From the stunning sandy beaches of Mexico and Belize to the jungle of Costa Rica, see the best of Central America on this 16 day tour. Starting in Playa del Carmen, spend two days soaking up the adventure in Caye Caulker as you snorkel with rays or spot manatees. Explore ancient Maya ruins at the site of Tikal, before wandering the stunning colonial streets of Antigua. Spend 8 days getting under the skin of Costa Rica, as you explore beautiful national parks and spot tropical wildlife such as sloths and monkeys.
This group tour ranges in size from 4 to 19 people, with an overall average of 10 people.
This tour is modular and group composition might change in Antigua or San José with people joining or leaving.
This tour is made up of two separate tour segments. You will have one tour leader from Mexico to Guatemala, and then another tour leader in Costa Rica. Your group will fly from Guatemala City to San Jose with no tour leader, however be assured you will be dropped off and met by local representatives. Please contact an adventure specialist for further information.
Your tour leader will change between Antigua and San José.
This tour uses a mixture of transport – two flights, busses, private vehicles and ferries. It is essential that you can carry your own luggage.
This tour has a few long travel days. These are unavoidable when covering such large distances however a good book and your new friends will make the time pass quicker.
This tour visits places that require a decent level of walking, such as ancient Maya sites and Costa Rican national parks. You will need a decent level of fitness to fully enjoy this tour.
This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.
Your joining location is:
Hotel Playa del Carmen
Av. 20 Norte, 2-4 Calles Norte
Playa del Carmen,
Mexico
Tel: (+ 52) 984 873 3177
The hotel has safe deposit boxes for your use (you will get an itemised receipt). Please leave all of your important documents, money and travellers cheques here when you go out but remember to carry some form of ID and a photocopy of your passport with you
It is advisable not to wear chains or expensive looking watches or jewellery while in major Central American cities. You should also keep your camera concealed when not in use and carry daypacks on your front for extra safety.
Cancún is the nearest international airport to Playa del Carmen and is approximately 1 hour away. When arriving at Cancún international airport we recommend that you obtain some Mexican pesos as soon as you arrive. There are numerous international ATMs inside the airport, as well as money exchange offices offering a good rate. The rate will always be slightly lower at the airport than in the city centre, but it may be inconvenient to find an exchange office open in the city.
If you have booked an arrival transfer with us please look out for the sign ‘Andén de Servicos’ where all pre-booked services wait. Your driver will be holding a Tucan Travel sign with your name on it.
Playa del Carmen is an hour from Cancun airport and ADO buses run every 20 minutes from the airport for approximately MX$200. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or we can arrange a transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. If you are interested in this option, get in touch and we will provide you with a price.
This tour uses a great variety of accommodation, providing you with unique experiences to last a lifetime! You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the “About this Tour” section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites. From time to time, accommodation standard may vary and hot water, wi-fi or electricity may not be to a Western standard.
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room.
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
This tour uses a mixture of public transport and private minivans. The mode of transport is chosen based on schedule and timings, comfort, group size, location and reliability.
It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport. You must be able to comfortably lift your luggage off transport and into hotels.
To reach Caye Caulker we will catch a local ferry. If you are prone to seasickness we suggest you have tablets on hand.
This trip includes 2 flights so that we can cut down on long travel days and spend more time enjoying the wonderful destinations and communities which we visit. All flights include checked baggage however the weight limit can be as low as 15kg so please pack appropriately. Any excess luggage must be paid by the customer.
The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day.
You will be carrying your own luggage on tour. Please limit this to one piece per person plus one day bag.
It is important to bring luggage you can carry and lift comfortably, potentially up several flights of stairs in hotels where elevators are not available and between bus/train stations and hotels.
If your tour includes internal flights please be aware there is often a restriction of 15kg for checked baggage. If your luggage exceeds this weight you will need to pay any fees incurred.
Please consider which season you are travelling in and pack appropriately. All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer.
In general, Central America is not as conservative as other regions, and you do not have to worry about keeping your legs or shoulders covered on a day to day basis. However, when visiting religious sites, you will need to cover up. We recommend having long trousers or a sarong to cover up for this.
What essential items should I bring to Central America?
Clothing
Electronics
Toiletries
Other
Documents
Laundry
Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the “about your tour” section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In the majority of Asian cities, there is a huge choice of both local and international restaurants.
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.
Breakfast varies from extensive buffets to simple local spreads. For early departures, you may be provided with a breakfast box. Breakfasts on this tour vary greatly. Depending on the location, you can find anything from a well put together western buffet to a continental breakfast or a smaller offering of local food.
Food in Central America varies between each country. Mexico is known for having some of the best food on the continent while Costa Rica is known for its fresh and tropical fruit. Vegetarians will have no problem finding delicious meals, as many of the dishes are rich in rice, beans, vegetables and eggs.
Central America is known for having some of the best street food in the world. Eating at local markets is a great way to experience authentic food and at a fraction of the cost of restaurants. Your tour leader will be able to offer advice on markets and street food in each destination.
This tour uses various different currencies.
The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.
The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.
The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in Central America will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities.
Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.
Tipping is not a big part of Central American culture however it is becoming more common in tourist areas. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Free walking tours are found in many of the large cities. These are marketed as free walking tours and are designed to provide travellers with local, in depth knowledge of the city. However all free walking tours are tip based (they have to make money somehow, after all!) and so if you wish to join a free walking tour you need to budget in a tip at the end. Leaving a free walking tour that was considered a good tour without tipping is very disrespectful and will only give travellers a bad reputation.
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
If you require urgent assistance prior to joining your tour please call (+51) 984-762-164 or (+51) 970-038-181.
Central America is generally very safe, even more so in a group. There are a few precautions which you should always take.
The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.
Pack a Medical Kit
A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.
Vaccinations
It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. There are no official required vaccinations for Central America however if you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country then you must have had a yellow-fever vaccine and carry the certificate with you. It is also recommended to be up to date with typhoid, hepatitis A and B, TDap, Cholera and Diphtheria. Malaria risks vary according to location and season, so it is a good idea to seek the advice of your GP before travelling.
Horse Riding
All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.
Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.
You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.
Welcome to the beachside paradise of Playa del Carmen! Today is free to arrive at your leisure and soak up some sun. We recommend booking pre tour accommodation to enjoy everything this activity packed location has to offer.
Playa del Carmen is located along the Yucatan Peninsula Riviera Maya strip of the Caribbean shoreline. Known for its sugar white beaches and palm-lined shores, it’s the perfect destination to kick back and relax while enjoying a host of water based activities.
Visit the island of Cozumel or the amazingly located Maya/Toltec ruins of Tulúm. There are also many 'cenotes' in the area. Cenotes (se-note-tays) are freshwater swimming holes connected to underground limestone cave systems once sacred to the ancient Maya.
Please note there will be a pre departure meeting at 6pm tonight to meet your tour leader and fellow group members.
Tulum Ruins – MXN65 plus transport or MXN80 return • Cozumal day trip –US$24
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Playa del Carmen or similar 
This morning we take a private transfer to the border of Belize before hopping on a ferry to Caye Caulker. A small Caribbean island off the coast of Belize, Caye Caulker is the ultimate destination for beach relaxation. Cars are prohibited and the islands moto is go slow.
Arriving early evening, you are free to spend time settling in to island way of life. Rent a bike to explore the island or take a walk along the beaches. Try out one of the local restaurants where you can sample fresh seafood, and enjoy tropical cocktails in the evening.
Please Note: When departing Mexico you will need to pay a small departure fee of approximately MXN 550.
1 night(s) in hotels at Tropical Paradise Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today is free to experience the crystal blue waters and beach activities. Your tour leader will be available to recommend various options to fill your day.
You could take a boat out to Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim within a few feet of nurse sharks and majestic manta rays. If you are lucky you can also spot manatees. These peaceful creatures are often quite curious and will approach visitors. Another optional snorkelling tour takes you out to Hol-Chan Marine Reserve where you are guaranteed to see lots of colourful fish and interesting reef formations. Qualified divers can explore the so-called bottomless "Blue Hole", made famous by the explorer Jacques Cousteau (please note: this optional excursion does not go every day, check locally for availability). Other options include sunning yourself, riding a bike around the island, or trying your luck at fishing. If you are lucky, you can take your catch to one of the local restaurants so they can BBQ it for you.
Half/full day Caye Caulker snorkelling – US$45-80 • Scuba diving in the Blue Hole – US$290 • Night Snorkelling – US$70 • Flight over the Blue Hole – US$200pp (min 3 people)
1 night(s) in hotels at Tropical Paradise Hotel or similar
This morning we hop back on the ferry and travel to Belize City, before continuing our journey to San Ignacio by local bus.
San Ignacio is a town in western Belize and forms the main population centre of Cayo District. It is situated on the banks of the Macal River and joins the neighbouring town of Santa Elena by suspension bridge.
The surrounding jungle, wildlife, waterfalls, rivers and caves, have created the ideal location for the numerous optional adventure excursions. The town itself is small and charming, with various restaurants dishing up traditional cuisine.
1 night(s) in hotels at The Aguada Hotel or similar
Today is free to enjoy more of the adventure activities in the area. A popular excursion is visiting the Caracol Ruins, the largest and most important ancient Maya archaeological site in Belize.
Other great options are to canoe down the river, tube through caves, or visit the famous caves Actun Tunichil Muknal, where they found untouched Mayan ceremonial and sacrificial remains.
Tubing – US$100 • ATM Caves – US$95 • Canoeing – US$85 • Caracol Ruins, the largest and most important Mayan ruin site in Belize – US$95 • Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve – US$85
1 night(s) in hotels at The Aguada Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Saying goodbye to Belize we cross into Guatemala to the charming island-town of Flores. When departing Belize you will be required to pay a small fee of $40.00BZD, and on arrival in Guatemala another small payment of 10q is required.
Flores was the last town to be conquered by the Spanish and is situated in the centre of Lake Peten Itzá. On the way to Flores we stop at the breathtaking Maya site of Tikal. It is regarded as the greatest city of the Maya world and is nestled deep in the jungle. This complex is one of the biggest Maya sites discovered, and you will have most of the day to explore and learn about the flora, fauna, and amazing Mayan history with our knowledgeable local guide.
The area around Tikal has been declared as the Tikal National Park and the preserved area covers 570 square kilometres. The ancient city has been completely mapped and at its height covered an area greater than 16 square kilometres, with more than 3000 structures. Today the main centre covers an area of approximately two and a half square kilometres. As you wander the site, you will see several tall mounds which have not yet been excavated, and you will have the opportunity to climb some of the tallest Mayan temples.
The emphasis was on height when creating these imposing structures because the Maya believed the higher the building, the closer they were to the gods. Around Tikal there is a lot of animal life, and if you're lucky, you will have the chance to spot the noisy howler monkeys, pizotes (a racoon-like animal), exotic birds such as toucans, and much more!
After plenty of time spent exploring Tikal you will arrive to Flores in the early evening where you have the chance to relax before flying to Antigua tomorrow.
Entrance and guided tour of Tikal
1 night(s) in hotels At Hotel Sabana or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today we fly to Guatemala City and then have a short private transfer to nearby Antigua. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is one of the most delightful colonial towns in Central America and the capital city of Guatemala.
The local indigenous can be seen throughout the cobbled streets and plazas of the city in their colourful costumes, selling their crafts and textiles. As the cultural centre of Guatemala, Antigua is an ideal place to experience the traditional music, architecture and art of the country. Rich in ornate churches, convents, parks, plazas, cafés, restaurants, bars and colourful street markets and surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanoes, Antigua is one place you will never forget.
Pacaya volcano climb – US$20 • Walking tour – US$30 • Chocolate making class - US$30 • Coffee farm tour - US$25
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Posada Los Bucaros or similar
Hello Costa Rica! This morning a representative will transfer you to the airport for your flight to San José. Nestled in a valley among coffee and sugar cane farms, San José is distinguished by its beautiful National Theatre and Plaza de la Cultura. While you can still see remnants of Spanish colonialism throughout the city, many of the buildings have been destroyed by earthquakes over the years.
San José is also home to many interesting and unique museums and galleries. Worth exploring are The Gold Museum, Jade Museum and the National Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Jade Museum – US$15 • Museum National – US$4 • Theatro National – US$5
1 night(s) in hotels
1 Breakfast(s)
Today we travel through lush green countryside to the small village of Manuel Antonio, the base for Manuel Antonio National Park. The journey takes around three hours by local bus and you will start to witness the tropical countryside. After check in the rest of the day is free to relax and recharge, wander the charming streets or beachfront and start to experience the beauty of Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio National Park Catamaran Tour - from US$75 • Tour Guide in National Park - US$ 15 pp (max 13 people in the group) • Private Tour guide in National Park - US$120 (max 2 people) • Zip Coaster - US$12 • Enjoy the beach - free!
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Manuel Antonio or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today we explore Costa Rica's most celebrated and beautiful nature reserve, Manuel Antonio National Park. The area consists of around 1,680 acres of rainforest containing lush vegetation and white sandy beaches. Even though Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest in the country, it is considered the most biodiverse with more than 100 species of mammals and almost 200 species of birds. While exploring one of the many hiking trails you may come across the three toed sloth, pelicans, white-faced monkeys, anteaters and iguanas.
Other activities in the area include horse riding, kayaking, hiking, guided tours and plenty other water sports such as white water rafting and sailing tours.
Entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park Catamaran Tour - from US$75 • Tour Guide in National Park - US$ 15 pp (max 13 people in the group) • Private Tour guide in National Park - US$120 (max 2 people) • Zip Coaster - US$12 • Enjoy the beach - free!
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Manuel Antonio or similar
We travel to the old town of Quepos, once a very important port for the exportation of bananas. We then ascend a steep and bumpy mountain road that offers great views over lush green hills that flatten to meet the Pacific Ocean. We reach the small town of Santa Elena, nestled up in the clouds and established by American Quakers in the 1950's.
Santa Elena is the base for the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve which we will visit tomorrow.
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Don Taco or similar
Today we visit Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve on a private transfer. There are several paths to explore in this privately owned reserve, one of which takes you to the continental divide. On a clear day both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans can be seen! We'll also stop at the Hummingbird Gallery where you can grab a drink and a slice of cake. Here you can watch dozens of these energetic birds buzz around sipping on nectar. The area around Santa Elena is famous for its ziplines and hosts the longest zip line in the world. Here you'll have the option to go flying over the cloud forest on a series of cables strung out between the giant trees. For the less courageous, you may opt for a sky walk along a series of suspension bridges above the forest canopy. Along with the lovely horse treks, nature-spotting twilight walks, visits to coffee and dairy farms, you may find it hard to choose between all of the exciting excursions!
Entrance to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Wildlife night walk - US$27 • Sugar cane tour - US$36 • Zip Lining - US$54 • Tour Guide in the National Park - US$ 20 pp (max 10 people in the group) • Tour Guide in the National Park - US$ 20 pp (max 10 people in the group)
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Don Taco or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Our next journey takes us through the mountains of the cloud forest using a combination of minivans and boats. The first leg to Lake Arenal takes about one hour 30 minutes and the landscape is truly spectacular. Rolling hills eventually give way to the distant views of Arenal Volcano and we can stop for photos at some of the best lookouts. Stopping by the side of the road one last time, we walk down a dirt path to our boat on the shores of Lake Arenal. The scenery is truly stunning from the lake and we travel for approximately an hour slowly approaching Arenal Volcano. Once we reach the other side, where we board another minibus and travel for thirty minutes to La Fortuna.
After checking in you have time for lunch and to explore the town. Kick back and relax, you then have two full days to enjoy all the wonderful excursions in the area! You are free to enjoy the hiking trails, horseback riding, butterfly gardens or zip-line tours.
Paddle Boarding - US$62 • Canyoneering - from US$100 • Mountain Biking - US$134 • Arenal Volcano Walk - US$56 • Hot Springs - US$76 • White Water Rafting - from US$68 • Hanging Bridges - US$73 • Zip Lining - US$92 • Night walk tour - US$46
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Fortuna or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
The main attraction in La Fortuna is the nearby Arenal Volcano, which was constantly erupting between 1968 and 2010. Although not erupting any more, the occasional puff of steam can be seen. The National Park consists of lush forests bursting with wildlife, gushing waterfalls and hanging bridges. You are free to enjoy the hiking trails, horseback riding, butterfly gardens or zip-line tours.
Paddle Boarding - US$62 • Canyoneering - from US$100 • Mountain Biking - US$134 • Arenal Volcano Walk - US$56 • Hot Springs - US$76 • White Water Rafting - from US$68 • Hanging Bridges - US$73 • Zip Lining - US$92 • Night walk tour - US$46
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Fortuna or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today is your last day to make sure you have soaked up the beauty of La Fortuna. If you have not already, perhaps hike to the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall where you can swim in the pool beneath the cascading water. On your hike you will likely see toucans, monkeys and sloths enjoying this peaceful way of life.
1 night(s) in hotels at Rosa del Paseo Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
1 Breakfast(s)
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| Min - Max (Persons) | Adult Price |
|---|---|
| 3 - 30 | £9.00 |
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