central america
Intrepid’s real life experiences in central america‌ Tap into the rhythm of Central America: embark on a Mexican jungle jaunt, ride a chicken bus through Guatemalan towns, explore ancient ruins covered in jungle growth or just relax with a cocktail and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
MEXICO
Mexico City
Belize City BELIZE
HONDURAS
Antigua
GUATEMALA
NICARAGUA San Jose
COSTA RICA PANAMA
86ºF 30ºC 68ºF 20ºC 50ºF 10ºC 32ºF 0ºC
F M A M
J
J
A
S O N D
guatemala
J
F M A M
J
J
A
S O N D
300mm 12in
86 F 30 C
200mm 8in
68ºF 20ºC
100mm 4in
50ºF 10ºC
0mm 0in
32ºF 0ºC
300mm 12in
104ºF 40ºC
225mm 9in
86ºF 30ºC
150mm 6in
68ºF 20ºC
75mm 3in
50ºF 10ºC
0mm 0in
32ºF 0ºC
º
º
belize rainfall
104ºF 40ºC
300mm 12in 225mm 9in 150mm 6in 75mm 3in
J
F M A M
J
J
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0mm 0in
S O N D
mexico rainfall
104ºF 40ºC
J
400mm 16in
temperature
32ºF 0ºC
Average Max
temperature
50ºF 10ºC
Average Min
rainfall
68ºF 20ºC
costa rica
rainfall
º
temperature
86 F 30 C º
temperature
104ºF 40ºC
200mm 8in 150mm 6in 100mm 4in 50mm 2in
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F M A M
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0mm 0in
Tikal Ruins
Exotic Encounters
Beachside Bliss
Market Magic
Mayan Discovery page : 46, QVKC
Classic Costa Rica page : 47, QVSR
Mayan Encounter page : 46, QVRA
Mayan Highlights page : 45, QVSCC
Experience the wonder of the intricate ruins of Tikal. Set to a green jungle backdrop, exploring these ruins is an unforgettable highlight of Guatemala.
Swing into the jungle and meet a host of colourful creatures while being immersed in the untamed beauty of Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park.
Cool off in clear, turquoise waters in seaside Tulum. Swim, snorkel, dive or just chill out and enjoy the atmosphere of this Caribbean paradise.
Shop for bright textiles, colourful souvenirs and unique handicrafts alongside lively locals at the famous Chichicastenango markets in Guatemala.
Photo Competition, Tortuguero lizard, Costa Rica - Rebecca Dobson
combo trips
Playa del Carmen Merida
ME X I CO
Chichen Itza
Tulum
This map outlines some of our favourite Small Group Adventures. Combine two, three or more to create your ultimate Central America adventure. To get you inspired, we’ve created a few trip combinations below. Just match the colour bars to the map to see where the road may take you…
Mexico City Puebla
Caye Caulker
San Ignacio
Palenque
Tikal
Oaxaca
BE LIZE
Roatan Island
Flores
San Cristobal de las Casas
Rio Dulce
H ON D U R AS
Chichicastenango San Jorge La Laguna
Antigua
Copan
Comayagua
GUATE MALA N IC AR A GU A Granada Ometepe Island Monteverde La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano NP
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
San Jose
C OSTA R IC A
Panama City
Bocas del Toro Boquete
PA N A MA
Santa Catalina
QVRM Mexico City - Playa del Carmen QVRA Playa del Carmen - Antigua QVRS Antigua - San Jose QVRC San Jose - Panama City
Photo Competition, Fun in the sun, Belize - Sam Beveridge
central america combo trips…
See our website for more details: intrepidtravel.com
Central America Encompassed
QVRYC 31 days, Mexico City to Antigua
Central American Adventure
QVRXC 32 days, Playa del Carmen to San Jose Explore Central America
QVRZC 46 days, Mexico City to San Jose
Best of Central America
QVRQC 44 days, Playa del Carmen to Panama City Ultimate Central America
QVRRC 58 days, Mexico City to Panama City
Amazing Central America
QVRPC 29 days, Antigua to Panama City
trip code
QVScC
45 Central America
Mayan Highlights Physical culturAL
Original
22 days, Cancun to Playa del Carmen DEPARTURE
GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Cancun Laze on powdery, white beaches, swim in the warm waters or simply relax at a bar with a margarita. Enjoy a brief guided walk through this resort town. Day 2 Chichen Itza/Merida Visit Chichen Itza’s ancient city - one of the best examples of Mayan architecture. Spend the night in the colonial splendour of Merida. Days 3-4 Palenque Stroll around the jungletangled ruins and admire temple walls sculpted with images of gods, rulers and ceremonies. After the ruins, you have the option of visiting the waterfall of Misol-Ha and the natural pools of Agua Azul. Days 5-6 San Cristobal de las Casas Head to the cooler climes of this city rich in local culture and tasty cuisine. Take an optional day trip to San Juan Chamula. Day 7 Panajachel Cross the border into Guatemala to the lakeside town of Panajachel. Take an optional cruise on beautiful Lake Atitlan. Day 8 San Jorge La Laguna Experience the local way of life at a homestay. Practise Spanish and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a friendly host family. Days 9-11 Chichicastenango/Antigua Visit the famous market in Chichicastenango and bargain for some of Guatemala’s best handicrafts. Travel onwards to Antigua, a colonial city flanked by smouldering volcanoes. Days 12-13 Flores/Tikal Travel in a chicken bus then unwind in a town where canoes are still a mode of transport. Take a dip in Lago Peten Itza then be awestruck by Tikal’s ruins towering above the jungle. Climb to the top of a temple to spy scarlet macaws darting through the forest canopy.
• Soak up the fun party vibe in Cancun • Explore the forested hills of San Ignacio • Experience local life at a lakeside homestay • Ride a Guatemalan chicken bus • Gawk at jungle creatures from atop the Tikal ruins • Relax on the beautiful beaches of Belize • Enjoy the seaside serenity of Tulum • Haggle at colourful highland markets • Wander the colonial streets of Antigua • Take in stunning scenic coastal views
ACCOMMODATION Simple hotels (20 nts), homestay (1 nt) TRANSPORT Minibus, boat, local bus GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS No meals included BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 372 kg pp per trip NOTES Some accommodation may be multishare TRAVELLER RATING 4.54 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 01 Jan 22 Jan 15 Jan 05 Feb 29 Jan 19 Feb 12 Feb 05 Mar 26 Feb 19 Mar 26 Mar 16 Apr 09 Apr 30 Apr 23 Apr 14 May 07 May 28 May 21 May 11 Jun
04 Jun 25 Jun 18 Jun 09 Jul 25 Jun 16 Jul 09 Jul 30 Jul 23 Jul 13 Aug 06 Aug 27 Aug 20 Aug 10 Sep 03 Sep 24 Sep 17 Sep 08 Oct 01 Oct 22 Oct 15 Oct 05 Nov 29 Oct 19 Nov
05 Nov 26 Nov 12 Nov 03 Dec 26 Nov 17 Dec 10 Dec 31 Dec 17 Dec 07 Jan 24 Dec 14 Jan 31 Dec 21 Jan 2012 07 Jan 28 Jan 14 Jan 04 Feb 21 Jan 11 Feb 28 Jan 18 Feb
04 Feb 25 Feb 18 Feb 10 Mar 03 Mar 24 Mar 17 Mar 07 Apr 31 Mar 21 Apr 14 Apr 05 May 28 Apr 19 May 12 May 02 Jun 26 May 16 Jun 09 Jun 30 Jun 23 Jun 14 Jul
Above: Photo Competition, Palenque , Mexico - Andrew Robertson Below: Photo Competition, Colourful Chichicastenango, Guatemala - Nicole Caton
Days 14-15 San Ignacio Get off the beaten track with a journey into stunning Belize. Surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, forested hills and ruins, San Ignacio is a great base from which to explore. Days 16-18 Caye Caulker Kick back on a white-sand beach or take an optional snorkelling or diving tour in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve to see coral, tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. Day 19 Tulum Travel into Mexico and laze on the sands or watch the sun set over the sea from Tulum’s beachside ruins. This idyllic site, perched on a cliff overlooking the beach, affords staggering views over the Mexican coastline. Days 20-22 Playa del Carmen This beach town offers a final chance to go souvenir shopping, have some fun in the sun or enjoy the easygoing Mexican nightlife.
This was the best trip of my life! It was educational, challenging adventurous and inspirational. I’d do it all over again in an instant! I saw all the things I’ve always dreamed of. Natalie Conley, New Zealand Travelled on the QVSCC
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com
46 Central America
Mayan Encounter trip code
QVRA
Basix
17 days, Playa del Carmen to Antigua DEPARTURE
GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Playa del Carmen Sip margaritas by the beach, take an optional snorkelling trip through the mangroves, or venture to Cancun to swim in the surf and experience its famous nightlife. Days 2-3 Tulum Discover the powdery beaches, warm, blue ocean and cliff-top Mayan ruins that make Tulum a slice of beachside paradise. Days 4-5 Caye Caulker Say “adios” to Mexico and journey to Belize. Bask on the beach, go swimming or take sunset strolls around this relaxing island. There’s an opportunity to go manatee spotting to learn about these huge, curious creatures. Days 6-7 San Ignacio Tucked between forested hills
Physical culturAL
and gushing rivers, San Ignacio offers a range of optional activities including tubing or, for those after a quieter pace, a wander through a colourful butterfly garden. Days 8-9 Flores/Tikal Cross the ACCOMMODATION Simple hotels (14 nts), homestay (2 nts) TRANSPORT Boat, local bus GROUP SIZE Max 16 MEALS 2 Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed NOTES Some accommodation may be multishare CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 127 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.61 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 01 Jan 17 Jan 15 Jan 31 Jan 29 Jan 14 Feb 12 Feb 28 Feb 26 Feb 14 Mar 12 Mar 28 Mar 26 Mar 11 Apr 09 Apr 25 Apr 23 Apr 09 May 07 May 23 May
04 Jun 20 Jun 18 Jun 04 Jul 02 Jul 18 Jul 16 Jul 01 Aug 30 Jul 15 Aug 20 Aug 05 Sep 03 Sep 19 Sep 17 Sep 03 Oct 01 Oct 17 Oct 15 Oct 31 Oct 29 Oct 14 Nov 12 Nov 28 Nov
19 Nov 05 Dec 03 Dec 19 Dec 17 Dec 02 Jan 31 Dec 16 Jan 2012 14 Jan 30 Jan 21 Jan 06 Feb 28 Jan 13 Feb 04 Feb 20 Feb 11 Feb 27 Feb 25 Feb 12 Mar 10 Mar 26 Mar
24 Mar 09 Apr 31 Mar 16 Apr 07 Apr 23 Apr 21 Apr 07 May 19 May 04 Jun 02 Jun 18 Jun 16 Jun 02 Jul 30 Jun 16 Jul 14 Jul 30 Jul
border into Guatemala and stop in at Flores, a laidback town lounging on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. On your free day here, don’t miss an optional visit to see the ruins of Tikal, one of the most impressive of all Mayan sites. Days 10-11 Rio Dulce Travel through the dense jungle to Rio Dulce. Perhaps visit a rubber plantation or an old Spanish fort, or take a lancha up the river to visit nearby hot springs. Day 12 Antigua Discover this city’s charm by strolling around the cobblestone streets. Days 13-14 San Jorge La Laguna/Chichicastenango Stay with a local family in San Jorge La Laguna, shop at the Chichicastenango market where everything - from unique handicrafts to medicinal plants - is for sale.
Colourful streets, Antigua, Guatemala - Sally Johnson
Days 15-17 Antigua Admire the colonial architecture of Antigua.
• Chill out seaside in Playa del Carmen • Amble over Tulum’s cliff-top ruins • Kick back in the relaxed vibe of Caye Caulker • Experience traditional life in San Jorge • Haggle in the markets of Chichicastenango • Enjoy colonial Antigua
Mayan Discovery trip code
QVKC
Comfort
15 days, Cancun to Playa del Carmen DEPARTURE
GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 Cancun Relax by the water or head to Zona Arqueologica El Rey to wander around the ruins and meet the sun-loving iguanas. Day 2 Chichen Itza/Merida Explore the incredible ruins and visit El Castillo, best known for its amazing carved snakes. Days 3-4 Palenque Climb to the top of these ruins for endless views of the jungle, then rest in the nearby Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls. Days 5-6 San Cristobal de las Casas Enjoy the Chiapas highlands and meet the local villagers who mix Catholicism with indigenous religions to create a fascinating hybrid. Visit the unique church in San Juan Chamula where pine needles carpet the floor. Days 7-8 Panajachel Ringed by volcanoes and villages and resting on the shores of beautiful Lago de Atitlan, Panajachel is a great base to explore the region.
Physical culturAL
• Spot carved snakes at Chichen Itza • Savour spectacular jungle views from atop ancient ruins
Days 9-10 Chichicastenango/Antigua Find a bargain at the colourful markets at Chichicastenango before stopping in Antigua, famous for its colonial architecture. Stop by a grassroots women’s ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels (14 nts) TRANSPORT Plane, minibus, first-class local bus GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 14 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches or dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 380 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.49 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 1 Jan 15 Jan 15 Jan 29 Jan 19 Feb 05 Mar 19 Mar 02 Apr 09 Apr 23 Apr
07 May 21 May 04 Jun 18 Jun 25 Jun 09 Jul 09 Jul 23 Jul 30 Jul 13 Aug 20 Aug 03 Sep 17 Sep 01 Oct
08 Oct 22 Oct 29 Oct 12 Nov 12 Nov 26 Nov 26 Nov 10 Dec 17 Dec 31 Dec 2012 07 Jan 21 Jan
Musical local, Panajachel, Guatemala - Cameron Gaze
21 Jan 04 Feb 18 Feb 03 Mar 17 Mar 31 Mar 14 Apr 28 Apr 12 May 26 May 02 Jun 16 Jun 23 Jun 07 Jul
cooperative to watch community development and support in action. Day 11 Flores/Tikal Head to Flores then continue to Tikal, home to one of the most magnificent Mayan sites. Days 12-13 San Ignacio Rise before dawn for a guided tour of the magical ruins shrouded in morning mist. Cross the border into Belize and journey to San Ignacio, the ideal base for exploring nearby temples, waterfalls and caves. Days 14-15 Playa del Carmen Head back into Mexico to relax on the beaches of Playa del Carmen. Raise bottles of cerveza and toast the end of this epic Mayan adventure.
For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com
I had a fantastic time on this trip. It was all I thought it would be and more. The people, the culture, the ruins, the food - it was all great. The leader made it very enjoyable. Nancy Alvarez, Australia Travelled on the QVKC
trip code
QVSR
47 Central America
Classic Costa Rica Original
15 days, ex San Jose
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Days 1-2 San Jose Amid the galleries, theatres and modern architecture of San Jose are wonderful reminders of a traditional past. Take an orientation tour to discover the main sites - and little known secrets - of this bustling city. Stop by the bustling Central Market to peruse the eclectic range of goods on offer. Days 3-4 Tortuguero National Park Enjoy the thick forests, cool waterways and powdery beaches of the Tortuguero National Park. Explore the jungle by foot and try to spot monkeys, birds, frogs and sloths. Days 5-6 Sarapiqui Journey to Sarapiqui, in the heart of Costa Rica’s banana-growing region. In free time, opt to explore the surrounding jungle or simply find a quiet spot to listen to the twitter of colourful birdlife. Days 7-8 La Fortuna/
Physical culturAL
• Discover the cloud forests of Monteverde • Slip into natural hot springs in La Fortuna
Arenal Volcano With the Arenal Volcano breathing down its neck, La Fortuna is an exciting outdoor base with endless opportunities for adventure. Why not take a dip in a waterfall or head out for some white-water rafting? In the evenings, slip into the hot springs and soak up the views of the glowing volcano. Days 9-11 Monteverde Travel through the mountains to reach Monteverde and take a guided walk through the Cloud Forest Reserve. Lush, green and jam-packed with colourful butterflies, this is a nature-lovers paradise. Days 12-13 Quepos Descend from the mountains to Quepos on the Pacific Coast. Relax on the sandy beaches or hit the water for some kayaking, fishing or surfing. Days 14-15 San Jose Get reacquainted with this capital city by shopping for last-minute souvenirs at the city’s vibrant markets.
An amazing experience, awesome tour guide, a definite must-see country for all travellers! If you appreciate nature then this trip is an excellent choice for you. Matt Thomson, Canada Travelled on the QVSR
ACCOMMODATION Simple hotels (12 nts), lodge (2 nts) TRANSPORT Boat, local bus GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS No meals included BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 254 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.62 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 08 Jan 22 Jan 22 Jan 05 Feb 19 Feb 05 Mar 05 Mar 19 Mar 19 Mar 02 Apr 09 Apr 23 Apr
30 Apr 14 May 11 Jun 25 Jun 02 Jul 16 Jul 30 Jul 13 Aug 27 Aug 10 Sep 24 Sep 08 Oct 22 Oct 05 Nov 05 Nov 19 Nov
19 Nov 03 Dec 03 Dec 17 Dec 17 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 14 Jan 2012 07 Jan 21 Jan 21 Jan 04 Feb 18 Feb 03 Mar
03 Mar 17 Mar 31 Mar 14 Apr 21 Apr 05 May 19 May 02 Jun 16 Jun 30 Jun
Cloud forest, Monteverde, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Express trip code
QVKR
Comfort
9 days, ex San Jose
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Day 1 San Jose Get a feel for the city on a sightseeing walk through the streets. Days 2-3 La Fortuna/ Arenal Volcano National Park Head to La Fortuna and the beautiful surrounds of Lake Arenal and explore the green countryside. Big winds sweeping in from the Caribbean make the lake a windsurfer’s delight. Why not visit La Fortuna Waterfall, take a canopy tour in the forest or join a trip to the active Arenal Volcano. Days 4-5 Monteverde Ecologists have suggested that the cloud forests of Monteverde were actually two different ecosystems, straddling each side of the Continental Divide. As a result, the area boasts several unique species of flora and fauna. Explore the emerald-green cloud forest by foot to admire the wide array of wildlife and learn about how this incredible ecological curiosity came to be. Days 6-7 Manuel Antonio National Park Discover the white-sand beaches, tropical vegetation and turquoise waters of Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike along the trails to spot some of the abundant wildlife - be on the lookout for armadillos, sloths and colourful birds. Impossible to resist, the warm waters offer great swimming, kayaking or surfing. While Manuel Antonio itself is a laidback kind of town, its nightlife is famously fiery - so kick up those heels and get a taste for Costa Rican revelry. Days 8-9 San Jose Return to the capital to meander through the stalls of the Mercado Central, take a look at the collection of shimmering art at the Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismatica or catch a show at the city’s pride and joy - the Teatro Nacional.
Physical culturAL
• Be awed by the active Arenal Volcano • Experience the diversity of Costa Rica’s environment • Spot wildlife in the lush cloud forest of Monteverde • Swim in the warm waters of Manuel Antonio National Park • Wander through vibrant markets • Catch a show at San Jose’s National Theatre
ACCOMMODATION Comfortable hotels (8 nts) TRANSPORT Minibus, shuttle bus, boat GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches or Dinners BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Selected Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 174 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.55 out of 5 Start Finish 2011 08 Jan 16 Jan 22 Jan 30 Jan 19 Feb 27 Feb 19 Mar 27 Mar 02 Apr 10 Apr
23 Apr 01 May 28 May 05 Jun 18 Jun 26 Jun 16 Jul 24 Jul 13 Aug 21 Aug 10 Sep 18 Sep 01 Oct 09 Oct
15 Oct 23 Oct 05 Nov 13 Nov 26 Nov 04 Dec 10 Dec 18 Dec 2012 14 Jan 22 Jan 28 Jan 05 Feb
11 Feb 19 Feb 25 Feb 04 Mar 17 Mar 25 Mar 07 Apr 15 Apr 12 May 20 May 09 Jun 17 Jun
Red-eyed treefrog, Costa Rica
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com
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