Basic Central America: Mexico & Guatemala - 16 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  You will stay in simple hotels/hostels for 14 nights, mostly in multi-share rooms with shared bathroom facilities. There will also be one night in a local Mayan homestay in San Juan La Laguna, offering a private room but with potentially cold water and shared family facilities for an authentic cultural experience. Rooming requests for multi-share hostels cannot be guaranteed.

• How many meals are included in this tour?

  This tour includes 2 lunches and 1 dinner. Generally, meals are not included to provide flexibility in choosing where and what to eat, allowing for personal budgeting. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) can recommend local restaurants.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers, with an average of 14.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2 (Classic Travel Style), indicating a basic level trip. It involves a mix of multi-share accommodations and public transportation.

• What are the main highlights and included experiences of this tour?

  Highlights include swimming off white-sand beaches in Mexico, watching sunsets in Caye Caulker, experiencing a pottery demonstration at a women’s cooperative, participating in a local homestay near Lake Atitlán, and exploring colonial Antigua with its markets. The tour also features a guided tour of Tikal, an orientation walk in Antigua, and beach time in Playa del Carmen and Caye Caulker, along with all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  There is a wide range of optional activities, including visiting Mayan ruins like Tulum or Xunantunich, snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve in Caye Caulker, diving, caving trips (like Actun Tunichil Muknal or Cave Tubing), horseback riding, salsa lessons in Antigua, cycling, visiting coffee plantations or macadamia nut farms, and hiking volcanoes like Pacaya or Acatenango. Costs for these activities vary per person.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  Transportation methods include local buses, ferries, boats, private vehicles, taxis, and walking.

• What currency should I use, and what should I know about money exchange and credit cards?

  The currencies used are Mexican Peso (MXN), Belize Dollar (BZD), and Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ). Credit and debit cards are useful for cash advances, especially Visa, but do not rely on them as your sole source of money. A combination of US dollar cash (preferably notes smaller than $50 USD and in good condition) and cards is recommended. Traveler's cheques are not advised.

• How much spending money should I budget for this trip?

  Spending money requirements vary per traveler depending on habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping. It's recommended to have access to at least an additional $200 USD (or equivalent) as an emergency fund.

• Is tipping customary in the regions visited on this tour?

  Yes, tipping is customary in Latin America. Approximately 10% is typical for service providers like waiters. For local guides and drivers, recommendations range from $5-10 USD per day. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is also appreciated, with a guideline of $5-7 USD per person per day.

• Are there any important health considerations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required, so consult your travel doctor well before departure for up-to-date medical travel information. It's recommended to carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers, and personal medical requirements. Tour leaders are prohibited from administering drugs.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. It's strongly recommended that your policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• What should I know about safety and security during the trip?

  We recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is also advised. While your CEO will assist with options, any optional activities undertaken during free time are at your own judgment and risk regarding safety. It's recommended to travel in small groups and use taxis at night. Swimming and water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala?

  All countries require a valid passport with at least 6 months validity. You must check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements based on your nationality. For Belize, all non-Belize nationals must complete the iDeclare e-form 72 hours before arrival. Border fees (e.g., Mexico exit tax, Belize exit tax, Guatemala entrance tax) will apply and are subject to change.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers on this tour?

  No, solo travelers are not charged extra. Group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travelers are paired with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

• Who will be leading the tour, and what is their role?

  The tour will be led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, supported by local guides. The CEO's role is to enhance your travel experience, provide information, suggest activities and local eateries, and introduce you to local contacts. They have broad general knowledge but are not traditional guides. Local guides are used for more specific knowledge.

• What is the Planeterra Foundation mentioned in the tour details?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a positive impact through travel by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They support community-owned businesses, empowering local people and protecting the environment. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to projects.

• Are there any specific rules of conduct I should be aware of?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated, and using or possessing them puts the group at risk and contravenes local laws. The exploitation of prostitutes is also against the tour operator's philosophy of respect. CEOs have the right to expel any group member violating these rules.

• Are there laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some hotels may offer laundry facilities for a charge. It's advisable to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you anticipate doing your own laundry.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  The tour includes simple hotels/hostels for 14 nights, mostly multi-share, and a 1-night local homestay. Most accommodations have shared bathroom facilities. The homestay offers a private room but may have cold water and shared facilities with the family for an authentic experience.

• What is the maximum and average group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average of 14.

• How many meals are included in the tour price?

  Two lunches and one dinner are included. Generally, other meals are not included to provide maximum flexibility in dining choices.

• Is there an age restriction for this tour?

  Yes, the minimum age for this tour is 12 and the maximum age is 100.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of the tour. Certain combo tours may include them, but this trip does not.

• Are there any border taxes or fees I should be aware of?

  Yes, border fees are applicable. The Mexico exit tax by land is approximately $45 USD, Belize entrance tax is free, Belize exit tax is $20 USD, and Guatemala entrance tax is 10Q (approximately $1.25 USD). A Quintana Roo tourist tax of about $45 USD may also apply at Cancún International Airport, though it is usually included in international tickets. These fees are subject to change.

• Is an emergency fund recommended for this trip?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances outside our control.

• Is tipping customary on this tour?

  Yes, tipping is customary in Latin America. It is recommended to tip service providers like waiters around 10%. For drivers and local guides, recommendations range from $5-10 USD per day. Tipping your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is also appreciated, with a guideline of $5-7 USD per person per day.

• Do solo travelers have to pay an extra supplement?

  No, solo travelers do not have to pay a single supplement. They will be paired with someone of the same sex in twin or multi-share accommodation.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in any of our trips. A minimum coverage of USD $200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation is required.

• Who will lead the tour?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany the group throughout the tour, along with local guides for specific locations to provide more specialized knowledge.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  Transportation methods include local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, and walking.

• What health precautions should I consider before traveling?

  You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations well before departure. It is recommended to carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers, and any personal medical requirements, as the tour may be in remote areas away from medical facilities.

• What are the safety and security recommendations for this tour?

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, and store valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes. For free time activities, use good judgment. In cities at night, stay in small groups and use taxis. Water-based activities should only be done when accompanied by a guide.

• Are there any specific rules regarding behavior on this trip?

  Yes, illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and the exploitation of prostitutes is strictly against the tour's philosophy. Violation of these rules may result in expulsion from the group without refund.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. It is also recommended to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times when you may need to do your own laundry.

• Where can LGBTQ+ travelers find specific safety and travel considerations?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including the LGBTQ+ community, and encourages visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

• What optional activities are available on this tour?

  Optional activities include visiting the Mayan ruins of Tulúm, snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, caving, exploring Xunantunich Mayan ruins, hiking Pacaya Volcano, taking salsa lessons in Antigua, visiting macadamia nut farms or coffee plantations, kayaking and swimming in Lake Atitlán, and more. Costs vary per activity.

• What type of trip is this in terms of comfort level?

  This is a basic level trip, utilizing a mix of multi-share accommodations like hostels and basic hotels, and public transportation throughout.