Highlands and Caribbean Tour Itinerary

Highlands and Caribbean Tour Itinerary
REF: CA0013
VERSION: 8

Duration:	13 days - Antigua to Playa del Carmen
Countries Visited:	Guatemala - Belize - Mexico
Age Guide:	18-55 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Public Bus, Minibus, Taxi, Boat, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotel (10 Nights), Lodge (2 Nights)
What's Included:	Fully Escorted Tour with Kumuka Tour Leader and/or Local Guide - All Activities and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Guatemala - Antigua - Chichicastenango Markets - Panajachel - Lake Atitlan - Finca Ixobel - Flores - Tikal Ruins - Belize - Caye Caulker - Mexico - Playa del Carmen
Optional Highlights:	Guatemala - Paragliding - Salsa Classes - Massage - Climb Volcano Pacaya - Mountain Biking - Horse Riding - River Tubing - River Caving - Belize - Scuba Diving the Blue Hole - Snorkelling Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Manatee Tour - Sunset Cruise - Sea Kayaking - Mexico - Tulum Ruins
Meeting Point:	Posada La Merced 7a Avenida Norte #43 "A" Antigua Guatemala Ph: (502) 7832 3197 Fax: (502) 7832 3301 Please contact Kumuka or your travel agent should you wish to book additional accommodation. Please note passengers joining tours in Antigua should book flights into Guatemala City Airport (GUA), this is the nearest airport and transfers can be organised through your agent or Kumuka.
Introduction:	The perfect fortnight’s escape: Caribbean beaches, cities of ancient civilisations, and colonial towns tucked away in the pine forests. Our trip begins high up in the mountains: visit the charming, colonial town of Antigua and watch the sun set behind Lake Atitlan’s volcanoes. Then it’s on to the jungle: go caving, horseriding, visit waterfalls. Visit the plazas and temples at Mayan city of Tikal. We speed out to the coral cayes in Belize: swim with sharks if you dare and round off your trip in the party town of Playa del Carmen which sits on a stunning, turquoise coastline. This tour starts in Antigua, Guatemala. Flights should be booked to Guatemala City airport, a short taxi ride from Antigua.
Day 1:	Antigua. The old Guatemalan capital is set between three volcanoes and with its cobbled streets and picturesque plazas, crumbling cathedrals and colonial architecture, it is one of the most stunning cities in the Americas. Houses are painted old rose, sherbet yellow and baby blue and the local Mayan women go about their daily activities in their colourfully embroidered huipiles or blouses. There are wonderful markets and many candlelit cafés and hidden courtyard restaurants, as well as several optional activities including a climb up Volcan Pacaya, mountain biking, and salsa dancing.
Days 2-3:	Panajachel, Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango. From here we travel through patchwork countryside and past mountain villages to Panajachel on Lake Atitlán, surrounded by a spectacular backdrop of towering volcanoes. There are many interesting market stalls as well as great restaurants and bars. Enjoy a sunset drink along the lakeshore listening to local music as you relax and watch the colours of the lake fade from blue to purple and finally to black. On to Chichicastenango in the highlands, where we visit Guatemala’s largest and most diverse street market, held every Thursday and Sunday. Chichi’s focal point is its whitewashed church in the centre of town, around which the market is situated. All manner of goods are on offer from bunches of apricot-coloured gladioli and hand carved masks, corn-on-the-cob to freshly squeezed orange juice, colourful geometric carpets to sqealing pigs! Hunting through the plethora of stalls is more than temptation - there is a huge selection of artesania to choose from, and bargaining is the most fun part of it.
Days 4-5:	Antigua. We return to Antigua for a couple of days and a last-minute opportunity to stock up on last-minute souvenirs and gifts at those wonderful markets!
Days 6-8:	Tikal and Finca Ixobel. Our next stop is the wonderful ecological farm of Finca Ixobel where you have the opportunity to kick back and relax, maybe enjoy a dip in their natural, spring-fed swimming hole or take an optional caving, tubing or horse riding excursion. The food is delicious and this is a fantastic opportunity to recharge your batteries and relax at this beautiful location on the edge of the rainforest. We travel deep into the hot and steamy Peten region and the town of Flores, an island in Lake Peten Itza. This lovely island town is our base for exploring nearby Tikal; one of the most amazing Mayan ruins open to the public. Surrounded by miles of tropical jungle, Tikal is a spectacular site, particularly at sunrise. It is believed to have first been occupied around 330 BC; the city boasts a nature trail and some awe-inspiring temples, some of which have been cleared and restored and others which still lie covered in jungle and shrouded in mystery.
Days 9-13:	Caye Caulker and Playa Del Carmen. After an early start, a border crossing and a short bus journey through the heart of Belize, we arrive in Belize City where we will board our speedboat that will take us to the island of Caye Caulker. There is an optional boat and snorkelling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, or you can go snorkelling with nurse sharks and sting rays, or if you can scuba dive, then a visit to the famous Blue Hole must surely be on your list. Alternatively you can just kick back and relax on this very tranquil island. Next stop is across the border into Mexico and the beach town of Playa del Carmen which sits on the Mayan Riviera. We arrive in the early evening, leaving you time to enjoy the nightlife, countless restaurants and bars. Your tour finishes after breakfast on Day 13.
Finishing Hotel:	Hotel Casa Tucan, Calle 4 entre Avenida 10 y 15, Playa del Carmen Quintana Roo Mexico tel: +52-984-873-0283 Please contact Kumuka or your travel agent should you wish to book additional accommodation. Please note passengers finishing tours in Playa Del Carmen should book flights ex Cancun International Airport (CUN), this is the nearest airport and transfers can be organised through your agent or Kumuka. For more information please see the following website: http://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htm
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Central America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, visas, pre and post tour accommodation.
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. Below is a list of optional excursions available at your expense on your tour. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed.Your tour leader will be able to organise any optional excursions on your behalf. The list below is by no means comprehensive. There will be many other optional activities available. All activities are undertaken at passenger’s own risk. All costs are in US$ GUATEMALA – Salsa Classes $5 - Massage $15 - Volcano Climb $13 - Mountain Biking $35 - Horse Riding $12 - River Tubing $16 - River Caving $10 - BELIZE - Scuba Diving $75 (Blue Hole $150) – Snorkelling at Hol Chan $45 - Manatee Tour $65 - Sunset Cruise $20 - MEXICO - Tulum Ruins $10 Important: The tour finishes in Playa del Carmen on the morning of Day 13. We therefore advise passengers to stay in Playa del Carmen for a day or two extra to take advantage of the sights and optional activities.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre-Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date at the meeting point. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your Tour Leader and fellow passengers. In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. Your Tour Leader will leave a notice at reception on the first day of departure with information as to where he/she can be contacted and you should inform him/her that you have arrived. PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Central America trip. Country entry regulations can change daily. Our website www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: It is necessary to obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination before travelling. This is a record of your injections and should be issued with your first inoculation. Make sure that after each injection your certificate is dated, signed and stamped. Recommended inoculations: Hepatitis A, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus and polio. Yellow Fever - we recommend that you consult the UK Foreign Office travel advice for Mexico and Central American countries, which shows the latest requirements for Yellow Fever vaccinations, particularly for travellers arriving from infected areas. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills, A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Malaria:	Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of Central America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed.
Climate:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Security:	We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. Belize, Costa Rica and the Yucatan province in Mexico are more expensive than the other Central American Countries, in those areas you should budget on US$ 30 per day. Take your money in US dollars only. This is the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America. Traveller’s cheques should be AMERICAN EXPRESS. American Express is the most widely accepted. Cash is far easier to exchange than Travellers Cheques, but also more risky as once lost, is irreplaceable. However, we do recommend that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20). In many countries, you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option. Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful. Included Excursions - All activities mentioned in the brochure unless optional are included in your tour price. This also includes many extra things that the group does as a whole such as ruins site entrance fees, domestic flights, local guides at some attractions, National Park entrance fees.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Try to limit yourself to 15-20kg. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your Tour Leader at the Pre Departure Meeting. A good quality backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, water, sunscreen) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards, travellers cheques, etc., on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you DO NOT BRING A SUITCASE due to the difficulty of carrying these and travelling with them on Central American transport. Please do not bring more luggage than you are able to comfortably carry without assistance.
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels and campsites there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Generally conditions will be warm and dry however do account for long sleeves and long trousers in religious or more remote areas. Also remember that if you are visiting the Western desert, Sinai desert or during the winter months, evenings can get a very chilly so don’t forget to pack a jumper or two. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	Spanish is the language most widely spoken in the countries we visit in Latin America but English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Photography:	Most passengers will travel with digital cameras. Should you run out of memory you can download your photos onto CD at the local internet cafes or camera shops on your tour. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase extra memory cards. With regards to film, all types of camera film are readily available in Central America. However, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your camera confiscated. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.
Food:	Local Restaurants - Latin American food is delicious, nutritious and varied and local restaurants provide an important insight into local ways of life. There is always an excellent range of restaurants to choose from. An evening meal can range from US$1 up to US$20. Most travellers spend an average of US$5 to US$10 plus drinks. Local alcoholic drinks are generally inexpensive even in restaurants and bars. Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. We choose our hotels, guesthouses and hostels for their location, comfort, security and hygiene standards. All are located near the city centre usually within easy walking distance of services and facilities. Most rooms are on a twin share basis with private bathrooms. Occasionally, bathrooms may be shared or larger apartments used by several members of the group. Accommodation is not included in the city of departure or arrival (unless within the specified tour dates). You should allow US$30 to US$35 per day to cover food and accommodation during this time.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation:	All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Participation:	The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers! Please note: that some of the longer journeys are scheduled so they are a combination of shorter modules and will pick up new and drop off existing passengers en-route.
Tipping:	For better or for worse, tipping is an accepted part of everyday life and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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