Central America NA by TravelRope

Intrepid’s real life experiences in central america…Tap into the rhythm of Central America: embark on a Mexican jungle jaunt, ride a chicken bus through Guatemalan towns, explore ancient ruins covered in jungle growth or just relax with a cocktail and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

central america

Mexico City

GUATEMALA

Antigua

BELIZEBelize City

NICARAGUA

COSTA RICA

PANAMA

HONDURAS

San Jose

MEXICO

Classic Costa Ricapage : 47, QVSR

Swing into the jungle and meet a host of colourful creatures while being immersed in the untamed beauty of Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park.

Exotic Encounters

Mayan Highlights page : 45, QVSCC

Shop for bright textiles, colourful souvenirs and unique handicrafts alongside lively locals at the famous Chichicastenango markets in Guatemala.

Market Magic

Mayan Discoverypage : 46, QVKC

Experience the wonder of the intricate ruins of Tikal. Set to a green jungle backdrop, exploring these ruins is an unforgettable highlight of Guatemala.

Tikal Ruins

Mayan Encounterpage : 46, QVRA

Cool off in clear, turquoise waters in seaside Tulum. Swim, snorkel, dive or just chill out and enjoy the atmosphere of this Caribbean paradise.

Beachside Bliss

J F M A M J J A S O N D

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Photo Competition, Tortuguero lizard, Costa Rica - Rebecca Dobson

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BELIZE

GUATEMALA

COSTA RICA

PANAMA

MEXICO

HONDURAS

NICARAGUA

San Jorge La Laguna

Chichicastenango

Rio Dulce

Palenque

San Cristobal de las Casas

San Ignacio

Flores

Playa del Carmen

Caye Caulker

Merida

Chichen Itza Tulum

Oaxaca

Puebla

Mexico City

San JosePuerto Viejode Sarapiqui

Bocas del Toro

Boquete

Santa Catalina

Panama City

Comayagua

Granada

MonteverdeLa Fortuna/Arenal Volcano NP

Ometepe Island

CopanAntigua

TikalRoatanIsland

combo tripsThis map outlines some of our favourite Small Group Adventures. Combine two, three or more to create your ultimate Central America adventure. To get you inspired, we’ve created a few trip combinations below. Just match the colour bars to the map to see where the road may take you…

Photo Competition, Fun in the sun, Belize - Sam Beveridge

Mexico City - Playa del Carmen

San Jose - Panama City

Antigua - San Jose

Playa del Carmen - Antigua

QVRM

QVRC

QVRS

QVRA

central america combo trips…

Best of Central AmericaExplore Central America

Central American AdventureCentral America Encompassed

Amazing Central AmericaUltimate Central America

QVRQC 44 days, Playa del Carmen to Panama City QVRZC 46 days, Mexico City to San Jose

QVRPC 29 days, Antigua to Panama CityQVRRC 58 days, Mexico City to Panama City

QVRXC 32 days, Playa del Carmen to San Jose QVRYC 31 days, Mexico City to Antigua

See our website for more details: intrepidtravel.com

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erica Mayan Highlights

PhySiCAl

CultuRAl

22 days, Cancun to Playa del Carmen

OrIgInalQVSCCtRiP Code

Above: Photo Competition, Palenque , Mexico - Andrew Robertson Below: Photo Competition, Colourful Chichicastenango, Guatemala - Nicole Caton

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

ACCoMModAtioN Simple hotels (20 nts), homestay (1 nt) tRANSPoRt Minibus, boat, local bus GRouP SiZe Max 12 MeAlS No meals included BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 372 kg pp per trip NoteS Some accommodation may be multishare tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.54 out of 5

itiNeRARy... day 1 Cancun Laze on powdery, white beaches,

swim in the warm waters or simply relax at a bar with a margarita.

Enjoy a brief guided walk through this resort town. day 2 Chichen

itza/Merida Visit Chichen Itza’s ancient city - one of the best

examples of Mayan architecture. Spend the night in the colonial

splendour of Merida. days 3-4 Palenque Stroll around the jungle-

tangled ruins and admire temple walls sculpted with images of

gods, rulers and ceremonies. After the ruins, you have the option

of visiting the waterfall of Misol-Ha and the natural pools of Agua

Azul. days 5-6 San Cristobal de las Casas Head to the cooler

climes of this city rich in local culture and tasty cuisine. Take an

optional day trip to San Juan Chamula. day 7 Panajachel Cross

the border into Guatemala to the lakeside town of Panajachel. Take

an optional cruise on beautiful Lake Atitlan. day 8 San Jorge la

laguna Experience the local way of life at a homestay. Practise

Spanish and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a friendly host family.

days 9-11 Chichicastenango/Antigua Visit the famous market

in Chichicastenango and bargain for some of Guatemala’s best

handicrafts. Travel onwards to Antigua, a colonial city flanked by

smouldering volcanoes. days 12-13 Flores/tikal Travel in a

chicken bus then unwind in a town where canoes are still a mode

of transport. Take a dip in Lago Peten Itza then be awestruck

by Tikal’s ruins towering above the jungle. Climb to the top of a

temple to spy scarlet macaws darting through the forest canopy.

days 14-15 San ignacio Get off the beaten track with a journey

into stunning Belize. Surrounded by fast-flowing rivers, forested

hills and ruins, San Ignacio is a great base from which to explore.

days 16-18 Caye Caulker Kick back on a white-sand beach or

take an optional snorkelling or diving tour in the Hol Chan Marine

Reserve to see coral, tropical fish, sharks and manta rays. day 19

tulum Travel into Mexico and laze on the sands or watch the

sun set over the sea from Tulum’s beachside ruins. This idyllic site,

perched on a cliff overlooking the beach, affords staggering views

over the Mexican coastline. days 20-22 Playa del Carmen This

beach town offers a final chance to go souvenir shopping, have

some fun in the sun or enjoy the easygoing Mexican nightlife.

Soak up the fun party • vibe in Cancun

explore the forested • hills of San ignacio

experience local life at • a lakeside homestay

Ride a Guatemalan • chicken bus

Gawk at jungle • creatures from atop the tikal ruins

Relax on the beautiful • beaches of Belize

enjoy the seaside • serenity of tulum

haggle at colourful • highland markets

Wander the colonial • streets of Antigua

take in stunning scenic • coastal views

This was the best trip of my life! It was educational, challenging adventurous and inspirational. I’d do it all over again in an instant! I saw all the things I’ve always dreamed of.

Natalie Conley, New Zealand Travelled on the QVSCC

Start Finish201101 Jan 22 Jan15 Jan 05 Feb29 Jan 19 Feb12 Feb 05 Mar26 Feb 19 Mar26 Mar 16 Apr09 Apr 30 Apr23 Apr 14 May07 May 28 May21 May 11 Jun

04 Jun 25 Jun18 Jun 09 Jul25 Jun 16 Jul09 Jul 30 Jul23 Jul 13 Aug06 Aug 27 Aug20 Aug 10 Sep03 Sep 24 Sep17 Sep 08 Oct01 Oct 22 Oct15 Oct 05 Nov29 Oct 19 Nov

05 Nov 26 Nov12 Nov 03 Dec26 Nov 17 Dec10 Dec 31 Dec17 Dec 07 Jan24 Dec 14 Jan31 Dec 21 Jan201207 Jan 28 Jan14 Jan 04 Feb21 Jan 11 Feb28 Jan 18 Feb

04 Feb 25 Feb18 Feb 10 Mar03 Mar 24 Mar17 Mar 07 Apr31 Mar 21 Apr14 Apr 05 May28 Apr 19 May12 May 02 Jun26 May 16 Jun09 Jun 30 Jun23 Jun 14 Jul

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BELIZE

GUATEMALA

COSTA RICA

PANAMA

MEXICO

HONDURAS

NICARAGUA

San Jorge La Laguna

Chichicastenango

Rio Dulce

Palenque

San Cristobal de las Casas

San Ignacio

Flores

Playa del Carmen

Caye Caulker

Merida

Chichen Itza Tulum

Oaxaca

Puebla

Mexico City

San JosePuerto Viejode Sarapiqui

Bocas del Toro

Boquete

Santa Catalina

Panama City

Comayagua

Granada

MonteverdeLa Fortuna/Arenal Volcano NP

Ometepe Island

CopanAntigua

TikalRoatanIsland

Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com

46

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Musical local, Panajachel, Guatemala - Cameron Gaze

ACCoMModAtioN Comfortable hotels (14 nts) tRANSPoRt Plane, minibus, first-class local bus GRouP SiZe Max 12 MeAlS 14 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches or dinners BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 380 kg pp per trip tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.49 out of 5

Start Finish20111 Jan 15 Jan15 Jan 29 Jan19 Feb 05 Mar19 Mar 02 Apr09 Apr 23 Apr

07 May 21 May04 Jun 18 Jun25 Jun 09 Jul09 Jul 23 Jul30 Jul 13 Aug20 Aug 03 Sep17 Sep 01 Oct

08 Oct 22 Oct29 Oct 12 Nov12 Nov 26 Nov26 Nov 10 Dec17 Dec 31 Dec201207 Jan 21 Jan

21 Jan 04 Feb18 Feb 03 Mar17 Mar 31 Mar14 Apr 28 Apr12 May 26 May02 Jun 16 Jun23 Jun 07 Jul

Mayan Discovery

itiNeRARy... day 1 Cancun Relax by the water or head to Zona

Arqueologica El Rey to wander around the ruins and meet the

sun-loving iguanas. day 2 Chichen itza/Merida Explore the

incredible ruins and visit El Castillo, best known for its amazing

carved snakes. days 3-4 Palenque Climb to the top of these

ruins for endless views of the jungle, then rest in the nearby

Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls. days 5-6 San Cristobal

de las Casas Enjoy the Chiapas highlands and meet the local

villagers who mix Catholicism with indigenous religions to create

a fascinating hybrid. Visit the unique church in San Juan Chamula

where pine needles carpet the floor. days 7-8 Panajachel Ringed

by volcanoes and villages and resting on the shores of beautiful

Lago de Atitlan, Panajachel is a great base to explore the region.

days 9-10 Chichicastenango/Antigua Find a bargain at the

colourful markets at Chichicastenango before stopping in Antigua,

famous for its colonial architecture. Stop by a grassroots women’s

cooperative to watch community development and support in

action. day 11 Flores/tikal Head to Flores then continue to Tikal,

home to one of the most magnificent Mayan sites. days 12-13

San ignacio Rise before dawn for a guided tour of the magical

ruins shrouded in morning mist. Cross the border into Belize and

journey to San Ignacio, the ideal base for exploring nearby temples,

waterfalls and caves. days 14-15 Playa del Carmen Head back

into Mexico to relax on the beaches of Playa del Carmen. Raise

bottles of cerveza and toast the end of this epic Mayan adventure.

15 days, Cancun to Playa del Carmen

COmfOrtQVKCtRiP Code

Spot carved snakes at • Chichen itza

Savour spectacular • jungle views from atop ancient ruins

PhySiCAl

CultuRAl

I had a fantastic time on this trip. It was all I thought it would be and more. The people, the culture, the ruins, the food - it was all great. The leader made it very enjoyable.

Nancy Alvarez, Australia Travelled on the QVKC

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

Chill out seaside in • Playa del Carmen

Amble over tulum’s • cliff-top ruins

Kick back in the relaxed • vibe of Caye Caulker

experience traditional • life in San Jorge

haggle in the markets • of Chichicastenango

enjoy colonial Antigua• Colourful streets, Antigua, Guatemala - Sally Johnson

ACCoMModAtioN Simple hotels (14 nts), homestay (2 nts) tRANSPoRt Boat, local bus GRouP SiZe Max 16 MeAlS 2 Dinners BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed NoteS Some accommodation may be multishare CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 127 kg pp per trip tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.61 out of 5

Start Finish201101 Jan 17 Jan15 Jan 31 Jan29 Jan 14 Feb12 Feb 28 Feb26 Feb 14 Mar12 Mar 28 Mar26 Mar 11 Apr09 Apr 25 Apr23 Apr 09 May07 May 23 May

04 Jun 20 Jun18 Jun 04 Jul02 Jul 18 Jul16 Jul 01 Aug30 Jul 15 Aug20 Aug 05 Sep03 Sep 19 Sep17 Sep 03 Oct01 Oct 17 Oct15 Oct 31 Oct29 Oct 14 Nov12 Nov 28 Nov

19 Nov 05 Dec03 Dec 19 Dec17 Dec 02 Jan31 Dec 16 Jan201214 Jan 30 Jan21 Jan 06 Feb28 Jan 13 Feb04 Feb 20 Feb11 Feb 27 Feb25 Feb 12 Mar10 Mar 26 Mar

24 Mar 09 Apr31 Mar 16 Apr07 Apr 23 Apr21 Apr 07 May19 May 04 Jun02 Jun 18 Jun16 Jun 02 Jul30 Jun 16 Jul14 Jul 30 Jul

Mayan Encounter

itiNeRARy... day 1 Playa del Carmen Sip margaritas by the

beach, take an optional snorkelling trip through the mangroves, or

venture to Cancun to swim in the surf and experience its famous

nightlife. days 2-3 tulum Discover the powdery beaches, warm,

blue ocean and cliff-top Mayan ruins that make Tulum a slice of

beachside paradise. days 4-5 Caye Caulker Say “adios” to Mexico

and journey to Belize. Bask on the beach, go swimming or take

sunset strolls around this relaxing island. There’s an opportunity

to go manatee spotting to learn about these huge, curious

creatures. days 6-7 San ignacio Tucked between forested hills

and gushing rivers, San Ignacio offers a range of optional activities

including tubing or, for those after a quieter pace, a wander through

a colourful butterfly garden. days 8-9 Flores/tikal Cross the

border into Guatemala and stop in at Flores, a laidback town

lounging on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. On your free day here,

don’t miss an optional visit to see the ruins of Tikal, one of the

most impressive of all Mayan sites. days 10-11 Rio dulce Travel

through the dense jungle to Rio Dulce. Perhaps visit a rubber

plantation or an old Spanish fort, or take a lancha up the river to

visit nearby hot springs. day 12 Antigua Discover this city’s charm

by strolling around the cobblestone streets. days 13-14 San

Jorge la laguna/Chichicastenango Stay with a local family in

San Jorge La Laguna, shop at the Chichicastenango market where

everything - from unique handicrafts to medicinal plants - is for sale.

days 15-17 Antigua Admire the colonial architecture of Antigua.

17 days, Playa del Carmen to Antigua

BasIx

PhySiCAl

CultuRAl

QVRAtRiP Code

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com

PhySiCAl

CultuRAl

47

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discover the cloud • forests of Monteverde

Slip into natural hot • springs in la Fortuna

Classic Costa Rica

itiNeRARy... days 1-2 San Jose Amid the galleries, theatres

and modern architecture of San Jose are wonderful reminders of

a traditional past. Take an orientation tour to discover the main

sites - and little known secrets - of this bustling city. Stop by the

bustling Central Market to peruse the eclectic range of goods

on offer. days 3-4 tortuguero National Park Enjoy the thick

forests, cool waterways and powdery beaches of the Tortuguero

National Park. Explore the jungle by foot and try to spot monkeys,

birds, frogs and sloths. days 5-6 Sarapiqui Journey to Sarapiqui,

in the heart of Costa Rica’s banana-growing region. In free time,

opt to explore the surrounding jungle or simply find a quiet spot

to listen to the twitter of colourful birdlife. days 7-8 la Fortuna/

Arenal Volcano With the Arenal Volcano breathing down

its neck, La Fortuna is an exciting outdoor base with endless

opportunities for adventure. Why not take a dip in a waterfall or

head out for some white-water rafting? In the evenings, slip into

the hot springs and soak up the views of the glowing volcano.

days 9-11 Monteverde Travel through the mountains to reach

Monteverde and take a guided walk through the Cloud Forest

Reserve. Lush, green and jam-packed with colourful butterflies, this

is a nature-lovers paradise. days 12-13 Quepos Descend from

the mountains to Quepos on the Pacific Coast. Relax on the sandy

beaches or hit the water for some kayaking, fishing or surfing.

days 14-15 San Jose Get reacquainted with this capital city by

shopping for last-minute souvenirs at the city’s vibrant markets.

15 days, ex San Jose

OrIgInaltRiP Code QVSR

Be awed by the active • Arenal Volcano

experience the • diversity of Costa Rica’s environment

Spot wildlife in the • lush cloud forest of Monteverde

Swim in the warm • waters of Manuel Antonio National Park

Wander through • vibrant markets

Catch a show at San • Jose’s National theatre Red-eyed treefrog, Costa Rica

Cloud forest, Monteverde, Costa Rica

ACCoMModAtioN Comfortable hotels (8 nts) tRANSPoRt Minibus, shuttle bus, boat GRouP SiZe Max 12 MeAlS 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches or Dinners BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 174 kg pp per trip tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.55 out of 5

Start Finish201108 Jan 16 Jan22 Jan 30 Jan19 Feb 27 Feb19 Mar 27 Mar02 Apr 10 Apr

23 Apr 01 May28 May 05 Jun18 Jun 26 Jun16 Jul 24 Jul13 Aug 21 Aug10 Sep 18 Sep01 Oct 09 Oct

15 Oct 23 Oct05 Nov 13 Nov26 Nov 04 Dec10 Dec 18 Dec201214 Jan 22 Jan28 Jan 05 Feb

11 Feb 19 Feb25 Feb 04 Mar17 Mar 25 Mar07 Apr 15 Apr12 May 20 May09 Jun 17 Jun

Costa Rica Express

itiNeRARy... day 1 San Jose Get a feel for the city on a

sightseeing walk through the streets. days 2-3 la Fortuna/

Arenal Volcano National Park Head to La Fortuna and

the beautiful surrounds of Lake Arenal and explore the green

countryside. Big winds sweeping in from the Caribbean make the

lake a windsurfer’s delight. Why not visit La Fortuna Waterfall, take a

canopy tour in the forest or join a trip to the active Arenal Volcano.

days 4-5 Monteverde Ecologists have suggested that the cloud

forests of Monteverde were actually two different ecosystems,

straddling each side of the Continental Divide. As a result, the

area boasts several unique species of flora and fauna. Explore the

emerald-green cloud forest by foot to admire the wide array of

wildlife and learn about how this incredible ecological curiosity

came to be. days 6-7 Manuel Antonio National Park Discover

the white-sand beaches, tropical vegetation and turquoise waters

of Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike along the trails to spot some

of the abundant wildlife - be on the lookout for armadillos, sloths

and colourful birds. Impossible to resist, the warm waters offer

great swimming, kayaking or surfing. While Manuel Antonio itself

is a laidback kind of town, its nightlife is famously fiery - so kick up

those heels and get a taste for Costa Rican revelry. days 8-9 San

Jose Return to the capital to meander through the stalls of the

Mercado Central, take a look at the collection of shimmering art at

the Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismatica or catch a show at

the city’s pride and joy - the Teatro Nacional.

9 days, ex San Jose

COmfOrt

PhySiCAl

CultuRAl

QVKRtRiP Code

An amazing experience, awesome tour guide, a definite must-see country for all travellers! If you appreciate nature then this trip is an excellent choice for you.

Matt Thomson, Canada Travelled on the QVSR

ACCoMModAtioN Simple hotels (12 nts), lodge (2 nts) tRANSPoRt Boat, local bus GRouP SiZe Max 12 MeAlS No meals included BudGet See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending dePARtS Selected Sat GuARANtee Departure guaranteed CARBoN eMiSSioNS oFFSet 254 kg pp per trip tRAVelleR RAtiNG 4.62 out of 5

Start Finish201108 Jan 22 Jan22 Jan 05 Feb19 Feb 05 Mar05 Mar 19 Mar19 Mar 02 Apr09 Apr 23 Apr

30 Apr 14 May11 Jun 25 Jun02 Jul 16 Jul30 Jul 13 Aug27 Aug 10 Sep24 Sep 08 Oct22 Oct 05 Nov05 Nov 19 Nov

19 Nov 03 Dec03 Dec 17 Dec17 Dec 31 Dec31 Dec 14 Jan201207 Jan 21 Jan21 Jan 04 Feb18 Feb 03 Mar

03 Mar 17 Mar31 Mar 14 Apr21 Apr 05 May19 May 02 Jun16 Jun 30 Jun

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

DEPARTUREGUARANTEED

Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com

contact us…Travellers call: 1300 623 408

Travel agents call: 1300 360 887 [email protected]

VIC: Intrepid store Melbourne [email protected] Intrepid store Carlton [email protected] Intrepid store Hawthorn [email protected] Intrepid store Prahran [email protected]

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WA: Intrepid store Perth [email protected]

QLD: Intrepid store Brisbane [email protected]

Travellers call: 0800 600 610 [email protected]


Intrepid store Auckland 09 520 0972 [email protected]



Intrepid store London 020 7354 6169 [email protected]

Travellers call: 1 866 360 1151 [email protected]

Travel agents call: 1 866 915 1511 [email protected]

Intrepid store Toronto 416 531 1332 [email protected]



Travellers call: 011 471 7400/6 [email protected]

Travel agents call: 011 471 7400/6 [email protected]


Travel agents call: +44 20 7354 6170 [email protected]





Travellers call: +49 8024 474 490 [email protected]


Travellers call: +44 20 3147 7777 [email protected]


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Central America NA by TravelRope