Von Yucatan nach Costa Rica

1. Tag: Playa del Carmen

Welcome to Mexico! The first night of this tour will be spent at Playa del Carmen, a beachside paradise only one hour away from Cancún. We recommend booking extra nights to enjoy the paradise beaches as well as the optional activities including the Maya ruins at Tulúm.

Optional Excursions:
Tulum Ruins – MXN65 plus transport or MXN80 return
Cozumal day trip –US$24

2-4. Tag: Caye Caulker

We set off very early from Playa del Carmen, taking a short walk to the terminal we begin our full day journey to beautiful Belize using a combination of public buses, taxis and a ferry. When leaving Mexico you will have to pay a small departure fee of approximately MXN533. Belizeans know how to relax, and hopefully the locals' expertise on relaxation will be contagious during your stay on Caye Caulker. If not, there are signs to remind you to "Go Slow", "Take it easy", and even "No shirt, no shoes, no problem". We spend a couple of very laid back nights on Caye Caulker, where you can throw away your shoes to wander the sand filled streets, spend the evenings eating seafood, drinking cocktails, and listening to reggae music in one of the bars.

During the day we can organise a range of different optional snorkelling trips for you, such as to Shark and Ray Alley, where you can swim within a few feet of nurse sharks and majestic sting rays, or weather dependent, you may have the opportunity to swim with sea-cows! 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.

Optional Excursions:
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)

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Caye Caulker

5-6. Tag: San Ignacio

We continue on to San Ignacio referred to as "Cayo" by the locals, this agricultural centre is also known to be the 'adventure' and 'nature' capital of Belize. The surrounding jungle, wildlife, waterfalls, rivers and caves, have created the ideal location for the numerous optional excursions that are available, from canoeing downriver and tubing through caves, to visiting the famous caves Actun Tunichil Muknal, where they found untouched Mayan ceremonial and sacrificial remains.

Optional Excursions:
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

7. Tag: Flores

Waving 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 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 are temples that 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!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Guided tour of Tikal ruins

8. Tag: Rio Dulce

We carry on to the river town of Rio Dulce where we overnight in cabins right on the water. In the afternoon the boat tour along the 43 kilometre stretch of waterway to Livingston allows you to experience one of the most scenic areas of Guatemala. Livingston is situated at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, where it joins the Bay of Amatique, and is inhabited by the Garifuna people. This lively little town has a Caribbean atmosphere different to the rest of Guatemala and is a great place to try the delicious local specialty tapado (seafood coconut soup) and listen to the local African-style punta music.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Rio Dulce boat tour to Livingston

9-10. Tag: Antigua

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is one of the most delightful colonial towns in Central America. 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.

Optional Excursions:
Pacaya volcano climb - US$20
Walking tour - US$30
Chocolate making class - US$30
Coffee farm tour - US$25

11. Tag: Chichicastenango & Panajachel

After breakfast we will leave Antigua and drive towards Guatemala's most famous market town, Chichicastenango. This village's population swells from approx. 1000 to over 20,000 on market day (when we visit). The local indigenous people, mostly descendants of the K'iche' (Quiché) Maya people, come down from the nearby hills to sell everything from kitchen pots and pans to live turkeys! Handicrafts, bags, jumpers and wall hangings are just a few of the bargains to be found here.

After grabbing some lunch, we will continue towards Lake Atitlan, a body of water in a massive volcanic crater. Ringed by steep, green hills, it is known for its Mayan villages and volcanoes with striking pointed cones. We will stay in the busy village of Panajachel, where vendors sell traditional textiles, pottery and much more.

Optional Excursions:
Lake Atitlan boat trip – US$25
Nima'ya de Atitlan Observation Deck – US$5
Lake Atitlan villages by ferry – US$5

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Visit to Chichicastenango markets

12-13. Tag: Panajachel & Atitlan See

The next two days are free at your leisure to relax in the town of Panajachel, or a choose from a range of optional excursions. Here you can take a boat tour to some of the many surrounding villages or possibly go for a swim in the lake. Panajachel also has many restaurants and interesting bars lining the main street, where you can have lakeside sunset drinks.

14-15. Tag: Quetzaltenango

We will continue towards the town of Quetzaltenango. It is framed by a backdrop of volcanoes, including the towering Santa Maria with its active Santiaguito lava dome. The city is known for its neoclassical buildings, including La Casa de Cultura and the Municipal Theatre.

You will find a host of great excursions from Quetzaltenango, including hot springs and volcano hikes for every ability.

Optional Excursions:
Fuentes Georginas Hotsprings – US$24
Hike to the Santiaguito viewpoint – US$33
Chicabal Lagoon – US$43

16. Tag: Antigua

We begin our journey towards Honduras, making a stop in Antigua en route.

17-18. Tag: Copán

It’s time to leave Guatemala and embark on a lengthy bus ride to Honduras into the charming town of Copán. Within walking distance of the village is one of the best-kept and most intriguing of all the ancient Maya sites, the Copán ruins. On your guided tour you will see the intricately carved statues known as stelaes depicting the 16 rulers of this once magnificent and influential city. You will also discover the spectacular staircase, ball courts and enormous main plaza.

In the afternoon there are many optional activities to enjoy. Why not take a trip up to hot springs surrounded or visit the Macaw Mountain Bird Park and Sanctuary? For coffee aficionados you can take a tour of a local plantation for an insight into where some of the world’s best coffee is made!

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Guided tour of Copán ruins

19. Tag: Tela

We will continue to Tela on the Caribbean coast of Honduras where we have the choice of various optional excursions in the afternoon. Tela is a gateway to the vast Lancetilla Botanical Garden, in the south, home to rich birdlife and an arboretum with a bamboo tunnel. In the west, Jeanette Kawas National Park has habitats ranging from coastal lagoons like Los Micos to beaches and jungle, plus the traditional village of Miami. For wildlife-lovers you can visit Punta Izopo National Park where Howler monkeys inhabit the mangroves.

20-22. Tag: Insel Roatán

Today we travel across to Roatán. This is the largest of the beautiful sun-soaked Caribbean Bay Islands. Development on the island means there is plenty to do, but it is also easy to find a deserted beach lapped by warm Caribbean waters. Here you will find palm-fringed lagoons, turquoise water, friendly locals, lively nightlife and stunning underwater scenery, with some of the cheapest diving and snorkelling in the world! You can elect to swim with dolphins, a truly unforgettable experience, or get into the true Caribbean sprit with a sunset cruise (optional).

Optional Excursions:
Snorkelling with dive boat – US$20
Scuba diving – US$30 per dive
Scuba diving introduction dive (up to 15m) – US$100
Botanical gardens – US$5
Swim with dolphins – US$68- US$242
Kayak rental – US$20 per hour
Butterfly garden – US$5
Scooter rentals – US$35 per day
Glass bottom boat – US$20
Fishing trips – US$60 per hour

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Roatán Island

23. Tag: San José

The capital city of Costa Rica, San José, is nestled in a fertile valley among coffee and sugar-cane farms. There is not much left of the colonial era architecture, due to the damage done by earthquakes, but it is certainly worth seeing the National Theatre, built in 1897. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to catch a performance whilst you're here. The Gold, Jade and National Museums are also particularly recommended for a visit

There are plenty of interesting optional day trips that can be undertaken within a close vicinity of San José such as visits to the Poás or Irazú volcano, white water rafting, the Turu BaRi Topical Park or the Rain Forest Aerial Tram.

Please note: If you are are travelling into Costa Rica from Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama then you will need a valid yellow fever certificate.

Optional Excursions:
Jade Museum - US$15
Museum National - US$4
Theatro National - US$5

24. Tag: San José

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.