Spend 2 months travelling through 7 sizzling countries. Marvel at the differences in culture, landscape, ruins, wildlife and beaches on this epic journey. Countless highlights await you, including amazing Mayan ruins, cloud and rainforest adventures, and a variety of water activities. Great Mexico & Central American Journey Classic 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Central America Honduras, Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Nicaragua, Panama Panama City Mexico City Panama Mexico Culture/History 60 3 Basic http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/centralamerica/panama_beach.jpg Arrive in Panama City at any time. Spend the second day at leisure or partake in one of the many optional activities. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal, explore the old city and ruins or hit the market for souvenirs. Head to the beautiful white-sand beaches of Santa Clara. During the week, this beach is the perfect model of tranquility, but things liven up over the weekend. Kayak, rent a bike, go horseback riding or lounge on the beach. Our journey continues, taking us next to the mountain retreat of Boquete. A plethora of outdoor options await us here, including numerous hikes, white water rafting, and a coffee plantation tour. Travel by bus and boat to arrive at the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Our time here offers us plenty of opportunity for island hopping trips to any of the numerous top-notch beaches. Otherwise you are free to snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax on the beach. Begin with an incredible bus ride over the Panama border to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca's white and black sand beaches are surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. Several optional activities are available, including bike rentals, snorkelling, boat trips to Manzanillo and hiking through the Gandoca - Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Travel north through the beautiful Costa Rican countryside to the capital city, located in the central highlands. The next day is the arrival day for passengers on our Central American Journey and departure for those doing the Panama Experience. There are no planned activities today so go out and enjoy the city. La Fortuna, at the foot of Arenal Volcano, is an excellent base for exploration. A night hike around the Volcano is an unforgettable adventure. Try a full day of whitewater rafting, go horseback riding, tour the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, or relax and soak in the Tabacón Resort hot springs. Travelling into the cool cloudforest and rainforests of Monteverde gives us a glimpse of the lush ecosystems of Costa Rica. Take time to bird watch, go horseback riding, mountain biking or soak up the mountain air on a trek over the cloudforest canopy. Two towering volcanoes dominate the landscape on Ometepe, an island on Lake Nicaragua, which is also home to the unique fresh water lake shark. Take an optional hike up Maderas Volcano or just enjoy the beach and jungle swimming holes. Granada's colonial charm is complemented by the surrounding active volcanoes and lakes. Take easy day trips and hikes, a cruise on the lake or explore the city's markets and museums. Crossing into Honduras, explore the beautiful colonial buildings of the capital city, Tegucigalpa. Marvel at the massive cathedral in the historical centre, its altar decorated with gold and silver. Learn about the city's past as an important silver mining centre. A scuba diving haven amidst what is part of the second largest barrier reef in the world, Utila is a Caribbean-style island more kicked back than its larger neighbor, Roatan. Walk through grassy plazas filled with intricately carved and decorated monuments, statues and staircases at the unique Mayan ruins of Copán. Antigua is the old capital of Guatemala and as the seat of the Spanish colonial government, was once the most important city in all of Central America. Enjoy the beautiful architecture of this UNESCO-designated, World Heritage Site. Take a mountain bike ride out into the countryside or explore the fascinating markets, shops and museums within the city. A visit to Guatemala would not be complete without a visit to the famous market of Chichicastenango. ‘Chichi,’ is an important trading centre for the local residents and provides a colourful up-close view of the daily life of the modern Maya. You now have time for in-depth exploration of this picturesque town, surrounded by volcanoes. Textiles sold here are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the rarer back strap loom. Optional activities include a hike up the Pacaya Volcano, visiting Macadamia nut and coffee plantations, and salsa lessons. Meaning “sweet river” in Spanish, Río Dulce is surrounded by dense jungle and lies on the banks of Lake Izabal. Take a lancha up the river to visit nearby hot springs, a banana plantation and the old Spanish fort. Our final stop in Guatemala is Flores, a picturesque town surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá. Soak up the laid-back attitude of Flores before our visit to Tikal, one of the largest and most incredible ruins in the Mayan world. From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With your free time here, you may choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers. Go Slow is not only a traffic sign in Caye Caulker, it’s a way of life. An ideal spot to chill and enjoy the easy-going Caribbean vibe in a beachside bar, Caye Caulker also offers the chance to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Leaving Belize with its near constant sounds of reggae, we head north for our last night in Playa del Carmen, the de facto centre of the Mayan Riviera. This once sleepy village is quickly becoming a destination among sun worshippers worldwide. Spend your time here snorkelling among the mangroves, diving in underground caverns, or simply sipping on cool margaritas and catching some rays. The seaside Mayan ruins of Tulúm are a short trip down the coast and well worth the trip. Today is departure day for passengers on the ‘Central American Journey’, and arrival day for passengers on the ‘Mexico Ancient Civilizations’ tour. No planned activities, so you may leave at any time. A short trip down the coast brings us to this booming beach community. Once you see the sun set over the Caribbean as you sit under a palm frond palapa sipping a margarita, you’ll understand why Playa is one of the stars on the Mayan Riviera. Chill out on the beach or try parasailing, snorkelling or diving in underground caverns (cenotes).
After a stop at the Mayan ruin site of Chichen Itza - famous for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings — we make our way to Merida, the capital of the Yucatán State. Known as la ciudad blanca, the white city, Merida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico’s fascinating mix of cultural influences. Leaving sunny Yucatán behind, we hit the highway and travel through the states of Campeche and Tabasco to the state of Chiapas, home of Palenque. One of the most beautiful Mayan sites in Mexico, Palenque is set in the Chiapas jungle and is rich with colourful, riotous wildlife and profuse flora. Crossing into the highlands we make our way to the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. Known for its ties to the Zapatista revolution, San Cristóbal is also an architectural and cultural wonder. We have the option to take a trip to some of the outlying villages and learn how locals combine traditional beliefs and modern religion with intriguing results. Tours go into local homes to learn about day to day village life — an experience which should not be missed. Take a horse ride in the mountains or an optional day trip to Sumidero Canyon. The colourful and lively markets and the impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Alban are just two of many reasons to visit wonderful Oaxaca. An excellent spot to pick up handicrafts and souvenirs. We board one of Mexico’s comfortable and often colourful buses for the drive to Puebla, famous for its hand-painted tiles, unique handicrafts, mouth-watering Mole Poblano sauce and rich colonial history. We arrive in Mexico City. The world’s largest metropolitan area is also home to several important art and ancient artifact museums. Not to be missed is the famous Aztec archaeological site of Teotihuacán. Depart Mexico City on Day 60, at any time. Arrive in Panama City at any time. There are no planned activities so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Lying in the centre of Panama’s southern coast, the country’s capital is a modern, bustling city, thanks to the enormous trade and commerce that passes through each year. However, there are plenty of other reasons to visit the Panama City aside from the world-famous canal. The city has a long and varied history, and the site was an important stop on the “Gold trail” of treasures being shipped from the Spanish colonies in the Americas back to the motherland. For this reason, the early settlement was attacked numerous times and at one time the city was burned to the ground. This part of the city is now known as Panama La Vieja (Old Panama) and still has some great old buildings, as well as some interesting museums that document the history of the region.

After the fire, the city was relocated 8 km away, on a small peninsula planners felt would be easier to defend. This area is now known as the “Casco Viejo,” and is surrounded by sea on 3 sides and a moat on the fourth, making it a very strategic location. The area is beautiful, and great for a glimpse into history with its narrow cobblestone streets and colonial-style buildings. Heading out of the city there is a fantastic 2 km-long causeway linking the city with 4 small islands off the coast. The causeway has great views of the city and ocean, and if you are lucky you can sometimes spot dolphins.

The Panama Canal is a fabulous example of modern engineering and is considered to be one of the engineering wonders of the world. Many times before was a canal attempted to join the two oceans at this point. The first to try were the French, but they encountered endless trials and catastrophes, in the end claiming the lives of 22,000 people—and the canal was abandoned. The United States eventually completed the canal in 1914, and today it extends 80 km across the country. Gigantic lock systems raise and lower the water levels, allowing ships to go from lake to lake (the canal is made up of entirely fresh water), and eventually from ocean to ocean. According to statistics, more than 12,000 ocean-going vessels pass through it a year–over 30 a day! Watching a freighter pass through the locks is something not to be missed. Spend the second day at leisure or partake in one of the many optional activities such as visiting the world-famous Panama Canal, exploring the old city and ruins, and shopping. This laid-back town on the Pacific coast is the perfect place to wind down. In addition to relaxing on the long stretch of white-sand beach, your options include kayaking local rivers or the coast, biking or horseback riding.

If history interests you, check out the airfield located at nearby Playa Blanca. Currently used for infrequent chartered flight landings, this was used by US stealth bombers in 1989 when they bombed Noriega's barracks at the then military base. You may also be able to find Noriega's old vacation home with bullet-riddled walls nearby, although there are plans to tear it down soon.

El Valle de Anton is also a short day-trip away if you'd like to explore this little village in an extinct volcanic crater famed for its Sunday market that is very popular with Panama City residents on the weekend.

Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 150 km
Our journey continues, taking us next to the mountain retreat of Boquete. A plethora of outdoor options await us here, including numerous hikes, white water rafting, and a coffee plantation tour.

The picturesque town of Boquete is nestled in a green mountain valley with a beautiful river running through it. The town is well-known for its cool, fresh climate and unspoiled natural environment, making it an outdoor lover’s paradise. There are numerous hiking tours to choose from, as well as horseback riding and white water rafting. It is also a good place to just relax in the mountain climate as a break from the lowland heat. For coffee lovers, there are many plantations that offer tours of their factories as well as taste tests

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 330 km We travel by means of buses and a boat to arrive at the Archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Our time here offers us plenty of opportunities to snorkel, scuba dive, or just relax on the beach.

The Archipelago of Bocas del Toro is made up of 6 islands, only 2 of which have roads and services for tourists. The islands are unique in many ways. The islands and closest shoreline form an isolated pocket of lowlands between the mountains and swamps of most of nearby mainland. As a result there is much wildlife found only in this region and nowhere else. The islands are mostly covered in rainforest and have spectacular beaches.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 340 km Begin with an incredible bus ride over the Panama border to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The picturesque village of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca’s fourteen kilometres of incomparable white and black sand beaches are surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation. There are several optional activities available. Rent a bike or hire a boat to Manzanillo, and hike to Monkey Point through the Gandoca - Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Try snorkelling or take it easy and and explore La Isla Botanical Gardens.

Rent a boogie board if the waves are calling, dance the night away to reggae and calypso, taste flavourful Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and succumb to the natural beauty of this tropical paradise. This area of Costa Rica was quite isolated until a road was built a only a couple of decades ago, and it still hasn’t lost its charm.

Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 70 km This is the arrival day for passengers on our Central American Journey and departure for those doing the Panama Experience. There are no planned activities today so go out and enjoy the city.

Located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate. Like most cities, San José has its good and bad sides. It is the centre of government, theatre, and art, as well as of air pollution and congestion. It has beautiful parks and museums, and a few beggars on the streets. It is big and often noisy, but even from its crowded downtown streets, you’ll often enjoy a view of the surrounding lush mountains.

Start your exploration of the city in the main plaza, a great place to people-watch. A mime, juggler, marimba band, magician, or storyteller may be performing for whatever is collected when the hat is passed. Artisan booths are common, creating a regular arts and crafts fair atmosphere.

A source of pride for the Ticos (Costa Ricans) is the National Theatre. Inaugurated in 1897, the building was paid for by coffee growers through a voluntary tax on every bag of coffee exported. The National Museum, housed in the Bellavista Fortress, offers exhibits on pre-Columbian art, colonial art and furniture and religious art within a 19th century building that was converted from a military fortress after the army was abolished.

The Museum of Costa Rican Art, located in La Sabana Park, used to be the international airport and the museum is now housed in the old terminal building. The Jade Museum is on the 11th floor of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros building. In addition to the marvellous collection of jade objects, there are pre-Columbian ceramic and stone works as well as displays with archaeological and ethnographic information. The Gold Museum is located underneath the Plaza de la Cultura. Its spectacular collection of indigenous gold art belongs to the Central Bank of Costa Rica.

The best and least expensive places to buy souvenirs in San José are the markets. The two main ones are the ones in Plaza de la Cultura, which is an outdoor open market, and the Central Market, where handicrafts are sold along with boots, fish, flour, herbal remedies, shirts and everything else you can imagine. Always watch your belongings and be ready for crowds.

Probably the hardest thing you will do in San José, other than get safely across busy streets, is keep the street numbering systems straight. Street and avenue numbers are posted on buildings at the corners of some intersections. Keep looking as you walk, and you will eventually find one.

Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 230 km
Set on the northern plains of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano sits on the southeast shore of artificial Lake Arenal (77 square kilometres, or 48 square miles). Separating the mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilarán, the lake was created by a hydroelectric dam. Winds sweeping off the Caribbean Sea reach speeds of 48 to 72 km/hr (30 to 45 mph), making Arenal one of the best windsurfing destinations in the world. The volcano is quite active and occasional eruptions make it a natural wonder to be respected.

La Fortuna, the town near the foot of the volcano is an excellent base for adventure. Take an unforgettable night hike around the base of the volcano to see the top glowing an eerie red, accompanied by a soundtrack of monkeys and the rumblings of the volcano in the distance. Hike the area’s nature trails, swim in chilly La Fortuna waterfall or join a canopy tour and catch a bird’s eye view of the forest greenery. Other optional activities include full-day Class III & IV white water rafting on the Toro or Arenal Rivers, mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, or a tour of the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Like much of Costa Rica, the area is a birders’ paradise, with over 600 species as permanent residents. . After a long day of exploring, the Baldi Hot Springs might just be the answer to your tired muscles. Soak in one of the natural thermal baths and hope for the clouds to part long enough for a glimpse of Arenal´s slopes shaped by multiple eruptions.

Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 150 km Costa Rica is a natural gem because of its breathtaking flora and fauna. Travelling into the cool cloud and rainforests of Monteverde, we have a glimpse of how lush ecosystems truly are works of art. Take time to bird watch, ride a horse, mountain bike, or ride a zip line over the rainforest canopy.

Spend two days exploring Monteverde and the Forest Reserve, truly a nature lover's paradise. Local guides are extremely knowledgeable about the area and passionate about conservation of this precious ecosystem. The unique community has several local co-operatives worth visiting including artist collectives and a cheese factory. If you're there at the right time of year, you may be lucky enough to see the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful and elusive birds in the world. Optional activities include the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges through the jungle canopy, a butterfly garden and a thrilling canopy zip line.

Monteverde or "Green Mountain", is exactly what you find at the end of the long, rutted dirt road through the mountains. The surrounding pastures were once covered with dense forest, but today only a small piece of it remains. That piece of forest has been preserved as the Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. Cloud forest is much like a rainforest, but much of the moisture comes not from falling rain but from the condensation left by the nearly constant cloud cover that blankets the tops of mountains in many parts of the tropics. Monteverde Reserve covers 1600 hectares of forest and is home to a great variety of wildlife. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different species of mammals inhabit this small area. The Santa Elena Reserve, another park contiguous with Monteverde, is less well known and visited but also worth seeing. All proceeds from this park profit the local community.

The village of Monteverde was founded in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States. Looking to leave behind the constant fear of war and objecting to being forced to support continued militarism through their taxes, the Quakers chose Costa Rica because of its commitment to a non-militaristic economic path - Costa Rica’s army was dissolved in the 1940s. Since its founding, Monteverde has grown slowly as others who shared the original Quaker founders’ ideals moved to the area. Although the Quakers came here to farm the land, they recognized the need to preserve the rare cloud forest that covers the mountain slopes above their fields. The community is very different from those on the coast, and offers several souvenir shops and the Quaker cheese factory, which is definitely worth a visit. Make sure to try their ice cream!

Estimated Travel Time: 10 hours
Approximate Distance: 240 km
The landscape on Ometepe, an island on Lake Nicaragua, is dominated by two towering volcanoes: Concepción at 1610 m (5281 feet), and Madera, at 1340m (4395 feet). If you enjoy a challenge, hiking Maderas volcano is an option…but not an easy one! Otherwise the island is ideal for swimming, as it is surrounded by beaches, and has several jungle swim-holes. The island is also famous for its stone statues and ancient petroglyphs made by the Chorotega people.

Also known as La Mar Dulce (the Sweet Sea), Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America and the tenth largest freshwater lake in the world. Forty-five rivers flow into the lake and it is home to the unique lake shark, the world’s only species of freshwater shark. The wildlife on the island is abundant and includes several species of monkeys and green parrots. The otherworldly roar of a Howler monkey (you’ll think it’s a jaguar) can be heard for several miles.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 50 km
Nicaragua has flourished in the past few years and boasts both incredibly friendly people as well as impressive natural beauty. Granada’s colonial charm is complimented by the surrounding active volcanoes and lakes, making day trips a fun and easy option. Hike, cruise, or just explore the city’s markets and museums.

Granada is Nicaragua’s third largest and oldest city and retains its traditional Spanish colonial character. In the warm evenings you can usually find friendly neighbors visiting and chatting with each other from rocking chairs in the open front room of their homes. Frequently live local music is played in the square. Granada is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and has a long park ideal for strolling.

Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 60 km We pass through the spectacular scenery on a full travel day from Nicaragua crossing into Honduras, on our way to the capital city of Tegucigalpa.

Tegucigalpa, or "Tegus" as it's known by the locals, has been the capital city of Honduras since 1880. Located in the southern part of Honduras, Tegucigalpa is nestled in a valley at an elevation of approximately 3000 feet, surrounded by a chain of tree-covered mountains. This creates an ideal climate; Tegucigalpa is tropical yet cool, with less humidity in comparison with other major Central American cities. Already a settlement of indigenous Lenca people, the Spanish arrived in the area during the mid-16th century and began transforming it into a major mining centre for silver and gold. Evidence of this can be seen in several colonial buildings such as the cathedral of St. Michael Archangel.

Estimated Travel Time: 12 hours
Approximate Distance: 370 km
After a full day of travel through the hills of Honduras, we arrive at the coast and ferry across to Utila. A scuba diving haven amidst what is part of the second largest barrier reef in the world, Utila is a Caribbean-style island more kicked back than its larger neighbor, Roatan. Measuring only 13 km long and 5 km wide, Utila has a small community atmosphere. Crystal blue waters invite swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Utila is surrounded by over 100km (62 miles) of living, protected reef that is home to thousands of species of fantastically coloured fish and marine life. Although there are no sandy beaches on this island, the fabulous snorkelling and welcoming people more than compensate.

As fascinating as the marine life is the colorful local history and culture of Utila and the Bay Islands. Once the home of British pirates, a unique culture developed when the British moved a population of slaves from the Caribbean island of San Vincent to nearby Roatan in 1795. From this seed, grew a large Garifuna culture that spread through northern Honduras and into Guatemala. One finds mainly English spoken here with about 5-10% of the population speaking Spanish.

Estimated Travel Time: 350 hours
Approximate Distance: 12 km
The Copán ruins in Honduras are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities. Visitors walk through grassy plazas filled with intricately carved and decorated monuments, statues and staircases. Huge carved faces stare at you from ancient walls and bring the place to life, causing renewed wonder at the mysterious disappearance of such a creative civilization. Though smaller and less grand than Tikal, in Guatemala, Copán contains some of the most important Mayan ruins found to date, and many unusual artistic features. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980.

Estimated Travel Time: 10 hours
Approximate Distance: 350 km
Once the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala's capital city for more than 200 years until an earthquake destroyed it in 1773. In 1979 UNESCO declared Antigua a World Heritage site, and Antigua today is a peaceful colonial city that is a pleasure to explore. Walk through quiet cobblestone streets past rebuilt stucco homes with heavy, beautifully carved wooden entrances.

The point of reference for finding one's way around Antigua is the Central Park, and the place to be in the late afternoons/evenings. You can pick up a map from the tourist office located on the ground floor of the Palace of the Captains-General on the south side of the central park. Explore the museums and colonial buildings, or just soak up the atmosphere in this delightful city, one of the best-restored Spanish colonial cities in the world.

Antigua has various specialties that make shopping here very worthwhile. Textiles sold here and in the nearby towns are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the more traditional back-strap loom. Jade, in carved statues and jewellery, is sold in several factories and shops in town and silver jewellery is sold in the better shops and also in a silver factory in nearby San Felipe de Jesus. The city also offers good buys in ceramics and antiques as well. For the museum and gallery buffs, one of the best in the Central America is found in the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. It houses colonial religious, contemporary Latin American and pre-Colombian art pieces. These form only part of the galleries and museums of the 5-star Hotel Santo Domingo, formerly a Dominican monastery.

Antigua is a popular centre for Spanish study, and here you will find dozens of schools and a collection of students from around the globe. Because of the international population, there is no shortage of restaurants, bars and activities available in Antigua. You’d have to try very hard to get bored!

There are also plenty of fun day trips available from Antigua, one of the most popular being a climb of still-smoking Pacaya Volcano.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 200 km
A visit to Guatemala would not be complete without a visit to the famous market of Chichicastenango. Renowned for its colourful handicrafts and intricate weavings, “Chichi” is also an important trading place for the local residents, and provides close views of daily life of modern Maya. Unless you can resist the wonderful handmade items for sale, you should sharpen your communication and bargaining skills. The Chichicastenango market is the best known, but there are a number of other markets around where you may wish to purchase any number of handicraft items. There are also a number of community cooperatives that you may wish to visit. The proceeds from the sales return directly to the community and are a significant contribution to the local economy. Along with your souvenirs you’ll take home memories to last a lifetime.

We then travel through the hills and fertile fields to the shores of Guatemala’s most beautiful lake, Lake Atitlán. Lake Atitlán is one of the most beautiful spots in Guatemala. Twelve native villages, blue/grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and traditional culture.We can survey the surroundings by horse or on foot, or take a boat trip across the lake, from our base in the lake side town of Panajachel.

Panajachel is a relatively modern town with paved streets in its centre and a great deal of old world flavour and charm. The best way to see Panajachel is on foot, but pay attention to where you’re going as there aren’t any street signs. Visit the old churches and explore the back streets to see the more traditional side of Panajachel. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the villages on the lake by boat, departing in the morning and returning in late afternoon. Get ready for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes, and everyday life in a highland village. The people of this area have received tourists for some time, and are friendly and ready to smile at strangers as readily as they will at a life long friend.

The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 80 km
We return to Antigua to spend more time to explore the city, shop, and check out optional activities in the area. The point of reference for finding one’s way around Antigua is the Central Park, which is directly in the centre of town and the place to be in the late afternoon/early evening. Explore the colonial buildings in this delightful town and don’t forget to try some famous Guatemalan coffee.

Antigua offers three specialties that make shopping here very worthwhile. Textiles sold here are of the highest quality, beautifully designed and woven on foot looms or the rarer back strap loom. Jade, in the form of carved statues and jewelry, is sold in several factories and shops in town and silver jewelry is sold in the better shops and also in a silver factory in nearby San Felipe de Jesus. The city offers good buys in ceramics and antiques as well.

Optional activities include a hike up the Pacaya Volcano, visiting Macadamia nut and coffee plantations, and salsa lessons.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 80 km
We take the road east and stop at Río Dulce, a small town on Lake Izabal and a port stop for boaters around the globe, on their way to/from Livingston and the Caribbean coast. Río Dulce is a popular destination for yachts cruising from the Lake to the Caribbean coast along the Río Dulce. There are plenty of opportunities for R & R aside from boating on Lake Izabal. There are optional tours in the area to view protected manatees, or you may opt to horseback ride through a rubber plantation, explore San Felipe fort in Livingston, cruise along the Lake Izabel to relax in the thermal springs or hike through the jungle-strewn trails in the Chocón-Machacas Natural Reserve area.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 290 km
Our final stop in Guatemala is Flores, a picturesque town surrounded by Lake Petén Itzá. This is the base for our visit to Tikal—the largest excavated Mayan site. The spiritual centre of Tikal boasts the Mayan’s highest pyramids, and abundant flora and fauna in the surrounding jungle. The sound of the forest waking up as the sun rises over the temples will stay with you forever.

It was to the Lake Petén Itzá region, that the descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá immigrated, moving here from Mexico several centuries after the collapse of the great Maya cities in the Yucatán. These descendants founded the city of Tayasal, on an island in Lake Petén Itzá, and lived there for about four hundred years, isolated and forgotten by the rest of the country, including the Spanish conquistadors. It was not until 1697 that this small city was finally conquered by a military expedition led by Martin de Ursúa, who stumbled upon the city by accident.

The city of Tayasal was transformed into the city of Flores, officially founded by the Spanish in 1700. It remained an isolated area, relying on the subsistence farming of corn and beans, and the gathering of chicle (used in the manufacture of gum), from nearby trees. Despite the recent growth in Petén, Flores remains the same small island town, with narrow, cobble-stoned streets, small, brightly painted houses and friendly people. The island is now attached to the mainland by a causeway, but many of the local inhabitants still get around by cayuco, or dugout canoe. Flores remains one of the most scenic and charming towns in the Petén. It is particularly attractive to visitors because of Lake Petén Itzá, a large lake (12 km long and 3 km wide) offering all sorts of possibilities for fun, including swimming, boating, fishing and bird watching, as well as a small zoo and a nature preserve.

The sheer scale of the ruins at Tikal may at first seem daunting. Even if you make it only to the main plaza, or spend an hour relaxing in deep contemplation, you certainly won’t be disappointed. The central area, with its five main temples, forms by far the most impressive section. If you start to explore beyond this you can wander endlessly into the maze of smaller structures and outlying complexes hidden in the jungle growth. If your energy levels are high enough to make it to the top of Temple lV, your senses won’t be unstimulated. Spectacular views of the surrounding jungle canopy will greet you from the top of the highest structure within the complex. Occasionally, you may spot toucans, macaws and other bright birds from this artificial perch within the greenery. Otherwise, you may simply marvel at the engineering and organizational skills needed to construct this city within the jungle.

The rainy season in the Petén is generally from mid-May until early January. Be prepared to get wet. Make sure you have plastic bags to wrap around the items in your daypack while hiking, and bring a good (light) waterproof jacket. Also make sure that you have strong insect repellent. The dry season runs January until mid-May. During this time you need to make sure you have adequate sunscreen.

Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 210 km

From the town of San Ignacio, opportunities abound for exploring Belize’s little known inland scenic beauty. With your free time here, you may choose to explore the area by foot, canoe or horse, take a caving trip, or visit the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and swim in its inviting pools and rivers.

As a peaceful, democratic and English speaking country, Belize is an anomaly. It seems in many ways not to belong in Central America at all. To an extent, it is more a Caribbean nation than a Latin one, looking out from the coast rather than inland for its trade and alliances. On the other hand, it has plenty of distinctively Central American features. It offers a unique blend of cultures that includes, in a tiny population, people of Maya, Mestizo, African, European, Asian and Arab descent. Aside from the rich and lyrical local Creole, Spanish is also spoken throughout the country. For many years Belize has been a relatively unknown destination, and only recently have tourists begun to discover its wonders, including the western hemisphere’s longest barrier reef (second only to Australia’s).

The San Ignacio/ Mountain Pine Ridge area is the highlight of the trip for some travellers to Belize. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve covers almost 500 square kms (310 square miles) and only controlled logging is allowed. Interesting stops include Hidden Valley Falls, spectacular waterfalls dropping more than a 300 m (984 ft) over the granite edge of the jungle. Further along you will cross the Rio On, and a climb over an assortment of worn boulders and rocks will bring you to a delightful site with waterfalls and several warm water pools. The Mountain Pine Ridge area is also renowned for its system of caves, the biggest and most famous being the Rio Frio Cave. There is an enormous arched entrance into the kilometre-long cave, the largest in Belize.

Also well worth a visit, the Cave of the Stone Scepter, Actun Tunichil Muknal involves a 45-minute jungle hike to the opening of the cave, wading across a river three times before the adventure begins! Inside the cave, you’ll find a Mayan cermonial site. There you will be amazed by the natural museum of Mayan relics left just as it was by the Maya 1400 years ago. Ceramic pots, skulls, and calcified skeletons will enthrall even the most experienced speleologist.

Days trips can also be arranged to Xunantunich,an impressive Maya ceremonial centre located on a natural limestone ridge providing a grand view of the entire Cayo District and Guatemalan countryside. The tallest pyramid on the site, El Castillo, has been partially excavated and explored, and the east side of the structure displays a unique stucco frieze. The plaza of the ceremonial centre houses three carved stellae. You can get a group together and hire a taxi to take you to the site. Getting there includes crossing a narrow river by a hand-cranked ferry which shuttles you across! There is a small fee to enter the grounds and a guide can give you the lowdown on the site.

Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 130 km
Caye Caulker is a relaxed and easy going island with friendly and welcoming local residents. The main street is a sandy pathway through the centre of town surrounded by small bake shops, restaurants, seafood stands and bars. It’s the ideal place to relax and explore the reef then watch the sunset. Snorkel and dive boats leave daily for full or half day outings to the reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Blue Hole and for manatee spotting tours. The Belize Reef is the world’s second longest (after Australia’s) and offers some truly amazing sights including coral canyons, an astonishing range of tropical fish, manta rays, sharks and barracudas.

Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Approximate Distance: 110 km
Mexico is the third largest country in Latin America and the most populous Spanish speaking country in world. Its geography ranges from swamp to dessert, from topical lowland jungle to high alpine vegetation and from thin arid soils to others so rich that they grow three crops a year. The journey explores the Yucatan Peninsula and the southwest highlands region, heart of the Mayan civilization.

Leaving Belize and its Caribbean, reggae-tinged vibe, we head north to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the de facto centre of the Mayan Riviera. This once sleepy village is quickly becoming a destination among sun worshippers worldwide. Spend your time here snorkelling among the mangroves, diving in underground caverns, or simply sipping on cool margaritas and catching some rays on the beautiful white sand beach. Playa del Carmen is also known in the area for its vibrant nightlife. The island of Cozumel, with excellent snorkelling and diving is only a 45 minute ferry ride away and the seaside Mayan ruins of Tulúm are a short drive down the coast. Both are well worth the trip.

Estimated Travel Time: 12 hours
Approximate Distance: 480 km Today is departure day for passengers on the ‘Central American Journey’, and arrival day for passengers on the ‘Mexico Ancient Civilizations’ tour. No planned activities, enjoy a free day to explore.

The famous resort of Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, is a thriving town with skyscraper hotels and crowded beaches. Prices are higher in Cancún than elsewhere in Mexico because everything must be transported into the city. We use it as a starting and finishing point, and try not to spend too much time in this massive resort area. A short trip down the coast brings us back to this booming beach community. Once you see the sun set over the Caribbean as you sit under a palm frond palapa sipping a maragarita, you’ll understand why Playa is one of the stars on the Mayan Riviera. Chill out on the beach or try parasailing, snorkelling or diving in underground caverns or visit the ruins of nearby Tulum.

Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Distance: 60 km
En route to Mérida, our bus stops to visit the Mayan ruin site of Chichén Itzá (entry is optional). Spend approximately two hours exploring this famous site, known for its huge stepped pyramids and elaborate stone carvings. The bus then continues on as we make our way to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán State. Also known as la ciudad blanca (the white city), Mérida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico’s fascinating mix of cultural influences.

The city of Chichén Itzá, estimated to be founded in 432 AD, houses some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture ever excavated, including El Castillo (The Castle). This 75-foot pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, is famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. At about 3:00 PM on the day of the vernal equinox (approx March 20) and the autumnal equinox (approx Sept 21), the sunlight lands directly on the main stairway in a series of triangles that form a serpent's body and ultimately connect with the stone-carved serpent's head at the bottom of the pyramid. The attention to detail, and fusion of architecture, science and religion within the structures and throughout the city planning, will no doubt impress you.

Mérida, the capital of Yucatán State, was founded in 1542 on the site of the Mayan city of Tihoo. Its centre, the Plaza Mayor, or zocalo, is green and shady and surrounded by the twin-towered 16th Century Cathedral, the City Hall, the State Government Palace, and the Casa Montejo. There are several 16th and 17th century churches scattered throughout the city, as well as some interesting museums. Mornings are the best time to visit the busy and colourful markets. You can buy traditional crafts, such as hammocks or Guyabera shirts, and a good selection of Maya replicas. You can also try out new and wonderful food items. Be sure to stroll down the Paseo de Montejo (or take a caleche carriage ride). Together with many shops and restaurants, you will see stately mansions dating from the late 19th century. Nearby you will find the main shopping street, Calle 65. You are sure to find Mérida a fascinating and beautiful city to explore on foot.

Mérida is also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of the Puuc Route. The most famous of these ruins, Uxmal, is one of the Yucatán’s many ancient treasures. Uxmal rivals Chichén Itzá both in scale and extent of excavation.

Optional visit to three nearby cenotes (water sink holes) in the town of Cuzama, not far outside Mérida. Transportation to the cenotes is an adventure in itself as it involves taking small wooden horse-drawn carts that run along old rail tracks. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the cenotes!

Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 390 km
Leaving sunny Yucatán behind, we hit the highway and travel through the states of Campeche and Tabasco to the state of Chiapas, home of Palenque. One of the most beautiful Mayan sites in Mexico, Palenque is set in the Chiapas jungle and is rich with colourful, riotous wildlife and profuse flora.

The Palenque ruins are impressive indeed, particularly the Temple of the Inscriptions, where a large sarcophagus containing the mummified remains of the Lord Pakal was found in 1952 by Mexican archaeologist Alberto Ruz. The many temples at this site, with fantastic comb-like decorations on their intact roofs, and the sculptured wall panels, are undoubtedly amongst the most exquisite achievements of the Maya. And the surrounding jungle growth and its wildlife are as fascinating as the ruins. The ancient city holds over 200 buildings of varying size and complexity.

Optional visits to the two impressive archeological sites of Bonampak and Yaxchilan can be arranged. Bonampak is known for having some of the most well preserved frescoes in all of Central America. Amidst the Chiapas jungle, Yaxchilan is set on the Usumacinta River and has numerous exceptionally fine engraved monuments.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 550 km
Crossing into the highlands we make our way to the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas (includes a night bus). Known for its ties to the Zapatista revolution, San Cristóbal is also an architectural and cultural wonder. We have the option to take a trip to some of the outlying villages and learn how locals combine traditional beliefs and modern religion with intriguing results. Tours go into local homes to learn about day-to-day village life—an experience which should not be missed. You can also take a horse ride in the mountains, a day trip to Sumidero Canyon or mountain biking in the local hills.

The Highlands of southwestern Mexico retain a more traditional feel. Only about 210 km (130 miles) separate the Atlantic and the Pacific, at the hot heavily jungled Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Entering the state of Chiapas, you will see and feel its uniqueness. This is the richest area of Mexico in natural resources, yet it is also home to the poorest citizens of the country. The mountains of Chiapas are the birthplace of the revolutionary Commandante Marcos and the Zapatista movement. It is also home to some of Mexico’s poorest people, the majority of whom are of pure or mixed indigenous descent.

San Crístóbal De Las Casas, the old State Capital, stands in a high mountain valley at 2110m (6921 ft). You will find fine examples of 16th century architecture, including a church whose engraved altar is solid silver, and a crown shaped fountain. The city enjoys a temperate climate and most visitors find that walking the old cobble-stoned streets is the best way to discover the city’s past and present. The city’s mountain valley setting and proximity to the jungle of the Chiapas lowlands, also allows various opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, where you will appreciate the natural scenery of the area.

Most indigenous groups in this area are members of the Tzotzil and Tzeltal groupings. Within these groups are the Tenejapans who wear black knee-length tunics, the Chamulans who wear white wool tunics and the Zinacantecos who wear multi-coloured outfits, with the ribbons on their hats signifying how many children they have. The people here are as curious about foreigners as foreigners are about them. Please respect their traditions. Dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.

Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 190 km
Travel by night bus to Oaxaca. Colourful and lively markets and the impressive Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán are just two of many reasons to visit wonderful Oaxaca. The conqueror of Mexico, Hernán Cortez, chose the Valley of Oaxaca as his personal domain in the Americas and many visitors have followed in his footsteps. Surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur and Sierra Madre de Oaxaca mountain ranges, Oaxaca is a lovely colonial city, which has maintained not only the physical structures, but also the serenity of an era gone by.

Monte Albán, a spectacular grouping of pre-Hispanic (Zapotec) mountain top temples, is just a short bus ride away, as is the Valley of Mitla with its colourful ruins and hand-loomed carpets. Stepping from the cultural to the culinary, Oaxaca is also a great area for trying out new tastes and textures. From the sublime to the exotic, the restaurants and markets around town will challenge you to one adventure after another. After all, this is the home of Mezcal (look for the unfortunate worm at the bottom), Oaxaca chocolate, cheese, and yes, even dried grasshoppers covered with chili and lime, if you are so inclined.

Estimated Travel Time: 12 hours
Approximate Distance: 630 km
We board one of Mexico’s comfortable buses for the drive to Puebla, famous for its hand-painted tiles, unique handicrafts, mouth-watering Mole Poblano and rich colonial history.

Puebla has managed to incorporate its colonial past with a growing and progressive modern city centre. There are enough churches and well-maintained, colonial buildings to satisfy the most ardent lover of architecture. The markets, of course, are also present for buying, browsing or photographing. If you want to get out of town, you can head to nearby Cholula, home to a massive pyramid that hosts a church at the top and is now covered by the town, to catch an impressive sunset.

Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 320 km We travel by bus to nearby Mexico City. Explore one of the world's largest metropolitan areas or take an optional day trip to the famous archaeological site of Teotihuacán. The former Aztec Capital (you can still see some of the ruins of the great Tenochtitlán in the centre of the city, or take a subway ride through one of the temples) was destroyed in the struggle with Cortez and those who followed him. Today it is the world’s fastest growing urban centre, offering a great variety of impressive museums, galleries and range of architecture, perhaps unequalled anywhere else in the Americas. Mexico City or D.F., as the locals refer to it, also has a variety of food to match its impressive visual style. If you prefer to get outside the city, the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the canals and gardens of Xochimilco are two good places to start.

A word of caution: Mexico City may be slightly overwhelming at first. The world’s most populous centre is a crowded, smoggy, urban place where the altitude combined with atmospheric conditions may cause irritation of eyes, nose and throat. Also be aware that the heat may affect you upon arrival, with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm; it is simply a reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) and do not attempt too much in any given day. We prefer fan-cooled rather than air conditioned rooms to avoid having to acclimatize to the heat and humidity every time you go outside. This is also a more eco-friendly method compared to air conditioning.

Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 130 km
Depart Mexico City at any time. 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 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2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 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Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD 3919 3749 2379 1819 5149 3499 2719 3999 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 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0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 500 USD Accommodation Basic hotels (may be multi-share) (58 nts), Night bus (1 nt). Associated RT Project Optional visit to Planeterra community projects Brochure Notes Combination This trip combines our Panama Experience JPS, Volcano Trail JSG, Mayan Sun MSG and Mexico Ancient Civilizations MCM tours. Departure Departs Wednesdays and Sundays, departures vary DepEnd Wed-Wed, Sun-Sun Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, Mexico. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD1100 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included No meals included. Min Pax 6 Reverse Itinerary This trip also runs in reverse - see trip code JXP. StartFinish Panama City to Mexico City Testimonial "I really enjoyed this trip. The trip had the perfect balance in terms of length of time spent in a place and length of time spent traveling." - Mary Charles travelled on Great Mexico & Central American Journey Transport Public bus, Boat, Van. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Associated Planeterra Project In La Ceiba, Honduras Planeterra supports the following project:

ADELANTE FOUNDATION
The Adelante Foundation was created in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch, one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit Central America. Causing over 7000 deaths, destroying 80% of agriculture, and leaving nearly 20% of the population homeless (Honduras Institute of Tourism), Hurricane Mitch decimated what little capital and material resources rural towns had to begin with. In rural areas where Adelante works, sixty one percent of families live in extreme poverty surviving on less than $1 a day.

The Adelante Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps the poor to help themselves by offering short-term loans to women providing them with the capital needed to start their own small business ventures.

The majority of Adelante borrowers are women who work in groups of 4-6 to start up re-sale, service oriented and manufacturing businesses. These are small businesses that generally involve selling items such as clothes, toiletries and food, or offering services such as washing clothes and working as seamstresses. The women are also provided with educational workshops to help them develop basic business skills.

How You Can Help
Each donation of $50USD to the Adelante Foundation can change a life as it provides enough money for one woman to start her own small business. 100% of your donation through Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation will go directly to the project of your choice.

On this tour you may have the opportunity to visit the following Planeterra projects:

OPEN WINDOWS FOUNDATION
Open Windows is a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities for children in the community of San Miguel Dueñas. Programs offered by Open Windows are free and have supported over 1,500 children in the areas of literacy, computer skills, tutoring and art, with priority given to those who have the greatest financial need. A scholarship program is offered to children who show interest in learning and strong dedication to studying. For those in need of medical support, a health clinic is open free to the community twice each month.

Although the town of San Miguel Duenas is situated just twenty minutes from the wealthy tourist center of Antigua, it does not benefit from its proximity. It has a substantially lower standard of living (the average monthly income is less than $80, and many homes do not have running water or electricity). In Guatemala the literacy level is only 71%, and the average child completes only five and a half years of school, more than half fail 1st grade, and only 1% of the population reads for pleasure.

San Miguel Duenas is an agricultural town of 12,000 people, of which 4,000 are school-aged children and yet only 2,000 attend school. The rest do not go for various financial and cultural reasons. Instead of attending school many children must help provide for their families by picking coffee. This has resulted in an exceptionally low literacy rate in this community.

There are NO other libraries or computer centers in San Miguel Dueñas (not even the four local schools have either of these facilities). Open Windows, therefore, aims to improve the living conditions of the economically deprived children from in and around the town, by providing access to important educational resources through its services which the community has come to depend on.

How You Can Help
Each year we work with the staff of Open Windows to identify the needs of the project. G.A.P Adventures pays all administration costs and so that 100% of each donation goes to the projects we support. It costs $500 USD to send one child to school for one year. This provides enough funds to cover the cost of the child’s uniform, school fees, books and school supplies. Highschool is six years in duration which means that by raising just $3,000 USD we can help one child further their education giving them the confidence and ability to access better jobs and create a brighter future.

While our goal is to raise funds to support the Open Windows Scholarship program, travellers can also help make a difference by visiting the Open Windows project while on your G.A.P Adventures tour and donating the following items:
• School supplies (i.e. pens, pencils, notebooks)
• Art supplies (i.e. yarn, crochete hooks, paint)
• Children’s clothes (i.e. T-shirts)
• Toys to be used for the reading points program
• Over the counter medicine to be used in the health clinic (i.e. Tylenol, cough medicine etc.)

It is possible to visit this project on most tours that pass through Antigua, Guatemala. To arrange a visit please speak to your G.A.P Adventures tour leader.

CORNERSTONE FOUNDATION
The Cornerstone Foundation is a registered non-profit humanitarian service organization that offers a variety of valuable programs to people in need in the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

The programs offered through the Cornerstone Foundation have constantly been evolving and are based on specific needs within the community.

Relief & Aid
Through this program seniors, the ill and disabled are supported by a weekly food program whereby food such as rice, beans and meat when available are delivered to their homes. Children whose families cannot afford to provide them with food at lunch are able to participate in Cornerstones’ basic but nutritious lunch feeding program.

HIV/AIDS Education
HIV infection in Belize is the highest in Central America. This program collaborates closely with other local efforts to raise community awareness of high-risk behaviors, provides support for those who are living with AIDS, and conducts activities to change attitudes and reduce stigmatization.

Women's Issues
Supporting the move of local women towards greater independence and self-sufficiency is the focus of this program. Self-esteem building, ending domestic violence, training peer counselors, and teaching job skills are part of this program.

Disabilities
This program serves individuals, families, caregivers, teachers and others, helping to meet the physical, social, emotional, and material needs of the disabled. Belize has minimal information about special needs, limited physical therapy, nearly no equipment, and few professionals trained to work with learning and other disabilities.

Literacy
Although English is the country's official language, most Belizeans grow up speaking local indigenous languages instead. Cornerstone's Literacy and English Second Language (ESL) classes are offered to children, adults, developmentally disabled students which improves their ability to participate more fully in Belizean society and the economy.

It is possible to visit the Cornerstone project office on some tours that pass through San Ignacio, Belize. To arrange a visit please speak to your G.A.P Adventures tour leader.

How You Can Help
Each year we work with the staff of Cornerstone to identify the needs of their programs. In the past we have supported Cornerstone’s Literacy and Disabilities programs and with your support we can help with continued annual donations through the Planeterra Foundation. G.A.P Adventures pays all administration costs so that 100% of each donation goes to the projects we support.

For more information about these projects and/or to make a donation please visit our website: www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org Brochure Intro Spend 2 months travelling through 7 sizzling countries. Marvel at the differences in culture, landscape, ruins, wildlife and beaches on this epic journey. Countless highlights await you, including amazing Mayan ruins, cloud and rainforest adventures, and a variety of water activities. Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash and travellers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Cover for backpacks
- Flashlight
- Concealable money belt
- Fleece top
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swim wear
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Sun hat
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 pairs of long trousers
- 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
- Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sun block
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Pocketknife
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, motion sickness tablets if needed, DEET bug repellant, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax USD18 Detailed Trip Notes Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Spend 2 months travelling through 7 sizzling countries. Marvel at the differences in culture, landscape, ruins, wildlife and beaches on this epic journey. Countless highlights await you, including amazing Mayan ruins, cloud and rainforest adventures, and a variety of water activities. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in San José, Costa Rica. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures San José, Costa Rica,
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT –6).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 506 2231 4708.

Costa Rica Emergency Cell Phone: +506 8322 9140 (after office hours).

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office in Costa Rica,
we have a toll-free line within North America (or our regular direct line), which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 416 305 6139.
Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Important Notes 1. Please note that this tour is a combination of several G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, your group tour leader or fellow passengers may change between the individual tour sections.

2. As this trip crosses national borders, please be prepared to pay some border fees for certain countries ranging from $1 to $10 USD. Please check with your local embassy or consulate for up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

3. We have been advised that as of November 1, 2008, all travelers coming from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission will be required by the Panamanian government to have proof of a yellow fever vaccination before entering Panama. (See http://www.who.int/entity/csr/ith%20annex1%202008.pdf - the list contains mostly countries in Africa and South America.) There is a 10-day incubation period for the vaccination, so all persons must receive the shot at least 10 days prior to entering Panama.
Additionally, although details remain vague, it may be required that travelers leaving Panama and entering Costa Rica and/or South American countries may be required to display their proof of vaccination. Proof of yellow fever vaccination appears to also be required for travelers entering Panama overland from Costa Rica. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel 2009 Hotel:
Hotel Centroamericano
Avenidas Ecuador y Justo Arosemena
Zona 3
Panama City, Panama
Phone: +507 227 4555 Joining Instructions There is an official taxi stand in the exit area after you pass through customs. It costs $25 for the approximately 20-minute taxi ride into Panama City.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. The Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G.A.P Adventures group trips. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances, but Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

GUATEMALA ATMs: Please note that daily withdrawal limits in this country are extremely low, currently set at 1000 quetzales - less than 140 USD. It is advisable to arrive with enough cash, if your daily needs exceed this amount.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities All prices are per person, in USD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Panama City:
Tour of city and Canal $50
Self guided tour of same approx $15 (for transportation, locks entrance, museum)
General Entrance to Canal + museum $8
Panama Viejo $3
Taboga Island Ferry $10 (return trip)
Visit to Emberà village and waterfall $50

El Valle:
Canopy tour and pools $40
Hike to India Dormida with guide $30
Visit to beach $2 for roundtrip transportation

Bocas del Toro:
Scuba diving $60 (2-tank dive)
PADI open water course $195
Snorkel trips $15-$30 (depends on location and operator)
Boat taxi to Red Frog Beach $10 return, $2 entrance

Boquete:
White water rafting $75-$95 (full day)
Naturalist tour $25 per person
Kotowa Coffee factory tour $23
Horseback Riding $25
Hiking trips range from $0 to $120, depending on necessity of transportation and/or guide
Rock climbing $30

Puerto Viejo:
Naturalist tour of Manzanillo $25
Ziplining $50
Bicycle rental approx $10
surf lesson $40
Sloth Rehab Center visit $12 plus transportation
Whitewater rafting Pacuare $95
Visit BriBri indigenous village $50

San José:
Carara Reserve $60 (full day w break & lunch)
Irazu, Orosi and Lankaster Garden tour $55 (with lunch)
Grecia & Sarchi $40 (oxcart & handicrafts)
City tour $24
Poas Volcano $51
Rafting (Pacuare) $90
Rafting (Sarapiqui) $75
Braulio Carrillo Reserve $50-$65
Café Britt tour $20-$30
Butterfly Farm $20-$25

La Fortuna/Arenal:
Rafting (Full day) $65 (incl. Lunch)
Cave tour $35
Caño Negro Reserve $45 (full day leave at 6:30am)
Volcano hike $15
Safari Adventure $40
Horse ride to waterfall $15 (plus $6 entry)
Tabacon Hot Springs $30
Baldi Hot Springs $14
Maleku indigenous reserve $50 includes lunch

Monteverde:
Sky Trek $35
Sky Walk $13
Sky Tram $10
Horseback riding $10/hr
Butterfly garden $7 (entrance)
Frog Farm $7

Ometepe:
Climb Vocan Masaya with a guide $25
Climb Volcan Madera with a guide $25
Bike Rentals $12
Ojo de Agua spring $2
Petroglyphs & Chaco Verde $25
Horseback riding $20 (4 hours)

Granada:
Las Isleatas Boat tour $15
Laguana Apoyo & Mirador Caterina $15
Kayaking $30
Taxi to/from Masaya market $15
Tour of Mombacho volcano $25

Bay Islands:
Intro Open water course $240
One tank dive $25
Snorkel rental $5 - $10
Moped Rental $40
Boat tours $10 -$20
Bicycle rentals $12

Copan:
Copan ruins entrance $10
Copan guide $25 for group
Copan Museum $5
Horseback riding $15/3 hrs

Antigua (Guatemala):
City tour $5 - $20
Climb volcanoes $10-$12
Bicycle rental/tour $5 - $35
Coffee /Macadamia nut Plantation tour $20
Group salsa lessons $4/hr
Massages $10 - $25
Mayan Horoscope $40

Panajachel:
Boat trip $12 (to Santiago de Atitlán and San Pedro)
Bicycle rental $1.60/hr
Kayak rental $2/hr
Horseback riding $50 (full day)
Volcano climb $10
Nature Hike $5

Rio Dulce:
Hot Springs $18
Boat trip to Livingston $18 (includes a swim in the hot springs)
El Castillo Fort $5
Horseback Riding $25
Birdwatching Boat Tour $25
Nature Walk $13
Howler monkey kayak morning tour $13-26 (depending on number of people)

Flores:
Boat tour: Lake Petén Itzá $12
Guided tour of Tikal - $60 divided by number of participants - approx. $6-12
Entrance fee for Tikal ruins $8
Transport to/from Tikal $8

San Ignacio (Belize):
Canoe rental $12
Barton Creek Cave $25 (4-hour return trip)
Mountain Pine Ridge $35
Half-day caving $15
Full-day caving $80
Horseback riding $20-$50
Bicycle rental $2.50/hour
Butterfly farm $7.50
Xunantunich $8
River Tubing $12

Caye Caulker:
Snorkel trips $25 - $45
Blue Hole dive tour $180
Manatee & dolphins tour $60
Snorkel equipment rental $5 (day