Mexico City: Day of the Dead Comfort
from $2023
Duration: 5 Days
Feel the mystical vibes of the weird and wonderful Dia de los Muertos, or the annual Day of the Dead festival, on a five-day cultural exploration of Mexico City and surrounds. Visit the museums of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and learn all about their fascination with death, wander about the Tlahuac community, participate in a traditional Day of the Dead ceremony and see elaborate altars dedicated to the deceased. This festival is all about rituals, so dive straight in to the spooky and sacrilegious ceremonies that has made this tradition so infamous. Oh, and Mexico City’s tacos will make you feel you’ve died and gone to heaven, too.
  • Join a family in Tlahuac to create an altar (or ofrenda as it's sometimes called in Spanish) to remember your ancestors and join in their colourful cemetery ceremonies.
  • Take a walking tour of Mexico City with your local leader, taking in the city’s most iconic sites – the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio de Bellas Artes.
  • Get the low-down on all the traditions and rituals watching the incredible Day of the Dead parade then fiesta the night away in Mexico City and get into the true spirit of this haunting ceremonial festival.
  • Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in the historic Coyoacan neighbourhood - you'll check out the works in her former home and discover her art often focused on the notion of death.
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Tlahuac - Cemetery visit
  • Tlahuac - Day of the Dead altar creation
  • Tlahuac - Day of the Dead parade
  • Mexico City - City Tour
  • Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee)
  • Day 1 Location: Mexico City
    Bienvenidos a Mexico! Welcome to Mexico! Arrive at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport and be transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Modern meets ancient in Mexico City – one of the world's largest urban centres. A bustling, busy place, Mexico City offers a great variety of impressive museums, galleries and architecture, along with exciting nightlife and delicious street food. If you arrive early, head to the Zocalo – the city's huge central square – to see Aztec ruins and colonial architecture or relax in one of the many parks, plazas and gardens. After your important meeting, why not head out and see this city in full swing – street tacos, anyone? You’ll already have noticed a mystical feeling in the air – keep an eye out for any Day of the Dead decorations you can spot around town.
    Day 2 Location: Mexico City
    You’ll wave goodbye to Mexico City this morning and head to San Pedro Tlahuac where Nahuatl descendants preserve traditions from Pre-Columbian times, including chinampa farming, fiestas and ceremonies from ancient days. Visit a local family, get acquainted with their traditional customs and join them to create an altar. Making an altar (or ofrenda as it's sometimes called in Spanish) during the Day of the Dead festivities can be a way to honour the life of someone who was important, or remember your ancestors. You can get as creative as you like when building the altar with the local family. As part of the Day of the Dead, people organise ceremonies at the cemetery for those not physically with them any longer and commemorate the lives of people passed over. You’ll visit the local cemetery and see how the families decorate the graves of their ancestors with the belief that when they return from the dead, their spirits will go to the cemetery first. Some even elaborately decorate paths to their homes with flower petals to lead the spirits back. It’s an eye opening, yet beautiful experience that you won’t soon forget. 
    Day 3 Location: Mexico City
     Set out on a walking tour of Mexico City’s historic centre with your leader, walking past the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, Palacio de Bellas Artes and Frida Kahlo Museum. The Frida Kahlo Museum, located in the house she lived throughout her life, contains a collection of her work, as well as artefacts, photographs, and personal items. After your walking tour, you’ll also swing by Mercado San Juan, where you might want to buy yourself some lunch. The afternoon is then free to explore on your own, or perhaps take an optional trip to Xochimilco (approximately 28 km away) to visit the Doll's Island. In the evening, return to Mexico City to watch some street festivities and feel the deathly vibes of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
    Day 4 Location: Mexico City
    Today is a free day to explore the city on your own. Perhaps relax in Chapultepec Park or take in some of the city's notable museums. In the evening you could visit the famous Plaza Garibaldi or sip cocktails with your fellow travellers in one of the many trendy bars in the city, whatever takes your fancy.
    Day 5 Location: Mexico City
    Your immersion in Mexico's Day of the Dead festival ends after breakfast this morning. That doesn’t mean your Mexican adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Mexico City, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    30OCT2024
    Return Date:
    03NOV2024
    2130NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    30OCT2024
    Return Date:
    03NOV2024
    2130NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    31OCT2025
    Return Date:
    04NOV2025
    2235NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    07 Feb 2024

    Trip title

    Mexico City: Day of the Dead Comfort

    Trip code

    QVKC

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    Feel the mystical vibes of the weird and wonderful Dia de los Muertos, or the annual Day of the Dead festival, on a five-day cultural exploration of Mexico City and surrounds. Visit the museums of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and learn all about their fascination with death, wander about the Tlahuac community, participate in a traditional Day of the Dead ceremony and see elaborate altars dedicated to the deceased. This festival is all about rituals, so dive straight in to the spooky and sacrilegious ceremonies that has made this tradition so infamous. Oh, and Mexico City’s tacos will make you feel you’ve died and gone to heaven, too.

    Style

    Comfort

    Themes

    Festivals and Events

    Transport

    Private vehicle,Metro

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    None of the activities featured in this trip require special training or skills, just a reasonable level of fitness and a willingness to participate. Cobblestones and uneven roads are common and you may be required to walk in hot and humid conditions. If you are in any doubt, please share these concerns or issues with your sales consultant so that your leader is aware prior and can pre-empt your needs.

    Joining point

    Hotel Ritz Mexico

    Francisco I. Madero # 30 Delegacion Cuauhtemoc, Centro Historico

    Ciudad de Mexico

    Mexico City

    D.F. 06000

    MEXICO

    Phone: +52 5551300160

    Alternate Joining point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

    30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410302), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410303)

    Hotel Casa González

    C. Río Sena 69, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

    Mexico City

    06500

    MEXICO

    Alternate Joining point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

    30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410306)

    Hotel Century Reforma (Formerly Known as Hotel Century Zona Rosa)

    #152 Calle Liverpool, Juarez

    Zona Rosa

    Mexico City

    06600

    MEXICO

    Phone: 52 (55)57269911

    Alternate Joining point description

    Century Zona Rosa Hotel is located in the Heart of the Zona Rosa of Mexico City, just 2 blocks from the Angel of Independence. Three blocks from the US Embassy, ​​just 4 km from the Historic Center, 4 km from Chapultepec and only 6 km from the WTC. Hotel Century Zona Rosa features guestrooms with private balconies, marble baths and roman tubs. Go for a swim in the swimming pool, then have dinner in the on-site restaurant.

    Alternate Joining point instructions

    An arrival transfer from Mexico City International Airport [MEX] is included in this trip. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organised. If you have pre-booked this service, please look for the sign with the Intrepid logo and your name on it; the driver will be located nearby to the Information Desk specific to your arrival terminal. Terminal 1 Domestic Arrivals – Information Desk A1 (in front of door 2) Terminal 1 International Arrivals – Information Desk E1 (in front of door 7) Terminal 2 Domestic Arrivals – Information Desk Q (in front of door 4) Terminal 2 International Arrivals – Information Desk N (in front of door 3) If you have any problems and cannot locate your driver on arrival, please call our Intrepid Emergency number listed under the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your Essential Trip Information document. If you don’t have a device or mobile coverage, Mexico City Airport has a free Wi-Fi connection, so you can call that same number via an online application such as Skype. There are also several information desks and tourist information desks around if you require further assistance. Otherwise, you can travel from the Mexico City Airport to the hotel by taxi. We recommend you use the authorised taxi services organised from inside the terminal. They will charge you approximately MX$250-350 (USD$14-20) for a trip to downtown. The drive to where the hotel is located is approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic.

    Alternate Joining point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

    30 Oct 2024 (QVKC241030), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410304), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410305), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410307), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410308), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410309)

    Hotel Geneve

    #130 Calle Londres, Juarez

    Zona Rosa

    Mexico City

    06600

    MEXICO

    Phone: +52 (55)50800600

    Alternate Joining point description

    Hotel Geneve Ciudad de México is a property with more than 100 years of history. The hotel is conveniently located 3 blocks from Paseo de la Reforma and the famous Zona Rosa, an important commercial, business, and entertainment area. Hotel Geneve Ciudad de México features 226 European-style guest rooms and suites distributed along three towers. Rooms feature antique furniture and modern amenities such as air conditioning, wireless internet access, cable TV, telephone with voice mail, in-room safe, coffeemaker, minibar, bathroom with tub, and a hairdryer.

    Alternate Joining point instructions

    An arrival transfer from Mexico City International Airport [MEX] is included in this trip. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organised. If you have pre-booked this service, please look for the sign with the Intrepid logo and your name on it; the driver will be located nearby to the Information Desk specific to your arrival terminal. Terminal 1 Domestic Arrivals – Information Desk A1 (in front of door 2) Terminal 1 International Arrivals – Information Desk E1 (in front of door 7) Terminal 2 Domestic Arrivals – Information Desk Q (in front of door 4) Terminal 2 International Arrivals – Information Desk N (in front of door 3) If you have any problems and cannot locate your driver on arrival, please call our Intrepid Emergency number listed under the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your Essential Trip Information document. If you don’t have a device or mobile coverage, Mexico City Airport has a free Wi-Fi connection, so you can call that same number via an online application such as Skype. There are also several information desks and tourist information desks around if you require further assistance. Otherwise, you can travel from the Mexico City Airport to the hotel by taxi. We recommend you use the authorised taxi services organised from inside the terminal. They will charge you approximately MX$250-350 (USD$14-20) for a trip to downtown. The drive to where the hotel is located is approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic.

    Finish point

    Hotel Ritz Mexico

    Francisco I. Madero # 30 Delegacion Cuauhtemoc, Centro Historico

    Ciudad de Mexico

    Mexico City

    D.F. 06000

    MEXICO

    Phone: +52 5551300160

    Alternate Finish point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.

    30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410302), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410303)

    Hotel Casa González

    C. Río Sena 69, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

    Mexico City

    06500

    MEXICO

    Alternate Finish point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.

    30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410306)

    Hotel Century Reforma (Formerly Known as Hotel Century Zona Rosa)

    #152 Calle Liverpool, Juarez

    Zona Rosa

    Mexico City

    06600

    MEXICO

    Phone: 52 (55)57269911

    Alternate Finish point instructions

    Intrepid offers a pre-arranged departure transfer service to Mexico City International Airport [MEX] at an additional fee. If you require this service, please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have pre-booked this service, your transfer driver will collect you from your hotel 3.5 hours before your flight time. If your transfer has not arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled pickup time please ask the hotel reception to call our Intrepid Emergency number, listed under ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your Essential Trip Information document. Alternatively, you can travel from the hotel to the airport by taxi. The hotel reception will be able to assist you with a taxi. The drive to the Mexico City Airport will take approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic and will cost approximately MX90-150 (USD$5-8).

    Alternate Finish point

    For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.

    30 Oct 2024 (QVKC241030), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410304), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410305), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410307), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410308), 30 Oct 2024 (QVKC2410309)

    Hotel Geneve

    #130 Calle Londres, Juarez

    Zona Rosa

    Mexico City

    06600

    MEXICO

    Phone: +52 (55)50800600

    Alternate Finish point description

    Hotel Geneve Ciudad de México is a property with more than 100 years of history. The hotel is conveniently located 3 blocks from Paseo de la Reforma and the famous Zona Rosa, an important commercial, business, and entertainment area. Hotel Geneve Ciudad de México features 226 European-style guest rooms and suites distributed along three towers. Rooms feature antique furniture and modern amenities such as air conditioning, wireless internet access, cable TV, telephone with voice mail, in-room safe, coffeemaker, minibar, bathroom with tub, and a hairdryer.

    Alternate Finish point instructions

    Intrepid offers a pre-arranged departure transfer service from the tour finishing hotel to Mexico City Airport at an additional fee. If you require this service please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your trip departure. If you have a transfer to the Airport your transfer driver will collect you from your Hotel approximately 4 hours prior to the flight departure time for International flights and 3 hours prior for domestic flights. If your transfer has not arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled pickup time please ask the hotel reception to call our Central American Operations Emergency number, listed under ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section of your essential information. Alternatively, you can travel from the hotel to the International Airport by taxi. Taxi: The hotel reception will be able to assist you with booking a taxi. The tax will cost approximately USD60-75 for a trip to Mexico City. The drive to Mexico City International Airport is approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic.

    Important information

    1. Your adventure begins with at 6pm on Day 1 in Mexico City. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 3. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 4. We will be operating multiple departures of this tour so it is possible that more than one group will be at some locations or activities at the same time. However, each group will have a maximum of 12 passengers with its own dedicated tour leader. Please advise us of any travel companions that are not booked on the same file.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    MONEY WITHDRAWAL: In order to avoid fraud and theft, it is advisable that you withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or guarded shops during business hours only.

    SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts.

    LOCAL LODGINGS: On this trip you will be staying in some restored houses and local lodges - these are one of the charms of this journey, but their staircases, balconies and passages etc may not always comply with western safety standards. Please do not expect elevators in these properties as they are preserved to their original state.

    FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Join a family in Tlahuac to create an altar (or ofrenda as it's sometimes called in Spanish) to remember your ancestors and join in their colourful cemetery ceremonies.

    Take a walking tour of Mexico City with your local leader, taking in the city’s most iconic sites – the Zocalo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Palacio de Bellas Artes.

    Get the low-down on all the traditions and rituals watching the incredible Day of the Dead parade then fiesta the night away in Mexico City and get into the true spirit of this haunting ceremonial festival.

    Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in the historic Coyoacan neighbourhood - you'll check out the works in her former home and discover her art often focused on the notion of death.

    Is this trip right for you

    This itinerary is designed to provide the best possible experience of the annual Day of the Dead festivities around Mexico City. As such, there is very limited free time to explore many of the area’s most popular tourist attractions, including the Museum of Anthropology, Teotihuacan and Chapultepec Park. We recommend you stay a few extra days before or after the tour to make the most of this vibrant metropolis. If you would like to spend more time in Mexico City, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). We will be operating multiple departures of this tour so it possible that more than one group will be at some locations or activities at the same time. However, each group will have a maximum of 12 passengers with its own dedicated tour leader.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.  ZIKA VIRUS: There have been reports of transmission of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in this region and we advise all travellers to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Given possible transmission of the disease to unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, we recommend all women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant to consult with their doctors before booking their trip.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in this region. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule, our groups tend to eat dinner together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please let us know your diet requirements before your trip starts. Generally speaking, in bigger cities/towns vegetarians can expect a reasonable range of vegetarian venues and/or vegetarian options within tourist restaurant menus. However, vegetarianism is not the norm in this part of the world so options can be limited when eating at homestays, small local restaurants, street stalls, markets, etc. More restrictive diet requirements (vegans, coeliac, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, lactose intolerance, etc.) can also be accommodated along this trip but you should expect a lesser variety than what you can expect at home. We recommend that, if possible, to bring your own supply of snacks with you. For those on strict Kosher or Halal diets, we understand your dietary requirements are important, however, sometimes due to cultural and language differences these are not always easy to convey when you are travelling. Your guide will do their best to assist you in translating your needs when eating out, but please be aware that these diets are almost unheard of in much of the continent and the best they may be able to accommodate is no pork and shellfish. If this will be a concern for you you may need to consider opting for vegetarian or vegan meals for the included meals in your itinerary. We recommend researching kosher or halal options in your destination country prior to travel to see if you are able to buy snacks once there, otherwise consider bringing some from home. 

    Money matters

    LATIN AMERICA The recommended amounts are listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however the local currency is needed in the countries you are visiting. CONTINGENCY FUNDS: We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you have access to the equivalent of an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result there may be some extra costs involved. MEALS NOT INCLUDED: For this trip we recommend between USD25 to USD50 per day. Breakfast - If breakfast is not included, you can expect to pay USD5 to USD10 at a local café. Lunch - If you are happy with a quick snack on the go, you may get away with as little as USD5 to USD10 for a set menu at a local eatery or a sandwich and a drink at a café. On the other hand, lunch at a tourist restaurant can cost USD10 to USD15. Dinner - At dinner time, your group leader or local representative will normally recommend restaurants where you can safely try the local specialties of the region. Expect meals to cost USD12 to USD25 for a main. These are indicative prices only. If you are on a tight budget and happy to eat local food you can eat cheaper than this. If you want to try the finest food at the finest restaurants, then you can expect meals to cost as much as in Western countries. CREDIT CARDS & ATMs: ATMs are widely available in major towns and cities across Latin America. Credit cards can generally be used in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only. MEXICO CURRENCY The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). You can pay with major credit and debit cards at many hotels, restaurants and stores but otherwise plan on making cash purchases with pesos. You can use major credit cards and some debit cards to withdraw pesos from ATMs and over the counter at banks. Few businesses accept US dollars however this is the easiest currency to exchange. TIPPING If you're happy with the service you receive, providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader. The recommended tipping amounts are listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers. We do however recommend that you tip in the local currency - Hold on to your smaller notes and coins to make tipping easier. The following amounts are per person suggestions based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: RESTAURANTS Local markets and basic restaurants - round your bill up to the nearest US$5. More up-market restaurants we suggest 10% of your bill. LOCAL GUIDES Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide. We suggest US$3-5 per passenger per day. DRIVERS You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We suggest US$3-6 per day for drivers. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE  You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline 4-7 USD or EUR per person (in a currency relevant to your destination), per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

    What to take

    Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. You'll also need a day pack/bag for activities and day trips. In terms of weight, airlines generally allow a maximum of 15-20kg for check in luggage and a maximum of 5kg for carry on. Other than the items and clothing you always need on a trip, below we have listed packing suggestions specific for this trip: ESSENTIAL: - Warm as well as light clothing. Central America is often assumed to have hot weather, but it can get cold in the countryside, mountains and at night in the winter so we suggest you check the expected temperatures en route and bring clothing that you can layer - Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through cities as well as bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings - Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses RECOMMENDED: - Soft and/or hard copies of all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, travel insurance etc. and keep the hard copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a copy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary - Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5 litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments - Electrical adapter plug (view www.kropla.com) - Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and Band-Aids. - Watch/Alarm clock or phone that can be used for both - Swimwear - Travel beach towel - Tissues &/or toilet paper &/or wet wipes - Insect repellent - Camera with spare memory card, charger &/or batteries OPTIONAL: - Ear plugs to guard against a potential snoring room-mate - Phrase book VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your safe if available. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. LAUNDRY: Laundry is available at many hotels and towns during this trip, although you might need to wait for a two-night stop in order to make sure you get it back in time. While laundry at hotels is usually charged by the item, laundromats usually charge by the kilo, which is generally inexpensive (about USD 2 per kilo).

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid local operator : Available for phone call on +506 4113 9300

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports Gastromotiva in Mexico, tackling food scarcity and homelessness while promoting a sustainable food movement. Donations help them provide nutritious, balanced meals to community shelters for vulnerable people such as women affected by domestic violence and refugees. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/gastromotiva-mexico

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

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