Max Group Size:

16

Transport:

Private Vehicle , Boat, Plane, On Foot

Accommodation:

Hotels (12 Nights)

What's Included:

12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches - Escorted Tour - Local English Speaking Tour Guides - All Activities and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - City Tours - Mexico City, Puebla, Campeche, Merida - Teotihuacan, Monte Alban, Palenque, Uxmal, Chichen Itza - Cooking Class - Oaxaca - Domestic Flight Oaxaca to Tuxtla Gutierrez (via Mexico City)

Local Payment:

NO LOCAL PAYMENT

Highlights:

Mexico - Mexico City - Teotihuacan Pyramids - Guadalupe Shrine - Anthropology Museum - Floating Gardens of Xochimilco - UNESCO Puebla - Oaxaca - Cooking Class - UNESCO Monte Alban Ruins - Sumidero Canyon - San Cristobal de Las Casas - Indian Village Tour - Agua Azul and Misol Ha Waterfalls - UNESCO Palenque Ruins - UNESCO Campeche - UNESCO Uxmal - Merida - Cenote Lkil - Chichen Itza Ruins - Caribbean Beaches - Playa del Carmen

Optional Highlights:

Mexico - Tulum Ruins

Meeting Point:

Hotel Best Western Estoril

Luis Moya 93

Col Centro  

Mexico City 06070

Mexico

Tel: +52 55 5130 0355 

Introduction:

From the vibrant city of Mexico, the largest and busiest capital on earth, to Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean coast, this tour gives you a great insight into some of the highlights of this fascinating country. Explore the greatest of the ancient Mayan, Aztec and Zapotec sites, whilst enjoying breathtaking scenery of deep canyons and waterfalls. Learn about ancient civilisations and indigenous people and how to cook Mexican style, explore wild highland country and relax on the turquoise Caribbean coastline.

Please Note: The nearest airport to Playa del Carmen is Cancun.

Day 1:

Mexico City - Teotihuacan, Guadalupe Shrine.  On the morning of Day 1, you will meet your fellow travelling companions and your Tour Guide at the pre-departure meeting at 9.00am.

Following the meeting we will drive to the impressive archaeological site of Teotihuacan, located 50km northeast of Mexico City. On the way we make a stop at the Plaza de las Tres Culturas, where three cultures converge: Aztec, Spanish, and contemporary Mexican.

We continue to the Basilica de Guadalupe, Latin America’s most revered religious shrine. It is here where the Virgin of Guadalupe is said to have appeared before an Indian named Juan Diego in 1531, and an image of her was miraculously emblazoned on his cloak. We will have time to explore the New Basilica de Guadalupe (the Old Basilica, built in 1700, is slowly sinking) and to see Juan Diego’s cloak.

We then drive for another hour to Teotihuacan, one of the most impressive cities of the ancient world, held sacred by the Aztecs. We will explore its temples, palaces and pyramids, including the Quetzalpapalotl Palace Complex, the Temple of the Feathered Conches, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the immense Pyramid of the Sun, ranked among the biggest in the world. Teotihuacan, meaning ‘The place of Gods’ dates from around 300 BC, and the ruins were once a fully functioning city filled with ceremonial centres, artists, merchants and labourers.

Later in the day we return to Mexico City. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. In the evening, you may like to listen to the Mariachi bands in Plaza Garibaldi and enjoy the local tequila!

Day 2:

Mexico City - Anthropology Museum, Xochimilco Floating Gardens, Drive to Puebla.   Mexico City is one of the most populated in the world. Founded in 1521 by the Spaniards, the city was built on the remains of an Aztec city called Tenochtitlan. It is now a modern and bustling metropolis, with beautiful colonial architecture around every corner. Mexico City is also the oldest urban centre in the Western Hemisphere, when it was called Tenochtitlan. Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes and his men were awestruck by the sight of the imposing temples of the Aztecs. Reporting back to King Carlos V, Cortes was struggling to convey the majesty of what he saw. Imagine the King’s surprise at learning that "one of the plazas is twice the size of that of Salamanca", and "the principal pyramid is taller than the tower of the cathedral at Seville", or that the stone and wood craftsmanship that adorned these monuments "could nowhere be bettered". Nowhere is Mexico’s explosive past better depicted than at its central plaza, the Zocalo. Surrounded by some of the finest buildings of the colonial era, lie the remnants of one of the Aztecs’ principal monuments, the Templo Mayor. Its mysterious shapes stand as a haunting tribute to the pre-Hispanic civilization that flourished here long ago.

This morning we explore magnificent Mexico City, built on top of the ruins of the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. Our first stop is the Zocalo (main square), one of the biggest public squares in the world. We will visit the Catedral Metropolitana – the biggest church in Latin America, and the Palacio Nacional – which hosts Diego Rivera’s murals depicting the history of Mexico. We continue to a handicraft market, where we will have time for some browsing.

We then drive along the famous boulevard Paseo de la Reforma, built during the short-lived reign of Emperor Maximilian to connect the main square and his castle in Chapultepec. Next stop is to the floating gardens of Xochimilco, which were once connected to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City) by a causeway, and where the Aztecs grew much of their food. We will navigate the canals on board of a typical ‘trajinera’, a flower-decked punt, and will discover how Aztec life was before the conquest.

Our last stop is the Museum of Anthropology, where we will have some time to explore the treasures of the Aztec culture.

We then drive to World Heritage, Puebla where we stay overnight.  (B)

Day 3:

Puebla City Tour, Drive to Oaxaca.  Mexico’s fourth largest city, Puebla is best known for the beautiful Talavera tiles that adorn its walls, domes, and interiors, and for the mole poblano, Mexico’s national dish that originated here. The streets of Puebla, a World Heritage Site, are lined with churches, mansions, and other handsome buildings and are a delight to stroll around.

We will explore Puebla – a Unesco World Heritage Site – its streets lined with churches and colonial mansions, many adorned with the beautiful hand-painted Talavera tiles for which the city is famous. This is also the place where Mexico’s national dish – the ‘mole poblano’ – originated. We will visit the Cathedral – the second largest in Mexico; Casa del Alfeñique – its delicate white ornamental plasterwork resembles alfeñique, a sugar and almond paste; Mercado El Parian – a crafts market in the ‘artist’s quarter’; Templo de San Francisco – where the body of San Sebastian de Aparicio lies, a Spaniard who came to Mexico in 1533 and planned many of the country’s roads before becoming a monk; Cerro de Guadalupe – a hilltop park containing the historic forts of Loreto and Guadalupe; and Calle 6 Oriente – known for its typical candy shops.

After our tour of Puebla, we drive to Oaxaca where we spend the next two nights.  (B)

Day 4:

Oaxaca - Cooking Class, World Heritage Monte Alban.   Oaxaca, located in a valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur, was once the centre of the Mixtec and Zapotec civilisations. Today's Oaxaca is a combination of pre-conquest, colonial and modern influences. The early Zapotecs developed a great civilisation at nearby Monte Albán centuries before the birth of Christ. Two of Mexico's most famous presidents, Benito Juárez and Porfirio Diaz, were of Zapotec origin. After the Spanish conquered Oaxaca in 1533, the city quickly took on a Spanish flavour, with ornate buildings, churches, elegant archways, balconies, decorative grill work and charming plazas. Yet despite its colonial heritage, the city remains basically Indian at heart, wherein lies its charm.

Oaxacan cuisine is famous for its refinement and complexity, and we will learn how to prepare it. The day starts at 9am with a visit to the local market, where ingredients are tasted and bought. After a light lunch, a lecture on Oaxacan cuisine is given, and then we grab an apron to create a delicious 5-course meal.

Later we will visit Monte Alban , a World Heritage Site, spectacularly situated on a mountain 400 metres above the Oaxaca Valley, a few kilometres west of Oaxaca. Monte Alban is the greatest of the Zapotec cities, and it came to dominate the cultural, religious, and economic life of the region. It is also a triumph of engineering; the mountain top was levelled to allow for the creation of the ceremonial site. We will explore the Gran Plaza, the Ball Court, the Observatory, the Palace, and other beautiful structures.  (B,L)

Days 5-6:

Fly Tuxtla Gutierrez, Sumidero Canyon, San Cristobal de las Casas - Indian Village Tour.  From Oaxaca we transfer to the airport for our flight to Tuxtla Gutierrez - the flights go via Mexico City. Please note that the flight will generally not be accompanied but you will be met on arrival by the Guide who will accompany you for the next part of your journey.

We then drive to San Cristobal de las Casas, via the Sumidero Canyon where a boat trip is included.

San Cristobal de las Casas is a characteristically indigenous Chiapaneca town nestled in the heart of the jungle highlands. The only way to reach San Cristobal is via a two-hour drive from Tuxtla Gutierrez. En route, the tropical heat and plant life prevalent in Tuxtla Gutierrez gradually give way to the nippy mountain air and pine forests that surround San Cristobal, where days are sunny and warm, and nights may be chilly. Amber, the translucent stone derived from fossilised coniferous resin, is plentiful in the region.

The next day there is a half day City Tour and Indian Village Tour. We will explore on foot the colonial city centre of San Cristobal de las Casas. We will visit the cathedral, on the north side of the pretty main square, with its lavish interior and gold-encrusted pulpit. We then walk a few blocks to the impressive 16th-century Dominican church Templo de Santo Domingo, with its intricate pink façade and gilded Baroque interior. There will be time to browse the handicraft market in front of the church, where Tzotzil Indians from the surrounding hills come to trade.

We then drive 10km into the Chiapas highlands, to the Tzotzil Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. The Tzotzils descend from the ancient Maya and maintain some unique customs, costumes and beliefs. We will visit the beautiful white church in San Juan Chamula. The candles, incense and chanting worshippers make a powerful impression. We then drive to the nearby village of Zinacantan, with its pretty church and handicraft market.

Returning to San Cristobal, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. This is a great place to browse the markets and pick up some colourful weavings and other beautiful handicrafts. There are opportunities to relax in traditional cafes and enjoy steaming cups of the locally grown coffee. In the evenings, you may like to enjoy a night out Salsa dancing at a local candlelit bar - San Cristobal is a great place to spend a fantastic couple of days!  (B) (B)

Days 7-8:

Agua Azul Waterfalls, World Heritage Palenque, Campeche. Leaving San Cristobal, we depart for Palenque, visiting the beautiful Agua Azul Waterfalls on the way. Here there are opportunities to swim amongst the spray and mist or explore the fern-lined trails between the dozens of waterfalls which cascade down the mountainside.  

In the foothills of the Tumbala mountains, the ancient Maya site of Palenque sits on a ledge overlooking the swampy plains that stretch northward all the way to the Gulf coast. Palenque was at its height between 500 and 700 A.D., when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta river. The elegance and craftsmanship of the buildings, as well as the lightness of the sculpted reliefs with their Mayan mythological themes, attest to the creative genius of this civilisation. It was the flood plain of the Usumacinta river that most likely provided Palenque's inhabitants with the resources to construct their extraordinary city. Blessed with the highest average rainfall in Mexico, this fertile alluvial plain could have been successfully farmed with raised beds, and would have produced a harvest that not only could sustain a large workforce but would also have provided an abundance that could be traded along the Usumacinta. It seems that the gods were as enchanted with Palenque as today's visitors.

The next morning we visit the archaeological site of Palenque, a World Heritage Site, and located 7km outside of the town of Palenque. Palenque flourished between AD600 and 800, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta river. The site, surrounded by rainforest where toucans and howler monkeys live, is made up of some 500 buildings spread over 15 sq km, of which only a few have been excavated. We will explore the magnificent ruins, including the Temple of the Inscriptions - the tallest and most stately of Palenque’s buildings, the Temple of the Sun - crowned with a prominent roof comb, The Palace - with its maze of corridors and rooms, and many other beautiful buildings. 

Following our visit to Palenque we drive to Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   (B)  (B)

Days 9-10:

Campeche - City Tour, Uxmal, Merida.  Campeche, located on the Gulf of Mexico, was the principal sea port on the Yucatán Peninsula from the 16th to the 18th centuries, and subsequently a major target of pirates such as Lorenzillo, Diego "The Mulatto" and William Parker. To protect the port from attacks, the Spanish Crown ordered the fortification of the city. Remnants of the original fortress that surrounded the entire town still stand, including ramparts and gates, giving the city a decidedly romantic, swashbuckling air. The ramparts now house museums and the Land Gate is the site of a dramatic light and sound show that relives the pirate era.

The Spanish settlement of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built on the site of a former Maya fishing village in 1540. In colonial times it was the most important port on the Yucatan Peninsula, and its prosperity made it a frequent target for attacks by English, French and Dutch pirates, who looted and destroyed the city several times. As a consequence, thick walls were built around the town, strengthened by eight baluartes (bastions).

We take a tour of Campeche before heading for Merida. On the way we visit the archaeological site of Uxmal, a World Heritage Site, and located 80km south of Merida. Its architecture is characterised by low horizontal palaces set around courtyards, decorated with a profusion of symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting the long-nosed rain god Chaac. We explore the magnificent buildings, including the House of the Magician which dominates the site, the Nunnery, and the House of Turtles. We continue to Kabah, with its amazing Palace of the Masks, covered in nearly 300 masks of Chaac.  

We then continue on to steamy Mérida, capital of the Yucatan State, where we stay for 2 nights . Mérida is a vibrant city and home to the traditional Mexican hammock.

The next morning we explore the historical centre of Merida. Built more than 450 years ago on the site of T’ho, an ancient Mayan city, Merida is the social and economic centre, as well as the capital of the state of Yucatan. Merida’s downtown area features a large, tree-shaded central square. The city’s main boulevard, Paseo Montejo, is home to impressive European-style mansions whose pastel shades and elaborate trim are reminiscent of lavishly iced wedding cakes. Though a bustling city of about 700,000, Merida retains its colonial charm and has a laid-back tempo that delights visitors.

We will visit the magnificent Cathedral of San Ildefonso, built with the stones of ancient Maya temples. Construction of this cathedral began in 1561, and it is therefore the oldest one in Latin America. Inside we can find murals depicting the meeting between Francisco de Montejo, founder of Merida, and the Mayan King Tutl Xiu. We will visit Casa Montejo - the grandiose home of Francisco de Montejo, and the Governor's Palace - housing 27 huge murals by Don Fernando Castro Pacheco illustrating the somewhat violent history of Yucatan.

From the beautiful tree-shaded Plaza Principal (central square) we can take pictures of the Cathedral, the Palacio Municipal (town hall), Casa Montejo, and the Governor's Palace. Finally, we drive along the historical boulevard Paseo Montejo - fashioned after the Champs Elysees - with its stately homes, shops and quaint restaurants.

The afternoon is free for you to explore further at your leisure, and maybe shop for a traditional hammock. You will find a huge array of designs, colours and styles. (B)  (B)

Days 11-12:

Chichen Itza, Playa del Carmen - Optional Visit to Tulum. From Merida, we drive to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, located 120km east of Merida. Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is the best restored of Yucatan’s Mayan sites. Chichen Itza was built around AD 600-900, the city is dominated by the imposing ‘Castillo’, the huge pyramid in the centre, and the massive ball court, where they say the captain of the winning team was sacrificed - sacrifice was supposedly a great honour!

We explore the magnificent ruins set in a dense jungle, including the Pyramid of Kukulcan - its height and striking geometric design dominating the whole site, the Great Ball Court - the largest and most impressive in Mesoamerica, the Sacred Cenote - a natural well used for human sacrifice, and many other beautiful temples.

From Chichen Itza we head to the white sandy beaches of the Riviera Maya. On the way we have lunch and a swimming stop in Cenote "Ikil" Pink flamingo sanctuaries and swimmable crystal-clear cenotes (sinkholes) are some of the natural attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula that are easily accessible from Merida.

Playa del Carmen sits on the Mayan Riviera with miles of unspoiled, white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. The Riviera Maya stretches from Cancun in the north to the archaeological site of Tulum in the south, a magnificent coastline, peppered with tropical parks, snorkelling and diving havens, small rustic hotels and luxurious resorts. Playa del Carmen a former fishing village used to serve merely as a springboard for visitors taking the ferry to Cozumel. But as more and more ferry-bound lingered to enjoy its Caribbean beaches and rustic charms, the town came into its own as a resort destination. “Playa,” as it is called by locals, is growing, but still preserves a certain small-town charm and bohemian following.

We have 2 nights in Playa del Carmen. The day in Playa is a free day. If you tire of sitting on the beach marvelling at the ever-changing aquamarine colours of the ocean, check out the restaurants, sidewalk cafes and many handicraft stores. You may also like to take an optional half day excursion to Tulum Ruins (Prices depend on numbers)  

Tulum is the only walled city the Maya built and the only one by the edge of the Caribbean. When the Spanish first came upon the site in 1518, they recorded that it was as large as Seville. The major construction is the Castle, a handsome pyramid perched on the edge of a cliff high above the pearl-white beaches below. From here one can see most of the ancient city, as well as a magnificent view of the coastline. The setting for Tulum is unique, perched on a cliff overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean. Take your swimming gear as there is a beach at the ruins.

Night life in Playa is varied, depending on your taste: from a quiet night out at a local Mexican restaurant to dancing the night away at one of the towns dance clubs.  (B,L)  (B) 

Day 13:

Playa del Carmen.  The tour ends after breakfast.   (B)

If you would like to extend your stay in Playa del Carmen, post tour accommodation can be booked for you - please conaact your Kumuka or your agent for prices and to make a reservation.

Finishing Hotel:

Hotel Las Golondrinas
Av. Constituyentes No 178
Esq. Calle 20
Playa del Carmen
Mexico

Tel: +52 984 873 2805

Please contact Kumuka or your travel agent should you wish to book additional accommodation.
 
Please note passengers finishing tours in Playa Del Carmen should book flights ex Cancun International Airport (CUN), this is the nearest airport and transfers can be organised through your agent or Kumuka.  For more information please see the following website: http://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htm

Please Note:

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Central America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

What's Not Included:

All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, tipping, pre and post tour accommodation.

Pre Departure Information Follows

Pre-Departure Meeting:

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 9am THE DAY of the scheduled departure date at the meeting point. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your Tour Guide and fellow passengers.

In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. 

PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING.

In addition the guide will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

All passengers MUST bring:

1. Passport.

2. Vaccination Certificate.

3. Travel Voucher.

4. Travel Insurance Policy

Insurance:

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

Passport:

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.

Visa Requirements:

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Central America trip. Country entry regulations can change daily. Our website  www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Costa Rica Entry/Exit Requirements:

If you are continuing on to Costa Rica, please note that when flying into Costa Rica some airlines are currently requesting proof of an onward ticket at check in, showing that you will exit the country. 

The Costa Rica embassy in London has advised that either bus or airline tickets should suffice, although some airlines are still insisting on proof of an actual airline ticket. This information is provided in good faith and whilst we endeavour to keep abreast of the latest immigration and onward ticket requirements, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for any changes in immigration law or onward ticket requirements.

Medical Information & Vaccinations

Recommended inoculations:

•Hepatitis A

•Diphtheria

•Typhoid

•Tetanus

•Polio

•Yellow Fever - we recommend that you consult the UK Foreign Office travel advice for Mexico and Central American countries, which shows the latest requirements for Yellow Fever vaccinations, particularly for travellers arriving from infected areas.

         We also recommend:

•A dental check-up prior to travelling.

•That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit with the following recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills, A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Malaria:

Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of Central America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed. 

Security:

•We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention.

•A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.

•DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk.

•Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

Money:

We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

Belize, Costa Rica and the Yucatan province in Mexico are more expensive than the other Central American Countries, in those areas you should budget on US$ 30 per day.

Take your money in US dollars only. This is the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America.

Traveller’s cheques should be AMERICAN EXPRESS. American Express is the most widely accepted.

Cash is far easier to exchange than Travellers Cheques, but also more risky as once lost, is irreplaceable. However, we do recommend that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20).

In many countries, you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option.

Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs.

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful.

Included Excursions - All activities mentioned in the brochure unless optional are included in your tour price. This also includes many extra things that the group does as a whole such as ruins site entrance fees, domestic flights, local guides at some attractions, National Park entrance fees.

Optional Activities:

During your tour your Tour Leader and/or Guide will recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. To start planning and budgeting for any optional activities that you may chose on your tour, please visit:

http://www.kumuka.com/Central-America-Optional-Activities.aspx

IMPORTANT: Some tours depart from the starting city very early on Day 1, therefore you might not have enough time to enjoy the optional activities in that area. Furthermore, some tours end on arrival in the finishing city and your flight may leave early the following morning, therefore leaving no time to partake in any optional activities in that area.

Local Customs:

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

Luggage and Personal Equipment:

How much should I take?

•Try to limit yourself to 15-20kg.  It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more.  If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your Tour Leader at the Pre Departure Meeting.  

•A good quality backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.

•A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, water, sunscreen) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.

•We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards, travellers cheques, etc., on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you DO NOT BRING A SUITCASE due to the difficulty of carrying these and travelling with them on Central American transport. Please do not bring more luggage than you are able to comfortably carry without assistance.

Language:

Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English is spoken a little bit in the larger cities, and is also the national language of Belize. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Photography:

Most passengers will travel with digital cameras.  Should you run out of memory you can download your photos onto CD at the local internet cafes or camera shops on your tour.  Alternatively, you may be able to purchase extra memory cards.  With regards to film, all types of camera film are readily available in Central America.  However, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.

Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your camera confiscated.  It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.

Food:

Local Restaurants - Latin American food is delicious, nutritious and varied and local restaurants provide an important insight into local ways of life. There is always an excellent range of restaurants to choose from. An evening meal can range from US$1 up to US$20. Most travellers spend an average of US$5 to US$10 plus drinks. Local alcoholic drinks are generally inexpensive even in restaurants and bars.

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.

The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.

Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:

If you wish to spend a few additional days in your starting or finishing city, then we can arrange accommodation for you. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).

Tipping:

For better or for worse, tipping is an accepted part of everyday life and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. 

Staying in Touch:

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Drug Policy:

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.