Intrepid’s real life experiences in central america… Tap into the rhythm of Central America: embark on a Mexican jungle jaunt, ride a chicken bus through Guatemalan towns, explore ancient ruins covered in jungle growth or just relax with a cocktail and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. central america
Intrepid’s real life experiences in central america… Tap into the rhythm of Central America: embark on a Mexican jungle jaunt, ride a chicken bus through Guatemalan towns, explore ancient ruins covered in jungle growth or just relax with a cocktail and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
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Intrepid’s real life experiences in central america…Tap into the rhythm of Central America: embark on a Mexican jungle jaunt, ride a chicken bus through Guatemalan towns, explore ancient ruins covered in jungle growth or just relax with a cocktail and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
central america
Mexico City
GUATEMALA
Antigua
BELIZEBelize City
NICARAGUA
COSTA RICA
PANAMA
HONDURAS
San Jose
MEXICO
Classic Costa Ricapage : 47, QVSR
Swing into the jungle and meet a host of colourful creatures while being immersed in the untamed beauty of Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park.
Exotic Encounters
Mayan Highlights page : 45, QVSCC
Shop for bright textiles, colourful souvenirs and unique handicrafts alongside lively locals at the famous Chichicastenango markets in Guatemala.
Market Magic
Mayan Discoverypage : 46, QVKC
Experience the wonder of the intricate ruins of Tikal. Set to a green jungle backdrop, exploring these ruins is an unforgettable highlight of Guatemala.
Tikal Ruins
Mayan Encounterpage : 46, QVRA
Cool off in clear, turquoise waters in seaside Tulum. Swim, snorkel, dive or just chill out and enjoy the atmosphere of this Caribbean paradise.
Beachside Bliss
J F M A M J J A S O N D
104ºF
86ºF
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costa rica
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Average Min Average Max
J F M A M J J A S O N D
104ºF
86ºF
68ºF
50ºF
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0in
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30ºC
20ºC
10ºC
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225mm
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belize
tem
per
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rain
fall
J F M A M J J A S O N D
104ºF
86ºF
68ºF
50ºF
32ºF
12in
9in
6in
3in
0in
40ºC
30ºC
20ºC
10ºC
0ºC
300mm
225mm
150mm
75mm
0mm
guatemala
tem
per
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rain
fall
J F M A M J J A S O N D
104ºF
86ºF
68ºF
50ºF
32ºF
8in
6in
4in
2in
0in
40ºC
30ºC
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0ºC
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Photo Competition, Tortuguero lizard, Costa Rica - Rebecca Dobson
Gu
l f
of
BELIZE
GUATEMALA
COSTA RICA
PANAMA
MEXICO
HONDURAS
NICARAGUA
San Jorge La Laguna
Chichicastenango
Rio Dulce
Palenque
San Cristobal de las Casas
San Ignacio
Flores
Playa del Carmen
Caye Caulker
Merida
Chichen Itza Tulum
Oaxaca
Puebla
Mexico City
San JosePuerto Viejode Sarapiqui
Bocas del Toro
Boquete
Santa Catalina
Panama City
Comayagua
Granada
MonteverdeLa Fortuna/Arenal Volcano NP
Ometepe Island
CopanAntigua
TikalRoatanIsland
combo tripsThis map outlines some of our favourite Small Group Adventures. Combine two, three or more to create your ultimate Central America adventure. To get you inspired, we’ve created a few trip combinations below. Just match the colour bars to the map to see where the road may take you…
Photo Competition, Fun in the sun, Belize - Sam Beveridge
Mexico City - Playa del Carmen
San Jose - Panama City
Antigua - San Jose
Playa del Carmen - Antigua
QVRM
QVRC
QVRS
QVRA
central america combo trips…
Best of Central AmericaExplore Central America
Central American AdventureCentral America Encompassed
Amazing Central AmericaUltimate Central America
QVRQC 44 days, Playa del Carmen to Panama City QVRZC 46 days, Mexico City to San Jose
QVRPC 29 days, Antigua to Panama CityQVRRC 58 days, Mexico City to Panama City
QVRXC 32 days, Playa del Carmen to San Jose QVRYC 31 days, Mexico City to Antigua
See our website for more details: intrepidtravel.com
ACCoMModAtioN Simple hotels (20 nts), homestay (1 nt) tRANSPoRt Minibus, boat, local bus GRouP SiZe Max 12 MeAlS No meals included BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 372 kg pp per trip NoteS Some accommodation may be multishare tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.54 out of 5
itiNeRARy... day 1 Cancun Laze on powdery, white beaches,
swim in the warm waters or simply relax at a bar with a margarita.
Enjoy a brief guided walk through this resort town. day 2 Chichen
itza/Merida Visit Chichen Itza’s ancient city - one of the best
examples of Mayan architecture. Spend the night in the colonial
splendour of Merida. days 3-4 Palenque Stroll around the jungle-
tangled ruins and admire temple walls sculpted with images of
gods, rulers and ceremonies. After the ruins, you have the option
of visiting the waterfall of Misol-Ha and the natural pools of Agua
Azul. days 5-6 San Cristobal de las Casas Head to the cooler
climes of this city rich in local culture and tasty cuisine. Take an
optional day trip to San Juan Chamula. day 7 Panajachel Cross
the border into Guatemala to the lakeside town of Panajachel. Take
an optional cruise on beautiful Lake Atitlan. day 8 San Jorge la
laguna Experience the local way of life at a homestay. Practise
Spanish and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a friendly host family.
days 9-11 Chichicastenango/Antigua Visit the famous market
in Chichicastenango and bargain for some of Guatemala’s best
handicrafts. Travel onwards to Antigua, a colonial city flanked by
smouldering volcanoes. days 12-13 Flores/tikal Travel in a
chicken bus then unwind in a town where canoes are still a mode
of transport. Take a dip in Lago Peten Itza then be awestruck
by Tikal’s ruins towering above the jungle. Climb to the top of a
temple to spy scarlet macaws darting through the forest canopy.
days 14-15 San ignacio Get off the beaten track with a journey
into stunning Belize. Surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, forested
hills and ruins, San Ignacio is a great base from which to explore.
days 16-18 Caye Caulker Kick back on a white-sand beach or
take an optional snorkelling or diving tour in the Hol Chan Marine
Reserve to see coral, tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. day 19
tulum Travel into Mexico and laze on the sands or watch the
sun set over the sea from Tulum’s beachside ruins. This idyllic site,
perched on a cliff overlooking the beach, affords staggering views
over the Mexican coastline. days 20-22 Playa del Carmen This
beach town offers a final chance to go souvenir shopping, have
some fun in the sun or enjoy the easygoing Mexican nightlife.
Soak up the fun party • vibe in Cancun
explore the forested • hills of San ignacio
experience local life at • a lakeside homestay
Ride a Guatemalan • chicken bus
Gawk at jungle • creatures from atop the tikal ruins
Relax on the beautiful • beaches of Belize
enjoy the seaside • serenity of tulum
haggle at colourful • highland markets
Wander the colonial • streets of Antigua
take in stunning scenic • coastal views
This was the best trip of my life! It was educational, challenging adventurous and inspirational. I’d do it all over again in an instant! I saw all the things I’ve always dreamed of.
Natalie Conley, New Zealand Travelled on the QVSCC
Start Finish201101 Jan 22 Jan15 Jan 05 Feb29 Jan 19 Feb12 Feb 05 Mar26 Feb 19 Mar26 Mar 16 Apr09 Apr 30 Apr23 Apr 14 May07 May 28 May21 May 11 Jun
04 Jun 25 Jun18 Jun 09 Jul25 Jun 16 Jul09 Jul 30 Jul23 Jul 13 Aug06 Aug 27 Aug20 Aug 10 Sep03 Sep 24 Sep17 Sep 08 Oct01 Oct 22 Oct15 Oct 05 Nov29 Oct 19 Nov
05 Nov 26 Nov12 Nov 03 Dec26 Nov 17 Dec10 Dec 31 Dec17 Dec 07 Jan24 Dec 14 Jan31 Dec 21 Jan201207 Jan 28 Jan14 Jan 04 Feb21 Jan 11 Feb28 Jan 18 Feb
04 Feb 25 Feb18 Feb 10 Mar03 Mar 24 Mar17 Mar 07 Apr31 Mar 21 Apr14 Apr 05 May28 Apr 19 May12 May 02 Jun26 May 16 Jun09 Jun 30 Jun23 Jun 14 Jul
Gu
l f
of
BELIZE
GUATEMALA
COSTA RICA
PANAMA
MEXICO
HONDURAS
NICARAGUA
San Jorge La Laguna
Chichicastenango
Rio Dulce
Palenque
San Cristobal de las Casas
San Ignacio
Flores
Playa del Carmen
Caye Caulker
Merida
Chichen Itza Tulum
Oaxaca
Puebla
Mexico City
San JosePuerto Viejode Sarapiqui
Bocas del Toro
Boquete
Santa Catalina
Panama City
Comayagua
Granada
MonteverdeLa Fortuna/Arenal Volcano NP
Ometepe Island
CopanAntigua
TikalRoatanIsland
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com
ACCoMModAtioN Comfortable hotels (14 nts) tRANSPoRt Plane, minibus, first-class local bus GRouP SiZe Max 12 MeAlS 14 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches or dinners BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 380 kg pp per trip tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.49 out of 5
Start Finish20111 Jan 15 Jan15 Jan 29 Jan19 Feb 05 Mar19 Mar 02 Apr09 Apr 23 Apr
07 May 21 May04 Jun 18 Jun25 Jun 09 Jul09 Jul 23 Jul30 Jul 13 Aug20 Aug 03 Sep17 Sep 01 Oct
08 Oct 22 Oct29 Oct 12 Nov12 Nov 26 Nov26 Nov 10 Dec17 Dec 31 Dec201207 Jan 21 Jan
21 Jan 04 Feb18 Feb 03 Mar17 Mar 31 Mar14 Apr 28 Apr12 May 26 May02 Jun 16 Jun23 Jun 07 Jul
Mayan Discovery
itiNeRARy... day 1 Cancun Relax by the water or head to Zona
Arqueologica El Rey to wander around the ruins and meet the
sun-loving iguanas. day 2 Chichen itza/Merida Explore the
incredible ruins and visit El Castillo, best known for its amazing
carved snakes. days 3-4 Palenque Climb to the top of these
ruins for endless views of the jungle, then rest in the nearby
Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls. days 5-6 San Cristobal
de las Casas Enjoy the Chiapas highlands and meet the local
villagers who mix Catholicism with indigenous religions to create
a fascinating hybrid. Visit the unique church in San Juan Chamula
where pine needles carpet the floor. days 7-8 Panajachel Ringed
by volcanoes and villages and resting on the shores of beautiful
Lago de Atitlan, Panajachel is a great base to explore the region.
days 9-10 Chichicastenango/Antigua Find a bargain at the
colourful markets at Chichicastenango before stopping in Antigua,
famous for its colonial architecture. Stop by a grassroots women’s
cooperative to watch community development and support in
action. day 11 Flores/tikal Head to Flores then continue to Tikal,
home to one of the most magnificent Mayan sites. days 12-13
San ignacio Rise before dawn for a guided tour of the magical
ruins shrouded in morning mist. Cross the border into Belize and
journey to San Ignacio, the ideal base for exploring nearby temples,
waterfalls and caves. days 14-15 Playa del Carmen Head back
into Mexico to relax on the beaches of Playa del Carmen. Raise
bottles of cerveza and toast the end of this epic Mayan adventure.
15 days, Cancun to Playa del Carmen
COmfOrtQVKCtRiP Code
Spot carved snakes at • Chichen itza
Savour spectacular • jungle views from atop ancient ruins
PhySiCAl
CultuRAl
I had a fantastic time on this trip. It was all I thought it would be and more. The people, the culture, the ruins, the food - it was all great. The leader made it very enjoyable.
Nancy Alvarez, Australia Travelled on the QVKC
DEPARTUREGUARANTEED
Chill out seaside in • Playa del Carmen
Amble over tulum’s • cliff-top ruins
Kick back in the relaxed • vibe of Caye Caulker
experience traditional • life in San Jorge
haggle in the markets • of Chichicastenango
enjoy colonial Antigua• Colourful streets, Antigua, Guatemala - Sally Johnson
ACCoMModAtioN Simple hotels (14 nts), homestay (2 nts) tRANSPoRt Boat, local bus GRouP SiZe Max 16 MeAlS 2 Dinners BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed NoteS Some accommodation may be multishare CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 127 kg pp per trip tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.61 out of 5
Start Finish201101 Jan 17 Jan15 Jan 31 Jan29 Jan 14 Feb12 Feb 28 Feb26 Feb 14 Mar12 Mar 28 Mar26 Mar 11 Apr09 Apr 25 Apr23 Apr 09 May07 May 23 May
04 Jun 20 Jun18 Jun 04 Jul02 Jul 18 Jul16 Jul 01 Aug30 Jul 15 Aug20 Aug 05 Sep03 Sep 19 Sep17 Sep 03 Oct01 Oct 17 Oct15 Oct 31 Oct29 Oct 14 Nov12 Nov 28 Nov
19 Nov 05 Dec03 Dec 19 Dec17 Dec 02 Jan31 Dec 16 Jan201214 Jan 30 Jan21 Jan 06 Feb28 Jan 13 Feb04 Feb 20 Feb11 Feb 27 Feb25 Feb 12 Mar10 Mar 26 Mar
24 Mar 09 Apr31 Mar 16 Apr07 Apr 23 Apr21 Apr 07 May19 May 04 Jun02 Jun 18 Jun16 Jun 02 Jul30 Jun 16 Jul14 Jul 30 Jul
Mayan Encounter
itiNeRARy... day 1 Playa del Carmen Sip margaritas by the
beach, take an optional snorkelling trip through the mangroves, or
venture to Cancun to swim in the surf and experience its famous
nightlife. days 2-3 tulum Discover the powdery beaches, warm,
blue ocean and cliff-top Mayan ruins that make Tulum a slice of
beachside paradise. days 4-5 Caye Caulker Say “adios” to Mexico
and journey to Belize. Bask on the beach, go swimming or take
sunset strolls around this relaxing island. There’s an opportunity
to go manatee spotting to learn about these huge, curious
creatures. days 6-7 San ignacio Tucked between forested hills
and gushing rivers, San Ignacio offers a range of optional activities
including tubing or, for those after a quieter pace, a wander through
a colourful butterfly garden. days 8-9 Flores/tikal Cross the
border into Guatemala and stop in at Flores, a laidback town
lounging on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. On your free day here,
don’t miss an optional visit to see the ruins of Tikal, one of the
most impressive of all Mayan sites. days 10-11 Rio dulce Travel
through the dense jungle to Rio Dulce. Perhaps visit a rubber
plantation or an old Spanish fort, or take a lancha up the river to
visit nearby hot springs. day 12 Antigua Discover this city’s charm
by strolling around the cobblestone streets. days 13-14 San
Jorge la laguna/Chichicastenango Stay with a local family in
San Jorge La Laguna, shop at the Chichicastenango market where
everything - from unique handicrafts to medicinal plants - is for sale.
days 15-17 Antigua Admire the colonial architecture of Antigua.
17 days, Playa del Carmen to Antigua
BasIx
PhySiCAl
CultuRAl
QVRAtRiP Code
DEPARTUREGUARANTEED
For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com
PhySiCAl
CultuRAl
47
Cen
tral Am
erica
discover the cloud • forests of Monteverde
Slip into natural hot • springs in la Fortuna
Classic Costa Rica
itiNeRARy... days 1-2 San Jose Amid the galleries, theatres
and modern architecture of San Jose are wonderful reminders of
a traditional past. Take an orientation tour to discover the main
sites - and little known secrets - of this bustling city. Stop by the
bustling Central Market to peruse the eclectic range of goods
on offer. days 3-4 tortuguero National Park Enjoy the thick
forests, cool waterways and powdery beaches of the Tortuguero
National Park. Explore the jungle by foot and try to spot monkeys,
birds, frogs and sloths. days 5-6 Sarapiqui Journey to Sarapiqui,
in the heart of Costa Rica’s banana-growing region. In free time,
opt to explore the surrounding jungle or simply find a quiet spot
to listen to the twitter of colourful birdlife. days 7-8 la Fortuna/
Arenal Volcano With the Arenal Volcano breathing down
its neck, La Fortuna is an exciting outdoor base with endless
opportunities for adventure. Why not take a dip in a waterfall or
head out for some white-water rafting? In the evenings, slip into
the hot springs and soak up the views of the glowing volcano.
days 9-11 Monteverde Travel through the mountains to reach
Monteverde and take a guided walk through the Cloud Forest
Reserve. Lush, green and jam-packed with colourful butterflies, this
is a nature-lovers paradise. days 12-13 Quepos Descend from
the mountains to Quepos on the Pacific Coast. Relax on the sandy
beaches or hit the water for some kayaking, fishing or surfing.
days 14-15 San Jose Get reacquainted with this capital city by
shopping for last-minute souvenirs at the city’s vibrant markets.
15 days, ex San Jose
OrIgInaltRiP Code QVSR
Be awed by the active • Arenal Volcano
experience the • diversity of Costa Rica’s environment
Spot wildlife in the • lush cloud forest of Monteverde
Swim in the warm • waters of Manuel Antonio National Park
Wander through • vibrant markets
Catch a show at San • Jose’s National theatre Red-eyed treefrog, Costa Rica
Cloud forest, Monteverde, Costa Rica
ACCoMModAtioN Comfortable hotels (8 nts) tRANSPoRt Minibus, shuttle bus, boat GRouP SiZe Max 12 MeAlS 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches or Dinners BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 174 kg pp per trip tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.55 out of 5
Start Finish201108 Jan 16 Jan22 Jan 30 Jan19 Feb 27 Feb19 Mar 27 Mar02 Apr 10 Apr
23 Apr 01 May28 May 05 Jun18 Jun 26 Jun16 Jul 24 Jul13 Aug 21 Aug10 Sep 18 Sep01 Oct 09 Oct
15 Oct 23 Oct05 Nov 13 Nov26 Nov 04 Dec10 Dec 18 Dec201214 Jan 22 Jan28 Jan 05 Feb
11 Feb 19 Feb25 Feb 04 Mar17 Mar 25 Mar07 Apr 15 Apr12 May 20 May09 Jun 17 Jun
Costa Rica Express
itiNeRARy... day 1 San Jose Get a feel for the city on a
sightseeing walk through the streets. days 2-3 la Fortuna/
Arenal Volcano National Park Head to La Fortuna and
the beautiful surrounds of Lake Arenal and explore the green
countryside. Big winds sweeping in from the Caribbean make the
lake a windsurfer’s delight. Why not visit La Fortuna Waterfall, take a
canopy tour in the forest or join a trip to the active Arenal Volcano.
days 4-5 Monteverde Ecologists have suggested that the cloud
forests of Monteverde were actually two different ecosystems,
straddling each side of the Continental Divide. As a result, the
area boasts several unique species of flora and fauna. Explore the
emerald-green cloud forest by foot to admire the wide array of
wildlife and learn about how this incredible ecological curiosity
came to be. days 6-7 Manuel Antonio National Park Discover
the white-sand beaches, tropical vegetation and turquoise waters
of Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike along the trails to spot some
of the abundant wildlife - be on the lookout for armadillos, sloths
and colourful birds. Impossible to resist, the warm waters offer
great swimming, kayaking or surfing. While Manuel Antonio itself
is a laidback kind of town, its nightlife is famously fiery - so kick up
those heels and get a taste for Costa Rican revelry. days 8-9 San
Jose Return to the capital to meander through the stalls of the
Mercado Central, take a look at the collection of shimmering art at
the Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismatica or catch a show at
the city’s pride and joy - the Teatro Nacional.
9 days, ex San Jose
COmfOrt
PhySiCAl
CultuRAl
QVKRtRiP Code
An amazing experience, awesome tour guide, a definite must-see country for all travellers! If you appreciate nature then this trip is an excellent choice for you.
Matt Thomson, Canada Travelled on the QVSR
ACCoMModAtioN Simple hotels (12 nts), lodge (2 nts) tRANSPoRt Boat, local bus GRouP SiZe Max 12 MeAlS No meals included BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 254 kg pp per trip tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.62 out of 5
Start Finish201108 Jan 22 Jan22 Jan 05 Feb19 Feb 05 Mar05 Mar 19 Mar19 Mar 02 Apr09 Apr 23 Apr
30 Apr 14 May11 Jun 25 Jun02 Jul 16 Jul30 Jul 13 Aug27 Aug 10 Sep24 Sep 08 Oct22 Oct 05 Nov05 Nov 19 Nov
19 Nov 03 Dec03 Dec 17 Dec17 Dec 31 Dec31 Dec 14 Jan201207 Jan 21 Jan21 Jan 04 Feb18 Feb 03 Mar
03 Mar 17 Mar31 Mar 14 Apr21 Apr 05 May19 May 02 Jun16 Jun 30 Jun
DEPARTUREGUARANTEED
DEPARTUREGUARANTEED
Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com