Antigua Guatemala (Guatemala) | Caye Caulker (Belize) | Copan (Honduras) | Flores (Guatemala) | Granada (Spain) | Isla de Ometepe (Nicaragua) | La Fortuna (Costa Rica) | Leon (Nicaragua) | Monteverde (Costa Rica) | Panajachel (Guatemala) | Playa El Tunco (El Salvador) | Playa del Carmen (Mexico) | Rio Dulce (Guatemala) | San Ignacio (Belize) | San Jose (Costa Rica) | San Juan La Laguna (Guatemala) | Suchitoto (El Salvador)
The following are Basic Central America: Mexico To Costa Rica tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Arrive at any time. After the welcome meeting choose to join your fellow group members for an optional evening out.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the city.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Spend a full free day in the area! Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum or snorkel off the coast of nearby Cozumel. For a more laid-back day, choose to enjoy the beach.
Take advantage of a full day of free time to relax or explore as much as you wish. Perched atop the sea you will find the ruins of Tulum. In the coral-filled waters surrounding Cozumel you can snorkel, or you can go swimming in a cenote or at the beach, before exploring the town in the evening on your own.
Free time to explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum, the diving mecca of Cozumel, or play in the waves and enjoy the beach!
Travel from Mexico across the border into Belize today, which boasts huge swaths of jungle, ancient Mayan ruins, and above all, friendly, easy-going people. During the drive, picture the unbelievably clear blue waters and the opportunities you will have over the next few days for diving and snorkelling along the barrier reef.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Arrive at the Mexican border then go to immigration to get passports stamped and pay the exit fee. After a quick trip on the bus, grab your luggage and pass through Belizean immigration and customs. Get back on the bus with your stuff and get ready to start exploring Belize.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
Enjoy a free day in Caye Caulker. Choose to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, keeping a lookout for stingrays and nurse sharks. You can also choose to go diving, or just chill out on the beach.
Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas-the Caribbean awaits!
Another full day of free time will allow you to participate in any optional activities in the area that you didn't have time for yesterday.
Do as much or as little as you wish on this little slice of paradise in Belize. Cruise the island or explore its seas-the Caribbean awaits!
Cross back to the mainland of Belize via boat and travel by bus inland to San Ignacio. Along the way the group will stop for an included pottery demonstration and a typical lunch at a G Adventures-supported women's pottery cooperative.
San Ignacio is a great base for exploring some of Belize's lesser known inland gems. There will be ample free time here to wander the area by foot, canoe, or horseback, or you can choose to book a caving trip.
Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.
Like in many places around the world, education for women in the village of San Antonio isn't prioritized. Girls don't typically attend school beyond primary levels. So a women's cooperative was founded here, as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills, and share centuries-old Mayan techniques and knowledge. Visit the pottery workshop, which is newly expanded with an investment from G Adventures. Meet some of the women who've found community within its walls and gain insight into the tradition of throwing pots. Afterward, enjoy lunch together with these inspiring and unforgettable women, sampling traditional foods of the Cayo region.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Enjoy a day at leisure to experience the surroundings of San Ignacio. Choose to visit the Sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, or set your eyes on the lesser-visited Xunantunich Mayan ruins.
Enjoy a full day at your leisure in San Ignacio.
While this trip is fast-paced, there will be some opportunity to rest on today's drive as the group crosses another border and travels to Guatemala. Enter the country in the northeast jungle Peten region and stop for a guided tour of the ancient city of Tikal on the way to Flores. This place is the capital of Peten, a small island located on the second largest lake in Guatemala-Lake Peten Itza.
Jump in the back and tell the driver to step on it, just like they do in the movies.
Grab your bags from the vehicle and head to immigration after paying the exit fee. Passports get stamped in immigration and then passed to your CEO for the short walk (200m) to the Guatemalan border where the entrance fee is paid. Lend a hand loading luggage into the vehicle while your CEO gets all the passports stamped. Welcome to Guatemala!
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Put on your walking shoes and prepare for a tiring but memorable day walking through history at the impressive site of Tikal. The Mayan site is set in the heart of the jungle, in Tikal National Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along with our bilingual guide, see some of the temples, plazas, carved stone monuments and public squares, more than 3,000 buildings in all, dating from as far back as 600 BC. Climb to the top of Temple IV, catch your breath, take photos, and then sit and contemplate the magnificence of the site and the tropical rainforest beyond. Look for monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, and deer, as well as macaws and eagles, snakes, and spiders.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Travel for most of the day from Flores to Rio Dulce, which is on the shores of Lake Izabel, the largest lake in Guatemala. This journey across the country will take a road through dense jungle arriving at this port town in the evening.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sit back and marvel at the scenery on a boat ride from Rio Dulce to the Caribbean town of Livingston. Make a stop at the G Adventures-supported El Manglar Restaurant for an explanation of the women-led community initiative project there. Walk around the grounds and then gather for a delicious lunch steeped in local flavours.
Take a boat down the Rio Dulce toward the Caribbean Sea passing through El Golfete and El Canyon before arriving to Livingston. Float past mangroves and lily pads and the Boqueron Canyon, where a sheer limestone cliff rises 122m (400 ft) out of the river, covered in vines, trees and moss. Arrive at the small fishing village of Livingston known for its unique Afro-Caribbean Garifuna population, with their unique art, music and delicious coconut seafood soup, "tapado".
El Manglar Restaurant in Guatemala is a women-led community tourism initiative founded by the Cayo Quemado Women's Committee with the aim of creating new job opportunities within the community. During your visit you will begin with a welcome given by the women of the committee and receive a brief introduction to the workshop. Then, there will be a short walk around the property, including a full explanation of the project, it's impact, and culture before you all sit down for lunch at the restaurant. Every traveler that visits Cayo Quemado has a direct impact on their community.
Spend most of the day travelling from Rio Dulce to Antigua, Guatemala. Rest up on the ride because upon arrival the group will set off on an orientation walk. The rest of the evening is free. Get a head start planning tomorrow's activities or enjoy this colonial city's nightlife.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
The group will have a full day at leisure in Antigua. From biking riding to climbing a volcano there's plenty to see and do. Stay in town and cafe hop as a way to soak up the area's culture.
Get adventurous and pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on tour, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Free time in Antigua. Relax with a massage, climb a volcano, soak up the culture of this colonial town's many museums and cafes, attend a chocolate workshop, visit one of the local coffee or macadamia nut plantations, or explore the nearby hills and towns by bike.
Visit beautiful Lake Atitlan after travelling through the country's highlands full of fertile hills and fields. The area is ideal for outdoor activities and you will have plenty of time to explore.
Note: Please dress conservatively when visiting the villages and refrain from photographing religious ceremonies, or individuals who do not wish to be photographed.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Take a boat ride across the lake before taking part in a G Adventures-supported homestay with a local family.
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Submerge yourself in Mayan culture during this home stay run by a Planeterra community tourism project. Set on the northwest shore of Lake Atitlan, arrive by boat to the laid-back village of San Juan La Laguna and immediately feel at home. Meet your host family, stash your stuff, then set off to explore the area. Admire the paintings of local artists, watch weavers who use traditional techniques to dye wool, go for a hike and admire the view across the lake. Feel good knowing you are supporting local families eager to benefit from tourism in their community.
The group will journey back to Antigua and spend some free time exploring. Optional activities include visiting a macadamia nut farm, checking out a coffee plantation, biking around Antigua's surrounding hills, or taking a salsa lesson.
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Relax in Antigua on your own! Opt to book a massage, hop on a bike and ride through the nearby hills, visit a local farm, or climb a volcano.
Looking for adventure? Pre-book the Pacaya Volcano Hike on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Get out and explore Guatemala's former capital city.
Cross the border today between Guatemala and Honduras as the group travels to the town of Copan Ruinas. Arrive in the colonial highland town in the evening and soak up this gorgeous location set along a river in the coffee growing region.
The Mayan ruins of Copan are fascinating, beautiful and unique among Mayan cities. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980, Copan contains some of the most important Mayan ruins found to date, and many unusual artistic features, including some of the most detailed carvings in the Mayan world.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Enjoy a full free day to explore Copan on your own. Choose to visit the nearby ruins and see some lesser known Mayan sites along the way. You can also choose to visit the countryside where you'll find hidden jungle hot springs to soak in.
Free time in the town of Copan. Opt to visit the Copan Ruins, explore the hills, or soak in hot springs.
The journey today, while long, will also be a good way to catch up on some rest. Drive from Honduras back into Guatemala briefly before crossing the border to El Salvador where the group will stay in the colonial town of Suchitoto. Choose to try pupusas tonight, a local Salvadorian specialty and a great treat after a long day of travel.
Prepare for the long travel day with snacks.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Spend the morning at leisure in Suchitoto and then it's off to the coast and the La Libertad region. Catch a stunning sunset in a small surf town and opt to grab a cold drink after a day's journey complete.
Enjoy a free morning to check out this colonial city.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
This full free day is perfect for optional beach activities in the area. Opt to book a surf lesson, try fresh ceviche at the fish market, visit the Tamanique waterfalls, or relax on the beach.
Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you'd like in this beach town.
Leave El Salvador and transfer by land and sea to Nicaragua. The group will arrive to colonial Leon for a short orientation walk in the evening.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Take a brief walk of the historic center of Leon. Pass through the central park, the local market, and various historical churches.
Continue on towards Granada today, where you'll see the city's colourful colonial buildings during an orientation walk. Surrounded by active volcanoes and lakes, this place is perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Get to know the town and opt to go out with the group.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Get out and explore the charms of Granada during your full free day. Visit the local markets and museums. Choose to try kayaking in Lake Nicaragua or go for a swim in Laguna de Apoyo. You could also go for a walk in the forest at the top of Mombacho Volcano.
Free time to explore beautiful Granada's markets, buildings and museums, view Masaya Volcano's smoldering crater, kayak in Lake Nicaragua or swim in Laguna de Apoyo.
Cross Lake Nicaragua by ferry to arrive at Ometepe Island, formed from two volcanoes in the middle of the lake. Here, take part in a 2-night G Adventures-supported community homestay among different local families. This experience will give you a chance to experience how rural Nicaraguans live.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails.
Explore Ometepe on your own. Choose to climb Volcano Concepcion or Volcano Maderas, spend time with the local host families, or view petroglyphs left by the island's original inhabitants. You can also choose to walk or kayak in Charco Verde reserve, travel the island by bicycle, or lounge out on the beach.
Free time in Ometepe. Spend time with the local host families and see more of the island. Opt to climb either of the two volcanoes on the island, view petroglyphs, walk or kayak in Charco Verde reserve, swim in clear spring water at Ojo de Agua, lay on the beach or explore the island on bicycle.
Stay with a local family by the lake in the small rural village of La Paloma, near Moyogalpa, on Ometepe Island. Your presence is supporting this community-owned and operated business. The Planeterra Foundation helped launch the project and trained up the community to host G Adventures travellers. While you're here, practice Spanish, enjoy authentically-cooked fresh food and hike the nearby trails.
Travel by ferry back to the mainland and drive across the border into Costa Rica. The final destination today is the cloud forest environment of Monteverde. Sitting 1,400 meters above sea level, Monteverde is literally in the clouds and home to unique and diverse flora and fauna.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Be prepared to walk with bags approximately 10 minutes between the Nicaragua and Costa Rica border stations.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The day is free for any optional activities in the area. Options include a visit to a cloud forest reserve, ziplining through the jungle canopy, or visiting a coffee plantation. There's also horseback riding in the mountains or hiking along local trails.
The day is free to choose from many optional activities. Fly hundreds of meters above the trees on a zip-lining tour, hike through one of the cloud forest reserves, ride a horse in the mountains, visit a coffee/sugar cane farm, tour the cheese factory or check out the orchid garden, serpentarium, or frog pond in town.
Leave the cloud forest behind and travel down towards sea level and across Costa Rica's largest lake to the town of La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Once here, choose your activities; canyoning, white water rafting, hiking, caving, horseback riding, paddle boarding, kayaking, and visiting a wildlife refuge are just some of the fun options you could try.
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Climb aboard and get your float on.
Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Partake in any of the activities you didn't get to try yesterday. From canyoning to rafting, the possibilities feel endless.
Free time to enjoy the La Fortuna and Arenal area.
Travel through the mountains to San Jose and spend a free night out in the capital. From beautiful parks to museums and theatres there's plenty to see.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Basic Central America: Mexico To Costa Rica tour:
5a. Calle Oriente No. 12 Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepequez 3001 Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala-3001
Calzada Santa Lucia norte No. 5
Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala-03001
Pasero Street
Caye Caulker, Belize
Copan, Honduras
Flores, Guatemala
Gasolinera UNO Guapinol 1.5 Km al Sur, frente al minsa Granada, Av Arellano.
Granada, Nicaragua
Arenal Volcano main road
3 blocks west from Central park, 68241000
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Leon, Nicaragua
50 mts south-west of Super Compro Supermarket, Santa Elena, 606, Puntarenas Province
Monteverde, Costa Rica-60109
Moyogalpa, Nicaragua
Panajachel, Guatemala
Km. 49, Carretera del Litoral, Tamanique La Libertad, El Salvador.
Playa El Tunco, El Salvador
Dirección Avenida 20 entre 2 y 4 Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, México
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Burns Avenue
San Ignacio, Belize-33326
Avenida Central, Calles 35 y 37 75 metros al oeste del Auto Mercado Los Yoses
San Jose, Costa Rica-11501
San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala
Av. 15 de Septiembre # 8, Barrio El Centro
Suchitoto, El Salvador
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Basic Central America: Mexico To Costa Rica tour:
Max 16, avg 14.
Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Pottery Cooperative and Local Lunch, San IgnacioYour G for Good Moment: Caribbean Gastronomic Experience "El Manglar", LivingstonYour G for Good Moment: Posadas Mayas Homestay, San Juan La LagunaYour G for Good Moment: Puesta del Sol Community Guesthouse Stay, Isla de OmetepeYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Playa del CarmenYour Discover Moment: Caye CaulkerYour Discover Moment: San IgnacioYour Discover Moment: Antigua GuatemalaYour Discover Moment: GranadaYour Discover Moment: MonteverdeYour Discover Moment: La Fortuna. Guided tour of Tikal. Orientation walks in Antigua, Leon, and Granada. Beach time in Caye Caulker and El Tunco. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Relax on laid-back beaches in Caye Caulker and El Tunco, Explore Mayan ruins of Copan and Tikal, Wander the local markets of colourful colonial Antigua, Make new friends at a local homestay in Guatemala, Visit seven different countries in one month
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Tulum- Tulum Ruins VisitPlaya del Carmen- Cenote Visit (40-60USD per person)- Tequila Tasting (850-1100MXN per person)- Coco Bongo Disco and Show (90USD per person)Akumal- Akumal Beach Visit (20USD per person)Caye Caulker- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour- Fishing (250-450USD per person)- Bike with Purpose Rental (1-30USD per person)- Sunset Sailing Boat Tour (60USD per person)Xunantunich- Xunantunich Visit (65USD per person)Caves Branch- Cave Tubing (95USD per person)Caracol- Caracol Ruins Tour (125USD per person)Barton Creek- Barton Creek Cave Canoeing (120USD per person)San Ignacio- Horseback Riding (80USD per person)Actun Tunichil Muknal- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit (140USD per person)Antigua Guatemala- Salsa Lesson (10USD per person)- Finca Valhalla Visit (5-10USD per person)- Massage (30-60USD per person)- Cycling (30-50USD per person)- ChocoMuseo Tour and Workshop (24USD per person)- Elizabeth Bell Walking Tour (25USD per person)- Acatenango Volcano Climb (145USD per person)- Finca Filidelfia Coffee Tour (25USD per person)Escuintla- Pacaya Volcano Hike (75USD per person)Panajachel- MassageLago de Atitlan- Kayaking- SwimmingSan Juan La Laguna- ShoppingCopan- Copan Ruins Guided Tour (25USD per person)- Luna Jaguar Hot Springs Visit (50USD per person)Playa El Tunco- Surfing Lesson (60USD per person)Granada- Masaya Volcano Day Excursion (40USD per person)- Mi Museo Cultural Museum (5USD per person)- Hiking- Laguna de Apoyo Visit (35USD per person)Masaya- Market ExplorationIsla de Ometepe- Swimming (Free)- Hike Concepcion Volcano (45USD per person)- Ometepe Island Cultural and Pre-Columbian Petroglyphs Tour (45USD per person)- Ojo de Agua (Swimming Hole) (10-15USD per person)Monteverde- Sky Walk (55USD per person)- Monteverde Butterfly Garden Visit (20USD per person)- Ziplining (73USD per person)- Monteverde Coffee Plantation Tour (40USD per person)- Monteverde Horseback Riding (45USD per person)- Santa Elena Cloud Forest Visit (35-50USD per person)La Fortuna- Costa Rica Adrenaline Bundle (149USD per person)- Ecotermales Hot Springs (64USD per person)- La Fortuna Waterfall Swim (20USD per person)- Mountain Biking (79USD per person)- Birdwatching- Horseback Riding (59USD per person)- Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning (90USD per group)- Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour (65-133USD per person)Sarapiqui- Sarapiqui River Rafting (99USD per person)
Simple hotels and hostels (26 nts, mostly multishare) home stay (3 nts).
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Local bus, ferry, boat, private vehicle, taxi, walking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Please note this is a basic level trip, using a mix of multi-share accommodations like hostels and basic hotels, as well as public transportation throughout. We have an 18-30’s version of this trip, please see here for more details.
Costa Rica Water Activities:o Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)o Sport Sandals or Water Shoes (if you plan to do waterfall rappelling and/or rafting)Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Basic: Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
On this tour you may have the opportunity to visit the following G Adventures for Good projects:OPEN WINDOWS FOUNDATION Open Windows is a non-profit organization that provides educational opportunities for children in the community of San Miguel Dueñas. Programs offered by Open Windows are free and have supported over1,500 children in the areas of literacy, computer skills, tutoring and art with priority given to those who have greater financial need. A scholarship program is offered to children who show great interest in learning and strong dedication to studying and for those in need of medical support, a health clinic is open free to the community twice each month.Although the town of San Miguel Duenas is situated just twenty minutes from the wealthy tourist center of Antigua, it does not benefit from its proximity. It has a substantially lower standard of living (the average monthly income is less than $80, and many homes do not have running water or electricity) and level of education. The need to improve education is huge. In Guatemala the literacy level is only 71%, the average child completes only five and a half years of school, more than half fail 1st grade, and only 1% of the population reads for pleasure.San Miguel Duenas is an agricultural town of 12,000 people, of which 4,000 are school-aged children and yet only 2,000 attend school. The rest do not go for various financial and cultural reasons. Instead of attending school many children must help provide for their families by picking coffee. This has resulted in an exceptionally low literacy rate in this community. There are NO other libraries or computer centers in San Miguel Dueñas (not even the four local schools have either of these facilities). Open Windows, therefore, aims to improve the living conditions of the economically deprived children from in and around the town, by providing access to important educational resources through its services which the community has come to depend on.How You Can HelpEach year we work with the staff of Open Windows to identify the needs of the project. G Adventures pays all administration costs so that 100% of each donation goes to the projects we support. It costs $500 USD to send one child to school for one year. This provides enough funds to cover the cost of the child’s uniform, school fees, books and school supplies. Highschool is six years in duration which means that by raising just $3,000 USD we can help one child further their education giving them the confidence and ability to access better jobs and create a brighter future.While our goal is to raise funds to support the Open Windows Scholarship program, travellers can also help make a difference by visiting the Open Windows project while on your G Adventures tour and donating the following items: • School supplies (i.e. pens, pencils, notebooks) • Art supplies (i.e. yarn, crochete hooks, paint) • Children’s clothes (i.e. T-shirts) • Running shoes (new and used) • Mouse pads and earphones to be used with the computers • Toys to be used for the reading points program • Over the counter medicine to be used in the health clinic (i.e. Tylenol, cough medicine etc.)It is possible to visit this project on most tours that pass through Antigua, Guatemala. To arrange a visit please speak to your G Adventures CEO who can arrange this for you.CORNERSTONE FOUNDATION The Cornerstone Foundation is a registered non-profit humanitarian service organization that offers a variety of valuable programs to people in need in the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.The programs offered through the Cornerstone Foundation have constantly been evolving and are based on specific needs within the community. Relief & AidThrough this program seniors, the ill and disabled are supported by a weekly food program whereby food such as rice, beans and meat when available are delivered to their homes. Children whose families cannot afford to provide them with food at lunch are able to participate in Cornerstones’ basic but nutritious lunch feeding program.HIV/AIDS EducationHIV infection in Belize is the highest in Central America. This program collaborates closely with other local efforts to raise community awareness of high-risk behaviors, provides support for those who are living with AIDS, and conducts activities to change attitudes and reduce stigmatization. Women's IssuesSupporting the move of local women towards greater independence and self-sufficiency is the focus of this program. Self-esteem building, ending domestic violence, training peer counselors, and teaching job skills are part of this program.Disabilities This program serves individuals, families, caregivers, teachers and others, helping to meet the physical, social, emotional, and material needs of the disabled. Belize has minimal information about special needs, limited physical therapy, nearly no equipment, and few professionals trained to work with learning and other disabilities.Literacy Although English is the country's official language, most Belizeans grow up speaking local indigenous languages instead. Cornerstone's Literacy and English Second Language (ESL) classes are offered to children, adults, developmentally disabled students which improves their ability to participate more fully in Belizean society and the economy. How You Can HelpEach year we work with the staff of Cornerstone to identify the needs of their programs. In the past we have supported Cornerstone’s Literacy and Disabilities programs and with your support we can help with continued annual donations through the Planeterra Foundation. G Adventures pays all administration costs so that 100% of each donation goes to the projects we support.It is possible to visit the Cornerstone project office on some tours that pass through San Ignacio, Belize. To arrange a visit please speak to your G Adventures CEO.For more information about these projects and/or to make a donation please visit our website at www.planeterra.org or contact us at info@planeterra.org