Hotel Las Golondrinas
Av. Constituyentes No 178
Esq. Calle 20
Playa del Carmen
Mexico

Tel: +52 984 873 2805

Please contact Kumuka or your travel agent should you wish to book additional accommodation.
 
Please note passengers joining tours in Playa Del Carmen should book flights into Cancun International Airport (CUN), this is the nearest airport and transfers can be organised through your agent or Kumuka.  For more information please see the following website: http://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htm

Playa del Carmen - Tulum. The pre departure meeting is held on Day 1 at 9am. Following the meeting we take a half day tour to Tulum Ruins.

Playa del Carmen sits on the Mayan Riviera with miles of unspoiled, white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. The Riviera Maya stretches from Cancun in the north to the archaeological site of Tulum in the south, a magnificent coastline, peppered with tropical parks, snorkelling and diving havens, small rustic hotels and luxurious resorts. Playa del Carmen a former fishing village used to serve merely as a springboard for visitors taking the ferry to Cozumel. But as more and more ferry-bound lingered to enjoy its Caribbean beaches and rustic charms, the town came into its own as a resort destination. “Playa,” as it is called by locals, is growing, but still preserves a certain small-town charm and bohemian following.

Tulum is the only walled city the Maya built and the only one by the edge of the Caribbean. When the Spanish first came upon the site in 1518, they recorded that it was as large as Seville. The major construction is the Castle, a handsome pyramid perched on the edge of a cliff high above the pearl-white beaches below. From here one can see most of the ancient city, as well as a magnificent view of the coastline. The setting for Tulum is unique, perched on a cliff overlooking the blue waters of the Caribbean. Take your swimming gear as there is a beach at the ruins.

We then return to Playa and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Sit on the beach marvelling at the ever-changing aquamarine colours of the ocean, or check out the restaurants, sidewalk cafes and many handicraft stores. Night life in Playa is varied, depending on your taste: from a quiet night out at a local Mexican restaurant to dancing the night away at one of the towns dance clubs. 

San Ignacio - Barton Creek Caves. From Caye Caulker we return to the mainland and drive to San Ignacio via Belize City.

San Ignacio and its sister-town, Santa Elena make up Belize's second largest urban area. The two towns are separated by the Macal River and Belize's only suspension bridge, the one-lane Hawksworth Bridge, built in 1949. "San Ignacio is a unique blend of America's Old West and tropical backwater with frontier-like wooden shops on narrow streets.  

We take a trip to Barton Creek Cave. Barton Creek Cave is one of the most famous caves in all of Belize, and one of the largest in the world, being estimated at more than 4.5 miles long. In ancient times, the Mayans ruled this cave. Bloodletting, agricultural, fertility, sacrifice, and lineage internment rituals are believed to have been performed. When you tour the cave, you can still see remains and even skulls of victims of ancient sacrifices. There are also other pottery artifacts that are found frequently. (B)  (B)

Antigua. From Flores we fly to Guatemala City and then drive to the beautiful colonial city of Antigua. We have a guided tour of Guatemala City on the way. Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala and the largest city in Central America, is set on a broad plateau in the Sierra Madre mountains. It is a city of modern buildings, colonial architecture, and colourful markets.  

Antigua, the old Guatemalan capital, is set between three volcanoes and with its cobbled streets and picturesque plazas, crumbling cathedrals and colonial architecture, it is one of the most stunning cities in the Americas. Houses are painted old rose, sherbet yellow and baby blue and the local Mayan women go about their daily activities in their colourfully embroidered huipiles or blouses. There are wonderful markets and many candlelit cafés and hidden courtyard restaurants as well as several optional activities including a climb up Volcano Pacaya, mountain biking, and salsa dancing.

We include a guided tour or Antigua which was founded in 1543. We will visit the Main Square, the Cathedral and other buildings and colonial spots. The remainder of the time is free at leisure.  (B)  (B)

Please note that for departures which coincide with Easter, we will spend one night in Antigua, then 2 nights in Panajachel, and return to Antigua for 2 nights visiting Chichicastenango on the way back. This is because the market is held on a Wednesday during Easter week.

Chichicastenango, Antigua. From Panajachel we return to Antigua via the famous markets of Chichicastenango.

Chichicastenango in the highlands, is where we visit Guatemala’s largest and most diverse street market, held every Thursday and Sunday. Chichi’s focal point is its whitewashed church in the centre of town, around which the market is situated. All manner of goods are on offer from bunches of apricot-coloured gladioli and hand carved masks, corn-on-the-cob to freshly squeezed orange juice, colourful geometric carpets to squealing pigs! Hunting through the plethora of stalls is more than temptation - there is a huge selection of artesania to choose from, and bargaining is the most fun part of it.  Maybe enter the 400-year-old church of Santo Tomás, where catholic and pagan rites take place in a mystical atmosphere.

Arriving back into Antigua, the remainder of the day is free.  (B)

Copán Ruinas - Tela.  On our way to Honduras’ second largest city, San Pedro Sula, we will travel through beautiful countryside. We avoid the centre of this town and use instead the outer ring road leading us to the Caribbean Coast. A couple of miles before Tela we visit Lancetilla Botanical Garden, which was founded over 70 years ago as United Fruit Company's experimental plantation and botanical site. Here you will find hardwood, medicinal and ornamental plants as well as tropical fruit trees from all over the world. You will see how the bamboo forest absorbs some 90% of the daylight, and can admire the long rows of majestic Royal Palms.

On arrival into Tela, relax the rest of the afternoon on one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Honduras. (B)

Utila Island - Lake Yojoa - Azul Meambar National Park.  This morning we take the ferry back to the mainland and transfer to the Yojoa Lake, the largest lake in Honduras. The west side of the lake is bordered by steep mountains and Santa Bárbara National Park while the east side is adjacent to Cerro Azul Meambar National Park. The lake is situated on the highway that connects the two largest Honduran cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. It is a birdwatchers paradise! About 400 of the 700 species registered in Honduras can be found around this lake. The region around Yojoa Lake is rich in different habitat types, and is home to many migratory birds.

We visit the impressive Pulhapanzak Waterfalls on the way to the national park Cerro Azul Meambar which works as a retreating area for many species due to increased human activities around the Lake. Toucans, orieles, motmots, parakeets and parrots are just a small sample of the bird species living in the park. Cerro Azul Meambar National Park is one of the main protected areas around Lake Yojoa and feeds the lake by many small rivers of the surrounding mountains. The park has both rain and cloud forest. (B)

Danli - León.  We cross the border to Nicaragua. Here in Nicaragua there are many fabulous highlights in this, the most undiscovered of all the Central American countries. The locals are friendly and the pace of life is unhurried. After an interesting and most scenic drive we reach León in the afternoon.

Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. It was founded by the Spaniards as Santiago de los Caballeros de León and rivals Granada, Nicaragua, in the number of historic Spanish colonial homes and churches.  (B)

Granada - Masaya Volcano.  We begin the day with a city tour of Granada visiting the colonial buildings. Granada, Nicaragua’s most beautiful colonial town is the oldest Spanish city in the Americas. Granada, like all colonial cities in Central America, is built around its main square (Parque Central) that represents the city's social, cultural, and economic hub. Around the Parque Central is the cathedral, the city hall, banks, cultural centres, as well as a myriad of small shops and stalls selling traditional food and handicrafts.

One of the most important Granada's avenues, know as 'La Calzada', starts on the left side of the Cathedral and runs all the way to the lake. La Calzada is flanked by large colonial houses (casonas) and historical buildings, such as the church of 'La Virgen de Guadalupe'. At the West end of La Calzada, runs the lakeshore, or 'malecón'. It is a lovely, recently remodelled boulevard, refreshed by a virtually constant breeze.  

In the afternoon we make an excursion to the National Park of Vulcano Masaya. The panoramic view is breathtaking and you can peer into the cone of its active volcano.

We return to Granada later in the day. Nestled on the shore of Lake Nicaragua, a stroll through the streets in the evening will reveal families sitting outside their homes on wicker rocking chairs, enjoying the breeze! Families and children, friends and couples fill the plazas until long after midnight, strolling between the arches and the pastel-painted buildings and along the tree-lined avenues.  (B)

Ometepe - Managua.  After breakfast we catch a ferry back to San Jorge, and transfer to Managua where the tour ends on arrival.  (B)

Please Note: For those clients who are joining a linking Costa Rica Tour, bus tickets from Managua to San Jose can be pre-booked, subject to availability. Please ensure you organise these prior to joining the tour.

If you would like to extend your stay in Nicaragua, post tour accommodation can be booked in Managua.

Accommodation is NOT included on Day 27.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Latin America does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Central America can change rapidly and changes to the itinerary may be necessary. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Central America trip. Country entry regulations can change daily. Our website  www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Recommended inoculations:

• Hepatitis A
• Diphtheria
• Typhoid
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Yellow Fever - we recommend that you consult the UK Foreign Office travel advice for Mexico and Central American countries, which shows the latest requirements for Yellow Fever vaccinations, particularly for travellers arriving from infected areas.

         We also recommend:

• A dental check-up prior to travelling.
• That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit with the following recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills, A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

• We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.

During your tour your Tour Leader and/or Guide will recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. To start planning and budgeting for any optional activities that you may chose on your tour, please visit:

http://www.kumuka.com/Central-America-Optional-Activities.aspx

IMPORTANT: Some tours depart from the starting city very early on Day 1, therefore you might not have enough time to enjoy the optional activities in that area. Furthermore, some tours end on arrival in the finishing city and your flight may leave early the following morning, therefore leaving no time to partake in any optional activities in that area.

How much should I take?

• Try to limit yourself to 15-20kg.  It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more.  If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your Tour Leader at the Pre Departure Meeting.  
• A good quality backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, water, sunscreen) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards, travellers cheques, etc., on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

IMPORTANT: We strongly recommend that you DO NOT BRING A SUITCASE due to the difficulty of carrying these and travelling with them on Central American transport. Please do not bring more luggage than you are able to comfortably carry without assistance.

Most passengers will travel with digital cameras.  Should you run out of memory you can download your photos onto CD at the local internet cafes or camera shops on your tour.  Alternatively, you may be able to purchase extra memory cards.  With regards to film, all types of camera film are readily available in Central America.  However, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.

Most Latin American countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders, bridges and any government building. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your camera confiscated.  It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.

If you wish to spend a few additional days in your starting or finishing city, then we can arrange accommodation for you. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.