Take the road less travelled on this 17-day expedition through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. This is one of our most exciting trips, even for the seasoned traveller, filled with breathtaking natural scenery, from crystal blue oceans teeming with marine life to tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies. Volcano Trail Classic 2009 GAP 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Central America Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua San Jose Antigua Costa Rica Guatemala Culture/History 17 3 Basic http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/costarica/costarica_skywalk.jpg Arrive in San José at any time. 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 Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, or relax and soak in the nearby hot springs. Travelling into the cool cloud forest and rainforests of Monteverde gives us a glimpse of the lush ecosystems of Costa Rica. Take time to bird watch, go horseback riding or soak up the mountain air on a zipline over the cloudforest canopy. Two towering volcanoes dominate the landscape on Ometepe, an island on Lake Nicaragua, which is also home to the unique freshwater shark. Take an optional hike up Maderas Volcano or just enjoy the beach and jungle swimming hole. Granada's colonial charm is complemented by the surrounding active and dormant volcanoes and lakes. Take easy day trips and hikes, a cruise on the lake or explore the city's markets and museums. After a day of Nicaraguan and Honduran bus surfing, you'll have the evening to check out Honduras' capital city, Tegucigalpa. A scuba diving haven, Utila is a Caribbean-style island with a lively community atmosphere. Blue waters invite swimming, diving, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on its white sand beaches. 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 World Heritage site.

Please be ready for a long travel day from Copán! As your fellow travellers are arriving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to head into the city to visit a museum, shop or people-watch in the main plaza.

As it is located in the central highlands, San José enjoys a moderate climate. The heat and humidity of the coast and lowland areas may affect you 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.

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 beggers 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.

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.

The plaza is a good 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 this museum is 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. If you plan on spending a few days in San José prior to or after your tour, there are a number of activities within the city and area that you can participate in, many of them outdoors. 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: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 50 km
We cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island. Two towering volcanoes dominate the landscape; Concepción at 1610 m (5281 feet), and Madera, at 1340m (4395 feet). Also known as La Mar Dulce (the Sweet Sea) and Lake Cocibolca, 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 world’s only species of freshwater shark. The wildlife on this island is abundant and includes several species of monkeys and green parrots. Howler monkeys are especially interesting. Their scary roar (you’ll think it’s a jaguar) can be heard for several miles.

As you journey to the hotel, you´ll pass plantain plantations and several small villages, giving you a chance to see how rural Nicaraguans live. If you enjoy a challenge, hiking Madera volcano might be the right optional activity for you! If not, check out the pre-Colombian petroglyphs, try out the Tarzan swing at a nearby jungle swimming hole or enjoy the beach.

Estimated Travel Time: 10 hours
Approximate Distance: 240 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. It´s sometimes called ¨The Great Sultana¨ because of it´s beautiful colonial architecture. 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. You´ll walk along cobblestone streets and see brightly painted buildings. Frequently live local music is played in the square, and good nightlife is easy to find. Granada is located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and has a long park ideal for strolling. For a relaxing afternoon, you can spend a couple of hours in a boat touring some of the 350+ ¨Isletas¨ or little islands by found nearby Granada in Lake Nicaragua. Other optional activities include visiting the nearby extinct volcano Mombacho, now shrouded in vegetation, or Masaya Volcano National Park, which is home to an active volcano. The nearby markets of Masaya house vendors selling great Nicaraguan handicrafts such as hammocks, pottery, and paintings.

Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 70 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 another 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.

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 English, Garifuna and Spanish spoken here with descendants of all three cultures populating the island.

Estimated Travel Time: 12 hours
Approximate Distance: 350 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.

The colonial highland town of Copán Ruinas is a charming and relaxing place, with an almost-perfect climate.

Estimated Travel Time: 10 hours
Approximate Distance: 350 km Depart Copán early in the morning, for a long travel day to Antigua. Arrive in the evening.

Once the third largest city in all of Spanish America, Antigua served as Guatemala's capital city for more than 200 years until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Modern Antigua is a peaceful, partially restored colonial city that is a pleasure to explore. 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. 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, which is directly in the centre of town and the place to be in the late afternoon/ early evening. 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, the colonial buildings and other sites in this delightful town.

If you have extra time at the end of your trip, Antigua offers three 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 rarer back strap loom. Jade, in the form of 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 offers good buys in ceramics and antiques as well.

Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours
Approximate Distance: 200 km
Guatemala City is a one hour transfer away. Your Tour Leader can arrange a transfer from Antigua directly to the airport in Guatemala City so you do not have to spend more time than necessary in the city. 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 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 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD 1009 969 619 469 1329 899 789 1149 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Simple hotels (may be multi-share) (16 nts). Brochure Notes Departure Departs Wednesdays and Sundays, departures vary DepEnd Wed-Fri, Sun-Tues Group Leader Tour leader throughout. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Costa Rica, San José, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, Nicaragua, Ometepe Island, Granada, Honduras, Utila Bay Islands, Copán, Guatemala, Antigua. Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD350 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 JGS. StartFinish San José to Antigua, Guatemala Testimonial "Exactly as described on the website which was detailed and thorough. Trip fully lived upto or exceeded my expectations in every respect." - Marc Haynes travelled on Volcano Trail Transport Public bus, Boat, Van, Taxi. 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.

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

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.

For more information about these projects and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org Brochure Intro Take the road less travelled on this 17-day expedition through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. This is one of our most exciting trips, even for the seasoned traveller, filled with breathtaking natural scenery, from crystal blue oceans teeming with marine life to tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies. 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, pocketknife, moneybelt
- 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
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
- 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 USD30 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 Take the road less travelled on this 17-day expedition through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. This is one of our most exciting trips, even for the seasoned traveller. Take in some of the most breathtaking natural scenery imaginable. From crystal blue oceans teeming with marine life to tropical rainforests alive with jungle melodies, this region will astound and delight you. 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. 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.

2. Please note that this tour combines with other G.A.P Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G.A.P Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G.A.P Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. 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 Hotel Aranjuez
Calle 19, Avenida 11 & 13
(behind the hospital Calderon-Guardia)
San José, Costa Rica
Tel: Int. Dialing Code + 506 2256-1825
Fax: Int. Dialing Code + 506 2223-3528


Please note that the JSG090107 (departing Jan. 7) and the JSG090114 (departing Jan. 14) will both be starting at the following location:

Hotel Centro Colon
Next to the Centro Colón Bldg. 3rd Ave at 38 St. and 40 St.
(Al lado del edificio Centro Colon, Ave 3 entre Calles 38 & 40)
San Jose, Costa Rica
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +506 2257-2580 Joining Instructions The best way to get to the arrival point hotel is via taxi from the airport. There are fixed (official) rates at the airport counter. It is a 25-30 minute drive (depending on traffic) into the 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 in 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. Your 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 Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
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. 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. 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.

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) $75 (with lunch)
Kayaking $55 (with lunch)
River float $40
Cave tour $30
Canyoneering $75 (with lunch)
Caño Negro Reserve $45 (full day leave at 6:30am)
Volcano hike $25
Safari Adventure $40
Horse ride to waterfall $30
Tabacon Hot Springs $45 (with food)
Baldi Hot Springs $20
Canyoning rapell tour $60 includes breakfast & snack
Maleku indigenous reserve $50 includes lunch
Sky Tram $15

Monteverde:
Sky Trek $35
Sky Walk $15
Sky Tram $10
Butterfly garden $7 (entrance)
Night Hike $20
Coffee Tour $25
Horseback Riding $28 for 2 ½ Hours, $44 for 3 ½ hours, $53 for Full Day to Waterfall (5 ½ Hours)
ATV Tours $50 for Single, $75 for Shared
Frog Pond $8 with Guided Tour
Serpentarium $8 with Guided Tour
Cheese Factory Tour $10

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


Utila/Bay Islands:
Intro Open water course $250
Two tank dives $55 (with diving license)
Snorkel rental $5 - $10
Moped Rental $40
Bicycle rentals $10
Water Caye trip $30
Discover Scuba Diving $75 (without diving license)

Copan:
Copan ruins entrance $15
Copan guide $25 for the group or usually about $5 per person depending on how many want a guide.
Copan Museum $7
Horseback riding $15/3 hrs

Antigua:
City tour $20
Climb volcanoes $12-15
Bicycle rental/tour $5 - $35
Coffee /Macadamia nut Plantation tour $20
Group Salsa lessons $5/hr
Massages $10 - $25
Mayan Horoscopes $40
Community Visit - $10 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Responsible Travel 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 over1,500 children in the areas of literacy, computer skills, tutoring and art with priority given to those who have greater financial need. A scholarship program is offered to children who show great interest in learning and strong dedication to studying and 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) and level of education. The need to improve education is huge. In Guatemala the literacy level is only 71%, 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 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)
• Running shoes (new and used)
• Mouse pads and earphones to be used with the computers
• 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 who can arrange this for you.

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.

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 Adven