best cloudforest, longest rivers and its only volcano found here. The main town in the highlands is Boquete, which makes a great base for exploring the area. The glorious surrounding countryside is ideal for birdwatching, walking, mountain biking and horse riding. You can also visit local coffee plantations or go white water rafting on the Chiriquí River, which has some of the most exhilarating rapids in Central America. Boquete is a two hour drive from David, Panama’s westernmost city. Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Soberanía National Park

www.audleytravel.com/panama • 01993 838 675 • Panama

Boca del Drago Beach, Colón Island

Pacific coastline

Bocas del Toro

A number of lovely ecolodges have opened along Panama’s Pacific coastline in recent years making this a good alternative to the better known islands of Bocas del Toro and San Blas on the Caribbean coast. With blissful beaches, plentiful swimming, snorkelling, fishing and kayaking opportunities in peaceful surroundings, these beach escapes are well worth seeking out. Options extend from the Chiriquí province in the west of the country through to the Pearl Islands some 60 miles southeast of Panama City.

The islands of Bocas del Toro dot the Caribbean close to the border with Costa Rica. The archipelago is made up of pretty coral reefs surrounded by crystal-clear waters, small islands blanketed in lush rainforest and fringed by extensive mangrove forests, and wonderfully deserted beaches. These empty stretches of golden sand are also the nesting place of hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles, although it can be difficult to predict the best times to see them.

Accommodation along the Pacific coastline

Accessed by either plane or boat, the main settlement is the small surfing town of Bocas on Colón Island, a relaxed and bohemian place which makes a good base for visiting the surrounding islands. Bocas’ languid charm causes many visitors to linger much longer than they had planned, soaking up the unique Caribbean culture, hiring kayaks or bikes, or taking a water

We have carefully selected a small number of accommodation options along this coastline, such as the luxurious Cala Mia on Boca Brava Island. For the adventurous the best scuba diving and surfing can be found in La Coiba National Park, which protects the island of the same name, plus the 38 smaller islands and the surrounding marine areas within the gulf of Chiriquí. The nearest accommodation to the marine park is in the tiny settlement of Santa Catalina on the mainland.

Cycling around Bocas, Colón Island

taxi to explore some of the other beautiful islands in the archipelago. Just ten minutes away is Bastimentos Island, a wilderness paradise with deserted white beaches and a strong Afro-Caribbean vibe. There are some simple but beautiful lodges dotted around the islands including the family-run Tranquilo Bay Adventure Lodge, the waterfront Hotel Bocas del Toro, and the serene Punta Caracol with its overwater bungalows. Cala Mia, Boca Brava Island

Suggested itinerary Tailoring your trip

Kuna Indian villages, San Blas Islands

The itinerary shown is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and is a route that works particularly well. We can use this as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Panama specialists to start planning your itinerary.

Bocas del Toro Boquete David

Soberanía National Park Panama City

PANAMA

T 01993 838 675

Getting around Distances in Panama are greater than many people expect. We therefore suggest a mix of road and light aircraft flights to travel around the country. The road network connecting Panama City, the Canal Zone and the Chiriquí Highlands is in good condition. However, heading to the Pacific and Caribbean coasts will involve travelling on unpaved roads. Internal flights are generally a reliable option but there can be some delays as they are often operated on a ‘request stop’ basis, in particular when flying to the San Blas Islands.

When to go Fabrics for sale, San Blas Islands

San Blas Islands The San Blas archipelago is an idyllic group of over 400 palm-fringed islands surrounded by the clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Reached by a light aircraft and boat transfer from Panama City, many of the islands remain completely uninhabited, with only a handful occupied by the self-governing indigenous Kuna Indians. The experience at San Blas is predominantly a cultural one, rather than a traditional beach stay, as one of the main draws of the islands is the chance to gain an insight into the lives of the indigenous community and the fascinating cultural traditions they strive to uphold. You may also embark upon excursions exploring waterfalls and mangroves, or take a boat trip to a remote beach where you can use a snorkel and swim through crystal waters in search of colourful fish, eagle rays and even nurse sharks. Accommodation on the islands is basic but the combination of an idyllic location and a fascinating culture make it an enjoyable experience for those with a sense of adventure.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33 33

Classic Panama A two week trip including Panama City, the tropical forests of the Soberanía National Park, the coffee plantations around Boquete and some beach relaxation in idyllic Bocas del Toro. Day 1

Arrive in Panama City where you will be met and driven to your hotel.

Day 2

Tour Panama’s contrasting capital, taking in Panama Viejo and the beautiful colonial quarter.

Day 3

Enjoy a partial transit of the Panama Canal, passing through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks to Gatún Lake.

Day 4

Take the short transfer to Soberanía National Park where you can enjoy a jungle boat excursion and guided walk on the Pipeline Road.

Day 5

Embark upon a fascinating day travelling in a dugout canoe up the Chagres River to visit an Embera indigenous community.

Day 6

Transfer back to Panama City for your flight to David and onward transfer to Boquete.

Day 7

Enjoy a fascinating plantation tour learning about the production of the regional coffee.

Day 8

Take a guided walk in the cloudforest or try your hand at white water rafting.

Day 9

Transfer to Bocas del Toro.

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

~ Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year. Travel to Panama is possible at any time of year, however, the dry season runs between December and April and is generally considered the best time to visit. Temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year, around 30C (86F). On the Caribbean coast there are short heavy bursts of rain almost daily, while the Pacific coast has a pronounced wet season from May to November.

Time difference: GMT-5 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Panama on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Days 10-11 At leisure in Bocas del Toro to explore the rainforest, beaches and experience the unique PanamanianCaribbean culture. Day 12

Fly back to Panama City and spend a final evening in the city.

Day 13

Transfer to the airport for your international flight.

Stay longer Take a light aircraft flight to the San Blas Islands for a unique insight into the culture of the indigenous Kuna community. Alternatively, cross the border into Costa Rica to experience superb wildlife spotting opportunities. Bastimentos Island, Bocas del Toro

www.audleytravel.com/panama • 01993 838 675 • Panama

Cuba A

n intoxicating, contradictory and multi-faceted country on the cusp of momentous change, Cuba is a beguiling destination famous for its crumbling grandeur, classic cars and flamboyant music. It is the largest and most populous island in the Caribbean, fringed by beaches and dotted with atmospheric towns bordered by verdant plantations. The country’s unique history, vibrant culture and thriving arts scene make it an extraordinary place to explore for anyone with an open mind and a sense of adventure, its many layers revealing themselves the longer you stay. Although travelling here can be challenging at times, the thaw in diplomatic relations with the USA has signalled a transformation in the country and the surge in visitor numbers has left locals scrambling to improve amenities. Progress is slow at the moment however, and despite the inevitable structural change to come, the country is unlikely to lose any of the defining aspects of its cultural identity. Scratch beneath the surface by travelling anywhere beyond the confines of the all-inclusive resorts and you’ll discover a truly unique Caribbean island.

Audley in Cuba

Although Cuba’s main economic focus is now on tourism, consistent standards of service and accommodation are yet to be seen. However, if you can accept an element of unpredictability, this all becomes part of the Cuban experience. There are a number of good character hotels in Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos but outside these centres accommodation is often in unremarkable lodges or all-inclusive resorts. With the growth in demand for accommodation, Cuba is struggling to keep up. New hotels are being planned in many areas but the pace of progress is slow. In the meantime local families are increasingly opening their homes to international visitors, providing at times a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of those people living through this period of remarkable change. These casas particulares, family-owned guesthouses, are a popular and unique way to experience Cuba.

Cayo Ensenachos

Varadero

Cayo Levisa

Viñales Valley Viñales 3 Zapata Pinar del Río National Park

Santa Clara Cienfuegos Trinidad Cayo Largo

Caribbea

CUBA

120 miles 193 kilometres

Camagüey

nS ea

1 Havana Crumbling grandeur and an indefatigable spirit make Havana an enthralling city. See pages 40-41

Cayo Santa Maria

Sancti Spíritus

Sierra del Escambray

ATLA NT IC

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Accommodation

1 HAVANA

Cuba is, without doubt, undergoing a significant period of change. Visitor numbers are increasing dramatically and work is being undertaken to improve the already overstretched tourism infrastructure. Our specialists are up to date with latest developments and challenges, and can design a trip to get you far beyond what is possible on an all-inclusive package. We aim to help you understand Cuba’s complex history, uncover its fascinating culture, get an insight into its passionate people and discover the beautiful landscapes beyond its sun-drenched shores. We do everything possible to arrange activities with the best local guides who can add an extra dimension to your time, by offering an insider’s view of this fascinating nation.

Las Terrazas

Guardalavaca Holguín Bayamo a Si er r

M aest r a

Baracoa

Santiago de Cuba

4 Las Terrazas A lush biosphere reserve set around a small village offering walking, birdwatching and a unique insight into rural life. See page 42

2 Trinidad

Wander the maze of cobbled streets in this perfectlypreserved colonial city and soak up its timeless charm. See page 42

5 Northern cayes White sands and emerald seas seduce visitors to these idyllic tiny islets. See page 44

3 Viñales Valley

Studded with dramatic limestone outcrops, this sleepy, rural area is known for its tobacco plantations and its natural beauty. See page 42

Sancti Spíritus near Trinidad

Classic car, Santiago de Cuba

6 Eastern Cuba Little-visited and off the beaten track, Cuba’s eastern cities are some of its oldest and most intriguing. See page 46

Music The lifeblood of the Cuban people, music is an integral part of the rhythm of daily life and you’ll hear it everywhere you go. See page 40 Rum Home of the mojito, daquiri and Cuba libre, rum is Cuba’s favourite tipple and local brands are amongst the world’s finest. Tobacco plantation, Viñales Valley

www.audleytravel.com/cuba • 01993 838 685 • Cuba

National Capitol Building, Havana

Music

Classic car, Havana

Havana A unique and beguiling city, Havana is a labyrinth of crumbling colonial grandeur fuelled by an infectious energy and impromptu bursts of music. Its romantic atmosphere and air of nostalgia have attracted artists and writers for years, the nonchalant neglect of its historic buildings only adding to its charm. Classic cars sit outside Baroque mansions and pastel-coloured townhouses and music seems to seep from every bar or street corner. On the seafront, the five-mile esplanade known as the Malecón plays an equally important role in Havana’s cultural identity. One-time meeting point for philosophers, musicians and artists, these days the boulevard is a colourful gathering place for locals and visitors alike, and an evening stroll along the Malecón as the sun sets is particularly atmospheric. 40

Music is the heart and soul of Cuba’s culture, its rhythms and melodies a fusion of traditional local tunes and those of African slaves and European and Chinese immigrants. You’ll hear its eclectic sound everywhere you go, the vibrant rhythms a constant backdrop to travels in the country. Today there are theatres for drama and ballet, concert halls for classical music and flamboyant nightclubs for salsa, rumba and jazz. Every opportunity is taken to serenade visitors, even in the airport departure lounge. Every town has a casa de la trova (traditional music hall) but the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba is particularly notable

Casa de la trova, Santiago de Cuba

for its own unique musical style influenced by its Afro-Caribbean culture. The local Son Cubano music is perhaps the country’s most well-known and is a passionate and sultry mix of Spanish guitar and African drum. Brought to international attention in the 1990s by Ry Cooder and the Buena Vista Social Club, the rhythm, skill and innovation of this group of ageing musicians took Cuban music onto the international stage. Street performers, Havana

Casas particulares

Malecón, Havana

One of the consequences of the increasing influx of visitors to Cuba has been the burgeoning pressure on the country’s already limited tourist infrastructure. Though construction of new hotels is under way, in reality it will be some time before these are able to make a significant difference to the acute shortage of accommodation in the main visitor areas. In the meantime, staying with a local family in a private home – known as casas particulares – is proving to be a popular alternative for those with limited flexibility on when they can travel. The standard of accommodation in these houses is

At home in Havana

undoubtedly on the simpler side, English is spoken to varying degrees (if at all) and you should not necessarily expect the in-depth family interaction offered by homestays in other parts of the world. We currently only offer this option in certain locations where hotel availability is especially limited, and as far as possible our local partners monitor the quality of the houses we work with. For those with a flexible outlook who are happy to use a private home as a simple and well-located base, a stay in a casa particular can sometimes be one of the most memorable aspects of a visit to Cuba, offering a deeper insight into life there at this fascinating time in the country’s history.

Painted houses, Trinidad Fruit cart, Havana

Accommodation in Havana As restrictions have relaxed in Cuba, new shops, bars and hotels have opened up, offering a different level of accommodation and entertainment for visitors. Havana is one of the few places you can find quality boutique hotels, many set in converted colonial buildings. However, due to exceptional demand, many of these are booked out months in advance. It is also important to bear in mind that even the most expensive hotels are not always able to deliver international levels of service no matter how hard they try. This is particularly true of Havana’s most famous hotel, The Saratoga (though this is still undoubtedly the most stylish place to stay in the city). Havana also has a range of simpler properties which serve as a convenient base for exploring the city’s many attractions. We regularly inspect all our hotels and closely monitor feedback as there can be fluctuations in service and standards each year.

Havana taxi

Iberostar Parque Central, Havana

Hotel Florida, Havana

Hotel Florida, Havana Set in an atmospheric building on Calle Obispo, one of Havana’s most famous streets, Hotel Florida is ideally located for exploring the beautifully-restored old quarter of the city. Graceful arches and towering columns greet visitors in the impressive lobby which leads up to the 25 rooms which are set around this central atrium. Although far simpler than the elegant entrance suggests, the good value rooms are clean and functional and have air-conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Standard rooms are small but most have balconies, while junior suites have a large balcony and separate living area. Live music can be enjoyed in the hotel’s piano bar most nights, and there is a restaurant. The central location also means the best of Old Havana bars and restaurants are only a short stroll away.

The Parque Central is one of Havana’s most modern hotels and boasts one of the best locations in the city, right on the leafy main square after which it is named. It is perfect for exploring the grand buildings of the Central and Prado districts and is just a short walk through crumbling streets to Old Havana. The hotel has 427 rooms; those in the main building feature classical styling while the tower rooms have more modern, international decor. There are two restaurants and a fantastic rooftop pool offering incredible views of the city.

Iberostar Parque Central, Havana

www.audleytravel.com/cuba • 01993 838 685 • Cuba

Limestone mogotes, Viñales Valley

Viñales & Las Terrazas

Trinidad & around

Just a few hours west of Havana, the striking landscapes of the Viñales Valley offer dramatic walking opportunities. Surrounded by mountains and pitted with impressive limestone outcrops, or mogotes, that rise almost vertically out of the flat ground, this is a designated UNESCO Cultural Landscape, protected because of its traditional agricultural methods and farming villages. Tobacco plantations fill the valley and you can visit a local farmhouse with your guide to see handmade cigars being produced.

Nestled between the Sierra del Escambray and the Caribbean coast, sleepy Trinidad is perhaps Cuba’s most picturesque and architecturally important town. Founded in 1514, Trinidad grew rich on the 19 th-century sugar trade and its wonderfully preserved streets are lined with elaborate mansions. Little has changed here in the intervening years and the Baroque church towers, red-tiled rooftops and maze of cobbled streets are fascinating to explore. To escape the heat, head for the cool air of the surrounding mountains where you’ll find beautiful scenery, waterfalls and excellent walking trails. Just a few miles from Trinidad lies the Valle de los Ingenios where historic sugar cane estates afford a fascinating insight into the history of Cuba’s slave trade. Trinidad is a four hour drive southeast of Havana.

Nearby is Las Terrazas, a small farming community and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve set in lush forest replanted over 50 years ago. You can fly through the treetops on a canopy zip-line, spot Cuba’s national bird, the tocororo, swim in beautiful natural pools or learn about the conservation methods used here. The village itself is known for its artists’ studios and craft workshops making it an interesting place to visit.

Accommodation in Viñales & Las Terrazas Although day trips can be arranged from Havana, an overnight stay in the region allows you to fully soak up the bucolic atmosphere here. You can stay in the simple Hotel Moka in Las Terrazas, or spend the night with a local family, giving you a fascinating insight into life in a rural community. Iberostar Grand Hotel, Trinidad

San Francisco church, Trinidad

Iberostar Grand Hotel, Trinidad One of Cuba’s finest hotels, the Iberostar is located in the heart of Trinidad and combines a beautifully restored 1930s façade with a completely rebuilt interior. Expect colonial-style decor, sweeping staircases, chandeliers and trickling fountains. The 36 rooms and four junior suites are set around a grand covered courtyard and are extremely comfortable, while the restaurant serves excellent local and international dishes. Service here is personal and efficient and this, combined with the hotel’s location and great character, make it by far the best accommodation option in Trinidad. Consequently, it gets booked up many months in advance.

Che Guevara in Cuba

Parque José Martí, Cienfuegos

Despite his Argentinian heritage and extensive travels around South America, Central America and the Congo, it is Cuba that is undoubtedly the lasting spiritual home of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara. The key role he played in support of Fidel Castro’s revolutionary army in the late 1950s brought him to prominence, and following the overthrow of General Batista he was subsequently made a Cuban citizen, working in various positions within government and travelling the world as an ambassador for Cuba before eventually departing the country for good in 1965. Following his death in 1967, Che’s revolutionary and cultural legacy cemented itself with every decade that passed, and it is no exaggeration to say that today his iconic image can be

Local man, Cienfuegos

Che Guevara bronze statue, Santa Clara

Second-hand books for sale, Havana

seen in nearly every town and city in Cuba. The country also became Che Guevara’s final resting place, with his remains recovered from Bolivia and finally reburied in Cuba in 1997. Today his mausoleum can be visited in the central city of Santa Clara, along with the accompanying museum and an imposing monument in the city.

Colonial centre, Sancti Spíritus

Cienfuegos An alluring city set around a picturesque Caribbean bay, Cienfuegos was founded by the French and is known as the ‘Pearl of the South’ thanks to its stunning location. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cienfuegos has a well-preserved colonial centre and a refined air of elegance. The inhabitants are also proud of the city’s great musical tradition and Cienfuegos was once home to Benny Moré, one of Cuba’s most famous musicians.

Accommodation in Cienfuegos Cienfuegos has some charming accommodation options including the lovingly restored La Unión and the strikingly colourful Palacio Azul, which used to be owned by one of the region’s wealthiest tobacco barons. Both are well located for exploring the city and as a base for visiting Trinidad which has fewer accommodation options and is often fully booked in high season.

Sancti Spíritus The peaceful city of Sancti Spíritus was, like Trinidad, founded by the Spanish explorer Diego Velázquez in 1514. It is located around two hours east of Trinidad, deep in the heart of fertile agricultural countryside. Its compact and attractive colonial centre is similar to Trinidad’s but receives far fewer visitors making it ideal for those who are seeking a more off-the-beatentrack experience. The simple 16 bedroom Hotel del Rijo provides a good value accommodation option in the centre of the city.

Palacio de Valle, Cienfuegos

Che Guevara mural, Santa Clara

Santa Clara North of Trinidad, the city of Santa Clara was made famous by the battle between Che Guevara’s guerrillas and Batista’s government army in 1958. The main reason to visit is to see the imposing memorial to Cuba’s pre-eminent revolutionary icon. For those especially interested in the revolution, the Che museum, mausoleum and impressive bronze statue can also be visited. A trip to Santa Clara works particularly well as a stop between Trinidad and Varadero or the northern caye beaches.

Mountainous landscape, Sancti Spíritus

www.audleytravel.com/cuba • 01993 838 685 • Cuba

Beach, Cayo Santa María

Beaches Cuba has countless beaches, one of the world’s largest reef systems and thousands of low-lying islets or cayes, so there’s always a stretch of idyllic sand close by. The northern coast is the most popular thanks to its powder-white beaches lapped by a languid turquoise sea. The southern coast can be more rugged, with jagged rocks, mangroves and swamps lining the shore but there are a few beautiful, remote cayes and unexplored pockets of clear, calm waters here too. Our specialists have first-hand knowledge of both areas and can advise on the best options.

Meliá Buenavista, Cayo Santa María

Northern cayes

The Meliá Buenavista is the most recent addition to the group of all-inclusive Meliá resorts in Cuba and is located on the beautiful long, white-sand beach at Cayo Santa María. It is small by resort standards with just 105 rooms and is exclusively for adults. Extensive facilities include two pools, three bars, three restaurants, tennis courts and a beach club where it is possible to organise numerous aquatic activities. The rooms are extremely spacious with a generous seating area and a large balcony overlooking the sea, gardens or pool.

Cuba’s northern cayes shelter the country’s best beaches with long swathes of soft golden sand lapped by calm, clear waters. Accommodation options range from the long-established all-inclusive resorts in Varadero to newer and quieter alternatives on the remote northern cayes. If you’re willing to travel a little further, Cayo Santa María and Cayo Ensenachos offer good standards of accommodation and excellent facilities in a pristine setting. Set on small islets connected to the mainland by a causeway, they are covered in thick mangroves and are important bird nesting sites with beautiful beaches and emerald seas. While the resorts here are quite large, they are generally newer than those in Varadero. These cayes are all within a five-hour drive of Havana or Trinidad. Coral reef, off Cayo Santa María

Heron, Cayo Ensenachos

View over Varadero beach

Varadero Varadero is set on one of the Caribbean’s longest beaches. More than 12 miles of unbroken powder-white sand stretch along the Peninsula de Hicacos lined by dozens of large all-inclusive resorts. It is an easy two hour drive from Havana, and just four hours from Trinidad. Varadero’s beach has been attracting visitors since the 1930s and large scale development continues today. It is not to everyone’s taste but the beaches and aquamarine sea are wonderful, and it can make for an extremely convenient beach stay at the end of your trip. Cabañas, Cayo Levisa

Cayo Levisa The pristine islet of Cayo Levisa on the northern coast of Pinar del Río province is easily reached from Havana, Viñales and Las Terrazas, making it a good beach option when exploring western Cuba. Powdery, white sands, aquamarine seas and colourful reefs offering good snorkelling, make it an ideal place to relax and unwind. There is just one small hotel on Cayo Levisa made up of 40 simple cabañas (palm thatched cabins), all of which are just a few steps from the beautiful beach. It is also one of the few reliable hotels that does not operate on an all-inclusive basis.

Varadero beach

Accommodation in Varadero

Locally-made souvenirs, Varadero

Varadero’s all-inclusive resorts vary greatly in standards and service. We currently only work with the Iberostar, Meliá and Paradisus hotels as they have consistently provided the highest standards in the area. They offer all the facilities that you might expect: large rooms, swimming pools, direct beach access, a choice of restaurants and a good range of activities.

www.audleytravel.com/cuba • 01993 838 685 • Cuba

Santiago de Cuba

Eastern Cuba

Baracoa

Colloquially known as La Tierra Caliente or ‘hot land’ due to its higher temperatures and African influence, the less-visited east is a fascinating region that few visitors to Cuba ever see. A journey here requires a lengthy road trip across the country which although challenging, offers an insight into everyday life in rural Cuba.

At the eastern tip of Cuba, sleepy Baracoa was Christopher Columbus’ landing site in 1492, Cuba’s first settlement and the original capital city. It has a distinctly French vibe thanks to its Haitian settlers and an energy and mystique unlike the rest of Cuba thanks to its isolated location. It is a very picturesque five-hour drive from Santiago de Cuba and arriving by road you make a dramatic descent along a series of hairpin bends with beautiful views over the lush landscape and cacao plantations. Hotels are simple here but the authentic colonial charm, stunning landscapes and excellent walking make it well worth the compromise for those with a flexible outlook.

Santiago de Cuba Hemmed in by the impressive Sierra Maestra Mountains and overlooking the glittering Caribbean Sea, Santiago de Cuba is a vibrant, cultured city that was once Cuba’s capital. Fidel Castro had his original command post just outside the city and even today Santiago is fiercely proud of its revolutionary past. It is closer to Jamaica and Haiti than to Havana, and the city has a distinct Afro-Caribbean vibe plainly obvious in its food, music and people. Habaneros may consider the city to be behind the times, but Santiago has much of the faded grandeur and street life of Havana and is even more famous for its vibrant music scene which explodes onto the streets in July during a rum-fuelled musical carnival.

Carnival, Santiago de Cuba

Baracoa

Playa Esmeralda Located on a striking stretch of coastline indented with picturesque horseshoe bays and glorious beaches, Playa Esmeralda to the west of Guardalavaca is the only beach destination of note in eastern Cuba. It is a tranquil place that’s easily accessible by road from Santiago de Cuba and is an incredibly picturesque location to spend a few days.

Playa Esmeralda

Suggested itineraries Tailoring your trip The itineraries shown are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and are routes that work particularly well. We can use these as a basis to plan your trip or can design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Cuba specialists to start planning your itinerary.

Las Terrazas

Havana

Viñales

Northern cayes

Viñales

Trinidad

T 01993 838 685

Getting around Currently we only recommend travel within Cuba by road. A variety of options are available, the best value of which is a ‘taxi’ transfer. Whilst this is a very cost-effective way to travel, delays and breakdowns are possible and drivers generally speak Spanish only. Our preferred option is to travel with an English-speaking driver-guide. This is a more expensive option but gives you far more flexibility and the guide’s knowledge will enable you to gain a much greater insight in to this fascinating country. The vehicles used are also much more reliable. At the time of going to print, taking internal flights is not advisable for safety reasons, but we constantly monitor this situation and can advise you at the time of booking.

Simply Cuba

Classic Cuba

This itinerary takes in some of the country’s cultural highlights and most beautiful landscapes, without too many long road journeys. Explore the atmospheric cities of Havana and Trinidad before immersing yourself in the lush scenery, tobacco plantations and rural charm of Viñales and nearby Las Terrazas.

A fabulously well-balanced itinerary giving you an insight in to western Cuba – its history, people, culture and countryside topped off with some time to relax on a beautiful white-sand beach.

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33 33

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Cuba on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Day 3

Free day at leisure to further explore Havana, absorb the atmosphere and stroll along the Malecón.

Enjoy a private guided tour of Old Havana with your local guide.

Day 3

A day at leisure to browse the markets, listen to street music or stroll along the seafront.

Day 4

Private transfer from Havana to the tobacco-growing region of Viñales in western Cuba.

Day 4

Transfer from Havana through the Cuban countryside to the charming colonial city of Trinidad.

Day 5

Take a private morning walking tour of Trinidad. In the afternoon walk up to viewpoints, visit the main plaza and dance the night away at a casa de la trova.

At leisure to explore the Viñales Valley; you can go for a guided walk or visit one of several cave systems in the area.

Day 6

Travel from Viñales to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Trinidad.

Day 7

Enjoy an optional excursion out of the city into the Topes de Collantes, visit the sugar cane plantations, go hiking or visit a nearby beach.

Explore this beautiful city or take an optional excursion in to the Topes de Collantes for hiking or to visit the sugar cane plantations.

Day 8

Day 7

Transfer from Trinidad to the stunning tobacco growing region of Viñales.

Travel by private vehicle to your hotel in the northern cayes.

Days 9-10 Relax on the beautiful white-sand beaches of the northern cayes.

Day 8

A free day in Viñales to enjoy the scenery and perhaps go walking in the nearby plantations.

Day 9

Travel from Viñales to Las Terrazas to immerse yourself in rural Cuba.

Day 10

Free time in Las Terrazas – go hiking, birdwatching, horseriding or explore the local area.

Day 11

Today you will be driven back to Havana in time for your onward flight.

5 Travel is not recommended.

Time difference: GMT-5 hours

Enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana’s cobbled streets and colonial plazas with a local guide.

Day 2

Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.

Cuba has a warm tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The best time to visit is from December to April for its dry, sunny days. Hotels can be full up to twelve months in advance for travel during this period so early booking is highly recommended. June to November is the wet season. These months bring the risk of hurricanes, although Havana and the west of the country are rarely exposed to them. Travel during this period is possible but the hurricane risk should be recognised.

Day 2

Arrive in Havana where you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel.

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Arrive in Havana and transfer to your hotel.

Day 1

When to go Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Day 1

Day 6

Day 11

Transfer back to Havana in time for your international flight.

Stay longer Stop at Santa Clara en route to the beach to visit Che Guevara’s mausoleum and the nearby museum. Alternatively travel from Trinidad to eastern Cuba to get off-the-beaten track and experience the fascinating cultural mix on offer here.

Stay longer Finish your trip in the northern cayes for some relaxation on a pristine Caribbean beach. Alternatively fly to Costa Rica to immerse yourself in rainforests and volcanic hot springs.

www.audleytravel.com/cuba • 01993 838 685 • Cuba

Mexico A

vast and diverse country, Mexico is a place of contrasts where you’ll find giant cities and sleepy rural villages, parched deserts, lush highlands and deserted beaches. You can dine in some of the world’s best restaurants or gorge on great street food, fill your time with ancient history or urban sophistication, go in search of adrenaline-fuelled adventure or indulgent pampering, explore the country’s deep-rooted traditions or contemporary galleries. Wherever you go, you’ll find evidence of Mexico’s long and complex history. Monumental ancient cities lie hidden in the jungle, elaborate colonial churches surround imposing plazas and colourful markets heave with indigenous arts and crafts. Most of all though, Mexico embraces you with its warmth and colour, its vibrant nature and its generous soul. Its people are genuinely welcoming, the music is gloriously infectious, the food is somehow familiar yet exotic, and the many exuberant fiestas are a celebration of life itself. Whatever your interests, Mexico will fire you up and leave you wanting more.

Audley in Mexico

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El Fuerte Los Mochis

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Gulf of Mexico

San Jose del Cabo 242 kilometres

Guanajuato San Miguel de Allende Guadalajara Uxmal 5 Tulum & Kabah Teotihuacán 6 Morelia 1 PA 4 MEXICO Puebla Villahermosa CI CITY FI Palenque BELIZE C Monte Oaxaca San Cristóbal OC Zihuatanejo Albán de las Casas 2 E

Puerto Escondido

ribbe an

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GUATEMALA

Isla Holbox

Chichén Cancún Itzá Mérida

Sea

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La Paz

Copper Canyon

Baja California

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San Ignacio Lagoon

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Although some destinations in Mexico have a mass market appeal, we take great care in tailoring our itineraries to allow travellers to discover the cultural and natural wonders of this diverse country. We opt for smaller, character-laden accommodation wherever possible, schedule visits to the main archaeological sites to ensure you avoid the majority of the crowds, and include lesser-visited sites off the beaten track to offer you an authentic insight into the country. Our specialists seek out the best experiences available, from a stay in a hacienda or secluded beach resort to an expedition cruise. Our guides are also carefully chosen for their knowledge, experience and professionalism and will enhance your understanding of the country wherever you choose to go.

UNIT

Accommodation There is no shortage of hotels in Mexico, but some can be large and lacking in character. Our specialists have uncovered some real gems that provide guests with an authentic, personal experience, full of atmosphere and local character. They range from simple yet homely properties to luxurious haciendas, with options to match every taste and budget. Visitors to the Mayan Riviera, Baja California and the Pacific coast can choose to stay in a beautiful rustic beachfront property, or some of the most glamorous hotels in all of the Americas, while the colonial cities are home to gorgeous restored mansions and charming B&Bs.

Templo de la Cruz, Palenque 1 Mexico City

Dynamic and immensely vibrant, this mega-city has a colourful colonial heart and a wealth of culture. See page 50 2 Oaxaca

Cobbled streets, traditional markets and creative flair make Oaxaca one of Mexico’s most charming cities. See page 55

4 Palenque Soaring Maya temples swathed in elaborate carvings lie hidden deep in the jungle. See page 56 5 Chichén Itzá Mysterious and magnificent in equal measure, this is Mexico’s most notable and spectacular Maya city. See page 57 6 Mayan Riviera A combination of idyllic beaches, turquoise seas and Maya ruins make this region a perennial favourite. See page 58

3 San Cristóbal

7 Copper Canyon One of the world’s great railway journeys traversing vast gorges offering dramatic views and spectacular scenery. See page 52 8 Baja California Wild and rugged, this narrow peninsula offers superb whale watching. See pages 53-54

de las Casas Set in Mexico’s indigenous heartland, this heritage town is a joy to explore. See page 56 San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas

Flower seller, Oaxaca

Grey whale, Baja California

www.audleytravel.com/mexico • 01993 838 670 • Mexico

Aerial view of the Zócalo, Mexico City

The Gran Hotel, Mexico City

Mexico City One of the world’s largest metropolises, Mexico’s capital is a densely packed but dynamic place where modern high-rises surround an atmospheric historic core. At its heart is the vast Zócalo, the city’s main square, which is bordered by fine colonial buildings and built over the ruins of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán. Nearby are the vestiges of the Templo Mayor, a low pyramid which was once the centre of the Aztec universe. The city’s historic centre, with its Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace (complete with Diego Rivera murals), and the Palace of Fine Arts is just one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city. The other is the floating gardens of Xochimilco. These remnants of the extensive canal system around Tenochtitlán are now a wonderful place to relax on board a colourful trajinera (gondola).

Overlooking the Zócalo, this historic hotel right in the heart of the action is an Art Nouveau masterpiece. The glamorous central atrium is surrounded by elaborately decorated balustrades and caged elevators, but the real wow factor comes from the beautiful stained glass ceiling dating from 1908. There are 60 comfortable rooms with traditional decor, handmade furniture, ornate mirrors and spacious bathrooms. There’s a small gym and a pleasant piano bar but don’t miss the rooftop restaurant which offers wonderful views over the Zócalo and across the city.

Las Alcobas, Mexico City Sleek, contemporary design and a distinct air of refined sophistication make this small boutique hotel one of Mexico City’s trendiest options. Set in the chic Polanco area, close to excellent restaurants, fashionable stores and museums, Las Alcobas is an extremely comfortable option with 35 luxurious rooms. Custom-made rosewood furniture, marble bathrooms and state-of-the-art entertainment systems combine with large graphic motifs inspired by Aztec carvings to give the rooms a modern but locally-inspired style. Polished service, two elegant restaurants offering gourmet or more casual dining, and a small spa complete the experience.

Las Alcobas, Mexico City

Teotihuacán Once the largest urban centre in the New World, Teotihuacán was constructed over two centuries and in its heyday its influence extended beyond modern-day Mexico and in to Guatemala. The city finally collapsed in the 8 th century but you can see its remarkable remains, set out along a grid pattern, around 90 minutes’ drive north of Mexico City. Most memorable are the two massive pyramids of the sun and moon, which rival those of Giza in Egypt in terms of stature and significance.

Pyramid of the Moon, Teotihuacán

Palace of Fine Arts, Mexico City

Floating gardens of Xochimilco, Mexico City

Church in Puebla, near Popocatepetl Volcano

Painted houses, Guanajuato

Puebla

The colonial cities

East of Mexico City, beyond the spectacular Popocatepetl Volcano, lies the colonial gem of Puebla. Architectural delights include the neo-classical cathedral, the baroque-styled Rosary Chapel, as well as numerous museums and colonial houses. The city has a reputation for its excellent cuisine and is the home of mole poblano, a rich, spicy sauce that contains chocolate, cinnamon, nuts and hot peppers, and is often served with chicken. Puebla is the perfect distance for a round trip from Mexico City, or alternatively can be visited while travelling between the capital and Oaxaca.

During Mexico’s colonial era, the mines of its central heartland produced much of the world’s silver, gold and precious stones. The wealthy towns that grew up around them have largely retained their historic cores and are colloquially referred to as the colonial cities. Colourful Spanish architecture, cobbled streets, leafy plazas and a laid-back atmosphere still pervade in the vibrant university city of Guanajuato and picturesque Patzcuaro. Cobbled streets line artistic San Miguel de Allende, while Morelia’s centre is dominated by an impressive cathedral surrounded by avenues that have barely changed in centuries.

Mesón Sacristía de la Compañia, Puebla

Fisherman, Lake Patzcuaro

A brightly coloured colonial building with typical Spanish terraces and heavy wooden doors, Mesón Sacristía de la Compañia is a unique place to stay with just eight guest rooms and an ability to transport you back in time. Wonderfully characterful and bursting with antique furniture, gilded mirrors and local artwork, the rooms are set around an internal courtyard and offer a taste of 19 th-century Mexico. There’s a gallery selling furniture, tapestries and religious art of the same era and an award-winning restaurant serving Pueblan dishes in the courtyard.

Migration of the monarch butterfly Each year up to 90 million monarch butterflies travel more than 2,500 miles from eastern Canada and the USA, arriving at the same sites in Mexico by early November. Legend has it that the butterflies symbolise the souls of the dead returning to visit loved ones. The butterflies feed and mate before returning north in March, and their presence transforms the evergreen firs into beautiful shades of orange and brown. A visit to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve 60 miles northwest of Mexico City offers a fascinating insight into this remarkable natural phenomenon.

Mesón Sacristía de la Compañia, Puebla

www.audleytravel.com/mexico • 01993 838 670 • Mexico

View of Copper Canyon from Barrancas

Copper Canyon In the north of Mexico lies the remote landscape of several gorges collectively known as the Copper Canyon. The largest ravines are Urique, Sinforosa and Batopilas, which plunge downwards for more than 1,800 metres, making them deeper than the Grand Canyon across the border in the USA. The area is easily accessed by air from Mexico City and the best way to see the Copper Canyon is on the famous Chihuahua al Pacifico (or El Chepe) train that runs between Los Mochis and Chihuahua, making numerous stops along the way.

Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway A magnificent feat of engineering, the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway descends 2,333 metres over its course and en route passes through 86 tunnels and over 36 bridges, even crossing over itself at one point. It travels alongside parts of the Copper Canyon and offers spectacular views of this dramatic region. The journey takes 16 hours from end to end, but to fully appreciate the grandeur of the scenery we recommend stopping off to explore along the way. Start your journey at the colonial town of El Fuerte, an hour from the train’s western terminus of Los Mochis. You can then hop off at the mission villages of Cerocahui and Barrancas which both offer magnificent viewpoints over the canyons and a unique insight into the lives of the indigenous Tarahumara Indians. Accommodation in the region is basic and very little English is spoken. Extremes of weather are also possible with snow on the canyon rim between December and February and sweltering conditions between June and August. However, intrepid travellers will find that all of this only adds to the adventure of experiencing Mexico at its most rugged.

Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway

Mexican cuisine Food plays a central role in Mexican culture and its many festivals. Corn, beans and chilli peppers are staple ingredients in Mexican cuisine and you’ll see them for sale at the colourful food markets in every town. Marvel at the vast displays of fresh herbs and unusual fruit and vegetables, and enjoy some of Mexico’s best street food. One of the best ways to experience Mexican food is to take a cookery class such as those available in Oaxaca and Mérida, where a local chef will take you around the market in search of ingredients, describing flavours and explaining local culinary history as you go. You’ll then learn how to cook a number of dishes from scratch.

Grey whale, Magdalena Bay

Whale watching in Baja California Stretching over 740 miles along Mexico’s Pacific coast, the Baja Peninsula is a geographically fascinating place with rolling desert dunes sweeping down to the sea and an astonishing marine world teeming beneath the surface. To the east the nutrient-rich Sea of Cortez supports the largest and most varied population of whales in the world, while the Pacific lagoons are a haven for calving grey whales who migrate along this route each year.

Humpback whale fluke

It wasn’t always this way however, commercial whaling decimated the whale population here during the 19 th century but the region was declared one of the world’s first whale sanctuaries in 1972. Since then the careful growth of eco-tourism in the area has established Baja California as one of the most exceptional places in the world to go whale watching.

Balandra Bay

Most frequently seen in Baja California is the grey whale. Also known as the ‘friendly’ whale due to their inquisitive nature, these gentle giants arrive in great numbers to calve in Magdalena Bay, the San Ignacio Lagoon and Guerrero Negro between January and March. Their natural curiosity and love of attention means they frequently approach boats, providing a unique opportunity to photograph and observe the whales in remarkable proximity. Land-based tours One of the most affordable and flexible ways to go whale watching in Baja California is to take day trips from a base in one of the small towns in the region. Our specialists can tailor your itinerary to suit your specific interests, budget and preferred pace of travel, or you can join a small group tour with a specialist guide which provides a fascinating overview of Baja’s varied landscape with its pristine bays, national parks, giant cacti and desert oasis towns. These longer small group itineraries maximise whale watching opportunities, taking in some of the superb but lesser-visited lagoons such as San Ignacio.

Desert landscape, Baja Peninsula

Whale watching cruises Taking an expedition cruise is an alternative way to look for marine life around the Baja Peninsula and, depending on the itinerary, may offer the opportunity to see humpback whales and dolphins as well as grey whales. The 64 passenger Safari Voyager, based in the wildlife-rich Sea of Cortez, is a good value option offering flexible itineraries and a variety of activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and hiking, in addition to whale watching.

Grey whale, San Ignacio Lagoon

www.audleytravel.com/mexico • 01993 838 670 • Mexico

Beach in Todos Santos

Baja California

Posada de la Poza, Todos Santos

Whether you are visiting in whale watching season or not, there are some charming towns to explore in Baja California, as well as good opportunities for beach relaxation. San Jose del Cabo is one of the best-known beach destinations in the region, but there are lesserknown gems to be discovered. The town of La Paz has a charming historical centre and long seaside promenade to enjoy a stroll. It is also a good base for activities from fishing to specialist kayaking camps based on Espiritu Santo Island. We also like the smaller coastal town of Todos Santos, around 90 minutes drive from San Jose del Cabo airport. Its desert oasis feel with fruit trees, preserved colonial buildings and thriving artist community, make it a good place to relax at the end of a whale watching itinerary. The nearest beaches are less than a mile from the town centre.

Espiritu Santo Island, off La Paz

Casa Natalia, San Jose del Cabo

Casa Natalia, San Jose del Cabo A charming boutique hotel with 16 rooms, Casa Nataliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shady courtyard, swimming pool and mature palm trees provide a peaceful retreat within the town centre. The on-site restaurant comes highly recommended, and the bar and outdoor palapa lounge with its open sides and thatched roof are pleasant areas in which to relax. The rooms are creatively decorated with splashes of colour, and all feature their own small terrace and hammock. An added advantage of a stay at Casa Natalia is access to a beach club just five minutes away, on one of the best stretches of beach in the area.

Located a ten-minute drive from the centre of Todos Santos, Posada de la Poza is a tranquil option overlooking a freshwater lagoon and palm grove. Though the nearby beach is not suitable for swimming, the hotel offers a lovely swimming pool, Jacuzzi and well-maintained gardens where you can unwind and take in the views. The hotel has just eight rooms which blend modern and traditional decor, with details such as hand-painted tiles and local textiles. Extra touches such as binoculars for birdwatching are typical of the attention to detail displayed here. The well-regarded on-site restaurant El Gusto is popular with the local community and serves gourmet Mexican dishes.

Posada de la Poza, Todos Santos

Local man, Oaxaca

Colourful buildings, Oaxaca

Monte Albán

Casa Catrina, Oaxaca

Oaxaca One of Mexico’s most delightful cities, Oaxaca has a magnificent colonial core with shady streets lined with ornate buildings, pretty churches and impressive plazas. Despite its European influence, the city remains Mexican at heart with a colourful indigenous market, exquisite regional food and a charming atmosphere. It’s also a creative city with plentiful galleries and is a great place to pick up traditional crafts. Oaxaca is justly famous for its food and is the place to try tamales, corn-based wraps filled with meat, cheese, fruit or vegetables, or mole, a chilli-based sauce served in innumerable ways. Another favourite is Oaxaca’s famous mezcal, a smokyflavoured spirit made from the maguey plant. Oaxaca is surrounded by beautiful scenery and it’s worth taking a trip to nearby Monte Albán, believed to be the birthplace of the Zapotec civilisation. It is spectacularly set on a hilltop with stunning views over the valley below.

Church in Huatulco, Oaxaca

Casa Catrina, Oaxaca A charming boutique hotel with just six rooms centred around a courtyard, Casa Catrina is set in a converted family home right in the heart of Oaxaca. Personal service and attention to detail are key elements of a stay and the spacious rooms offer a good blend of traditional and contemporary styling. Each is named after its colour theme and features abstract paintings by noted Mexican artists and local textiles. Breakfast is served in the courtyard and although the hotel does not have its own restaurant, Oaxaca’s finest dining options are within easy walking distance.

Pacific coast Mexico’s Pacific coast can be a good beach alternative to the Mayan Riviera, particularly recommended for those who have visited Mexico before and are looking for a different perspective. Though many of the beaches have strong currents, there are some fine hotels with lovely pools and spas and their proximity to Mexico City and Oaxaca means less time spent travelling.

Day of the Dead To witness one of the world’s most unique festivals, time your trip to coincide with All Saints Day and All Souls Day, celebrated in Mexico as Día de los Muertos; Day of the Dead. This intriguing celebration is most notably marked around Oaxaca where families gather in candlelit cemeteries to decorate relatives’ tombs with flowers and personal mementos. In the towns, elaborate altars are decorated with marigolds and sugar skulls.

Vegetable seller, Tlacolula market

www.audleytravel.com/mexico • 01993 838 670 • Mexico

Palenque

Chiapas

Palenque, Yaxchilán & Bonampak

Speak to almost any resident of Chiapas and they will probably tell you that theirs is the finest, most culturally-rich state in Mexico. The landscape features tropical forests, rugged mountains, wonderful Maya ruins and thriving indigenous cultures. The base for many visitors is the attractive town of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Around it are several remarkable villages where colonial Christian churches have been co-opted for pre-Hispanic practices, creating atmospheric temples filled with chanting curanderos (medicine men) and hundreds of flickering candles. The nearby Sumidero Canyon is a place of local legend, with recounted stories of the indigenous population jumping over its half a mile-high edge rather than submit to Spanish rule. Today it is a haven for wildlife including crocodiles, monkeys and over 200 species of bird, best seen by boat.

Jungle-clad Palenque is one of the largest and most impressive Maya sites in the country. Once home to tens of thousands of people, its influence and control stretched across the coastal plain as far as the Gulf of Mexico. The magnificent ruins are dramatically backed by the Chiapan mountains and surrounded by forest giving the site a truly magical setting. As you walk around the air is filled with the shrieks of tropical birds and guttural growls of howler monkeys. If you’d like to get a deeper understanding of this fascinating culture Yaxchilán and Bonampak are two further Maya sites, around four hours, from Palenque, that are less accessible but just as impressive. The final approach to Yaxchilán can only be made by boat. Church in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas

Accommodation in Chiapas San Cristóbal de las Casas has a good choice of character accommodation set in atmospheric colonial-era buildings with open courtyards and plenty of period charm. Rooms tend to be simple but comfortable and combine modern standards with authentic local decor. A good value option is Hotel Casa Vieja, set in one of the town’s oldest buildings. Its 40 rooms are classically styled and feature carved beams, adobe walls and hand-painted bathroom tiles.

Sumidero Canyon

Accommodation near Palenque Palenque is one of Mexico’s most popular Maya sites and staying close to the ruins allows you to explore the site before the crowds arrive. Near to the entrance, Chan Kah Resort Village has 80 rooms and suites built around a lagoon-style swimming pool, all within tropical gardens. Alternatively, Hotel Quinta Cha Nab Nal is under two miles from the ruins and has a wonderful jungle setting.

Traditional dancers, Mérida

Cenotes An intriguing phenomenon of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is its proliferation of natural sinkholes, or cenotes, with over 3,000 scattered across the wider region. Formed when subterranean limestone bedrock collapses to reveal the fresh groundwater beneath, these pools were of great importance to the Maya and not only as a precious source of fresh water in this arid region. They were also revered as a sacred link to the underworld and means of communicating with the gods.

With some pools completely underground and others partially open, visitors to the Yucatán today can enjoy a refreshing dip in their crystal-clear waters, providing a welcome retreat from the heat. Photographers will delight in the light shafts piercing through to the depths of sometimes vivid turquoise pools. The stalactites and stalagmites are another attraction, and some cenotes also provide superb opportunities for snorkelling.

Palacio Municipal, Mérida

Mérida The city of Mérida lies in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula and features an impressive cathedral, historic mansions and elegant properties dating from the 17th century. It is the region’s cultural capital and has a thriving arts scene with free concerts, performances and other events held most days. The city is an excellent base from which to explore the numerous Maya archaeological sites in the region.

Hacienda Chichén, near Chichén Itzá

Accommodation in Mérida The central Hacienda Mérida is a charming property offering just eight excellent value rooms. Decor is stylish, a mixture of modern and traditional with no two rooms alike. The cosy courtyard has a small pool. Alternatively for a more peaceful stay there are a number of beautifully restored haciendas in the area.

Traditional Mariachi band, Mérida

Uxmal, Yucatán Peninsula

Chichén Itzá, Uxmal & Cobá From the well-known archaeological sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal to lesser-visited ruins such as Kabah and Cobá, the Yucatán Peninsula is the place to discover the ancient Maya culture. Chichén Itzá is the best restored site in the region, providing a vivid insight into how this vast city would have looked at its peak. Due to the high numbers of day trippers that flock to the site, we recommend visiting as early as possible for the chance to wander among the towering pyramids in relative peace. The smaller, less crowded site of Uxmal, to the south of Mérida, is more mystical with jungle-entwined temples decorated with ornate and intricate murals.

Hacienda Chichén has been a focus of activity in the Yucatán since its construction by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Now this historical site has been turned into a characterful hotel where guests can stay right next to the ruins. Its 30 rooms are simply but comfortably furnished, set among lush gardens that are home to over 150 bird species.

El Castillo, Chichén Itzá

www.audleytravel.com/mexico • 01993 838 670 • Mexico

Maya ruins, Tulum

Mayan Riviera Stretching from Cancún in the north to Tulum in the south, the Mayan Riviera is famous for its long white-sand beaches and warm azure seas. Along with relaxing on the beach you can enjoy a choice of water sports or visit the inspiring Maya ruins of Tulum. Although Cancún is known for its all-inclusive resorts, there are numerous intimate properties between Playa del Carmen and Tulum where some beaches are almost deserted.

Tulum Dramatically set atop 12-metre cliffs rising from glittering turquoise waters, Tulum was one of the last inhabited Maya sites. It’s a compact city but remarkably well preserved, its temples and pyramid retaining much of their original detail. Below it sits what is one of Mexico’s best beaches with white sands and swaying palms. A stay in one of the smaller hotels dotted along the coast around Tulum is our favourite choice for relaxation in the Mayan Riviera. It shares the rest of the region’s sublime beaches, but the restriction on large scale development makes a stay here infinitely more relaxing. The hotels are generally low-key with some great value options to be found. A stay in Tulum also offers the advantage of having a choice of restaurants within walking distance, giving you the freedom to explore beyond the confines of a resort.

Ana y José, Tulum

Ana y José, Tulum This laid-back beach hotel is set on a beautiful stretch of white sand lapped by sparkling waters and has 24 bright, spacious rooms and suites with either garden or ocean views. The stylish decor blends traditional Mexican touches with contemporary design and every room has a terrace or balcony with a hammock. There is a small swimming pool, a spa, and an excellent restaurant as well as attentive, welcoming staff. The combination of the luxurious accommodation and proximity to the beach and attractions makes this a wonderful place to relax.

Hip Hotel, Tulum

Rosa del Viento, Tulum

Rosa del Viento, Tulum A good value option set right on the beachfront, Rosa del Viento has 26 rooms in a series of thatched two-storey casitas. Bright, spacious and contemporary in style, they feature plenty of natural materials with wood and stone used creatively to give a local touch. Expect large windows overlooking the ocean or the lush tropical gardens. There’s a good restaurant serving Mexican and Italian dishes and a small oceanfront spa, as well as the option to join a yoga class or go snorkelling or kite-surfing.

Hip Hotel, Tulum Billed as a ‘back-to-nature eco hotel’ for those keen to avoid more developed areas, Hip Hotel is a great value option. The 22 rooms with ceiling fans are set around palm-fringed gardens. Each has a terrace with hammock and views over the ocean or gardens. The property also has a beachfront restaurant and bar serving Mexican fusion cuisine.

El Castillo, Tulum

Sea birds, Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox

Playa del Carmen, Mayan Riviera

Casa Sandra, Isla Holbox

Playa del Carmen

Isla Holbox

An increasingly popular destination set on a fine beach, Playa del Carmen is a cosmopolitan town that grew out of a sleepy fishing village. Shops and cafes line the main street where wealthy Mexicans and cruise ship passengers enjoy the laid-back vibe. There are stretches of quieter sands to the north and south of town where you can relax in secluded surroundings, and make the trip into Playa by night if you’re craving a little more action.

A world away from the Mayan Riviera's coastal resorts, Isla Holbox is a sleepy island retreat just a 20 minute ferry ride from Chiquila port, two hours’ drive from Cancún. It is a laid-back, unpretentious kind of place where development is still very low key and the sandy streets mean that golf carts and bicycles are the only means of transport. Colourful Caribbean buildings nestle between swaying palms and beautiful beaches fringe the shoreline. The island is renowned for its wildlife with 150 bird species, four types of nesting turtle, flamingos and the prospect of seeing whale sharks from May to September. There’s little to do except sit back, enjoy some fresh seafood or hop in a kayak to explore.

Esencia, near Playa del Carmen Esencia is one of the most secluded and luxurious properties on the Mayan Riviera. Located 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, it is an expansive private estate overlooking the lovely white-sand Kantenah Beach. The hotel is set in a converted Italianate mansion with the 32 rooms spread between the main house and tropical gardens. Modern and minimalist, the rooms come with large terraces, hammocks and, in most cases, their own plunge pool. The hotel has two beachfront pools, a spa and two excellent restaurants.

Viceroy Riviera Maya, near Playa del Carmen

Viceroy Riviera Maya, near Playa del Carmen Three miles north of Playa del Carmen, Viceroy Riviera Maya features 41 luxurious villas, each with a private patio and plunge pool, outdoor shower and jungle or ocean views. Decor is sleek and contemporary and features designer furniture, hand-stitched linens and state-of-the art media centres. Guests can relax by the pool or on the beautiful beach, indulge themselves in the spa or take part in daily yoga classes. The resort has its own pier, offers a range of water sports and has two restaurants.

Casa Sandra, Isla Holbox Gloriously relaxed, Casa Sandra is set in a beautiful beachfront villa and has 18 stylish rooms decorated with antique furniture and original artworks. Elegant yet bohemian, it is owned and run by an artist and offers highly personalised service and utter tranquillity. With no televisions here, the emphasis is on a romantic and intimate atmosphere, blissful views of the ocean and a small pool and spa. The hotel is also home to a superb restaurant renowned for its excellent seafood.

Esencia, near Playa del Carmen

www.audleytravel.com/mexico • 01993 838 670 • Mexico

Mérida Teotihuacán

Chichén Itzá

Cancún

Tulum

Mexico City

Highlights of Mexico A wonderful introductory visit to Mexico for those with an interest in the country’s culture, history and beaches. Explore vibrant Mexico City, colonial Mérida, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichén Itzá before ending with some relaxation on the Mayan Riviera.

El Castillo, Chichén Itzá

Tailoring your trip

Day 1

Arrive in Mexico City and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Take a guided tour of Mexico City, including the bustling Zócalo, the lively markets and the wonderful Anthropological Museum.

Day 3

Head out of the city to visit the vast pyramids of Teotihuacán.

Day 4

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the colonial city of Mérida.

Day 5

Visit the fascinating Maya sites of Uxmal and Kabah, surrounded by jungle.

Day 6

Transfer to the beautiful beaches in Tulum via magnificent Chichén Itzá where you will have a guided tour.

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Days 7-9

Beach relaxation in Tulum.

Day 10

Transfer to Cancún for your onward flight.

The itineraries shown are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and are routes that work particularly well. We can use these as a basis to plan your trip or design a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Mexico specialists to start planning your itinerary.

T 01993 838 670

Getting around

Floating gardens of Xochimilco, Mexico City

Although Mexico’s vast size requires an itinerary to be planned with care, the country’s internal flight network is extensive and generally runs to timetable, making it possible to travel large distances quickly and easily. Scenic overland travel can also be enjoyable if concentrating on smaller areas, and taking these journeys in a private vehicle can be well worth the additional expense. In the Yucatán Peninsula for example, taking a private transfer with an English speaking driver-guide can allow you to include additional stops to visit Maya ruins or take a cooling swim in a cenote.

When to go Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33 33 33

Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.

Mexico is such a huge country that the weather varies by region and season. In general, the optimum time to visit is between December and April when there is virtually no rain. The coolest months are between December and February, when the high northern regions such as the Copper Canyon can experience snow. The wet season begins in the south in May and runs until October. Although it can be hotter and more humid at this time of year it usually only rains for a couple of hours before the weather clears. The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Stay longer Add a night in Chichén Itzá and visit early the following morning before the crowds arrive. For a more extensive trip add a week to explore the highland region of Chiapas to experience the atmospheric jungle-clad ruins of Palenque and the traditional indigenous communities surrounding San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Time difference: GMT-5 hours

Prices

Market stall, San Cristóbal de las Casas

We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Mexico on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Cenote Dzitnup, Yucatán Peninsula

Suggested itineraries Guerrero Negro

Sierra San Francisco

Isla Holbox

San Ignacio

Mérida

Cancún

San Ignacio Lagoon

Mérida Loreto

Chichén Itzá Uxmal & Kabah

Teotihuacán Mexico City

Uxmal & Kabah Puerto López Mateos

San Cristóbal de las Casas

From Mexico City

Classic Mexico

Cradle of the Grey Whale

A fabulously diverse trip providing a comprehensive insight into Mexico with a good balance between city, culture, ruins and beach.

Take in some of the best whale watching in the Americas in this comprehensive tour of Baja California. Visit three superb lagoons with your specialist guide, as well as taking in volcanic landscapes, forests of giant cacti, vast canyons, prehistoric cave paintings, pristine beaches and oasis towns in the middle of the desert.

Arrive in Mexico’s buzzing capital and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Embark upon a guided tour of Mexico City’s key sights, its beautiful historic centre and the Anthropological Museum.

Mayan Riviera

La Paz

Palenque

Day 1

Cancún

Chichén Itzá

Beaches & ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula Ideal for a relaxing break or honeymoon, this itinerary includes beautiful beaches both at the beginning and the end of the trip, with a fascinating slice of Mexican culture in between. Day 1

Arrive in Cancún and transfer to your hotel for the night.

Day 2

Travel by road and ferry to Isla Holbox, a laid-back sandy island.

Day 1

Arrive in Mexico City.

Day 2

Fly to La Paz in Baja Cailfornia, with the afternoon free to explore.

Day 3

Visit Espiritu Santo Island and snorkel with sea lions.

Take the short flight to Tuxtla, where you will be met and transferred to San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Day 4

Travel to Puerto López Mateos to begin whale watching. This afternoon continue to Loreto via Baja’s own “Monument Valley”.

Day 5

Free time to explore the colonial centre of San Cristóbal de las Casas and its colourful markets.

Day 5

Day 6

Transfer to Palenque with your English speaking guide.

Visit the giant cacti in El Rosario Valley and swim at the beautiful beaches of Concepcion Bay before travelling on to San Ignacio.

Day 6

Enjoy a guided tour of the wonderfully atmospheric ruins at Palenque.

Whale watching in the wonderful San Ignacio Lagoon.

Day 7

Transfer to Villahermosa for your flight to Mérida, with the afternoon free to explore the city.

Explore the Sierra San Francisco, a diverse canyon landscape with intriguing rock paintings.

Day 8

Travel to Guerrero Negro with a stop for whale watching in Scammon’s Lagoon.

Days 11-13 Relax on pristine white-sand beaches and perhaps visit the ruins of Tulum.

Day 9

Return to Loreto visiting an old Jesuit mission en route as well as taking a hike at the base of the Tres Virgenes volcanoes.

Day 14

Day 3

Day 4

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9 Day 10

Day 11

Today you will visit the immense ruins of Teotihuacán and the Shrine of Guadalupe.

Full day tour of the Maya sites of Uxmal and Kabah. Transfer to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichén Itzá and check in to your hotel. Private guided tour of Chichén Itzá this morning before the crowds arrive, then travel on to the Mayan Riviera.

Days 12-14 Free time to relax on the beach and perhaps visit the crumbling Maya ruins at Tulum. Day 15

Transfer to Cancún in time for your onward flight.

Stay longer Fly north for a few days to get off the beaten track and visit the spectacular Copper Canyon region.

Day 10

Free day in Loreto.

Day 11

Enjoy a morning tour of colonial Loreto before continuing by road back to La Paz.

Day 12

Visit a series of secluded beaches and bays surrounded by mangroves and home to a variety of birds.

Day 13

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Days 3-5 Free time to relax on the beach and perhaps arrange a snorkelling trip. Day 6

Travel back to the mainland and on to the colonial city of Mérida.

Day 7

Today take a tour of the fascinating Maya ruins at Uxmal and Kabah.

Day 8

Free time to explore the charming colonial town of Mérida or perhaps visit a nearby cenote.

Day 9

Transfer to your hotel in Chichén Itzá.

Day 10

Explore the spectacular Maya ruins at Chichén Itzá this morning before the crowds arrive. This afternoon transfer to the Mayan Riviera.

Transfer to Cancún for your onward flight.

Stay longer Extend your time in Mérida to see the famous flamingos at Celestún or snorkel in cenotes. Alternatively, fly to Mexico City to absorb its vibrant culture, museums and the floating gardens at Xochimilco.

Stay longer Add some time in Mexico City at the start of the trip. Alternatively include some relaxation at the end in the coastal towns of San Jose del Cabo or Todos Santos.

Traditional dancers, Mérida

www.audleytravel.com/mexico • 01993 838 670 • Mexico

Guatemala G

uatemala has impressed visitors for centuries, its superb landscapes matched by a stunning collection of ancient monuments, a rich indigenous culture and grand colonial cities. Its diversity is all the more surprising considering its compact nature, and the ease of travel between sites makes it an incredibly rewarding destination to explore. This was the birthplace of Maya civilisation and even today Guatemalan culture is a complex mix of age-old tradition, ritual, fervent Catholicism and modern convenience. Impressive Maya ruins lie hidden deep in lowland jungle, traditional villages come alive with their colourful markets, and mountain communities seem little changed in centuries. Elsewhere colonial heritage comes to the fore, such as in charming Antigua, a beautiful UNESCOprotected city with lively cobbled streets flanked by pastel-coloured houses. Between attractions you’ll travel through staggering landscapes, discover highland lakes ringed by volcanoes, and traverse dense jungle teeming with tropical wildlife and exotic birds. You can scale volcanic peaks, explore rainforests and ruins, soak up the culture or simply relax on the shores of a glittering lake.

Audley in Guatemala With its extraordinary Maya ruins, colourful indigenous traditions and rich colonial culture, Guatemala is one of our favourite Central American destinations. Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Tikal are the main highlights but we also recommend visiting some off-the-beaten-track destinations that allow you to get away from the crowds, such as Quetzaltenango in the Western Highlands and some lesser-visited Maya ruins in the north. We have hand-picked some wonderful guides and drivers to accompany you and can also recommend overland routes to Honduras and Belize if you wish to explore further or relax on the beach at the end of your trip. The international airport is located in Guatemala City, but with little there to entice the visitor we recommend transferring directly to Antigua on arrival, which is located just an hour away.

Uaxactún Tikal National Park

Lake Petén Itzá

Flores

BELIZE

Sayaxché MEXICO

Gulf of Honduras Livingston

GUATEMALA Cobán

W Hig ester hla n nds

San Francisco el Alto Chichicastenango Quetzaltenango 2 Sololá

Lake Izabal

The V erapaces

ulc

HONDURAS

Copán ruins

Lake Atitlán

Accommodation In recent years some beautiful hotels have sprung up in the colonial city of Antigua and around the shores of Lake Atitlán. These range from family run, good value B&Bs through to elegant boutique properties. In the north of the country, close to the Maya sites, many hotels and guesthouses have fabulous locations on the shore of Lake Petén Itzá or in the tropical forest. If you’re looking for something a little different we can also offer a unique camping experience close to the Maya ruins of Uaxactún. In the lesser-visited parts of the country accommodation can be basic, but we keep up with any developments and can recommend new properties as they become available.

4 Tikal Yaxhá

Santiago Antigua Atitlán 1

GUATEMALA CITY

EL SALVADOR

PA CIF IC 0

40 miles

64 kilometres

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1 Antigua A beautifully preserved colonial gem with a laid-back charm, this is one of Central America’s most picturesque cities. See page 64 2 Lake Atitlán An idyllic setting and strong traditional culture make Lake Atitlán a rewarding place to visit. See page 65

3 Western Highlands Isolated by their mountainous nature, the highland communities and markets remain little-changed in centuries See page 68 4 Tikal & the north This lush jungle-clad region is famous for its countless Maya ruins, including magnificent Tikal. See pages 66-67

Market, San Francisco el Alto

Markets Guatemala’s markets are amongst the most colourful and intriguing in Central America, with highlanders in traditional dress coming from far and wide to sell and barter for goods. See page 65

www.audleytravel.com/guatemala • 01993 838 695 • Guatemala

Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua

Antigua Set against a backdrop of three stunning volcanoes, Antigua is a network of cobbled streets lined with colourful colonial buildings dripping in bougainvillea. It is an incredibly charming place to explore, its many plazas flanked by little cafes, and pretty churches, monasteries and townhouses to discover at every turn. The original capital of Guatemala, the city has experienced its fair share of natural disasters but its resilient people have ensured it has been lovingly restored each time. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most enchanting cities in Central America. A short trip from the city will bring you to Maya villages, colourful local markets, coffee farms and the Pacaya Volcano, an active peak popular with hikers.

Hotel El Mesón de María, Antigua Set in a lovingly converted colonial home, the charming El Mesón de María is a great value hotel with just 20 characterful rooms. Period furniture, local artworks, hand-painted tiles and woven fabrics create a rustic but sophisticated style throughout. Standard rooms are compact but have spacious bathrooms while the suites offer the added benefits of a Jacuzzi, shared terrace or patio, and a fireplace. There is an appealing roof terrace with beautiful views over the city and lots of relaxing areas dotted throughout the property. Meals can be taken at the family-style restaurant opposite the hotel or you can sample some of the nearby dining options.

El Convento, Antigua An elegant blend of colonial character and contemporary style, El Convento is a beautiful boutique property just a short walk from the central plaza. The hotel’s 26 suites are spacious and luxuriously decorated. Some boast private gardens and outdoor Jacuzzis, making this a very romantic place to stay. The rooms are set around an internal courtyard which has a small pool, while the vaulted restaurant serves traditional Guatemalan dishes with a contemporary twist. Hotel El Mesón de María, Antigua

Semana Santa Although Easter Week is of key importance throughout the Spanishspeaking world, the celebrations in Antigua are some of the most colourful and intriguing in the Americas. Work begins in the days before Ash Wednesday for this lavish spectacle, when communities take to the streets to blanket them in astonishingly intricate patterns created from coloured sawdust and flower petals. In the following days huge processions wind through the streets with purple-robed men carrying enormous statues, accompanied by clouds of incense, local musicians and crowds of people. The celebrations culminate on Good Friday with numerous parades concentrating around the city’s many churches.

Markets of Guatemala A centuries-old tradition and an important social gathering, markets are an integral part of Guatemala’s indigenous society, particularly in the highland areas where they are a vital part of the local economy. A visit to a local market offers a fascinating glimpse into life in these scattered mountain communities. Locals descend from all corners of the region, dressed in their traditional clothes, and throng the brightly coloured stalls selling everything from food and textiles to livestock and souvenirs. Wandering around even the smallest market opens a door into another world.

Fruit seller, Antigua

Chichicastenango is one of the largest and best-known markets, situated about an hour north of Lake Atitlán, but we also recommend a visit to some of the lesser-known gatherings, such as those in Comalapa or Sololá.

La Merced Church, Antigua

Ladies trading fabric, Chichicastenango market Casa Palopó, Lake Atitlán

Hotel Atitlán, Lake Atitlán

Lake Atitlán

Built in the style of a colonial hacienda, Hotel Atitlán has a privileged location on the lakeshore. The 60 guest rooms have views of the lake or the gardens that surround the hotel and are individually-styled and full of character. Handcrafted furnishings, fabrics, rugs, ornate ceramic tiles and local artwork combine with modern conveniences to make them extremely comfortable and cosy. There’s a good restaurant, and a pool overlooking the lake and beautiful gardens where birds flit between the roses, hibiscus and bougainvillea.

Casa Palopó, Lake Atitlán A gorgeous boutique hotel filled with original art and hand-crafted furniture, Casa Palopó is Lake Atitlán’s most luxurious and intimate accommodation option. There are just seven spacious suites, each lovingly decorated in a chic style with indigenous art and local fabrics, all lit by floor-to-ceiling windows which lead to a private terrace. There is also a two bedroom villa. The friendly staff offer impeccable service and facilities include a pool with stunning lake views, a comfortable lounge, and the well-regarded hotel restaurant, which serves up delicious cuisine.

A mesmerising lake with a backdrop of three perfectly conical volcanoes, Lake Atitlán is a tranquil place to soak up local culture and relax in a beautiful setting. A two hour drive from Antigua takes you through dramatic peaks and verdant forests and provides incredible views of the lake as you descend to the water’s edge. Traditional villages inhabited by descendents of the Maya are dotted around the lake and each maintains its own traditional style of dress with intricately woven shirts, tunics and skirts of the brightest reds, greens, yellows, pinks and blues. It’s easy to while away some time here, but the best way to enjoy the stunning scenery is to take a boat trip around the lake stopping to explore indigenous villages such as Santiago de Atitlán and San Juan La Laguna. Lake Atitlán

www.audleytravel.com/guatemala • 01993 838 695 • Guatemala

Great Plaza, Tikal

Posada de la Selva Jungle Lodge, Tikal National Park

Posada de la Selva Jungle Lodge, Tikal

Tikal & El Petén Tikal is the most famous of the lost Maya sites in the area of northern Guatemala known as El Petén, and is arguably one of the most impressive sites in all the Americas. This stunning collection of mighty temples sits at the heart of a vast national park making it an enchanting place to visit for its wildlife as much as its archaelogical remains. Little beats the experience of tramping through the jungle in the early morning mist, listening to the eerie roar of howler monkeys and the call of tropical birds, only to stumble upon Tikal’s towering temples rising through the forest canopy above you. There are five main temples in Tikal, each higher and more elaborate than the last and intrepid visitors can climb to the top for magnificent views of this vast ceremonial city.

Set in the confines of Tikal National Park, Posada de la Selva Jungle Lodge is the closest accommodation option to the ruins which allows you to wander around the lost city at sunrise long before other visitors arrive. The lodge is constructed from local materials and has a rustic style. The 36 bungalows and two junior suites are clean and comfortable and have ceiling fans and en suite bathrooms. Rooms look out over the hotel’s tropical gardens and along with exotic birdlife, howler monkeys can be heard screeching in the trees. Facilities include a small pool, a bar and a restaurant. Though not a luxurious option, a stay here is all about location.

Bolontiku Hotel, El Petén This luxury hotel overlooking Lake Petén Itzá has 15 elegantly furnished rooms with air-conditioning and views of the lake. Service is personalised and efficient and the facilities are excellent with a lovely lakeside pool and a good restaurant serving modern fusion cuisine. There are also plenty of options for water sports including kayaking and paddle boarding, as well as a range of boat trips and tours of local archaeological sites.

La Lancha, El Petén

La Lancha, El Petén The most well-known accommodation option on Lake Petén Itzá, Francis Ford Coppola's La Lancha has just ten beautiful rooms. Serene, stylish and very laid-back, it makes a great base for exploring the area, its elevated position affording sweeping views over the lake. The thatched main lodge houses the bar and restaurant and has a lovely pool, while paths lead down to the spacious casitas. Furnished with Guatemalan and Balinese furniture and decorated with Maya art, they are deliberately rustic but extremely comfortable and all have terraces facing the forest or the lake.

Bolontiku Hotel, El Petén

Camping at Uaxactún Tucked away in dense jungle 14 miles from Tikal lies the archaeological site and Maya village of Uaxactún. Here you will find one of the most unique accommodation experiences in Guatemala, the opportunity to camp under the stars just steps away from partially excavated Maya temples. The experience begins with a bumpy ride through the jungle where fresh footprints of jaguar can sometimes be seen, before Uaxactún eventually emerges. Renowned for its elaborate astronomical observatory, the archaeological site comprises several partially restored temples positioned to coincide with the sunrise on key dates. Being almost equal in power in its day, Uaxactún was only eventually conquered by Tikal in 378 AD after a bloody war. Temple complex, Tikal

Campsite at Uaxactún

Maya ruins, Uaxactún

In addition to a tour of the site you will also explore the small village, a fascinating place that still sees very few international visitors, and at dusk you will head to a lookout tower to watch the sunset over the treetops, made all the more memorable with wine and canapés. You will then travel to a local home for a freshly prepared evening meal, after which there may be the opportunity to climb one of the temples to look at the stars before you return to the campsite for the night. Tents on raised platforms feature a comfortable bed, filtered water and a bathroom block just steps away. Although facilities are simple, the opportunity to spend the night in such a unique location with only the sound of howler monkeys to wake you in the morning is an incredibly rewarding one.

Garifuna ladies, Livingston

Yaxhá The vast Maya city of Yaxhá lies to the east of Tikal and is especially beautiful at sunset. Its scale and complexity suggests that it was of great importance in its heyday, with over 500 structures including multiple acropolises, astronomical observatories, ball courts and temple pyramids. Its original purpose is still unclear as excavations are still underway, and archaeologists can often be seen working at the site. Yaxhá can easily be visited on a day trip from Flores or en route to or from Belize.

Livingston on the Rio Dulce

Livingston & Rio Dulce Off the beaten track and unlike anywhere else in Guatemala, Livingston is a small community on the Caribbean coast. It is reached by a spectacular trip down the Rio Dulce which passes through a series of lush, step-sided gorges dotted with waterfalls. Livingston is home to the Garifuna people, descendants of shipwrecked

slaves and Carib migrants from the island of Saint Vincent, and their unique brand of Caribbean culture gives this thriving community a lively, distinctive vibe. The colourful, ramshackle buildings, music and food are more typical of the Caribbean than Guatemala and, although accommodation is basic, Livingston remains an intriguing place to visit for anyone interested in seeing a completely unique part of the country.

Yaxhá

www.audleytravel.com/guatemala • 01993 838 695 • Guatemala

Painted church in San Andres Xecul, near Quetzaltenango

Cobán & the Verapaces If you are searching for the elusive resplendent quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala, then Verapaces, the region surrounding Cobán, is the place to go. Formed from a massive limestone plateau that has eroded over the ages, the area is littered with huge caves and underground caverns that were sacred to the Maya. Inside, gloriously intricate stalactites and stalagmites Market in Quetzaltenango

Western Highlands West of Lake Atitlán mountains rise steeply from the lake shores and their rugged valleys have created a unique character in the area, isolating one village from the next and protecting ancient customs and traditions long lost in other regions. Blanketed in a patchwork of small fields and scattered with quiet market towns and villages, it’s a fascinating place to explore. The city of Quetzaltenango, commonly known as Xela, with its lovely square and beautifully restored colonial church, makes a great base for visiting this off-the-beaten-track region. If you are keen on markets, take time to visit San Francisco el Alto’s Friday livestock market. It’s a bustling affair and an intriguing experience for visitors as the locals set about bargaining for their weekly produce. Semuc Champey, near Lanquín

have formed making them a magical place to visit. Close by is Semuc Champey where pools of turquoise water and slender limestone bridges are surrounded by dense jungle and provide an idyllic spot for swimming. The small city of Cobán and nearby town of Lanquín are the bases for visiting the area. Although the accommodation is simple, there are thundering rivers, cardamom and coffee-clad hills, museums and the Biotopo del Quetzal nature reserve to explore.

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When to go Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Belize

The dry season in Guatemala is from December to April and this is the most popular time for visitors. The north regularly enjoys hot days with daily temperatures hitting 30C (86F). The highlands in the south are known for having pleasantly warm days but much cooler nights, with December and January seeing the coolest temperatures. May to October is considered the wet season and although you may still get plenty of unbroken sunshine during this period, there can be days of intense rainfall, particularly in the latter months, which can cause landslides and disrupt road travel. Time difference: GMT-6 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Guatemala on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans.

Chichicastenango Guatemala City

Classic Guatemala This itinerary lends itself to a first-time visit to Guatemala, exploring the highlights of Antigua, Lake Atitlán and Tikal at a comfortable pace. Day 1

Arrive in Guatemala City and transfer to your hotel in the beautiful historic capital of Antigua.

Day 2

Get your bearings in Antigua with a walking tour of the UNESCOprotected historic centre with a private guide.

Day 3

Free day to further explore Antigua at leisure or perhaps visit a coffee plantation, try your hand at chocolate making or hike one of the nearby volcanoes.

Day 4

Private transfer to Lake Atitlán, stopping en route to visit a colourful indigenous market.

Day 5

Take a boat trip around beautiful Lake Atitlán and its intriguing villages. Visit the tiny markets, churches and a workshop showcasing local crafts.

Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.

Day 6

Free day to relax and absorb the tranquillity and beautiful views at Lake Atitlán.

Day 7

Transfer to Guatemala City for your afternoon flight to Flores, gateway to Tikal.

Day 8

On your private guided tour of Tikal you will explore the dramatic Maya ruins towering above the treetops.

Day 9

Belize City

Guatemala

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Ambergris Caye

Antigua

The majority of roads connecting the main sites of interest in the south of the country are paved making Guatemala relatively easy to travel around, with most journeys taking around two to three hours. Conditions in the north around El Petén are not as good though with many bumpy roads. In general, we operate all transfers and tours with hand-picked drivers, giving you a wonderful insight into the country as you are travelling around. Scheduled daily flights operate between Guatemala City and Flores, connecting the north and south of the country.

Belize

Flores

Chichicastenango Lake Atitlán

Getting around

Tikal

Transfer back to Flores for your flight to Guatemala City, in plenty of time for your onward international flight.

Lake Atitlán

Guatemala City

Guatemala & Belize Uncovered This two-week itinerary combining Guatemala and Belize offers everything from picturesque colonial cities, dramatic Maya ruins, lush jungle and soft adventure. Complete your journey with some relaxation on a pristine Caribbean beach. Day 1

Upon arrival in Guatemala you will be met by a guide and driven to your hotel in nearby Antigua.

Day 2

Take a half day private guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua with its cobbled streets and handicrafts markets.

Day 3

Private transfer to the tranquil and mysterious Lake Atitlán. En route you will make a stop at a colourful local market.

Day 4

Take to the waters of Lake Atitlán with your private guide, visiting some of the lakeshore communities.

Day 5

Travel to Guatemala City for your afternoon flight to Flores, gateway to Tikal.

Day 6

Explore the magnificent Maya ruins of Tikal with your guide.

Day 7

Cross the border into Belize and your lodge in the Cayo District, renowned for birdwatching, Maya ruins and caves.

Days 8-9 Free time in the Cayo District to arrange activities such as horse riding, river tubing, cave canoeing or visiting the Maya ruins at Caracol. Day 10

Stay longer Travel from Lake Atitlán to the Western Highlands to explore remote rural villages and markets. Alternatively, travel from Antigua to Honduras to visit the impressive ruins at Copán.

Antigua

Cayo District

Transfer to Belize City where you will take a scenic light aircraft flight to Ambergris Caye.

Days 11-12 At leisure on Ambergris Caye to snorkel, dive or relax on the beach. Day 13

Take the short flight back to Belize City in time for your onward international flight.

Stay longer Add a few days in Belize to take in the Orange Walk District, home to the country’s best wildlife watching.

www.audleytravel.com/guatemala • 01993 838 695 • Guatemala

Belize F

or such a compact country Belize is remarkably diverse, offering visitors the chance to wander around ancient historic sites, hike through lush forests, observe exotic wildlife, explore some of the world’s most famous dive spots, or simply relax under a swaying palm on a powder-soft beach. Large swathes of the country and coast are protected, making Belize a haven for wildlife with subtropical forests sheltering spectacular birdlife and the world’s second largest barrier reef teeming with colourful fish, rays, sharks and turtles. Inland, a host of ancient Maya ruins nestle between sugar, cacao and fruit plantations, and spectacular cave systems reveal their sacred place in the nation’s past. A political anomaly, this tropical paradise only gained independence from Britain in 1981 and English is spoken throughout the country. The people are warm and welcoming, the atmosphere is relaxed, politics are stable and you’ll experience all the exotic allure of the tropics but none of the hassle.

Audley in Belize

MEXICO

Corozal MEXICO COROZAL DISTRICT

Ambergris Caye

1 Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

ORANGE WALK DISTRICT

San Pedro Altun Ha

Caye Caulker

Lamanai

Caribbean Sea

Chan Chich

GUATEMALA

Lighthouse Reef

Turneffe Atoll

Belize City

R e e f

The laid-back nature of Belize means that things move at a slower pace here, even by Central American standards. For visitors it’s a great place to relax, taking your time to appreciate the incredible scenery, spot wildlife or maybe experience something new. Our specialists have travelled to the far corners of Belize inspecting properties and looking for new and different experiences. They have tried everything from canoeing, caving and river tubing to scuba diving, swimming with sharks and chocolate making and can advise on a range of activities you could include in your itinerary.

Accommodation BELMOPAN

Xunantunich

MM IN G BI CAYO RD DISTRICT

Caracol

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Glover’s Reef

Placencía

4 TOLEDO DISTRICT

Nim Li Punit

Lubaantun

4 Toledo District

Big Falls

Belize’s least developed region where traditional culture, caves and cacao are the draw. See page 74

Punta Gorda

Gulf of Honduras

20 miles

32 kilometres

2 Orange Walk District Dense jungle and open forests teeming with wildlife surround the enigmatic Maya site of Lamanai. See page 73 3 Cayo District

1 Ambergris Caye

Lamanai, Orange Walk District

Blue Hole

Hopkins

STANN CREEK DISTRICT

BELIZE

HIGHWAY

Dangriga

Actun Tunichil Muknal

Mountain Pine Ridge

r i e r

San Ignacio

Belize offers the visitor a wonderful range of accommodation options and many new properties are springing up across the country. Our specialists have hand-picked their favourites in a variety of locations, from simple, great value lodges to renowned luxury resorts. Belize’s beautiful jungle lodges are impressive, offering relative comfort in rustic surroundings with only the odd call of a howler monkey to disturb the profound peace of the forest. Along the coast and on the cayes, idyllic beachfront properties cater to different budgets and offer everything from complete relaxation to thrilling marine adventure and spectacular diving.

Blissful beaches and turquoise waters combine with superb diving and snorkelling. See pages 76-77

Home to subtropical forests, impressive cave systems and the country’s largest Maya archaeological site, Caracol. See page 72

5 Coastal mainland A region of subtropical forest leading to tranquil fishing villages and colourful reefs. See page 75

Caves Sacred to the Maya, the spectacular cave systems of western Belize are home to ancient artefacts and sacrificial remains. See page 73

www.audleytravel.com/belize • 01993 838 690 • Belize

Xunantunich, Cayo District

Black Rock Lodge, Cayo District

Cayo District The Cayo District covers an area of subtropical and pine forests in western Belize. Teeming with tropical birds and strewn with waterfalls and winding rivers, it is an excellent place to canoe, horse ride, birdwatch, hike or swim in the wild. Many people also come to visit the exquisite cave systems at Barton Creek and Actun Tunichil Muknal, or to explore the impressive Maya ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol. For a unique and atmospheric stay, base yourself at one of the area’s accessible jungle lodges.

Hidden Valley Inn, Cayo District

Black Rock Lodge, Cayo District

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Cayo District

This charming ecolodge set in the heart of the rainforest has just 20 great value cabins, where you can soak up the magnificent views over the Rio Macal and Don Elijio Panti National Park. The simple but comfortable cabins are decorated with local art, while the two riverfront suites are more luxurious with sunken living rooms and a rooftop deck. There’s a small pool, a good restaurant, and a wide range of activities on site including river tubing and horse riding. The lodge is also known for its superb birdwatching with over 280 species spotted within the grounds.

The family-friendly Lodge at Chaa Creek started as a farm in 1977, grew into a guesthouse and then became Belize’s first jungle lodge. Located in a rainforest reserve in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, guests can see peccaries and monkeys as well as many species of tropical and migratory bird. There are 23 palm-thatched cottages and suites here ranging from simple thatched cabins to luxuriously appointed suites with antique or hand-crafted furniture, fine linens and wraparound balconies. The lodge also has a beautiful infinity pool, a hilltop spa, its own stables and a well-regarded restaurant. It is a very tranquil and indulgent place to stay and, whilst it has grown in size, has retained the friendly charm of its early days.

Hidden Valley Inn, Cayo District Tucked away in its own private reserve in Cayo’s Mountain Pine Ridge region, Hidden Valley Inn is an intimate escape. The flora, wildlife and birding here are excellent and guests have exclusive access to many miles of walking and mountain biking trails as well as several secluded pools and waterfalls set deep in the forest. The 12 cosy cottages are classically elegant and feature hand-crafted mahogany furniture and brick fireplaces. There are also two spacious suites with outdoor waterfall showers and private patios. The lodge has a pool, a Jacuzzi and a small restaurant serving modern fusion dishes.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, Cayo District

Caves The extensive network of caves in the lowlands of Belize are more than just a geographical highlight of the country. They have key historical and cultural importance, revealing insights into the fascinating customs of the Maya who believed these caves to be an important link to the afterlife, and therefore sacred locations for ceremonies and human sacrifice. Carved detail, Caracol, Cayo District

One of the most intriguing caves accessible to visitors, albeit those with a sense of adventure, is Actun Tunichil Muknal, or ATM. Its name translating as ‘Cave of the Stone Sepulchre’, this vast cave located in dense tropical forest in the Cayo District was used by the Maya between 300 and 600 AD. Today it can be visited by means of a jungle trek and exhilarating swim to the cave

Actun Tunichil Muknal, Cayo District

entrance. From here you will begin to explore the extensive series of chambers sometimes climbing, swimming or crawling until you reach a sacred cathedral, where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. The experience at ATM is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable to be had in Belize, but for those who would prefer to explore one of the country’s caves without quite so much exertion, there are plenty of alternatives. At Barton Creek Cave for example, you can enjoy a relaxing boat trip where a specialist guide takes you into the depths of the cave system, equipped with a high-powered light to point out impressive stalactites and stalagmites amongst other fascinating crystal formations.

Barton Creek Cave, Cayo District Zip-lining, Cayo District

Lamanai Outpost Lodge, Orange Walk District

Tricolored heron, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Immerse yourself in the jungle at this lovely lodge set on the banks of a massive spring-fed lagoon close to the remnants of the Maya city of Lamanai. There are 20 thatched wooden cabanas with simple but comfortable decor and immediate access to the surrounding jungle. Small group tours leave on foot or by boat to explore the incredible variety of habitats in the locality with dawn jungle walks, sunrise canoe trips, cayman-spotting tours, a Maya medicine trail, a sunset cocktail cruise and spotlight night safaris amongst the activities on offer. Spider monkey, Orange Walk District

Orange Walk District Notable for its agricultural production and dense jungle, the Orange Walk District encompasses the northern part of Belize. Highlights include the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, home to hundreds of waterbirds such as jabiru storks and snail kites, and the lush tropical forests around the New River leading to the impressive Maya city of Lamanai. Here you can take in structures such as the intriguing Mask Temple, and the towering High Temple. The latter is one of the largest from this period and affords great views across the surrounding jungle and nearby New River lagoon from its summit. The rest of the site remains half-buried in the forest, making it an intriguing place to explore. Mask Temple, Lamanai

www.audleytravel.com/belize • 01993 838 690 • Belize

Garifuna drummers at a festival, Punta Gorda

Toledo District

Punta Gorda

The Toledo District is a little-visited and largely untouched part of the country often described as Belize’s last frontier. The pristine forest here is dotted with traditional Maya villages, citrus and cacao plantations, and remote Maya sites, such as Lubaantun, where the infamous ‘Crystal Skull’ was purportedly found. The region is also home to over 300 bird species and 15 national parks and reserves, making it a wonderful destination for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Toledo is the least developed area of Belize and consequently traditional culture is stronger here. It is possible to visit remote Maya communities who offer a fascinating glimpse of traditions that have been lost in many places. The Garifuna culture is also prevalent in Toledo, making the region an intriguing cultural melting pot.

A sleepy, low-key, coastal town at the end of the southern highway, Punta Gorda is the only community of any size in the Toledo District and acts as a gateway to the rest of the region. P.G., as it is locally known, is the regional transport hub and excursions to the surrounding villages, Maya ruins and jungle lodges, as well as snorkelling and diving in the southern cayes all depart from here. It is also possible to try your hand at Garifuna drumming in one of the friendly schools in the lively town.

Grinding cacao, Toledo District

Accommodation in the Toledo District Despite its off-the-beaten-track feel, the Toledo District offers a good number of accommodation options. The jungle guesthouse Hickatee Cottages is arguably one of the best value options in the whole of Belize, while The Lodge at Big Falls has just six cabanas set in verdant forest that is fantastic for birdwatching. For something more comfortable, the luxurious Belcampo Lodge offers 12 stunning suites with glorious forest views. Lubaantun, Toledo District

Pineapple plant, Punta Gorda

Laughing Bird Caye National Park

Garifuna handicraft maker, Placencia

Beach in Placencia

Hummingbird Highway. Winding north from Dangriga to the country’s small administrative capital of Belmopan this is one of the most beautiful drives in Belize, meandering through subtropical forests and huge plantations of citrus and banana.

Robert’s Grove Beach Resort, near Placencia Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Coastal mainland Comprising the sheltered stretch of coastline and forested interior leading north from Punta Gorda to the regional hub of Dangriga, Belize’s Coastal Mainland offers some well-established options for marine activities and beach relaxation. Though the beaches themselves are not the most picturesque the country has to offer, the spectacular outer reef system and the Laughing Bird Caye National Park offer superb snorkelling and scuba diving just a boat trip away. The region is also the jumping-off point for visiting Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary where you can take fantastic walks amongst pristine jungle. For complete tranquillity base yourself in the tranquil village of Hopkins, or head for the busier town of Placencia for a wider choice of restaurants and bars. Depending on your itinerary you may also have the opportunity to arrive or depart from the region via the

Set along a long stretch of soft sand, this great value option offers all the facilities of a much larger hotel. There are just 52 rooms here but a choice of three swimming pools and two restaurants. There’s also a spa and dive centre on site and options to go canoeing, kayaking, sailing or biking as well as an impressive range of tours. The rooms blend modern comforts with local character and include a handful of romantic cabins on two private islets. If you tire of the idyllic setting it’s just a 20 minute walk into the bustling town of Placencia which has a string of bars and restaurants stretching along the coast.

Robert’s Grove Beach Resort, near Placencia

Turtle Inn, near Placencia For something a little special, Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn is a sublime place to stay. With style and design, this 25 room retreat is understated but refined and offers every comfort imaginable. Rooms are set in either individual thatched cottages or two bedroom villas, all imaginatively decorated and featuring spacious bathrooms with Japanese baths and outdoor showers, and screened private terraces with sea or garden views. The resort overlooks a lovely stretch of beach, has two swimming pools and a spa set in a traditional Balinese rice house.

Turtle Inn, near Placencia

www.audleytravel.com/belize • 01993 838 690 • Belize

Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef

Ambergris Caye

Diving & snorkelling in Belize

A series of small islands surrounded by extensive coral reefs and lapped by turquoise waters, the Belize cayes are simply stunning. With tranquil beaches and a laid-back Caribbean vibe, this is Belize at its most relaxing. Most of the cayes are uninhabited, but the largest, Ambergris Caye, offers a choice of beachfront properties as well as local charm in the town of San Pedro. Pristine reefs, clear water and an extraordinary array of marine life make the snorkelling and scuba diving here some of the best in the world. You can relax on the beach, take a boat trip to swim with rays and nurse sharks at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve or enjoy a sunset cruise.

Belize’s barrier reef, the second longest in the world, is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and home to a rich abundance of marine species. It is a fantastic destination for diving and snorkelling with five species of turtle, a plethora of brightly coloured fish and a handful of shark species making it their home. Its proximity to the coastal mainland and Ambergris Caye makes the reef easily accessible by boat. For those keen on snorkelling, the renowned sites of Shark Ray Alley, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Mexico Rocks offer excellent variety. Scuba divers, off Ambergris Caye

Experienced divers should make for the outer atolls of Turneffe, Lighthouse Reef and Glover’s Reef which present opportunities for world-class wall, drift and coral garden diving. Advanced divers will be mesmerised by the Blue Hole, the largest ocean sinkhole in the world. Visible from space, it was made famous by Jacques Cousteau who, in the 1970s, declared it one of the world’s top ten dive sites. Saddled blenny, Great Maya Reef Hawksbill turtle, off Ambergris Caye

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Coral garden, Lighthouse Reef

Pelican, Ambergris Caye

Beach on Ambergris Caye

Colourful bicycles, Ambergris Caye

Matachica, Ambergris Caye Only accessible by boat, Matachica sits on a long stretch of white sand on Ambergris Caye’s northern coast. This beautiful getaway is an utterly tranquil escape offering 24 individuallydecorated and vibrantly coloured thatched casitas featuring original art from around the world. Rooms are spacious with cool, whitewashed walls and all come with a private veranda. Spend your day drifting between hammocks and sunloungers, or if you can muster up the energy, windsurfing, parasailing and scuba diving are available. The restaurant serves fusion cuisine and there’s a spa offering organic treatments.

Victoria House, Ambergris Caye

Victoria House, Ambergris Caye Understated luxury, a relaxed atmosphere and great service make Victoria House a very rewarding place to stay. There are 42 air-conditioned rooms ranging from thatched casitas to elegant suites and private villas, all classically decorated with local art and crisp white linens. The estate offers the charm and character of a traditional plantation and the rooms are set in lush tropical gardens, some offering sweeping views of the reef and white-sand beach. There are two restaurants and pools, an on-site dive centre and complimentary kayaks and bicycles for guest use. Although quite secluded, the hotel is within easy reach of the restaurants and bars of laid-back San Pedro.

Portofino Beach Resort, Ambergris Caye

Portofino Beach Resort, Ambergris Caye Hidden away on the north coast of Ambergris Caye, this serene retreat is a 30 minute boat ride from the main town of San Pedro. The 17 good value, air-conditioned rooms vary between thatched beach cabanas and more luxurious suites with custom-made bamboo beds and hardwood floors. There is a lovely bar and restaurant serving excellent food as well as a large swimming pool by the beach. Complimentary kayaks and snorkelling equipment to allow guests to take full advantage of the barrier reef located about a mile off shore. Matachica, Ambergris Caye

www.audleytravel.com/belize • 01993 838 690 • Belize

Tailoring your trip The itineraries shown are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible, and are routes that work particularly well. We can use these as a base to plan your trip or tailor a completely different itinerary to suit your tastes and interests. Please call one of our Belize specialists to start planning your itinerary.

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Getting around Despite its small size and reliance on tourism, the infrastructure in Belize is relatively undeveloped. There are good road links connecting Belize City, the Cayo District and the coastal mainland but away from these main highways road conditions tend to deteriorate.

Half Moon Caye

Red-footed booby, Half Moon Caye

Dive guides, Turneffe Atoll

The outer atolls & cayes Pristine and little-visited, the outer atolls and cayes offer diving and snorkelling on near-virgin reefs with an excellent variety of marine life including regular sightings of dolphins, manta rays and manatees. Belizeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first national park, the Half Moon Caye Natural Monument has turquoise waters, rich marine life and untouched coral, as well as thousands of red-footed boobies and frigate birds. The Turneffe Atoll is the closest to the mainland and is home to a shallow lagoon and thick green mangroves which shelter a prolific array of marine species.

The Orange Walk District is reached by either a road and motor boat combination or a charter flight, while scheduled light aircraft flights are recommended for the Toledo District due to the distance involved. Ambergris Caye is reached by regular scheduled flights from Belize City on small planes with the outer cayes accessed by motorboat. With a slightly larger budget, or if you are travelling as part of a small group, it is worth considering chartering your own plane to travel directly between remote locations instead of having to transit through Belize City.

When to go

Diver, Turneffe Atoll

The outer atolls and cayes are located over an hour and a half by boat from Belize City. Accommodation options are comfortable but somewhat limited, and unless you are looking for specialist dive or fishing sites, then Ambergris may be a better option.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

33 33 33 33

33 The best time to travel. 3 A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.

Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.

5 Travel is not recommended.

Belize enjoys a dry season between January and May, and this is generally the best time to visit the country. Visitors can expect predominantly warm, sunny days in the Cayo District and on the cayes. The Toledo District and Placencia enjoy a more tropical climate where you can expect rain at any time of year, but this is what gives these regions their lush beauty. The wet season runs from June to December, but travel is still possible until early August, with rain falling predominantly in the afternoon. As the season progresses, travel becomes challenging and there is a low risk of hurricanes. Time difference: GMT-6 hours

Prices We offer trips to cater for a wide range of budgets. You can find up-to-date guideline prices for your trip to Belize on our website, alternatively please call our specialists to discuss your plans. Spotted eagle ray, Turneffe Atoll

Suggested itineraries Orange Walk District

Ambergris Caye

Belize City Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye

Orange Walk District

Cayo District Belize City Belize City

Cayo District

Simply Belize: Jungle & Beach A wonderful introduction to Belize for those short on time. Explore magnificent Maya ruins, canoe, go horse riding, venture in to caves or even try river tubing. You will then travel on to Ambergris Caye to snorkel in turquoise waters or relax on white sandy beaches. Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Arrive in Belize City and onwards to your lodge in the Cayo District. This evening head out on a group guided night walk in the forest. Morning guided walk through the surrounding jungle trails, admiring the flora, fauna and beautiful views of the valley. Free afternoon to enjoy further activities such as horse riding, mountain biking or river tubing. Free day, you could visit the spectacular ruins at Caracol, go adventure caving at ATM or take a gentle canoe trip through Barton Creek Cave. Transfer to Belize City where you will take a light aircraft flight to Ambergris Caye. At leisure on Ambergris Caye – take a snorkelling tour to Shark Ray Alley, dive at the Blue Hole or simply relax on the beach.

Days 6-7 At leisure on Ambergris Caye. Day 8

Take the short flight back to Belize City in time for your onward international flight.

Stay longer Spend some time in the Toledo District to enjoy its cacao plantations, birdwatching and unique cultural mix.

Toledo District

Belize Reef & Rainforest

Grand Tour of Belize

This classic itinerary takes in some of the country’s best-known highlights at a comfortable pace. Discover the caves and ruins of Cayo, the wildlife of the Orange Walk District and finish with beach relaxation and superb snorkelling opportunities on Ambergris Caye.

An adventurous journey combining Belize’s best known attractions with plenty of activities and time in the lesser-visited Toledo District, the country’s fascinating ‘last frontier.’

Day 1

Arrive in Belize City and transfer to your lodge in the lush Cayo District.

Day 1

Arrive in Belize City and take the scenic flight to Punta Gorda in the Toledo District.

Day 2

Take a fascinating tour to a cacao plantation learning about chocolate production from start to finish. In the afternoon visit Barton Creek Cave for hiking and swimming in pristine surroundings.

Day 3

Free day to arrange further activities in the area – the lodge can organise Maya community visits, snorkelling excursions and a variety of other activities.

Day 4

Fly back to Belize City where you will be met and transferred to the Cayo District, home to Maya ruins, lush jungles, caves and many adventure activities.

Day 5

Take an adventure caving excursion to ATM cave – an ancient Maya burial ground hidden deep in the jungle.

Day 6

Further free time to explore the local area or visit the magnificent Maya site at Caracol.

Day 7

Travel on to the Orange Walk District for some of the best opportunities to spot wildlife.

Days 2-3 Free time in the Cayo District to arrange activities such as horse riding, river tubing, cave canoeing or visiting the Maya ruins at Caracol. Day 4

Travel from Cayo to Belize City where you will continue on to Lamanai in the Orange Walk District.

Days 5-6 Activities in the Orange Walk District, ranging from jungle walks, dawn birdwatching, visiting the Lamanai ruins and sunset cruises. Day 7

You will return to Belize City and take the scenic light aircraft flight to Ambergris Caye.

Days 8-10 Relax on the white-sand beaches of Ambergris Caye or enjoy snorkelling and diving excursions to the nearby pristine reef. Day 11

Take the short flight back to Belize City in time for your onward international flight.

Stay longer Begin your trip in Placencia on the coastal mainland to start and finish with relaxation and snorkelling. Alternatively, start your trip in Guatemala for colonial architecture, colourful markets and magnificent Tikal.

Days 8-9 Activities from your lodge in the Orange Walk District. Explore forest trails, go birdwatching, canoeing or try a variety of other activities. Day 10

Travel back to Belize City and take a light aircraft flight to the beach island of Ambergris Caye.

Days 11-12 At leisure on Ambergris Caye – you can snorkel, dive or simply relax on the beach. Day 13

Caracol, Cayo District

Take the light aircraft flight back to Belize City in plenty of time for your onward connection.

Orchard oriole, Orange Walk District

www.audleytravel.com/belize • 01993 838 690 • Belize

Honduras W

ith majestic scenery, Maya ruins and superb diving on some of the most idyllic islands in the region, Honduras has plenty to offer the visitor. Lush forests and undulating mountains cover much of the interior and a series of national parks protects a rich variety of habitats and diverse flora and fauna. Most accessible is Pico Bonito National Park, a magnificent subtropical rainforest that weaves over mountains and is dotted with tumbling waterfalls, beautiful rivers and over 700 species of bird. To the west is Copán, surrounded by jungle and one of the most magical Maya sites in Central America. Honduras’ most famous attraction however, is the Bay Islands, an archipelago of three blissful islands renowned for their white beaches, emerald waters and excellent diving and snorkelling.

Audley in Honduras

Accommodation

Honduras can be a rewarding place to visit, especially for divers and snorkellers lured by the appeal of the Bay Islands. Despite steady development, the mountainous interior has few roads leaving much of the country still waiting to be discovered. Our specialists keep up-to-date with changes and can recommend a variety of routes around the country, while our local guides’ expert knowledge will make this fascinating destination come to life.

Around Copán and Pico Bonito National Park visitors have a choice of accommodation including some charming, good value lodges. The rest of the mainland, however, has fewer options and in many areas accommodation is limited to more basic properties. The popular Bay Islands are becoming increasingly developed and all-inclusive style resorts are beginning to outnumber the original rustic hotels. Our specialists can recommend a number of simple but comfortable options set in fantastic locations. Local man, near Copán

Practicalities

Copán As with many of Central America’s preColumbian sites, the ruins were hidden by dense jungle and only cleared in the 1930s to reveal intricately carved three metre stelae (columns of stone), a hieroglyphic stairway and several ball courts. One of the most magnificent archaeological sites in Central America, Copán is less visited than other major Maya sites and is an evocative place to explore. The nearby town of Copán Ruinas makes a charming base to while away some time, its cobbled streets lined with adobe houses with red-tiled roofs. Copán is set in the hills of western Honduras near the border with Guatemala, and a visit can easily be incorporated into a trip combining the two countries.

Pico Bonito National Park Beautiful subtropical forest surrounds La Ceiba, the country’s third largest city, and much of it is protected by the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge and Pico Bonito National Park. Diverse in both flora and fauna and easily accessible, these parks provide great walking and wildlife spotting opportunities with their waterfalls, superb birdlife and numerous monkeys. The more adventurous can raft the Cangrejal River or take the bumpy boat ride to visit nearby Garifuna villages or Cayos Cochinos, the nearest cayes to the Honduran coast. Access to La Ceiba is via a regional flight or scenic road journey through rolling hills and banana plantations.

Gulf of Honduras

d s I s l a n Guanaja Island

Ca rib be

Roatán Island Utila Island

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LA MA

Tela

La Ceiba

Trujillo

San Pedro Sula

Copán ruins

Santa Rosa de Copán

Pico Bonito National Park

Se a

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Choluteca Gulf of Fonseca

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The weather in Honduras is similar to the Caribbean and is best in the dry season between November and May. July to October can see heavy rain and the risk of hurricanes, while in the highlands around Copán rain is possible at any time of the year.

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Copán and the Pico Bonito National Park are around three hours by road from San Pedro Sula, which is the usual entry point to Honduras for those arriving by air. Highways linking these places are paved so journeys are relatively comfortable. Heading anywhere else will quickly take you onto bumpy tracks where 4x4s will be required. There is also a good road connection to neighbouring Guatemala, via Copán, with a hassle-free border crossing. The Bay Islands can be reached by ferry, but a short flight from La Ceiba or San Pedro Sula is often more convenient.

OC EA N

1 Copán Magnificent carvings and a hieroglyphic stairway make this one of the most significant Maya sites in Central America.

50 miles

81 kilometres

2 Pico Bonito

National Park Excellent walking and wildlife spotting opportunities in dense subtropical forest dotted with impressive waterfalls.

Carved stone head, Copán

3 Bay Islands Renowned for their prolific marine life and excellent diving, these islands are an idyllic spot to relax. See page 82

Waterfall, Pico Bonito National Park

Copán Ruinas

Corals, Roatán Island

Scarlet macaw, Roatán Island

www.audleytravel.com/honduras • 01993 838 660 • Honduras

Aerial view of Roatán Island

Diving & snorkelling

Fishing boats, Roatán Island

Bay Islands The laid-back Bay Islands with their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, stunning reef and smattering of tiny fishing villages are arguably the country’s main attraction. The diving and snorkelling here are superb with colourful corals, sponges, fish, rays, turtles and sharks often seen. The majority of the hotels we work with are on the island of Roatán, which has the most idyllic beaches, a beautiful forested interior and a good choice of accommodation from rustic hotels to all-inclusive resorts. Scuba diving can be arranged locally but we can also pre-book dive packages. The Bay Islands are approximately 37 miles off the northern coast of Honduras and can be accessed by air from San Pedro Sula or La Ceiba. Roatán also has direct flights to the USA. 82

The pristine waters, spectacular coral reef and choice of world-class dive sites make the Bay Islands an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced divers alike. One of the most remarkable things about diving here is the proximity of the coral reef to the shore. More than 30 imaginatively named snorkelling and dive sites such as Spooky Channel, Doc’s Elbow and Mary’s Place are around a ten-minute boat ride from the beach making them easily accessible.

The Sandy Bay-West End Marine Reserve encompasses many of these dive sites. This is part of the world’s second largest reef and divers and snorkellers can see innumerable species of tropical fish, dolphins, sharks, turtles, moray eels, 300-metre coral walls and sea sponges. There are also some excellent wreck dives close by.

Useful information

Streets of Trinidad, Cuba

Making handicrafts, Mexico

Hawksbill turtle, Honduras

Flights

Address:

Costa Rica, Mexico and Cuba are all served by direct flights from the UK, and should you wish to take advantage of these your specialist will plan your itinerary carefully in accordance with the schedules. For those wishing to fly to other destinations, investigate more economical fares, or fly from their closest regional airport, many Central American capitals can be reached via Europe or the USA.

Terms & Conditions and Travel Insurance

Audley Travel, New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX, United Kingdom. Telephone: 01993 838 638 Email: centam@audleytravel.com London Office: Audley Travel, Monsoon Building, 1 Nicholas Road, London W11 4AN, United Kingdom.

Responsible Travel We’re passionate about travel but also deeply aware of the responsibility we have to the people and places we visit. We believe that a visit from an Audley traveller should have a positive impact on the destination. We always endeavour to use locally-owned hotels, work with local guides and operators, and promote community and wildlife projects. Our local partners support a variety of charitable ventures across Central America, and visitors to Costa Rica in particular will discover a country that is an international pioneer in responsible tourism.

We work with a range of airlines flying from numerous airports in the UK and Ireland, and can offer you completely impartial advice. We will help you decide which airline to choose based on your preferred route, connections and class of travel.

Honeymoons Honeymoons to this part of the world offer wonderful diversity and good value for money. The opportunity to combine pristine beaches with crumbling Maya ruins or jungle, and soft adventure make Mexico, Costa Rica and Belize particularly attractive options. Some of the more off-the-beaten-track destinations such as Panama and Nicaragua are also proving increasingly popular with honeymooners seeking something a little different. Our optional honeymoon gift service and personalised website is available for no additional cost and is a great option to consider should your wedding guests wish to contribute to your trip.

Your booking is subject to the terms and conditions of Audley Travel which are detailed in the booking form. It is vital that you have adequate travel insurance and we are able to suggest a number of policies either for the duration of your trip or on an annual basis.

AITO Membership Audley is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The association represents Britain’s leading independent tour operators and encourages high standards of quality and service. Audley abides by the Association’s Code of Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter which can be viewed on www.aito.com

Photography in this brochure We would like to thank the following photographers and organisations for the images used in this brochure: Alamy, Audley staff, clients and suppliers, AWL images, iStockphoto, Robert Harding, Superstock. All images used in this brochure were obtained in good faith by Audley Travel Group Limited and in the belief that all necessary consents and clearances were obtained for their use. For any queries relating to photography please contact us on 01993 838 040.

Visit our offices

www.audleytravel.com

If you would like to discuss your travel arrangements in person we welcome personal visits, please call in advance to arrange an appointment with one or more of our country specialists. Our offices are at the New Mill, a 17th-century converted wool mill on the outskirts of Witney, ten miles west of Oxford, on the edge of the Cotswolds. We also have an office in west London, if this is more convenient for you.

Our website is packed with information, features and advice covering all our destinations across the globe. On the site you can browse by theme, interest or region as well as viewing additional accommodation options and itineraries that are not featured in this brochure. You can request all our brochures online or contact us via the website where there is the option to tell us about your plans so that we can start tailoring your itinerary.

www.audleytravel.com/visit-us

Useful information

New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX, United Kingdom Telephone: 01993 838 638 • Fax: 01993 838 010 Email: centam@audleytravel.com • Website: www.audleytravel.com

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