Beyond The Mayan World ‐ Day Of The
Dead Festival Departure
Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras
Summary
More than 3000 years of history and ancient civilisations make this
region a cultural mecca. We visit the diverse pyramids, temples
and relics of the Aztec, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec and Toltec
cultures. We visit the lost archaeological ruins of Bonampak where
Howler monkeys hide in the jungle canopy. In Oaxaca, we explore
the vibrant markets soaking up the aromas and sampling regional
delicacies.
16
17 DAYS
16 DAYS
AUO
MIN AGE
FLIGHT INC.
LAND ONLY
TRIP CODE
At a glance
Travel by private minibus and boat
Several long drives
Group normally 6 to 15, plus local
leader. Min age 16 yrs.
15 nights in a mixture of standard and
comfortable hotels with en suite
facilities
All breakfasts included
Highlights
The Mexican Day of the Dead celebration is possibly the most
vibrant and colourful tribute to human mortality there is. Citizens
pay tribute to the dead, especially close relatives, visiting graves
and congregating round the stones to lay edible offerings at the
headstones alongside beautiful golden mounds of marigolds, the
Flor de Muerto (flower of the dead).
Explore the history and culture of
Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras
Experience the Day of the Dead
Festivities in Oaxaca
Guided visits to the archaeological sites
of Monte Alban, Palenque, Tikal and
Copan
Diverse pre‐Columbian pyramids,
temples and relics
World renowned cuisine of Oaxaca
Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras • Beyond The Mayan World ‐ Day Of The
Dead Festival Departure
Page 1
note, entrance to this last site is not included but we will see it
from the outside). Comfortable Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 3 ‐ To Oaxaca
After breakfast we depart towards Oaxaca, stopping our journey
after around 2 hours at the Great Pyramid of Cholula. By volume,
this is the largest pyramid in the world, influenced by the Olmec,
Toltec and Aztec cultures. The pyramid was covered in grass
when the Spanish conquered Cholula and they built a large
church on top of it ‐ one theory about this is that they mistook
the pyramid for a hill! Archaeologists have found some 8km of
tunnels inside the structure ‐ we will spend some time at this
famous site to understand the history surrounding it. Our second
stop will be in nearby Puebla, where we will walk around the
colonial centre and see the many religious structures that it is
famous for. This afternoon our journey continues for around 4.5
hours to Oaxaca City where we check into our hotel for the night,
located in a central position just a few blocks from the main
square. Comfortable Hotel (Breakfast)
You should be prepared for some long drives, sometimes on
bumpy roads.
Border crossings can sometimes be delayed with significant
queues and formalities.
Being in the tropics, most of the region is hot and humid,
particularly during the summer months and inland ‐ drinking
plenty of water and dressing in loose cotton clothing will help.
The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type of
accommodation normally used and any meals included. Please
see the Accommodation section below for further information.
Day 1 ‐ Start Mexico City
The group flight arrives in the early evening and we transfer to
our start hotel. Those on Land Only arrangements should join us
at the hotel in the evening. Comfortable Hotel
Day 2 ‐ Mexico City
After a group briefing, there is an excursion to the holy city of
Teotihuacan, one of the oldest known archaeological sites in
Mexico, thought to have had 25,000 inhabitants in its time. The
Teotihuacan Pyramids are located 50 km north‐east of Mexico
City, and are known for two massive pyramids, the Pirámide del
Sol (Pyramid of the Sun) and the Pirámide de la Luna (Pyramid of
the Moon), which dominate the remains of the metropolis. We
can climb up a very steep staircase to the summit for an
incredible, sweeping view of the ancient city.
In the afternoon we set off for a walking tour of the historical
centre of Mexico City. We will visit the largest Cathedral in Latin
America and the archaeological site of Templo Mayor (where the
main pyramid of the former Tenochtitlan stood ‐ please
Day 4 ‐ Visit Monte Alban
This morning we visit the incredible pre‐Columbian ruins of Monte
Alban, sitting 400 metres up on the side of a mountain
overlooking the fertile valley of Oaxaca. It is thought that the
Zapotecs (also known as the 'Cloud People') began levelling the
top of the mountain around 500 BC in order to build Monte
Alban, a place of divine worship where rituals, sacrifices, ball
games and astrological observations took place. A 30 minute
drive takes us back to Oaxaca where we will spend the afternoon
exploring the plazas and colourful food markets. Oaxacan cuisine
is famous for its oversized tortillas, quesillo (a type of cheese in
long strips wound into a ball) and of course the world‐renowned
mole sauce ‐ a blend of chocolate, garlic, nuts, chilli and onions
that has tantalised the nation! Mole negro chocolate sauce is the
perfect accompaniment to shredded chicken heaped on a freshly
cooked tortilla. Comfortable Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 5 ‐ Day of the Dead Festivities
The Mexican Day of the Dead celebration is possibly the most
vibrant and colourful tribute to human mortality there is. Citizens
pay tribute to the dead, especially close relatives, visiting graves
and congregating round the stones to lay edible offerings at the
headstones alongside beautiful golden mounds of marigolds, the
Flor de Muerto (flower of the dead). Today we hope to visit
several cemeteries in and around Oaxaca to see the altars and
tributes made for loved ones. We also hope to visit local markets
and bakeries with ornaments and essentials for the Day of the
Dead festivities, with the chance to sample specialties only on
offer during this festival. Comfortable Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 6 ‐ To Tehuantepec
We have a short drive (approximately 40 mins) to Teotitlan del
Valle ('Place of the Gods'), a Zapotec community that make
traditional weavings in a myriad of colours. The textiles and
pottery produced by the Zapotec people follow
Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras • Beyond The Mayan World ‐ Day Of The
Dead Festival Departure
ancient traditions and have remained relatively unchanged for
hundreds of years ‐ we will learn about the weaving process and
see this traditional craft in action. Our journey then continues to
the archaeological site of Mitla, impressive ruins surrounded by a
town of the same name that was recently classified as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. The intricately carved stone mosaic patterns
found throughout the site are unique to the area. We spend some
time exploring Mitla, crowned as one of the architectural
wonders of Mexico, before continuing our journey for around 4.5
hours to Tehuantepec. Standard Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 7 ‐ To San Cristobal de las Casas
We drive for approximately 6 hours to San Cristobal de las Casas,
considered to be the cultural capital of the state. We will have a
city tour of the cobbled streets this afternoon, before checking
into our centrally located hotel, within a short walking distance
of the central plaza. Comfortable Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 8 ‐ San Cristobal de las Casas
Page 2
drive this afternoon brings us to Palenque where we check into
our hotel for the night ‐ on the way we stop at the Agua Azul
waterfalls, a beauty spot where it's possible to take a refreshing
dip. Please note that on the rare occasions where we are unable
to visit Agua Azul Falls, we will endeavour to visit the Misol Ha
waterfalls instead. Comfortable Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 10 ‐ Palenque
This morning we have a guided tour of the impressive Mayan site
of Palenque. The jungle‐covered complex is one of the most
famous in Mexico and is located in the low hills of Chiapas. The
pyramids, sanctuaries and temples, with their sculptured wall‐
panels and roofs, are remarkably well preserved and are
probably the finest surviving examples of Mayan buildings. This
afternoon it's possible to continue exploring Palenque at your
leisure, or take an optional excursion to Misol Ha waterfall, a
cascading stream pouring 120 feet into a deep pool of water
below. Surrounded by lush vegetation, Misol Ha is perfect for a
relaxing afternoon! Comfortable Hotel (Breakfast)
Today is a free day to explore San Cristobal de las Casas at your
leisure. Undoubtedly one of the most interesting colonial towns
on the itinerary with many old churches and squares amongst a
lively café scene. It is also a major centre for the Tzotzil Indians,
each group having different, colourful costumes. The extensive
market has some good handicrafts for sale and plenty of
interesting foodstuffs on offer! Alternatively, it's possible to take
an optional boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon, or visit a
traditional Mayan community in one of the villages outside San
Cristobal. Comfortable Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 11 ‐ To Guatemala
Day 9 ‐ To Palenque
Day 12 ‐ Tikal
We set off for Palenque today, stopping our journey after around
2.5 hours at the archaeological site of Tonina which is less well
known than some of Mexico's other sites and as a consequence
tends to have relatively few visitors. Tonina is an impressive site
with two ball courts, one that is sunken and, at 60 metres long,
one of the Mayan world's largest and another that has an altar
where it is thought that sacrifices took place. A 3.5 hour
Tikal is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular of all Mayan
sites, surrounded by rainforest and with pyramids rising above the
tree tops. We spend the morning here, in the middle of the
jungle, exploring nearly 20 square miles of classic Mayan ruins.
We take a tour of the city, visiting the Q complex, Main Plaza,
North and Central Acropolis, Seven Temples and Mundo Perdido
(Lost World). Tikal is a superb area for observing wildlife
We have an early departure today to visit Bonampak, some 'lost'
ruins that are surrounded by jungle. Bonampak means 'painted
walls' and is famous for its astonishing frescos in side the modest
looking Templo de las Pinturas. After visiting the ruins, we cross
the border into Guatemala where our journey continues with a
4.5 hour drive (at times on a dirt road) to the small village of El
Remate, close to tomorrow's attraction: Tikal. Standard Hotel
(Breakfast)
Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras • Beyond The Mayan World ‐ Day Of The
Dead Festival Departure
in the jungle environment and visitors regularly see Howler
monkeys, Spider monkeys, toucan, Weaver birds, coatimundi and
even tarantula (if you know where to look and wish to find one!).
In the afternoon there will be free time to relax by Lake Peten
Itza. Standard Hotel (Breakfast)
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Key to Accommodation
We indicate in the itinerary what type of accommodation is
provided on each day. The descriptions are guidelines only and
are used to give an idea of the accommodation offered, rather
than an exact description.
Day 13 ‐ To Honduras
Today is primarily a long travel day of around 11 hours which also
involves a border crossing to get to Copan in Honduras. We break
our journey near Rio Dulce for lunch (not included) and to visit
the former Spanish fort of Castillo de San Felipe de Lara.
Standard Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 14 ‐ Copan
Nestled in the Rio Copan Valley, the ancient city of Copan was
once a major Mayan capital, the most southerly site of the Mayan
empire. Copan is renowned for its striking carvings and
architecture and has a huge number of sculptures making this one
of the most artistic of all sites. The jungle surrounding Copan is a
haven for birds and wildlife and we will also spend some time
exploring the eco‐park before we return to the quaint town of
Copan Ruinas. Standard Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 15 ‐ To Antigua, Guatemala
We make our way to Antigua after breakfast this morning,
crossing the border back into Guatemala. The drive should take
around 6 hours giving us a free afternoon in Antigua to explore
the cobbled streets and numerous churches. Beyond the tiled
roofs there are stunning views of the Agua and Fuego Volcanoes ‐
it is not hard to see why Antigua is regarded as one of the most
attractive cities in Latin America. Comfortable Hotel (Breakfast)
Comfortable Hotel, Lodge or Gite ‐ good quality comfortable
accommodation. Single, twin or double rooms with en suite
facilities and added amenities which may include air
conditioning, Wi‐Fi and swimming pool. Accommodation is chosen
for its location and character, and typically meets local 3/4 star
standards.
Standard Hotel, Lodge or Gite ‐ reasonable quality standard
accommodation in single, twin or double rooms, the vast
majority with en suite facilities. Some properties have added
amenities such as Wi‐Fi, but facilities are generally simpler and
meet 2/3 star standards. These properties are chosen for their
value, location or character.
Food
The price includes all breakfasts throughout the trip which
generally consist of fruits, cereals, beans and eggs. Other meals
are not included ‐ please refer to the extra expenses section for
more details on food costs.
Transport
Transport during this trip is by private minibuses (usually with air
conditioning) and boat.
Day 16 ‐ End Antigua
Our trip ends today in Antigua, but clients on group flights will
return to Guatemala City airport in order to catch the flight
home. Land Only clients are free to make onward arrangements
from Antigua or can return to Guatemala City airport with the
group transfer, providing that there is room. (Breakfast)
For those on group flights, these depart in the afternoon and will
arrive in the UK the following day.
We will stay in a variety of colonial and modern properties, all
with en suite facilities. Some of the accommodation highlights
will include: a Spanish colonial residence in the heart of San
Cristobal de las Casas, a property 2km from Palenque surrounded
by forest, family owned guesthouse on the lakeshore of Peten
Itza. Some of the hotels have pools and most have wifi/internet.
Single Accommodation
We can arrange single rooms throughout the trip for a
supplement (subject to availability) from £400. Please ask your
sales consultant for details.
On the coast and in the lowland areas there is little variation in
temperatures between the seasons. These are likely to be 28ºC to
33ºC average daytime maximum and 18ºC to 23ºC night time
minimum. On the coast the heat and humidity are moderated by
sea breezes, but inland it is likely to be quite
Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras • Beyond The Mayan World ‐ Day Of The
Dead Festival Departure
Page 4
humid. The wet season is from June to October, when it normally
rains on average one day in three. The rains tend to be short and
heavy, alternating with pleasant clear spells. During the other
months rain is much less likely, but there is the chance of an
occasional storm at almost any time.
If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow
a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international
check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow;
this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is
known to be subject to delays.
In the hills the temperatures are moderated by the altitude, and
there is more seasonal variation. Between November and
February the daytime maximum is around 20ºC, rising to 27ºC in
summer. Nights are much cooler, around 6ºC in winter and 12ºC
in summer. Note that it can be surprisingly cold in the highlands
on winter nights. The pattern of rainfall is similar to the
lowlands.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on
any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving
from London on non‐group flights should read the airport transfer
section below for information on reaching the start point. Please
check with the Exodus office.
17 days, normally depart London Sat, return Mon
16 days, normally start Mexico City Sat, end Antigua Sun
Itinerary Start
Itinerary Start
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day
1 of the itinerary.
Flights from London
We normally use the scheduled services of United Airlines
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules
change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist
sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please
note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed
until approximately two weeks before departure.
UK Regional Flights
The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we
are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please
visit www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview
of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert
advice.
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Mexico City in
the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach
the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent
approximately two weeks before departure.
Airport Transfers
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement
only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged
to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check
the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not
take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the
joining point at your own expense.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will
be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do
not receive these at least a week before departure, or require
them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras • Beyond The Mayan World ‐ Day Of The
Dead Festival Departure
Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing
income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to
protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to
responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan
and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company.
Page 5
documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in
accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit.
The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and
other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the
relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of
local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of
entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects.
Mexico
Accommodation & Meals:
We use predominantly locally run accommodation on this trip,
which contributes directly to the local community as local staff
are employed and locally produced or sourced goods are bought
for the accommodation benefiting the wider community. Where
meals are not provided, clients are encouraged to buy locally
grown produce and try the abundance of fresh food being made
in smaller businesses. For example, your local guide will give an
interactive tour of several markets in Oaxaca to give a real
impression of Oaxacan cuisine. This is a great chance to support
the local community and to gain a really authentic cultural
experience.
Holders of British, Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian and
most EU passports do not require visas for Mexico.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under
the Visa Waiver Programme (most British and western European
citizens with a machine readable passport are), you are now
required to register in advance for an Electronic Travel Authority
(ESTA). There is a US$14 charge for the ESTA, which is only
payable online with a credit card. Please see our website
www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information. All other non‐
residents passing through the US must get a visa in advance.
Check with your local embassy or consulate for more details on
how to obtain a visa.
Local Crafts & Culture:
Guatemala
Mexico has such a deep and rich culture and this is reflected in
the variety of handmade crafts on offer. We try to engage with
these cottage industries as much as possible ‐ for example, we
visit a Zapotec community which makes traditional weavings and
pottery in a myriad of colours. Clients learn about the weaving
process and purchase handmade products as souvenirs. By visiting
this village, we support the continuation of these ancient
production techniques which have remained unchanged for
centuries.
Group size:
This small group tour has a maximum of 15 participants, meaning
that we have a low impact on the communities we visit and are
able to ensure that we do not disrupt or lead to the displacement
of local people. The small number also allows us to stay in
unique, family‐run hotels that cannot benefit from coach tours
and other mass tourism due to its limited size e.g. Casa Don
David, which has its own botanical gardens where clients can
learn about the ancient Mayan plants which grow there and their
uses.
For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:
www.exodus.co.uk/responsible‐travel
Holders of British, Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian and
most EU passports do not require visas for Guatemala.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under
the Visa Waiver Programme (most British and western European
citizens with a machine readable passport are), you are now
required to register in advance for an Electronic Travel Authority
(ESTA). There is a US$14 charge for the ESTA, which is only
payable online with a credit card. Please see our website
www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information. All other non‐
residents passing through the US must get a visa in advance.
Check with your local embassy or consulate for more details on
how to obtain a visa.
Honduras
British nationals can get a 30‐day tourist visa on arrival, which
may be extended by 30 days on two further occasions (to a
maximum of 90 days in total) if you apply to an Immigration
Office. There is no fee payable for the initial arrival visa, nor for
the extensions. The same process applies to holders of Australian,
US, Canadian and most EU passports.
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the
current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is
required.
Vaccinations and Health
Passports and Visas
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6
months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your
responsibility to have the correct personal
Travel health can often be something people forget about before
going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long
way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.
Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras • Beyond The Mayan World ‐ Day Of The
Dead Festival Departure
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip.
Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Tetanus, Typhoid,
Hepatitis A.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential on this trip, and we suggest that
you seek advice from your GP or travel health clinic about which
malaria tablets to take.
Page 6
The national currency of Guatemala is the Guatemalan Quetzal
(GTQ), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of
approximately 11.9 to the UK£ and 7.6 to the US$.
The national currency of Honduras is the Honduran Lempira
(HNL), with an exchange rate at the time of publication of
approximately 34.2 to the UK£ and 21.9 to the US$.
Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.
Dengue fever and/or Chikungunya are known risks in places
visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by
daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or
prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of
prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the
usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in
places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or
prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention
is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual
precautions to avoid mosquito bites. For the latest information
please visit www.exodus.co.uk/zika‐virus‐q‐a .
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not
qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we
strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a
Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up‐to‐
date information.
Insurance ‐ are you adequately covered?
You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining
a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are
covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are
resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel
insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on
your trip.
Local Time
GMT ‐ 6 hours
Group, Staff and Support
The group will generally be between 6 and 15 people. There will
be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed.
You should take all of your spending money in US Dollars since it
is difficult to change Sterling or Euros and exchange rates are
generally less favourable for these currencies. We suggest
changing a small amount of money at Mexico City airport on
arrival as there are exchange counters here. Your tour leader will
then recommend the best opportunities to change money
throughout the trip. It is suggested that you take a couple of
copies of your passport with you as these are useful if you need
to change cash in a bank.
Guatemalan law dictates that onlty notes to the value of USD50
or USD100 can be changed in to local currency, they will not
change smaller denominations.
ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques
ATMs are increasingly available in most major towns throughout
the region, although are generally difficult to find in rural areas.
A flat fee of up to US$3 and a small commission usually applies
with debit card withdrawals. Credit card withdrawals generally
attract a 1% charge. You should check with your bank before
departure to ensure your card will be accepted in ATMs.
Most major credit cards are accepted in larger shops and more
expensive restaurants, but their use is not widespread in smaller
establishments and so you should ensure you carry adequate
supplies of local currency.
Travellers' cheques (in US dollars also) can be quite difficult to
change throughout Central America and Thomas Cook's cheques
are very often not accepted. It is certainly much more convenient
to carry as much of your money in US dollars (cash) as possible, so
long as you are security conscious. We recommend that you bring
some small denomination notes ($1 and $5 notes) since getting
change is often a problem when paying for small items.
Extra Expenses and Spending Money
The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note
that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share
accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
Currency Information
The national currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXP), with
an exchange rate at the time of publication of approximately 25
to the UK£ and 19 to the US$.
Please retain the Tourist Card given on entry into Mexico, as this
will allow you to cross the border without complications.
There are also entry and exit taxes for Guatemala and Honduras
when crossing land borders ‐ these are variable but should not
come to more than US$55 in total. (Guatemala exit US$3, Mexico
entry US$30, Belize exit US$19, and Guatemala re‐entry US$3).
Please note that the entry and exit taxes change constantly ‐ your
leader will advise of any changes where appropriate.
An airport departure tax of approximately US$30 per person
(subject to change) is payable when leaving Guatemala City
airport.
Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras • Beyond The Mayan World ‐ Day Of The
Dead Festival Departure
Meals vary from around US$15 ‐ 20 for lunch and US$15 ‐ 30
dinner. A beer costs on average US$ 3‐5.
Page 7
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold
luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's
website for the latest information prior to your departure.
Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group
sizes)
Visit to local Mayan community (available during free day in San
Cristobal de las Casas) ‐ US$35 per person
Boat trip on the Sumidero Canyon (available during free day in
San Cristobal de las Casas) ‐ US$55 per person
Misol Ha Waterfall ‐ US$5 per person
Local Mayan Community & Boat Trip to the Sumidero Canyon ‐
US$80 per person
Tipping (leader and local staff)
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus,
but tipping is very much part of everyday life in Latin America.
Although entirely optional, we suggest that you budget between
US$95‐100 in total on this itinerary to be broken down as follows:
Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can
view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write‐ups
which have featured in the national media and take advantage
of some special deals on travel gear and equipment.
In the Community Travel Forum you'll find the Departure Lounge
where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you
depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to
upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This
helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll
be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition.
To make full use of the Community you'll need to join My Exodus.
It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting
for?
Approximately US$3 per day for your tour leader.
http://www.exodus.co.uk/community
Approximately US$2 per day for your driver.
Approximately US$2 for each local guide used (you should expect
9 different local guides on this itinerary)
Essential Equipment and Clothing
Sunglasses
Sunhat; sunscreen
Rain poncho or lightweight waterproof jacket
Warm sweater
Swimming gear
Shorts
Sturdy walking shoes for Mayan ruins
Long trousers
Long‐sleeved lightweight shirts
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle
Dress is fairly conservative. Women do not normally wear shorts
in the towns and men should always wear a shirt or t‐shirt.
In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to
participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you
have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Exodus
office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different
capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone's ability to
safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people's
enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in
some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that
activity.
Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to
section 16 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our
leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we
will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered
alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided
for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional
costs incurred.
Optional items
Umbrella
Binoculars
Headtorch
Small daypack for walks/ruins visits
Universal sink plug
Baggage and Baggage Allowance
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on
the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We
recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.
Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which
can be contacted on 0044 (0)1582 640 045.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to
read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or
at www.exodus.co.uk/about‐exodus/essential‐information?
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and
details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you
approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not
receive these at least a week before departure, or require them
earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Mexico, Guatemala & Honduras • Beyond The Mayan World ‐ Day Of The
Dead Festival Departure
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where
differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current
brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and
website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in
order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where
necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be
possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a
variety of reasons ‐ climatic, political, physical or other. In these
circumstances we will make the best possible alternative
arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and
airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder
than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we
endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily
fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of
date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of
our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice
Service advises British tourists on the potential dangers they
might experience when travelling overseas. We liaise closely with
them and adhere to their travel advice. For up‐to‐date advice on
all countries, please visit www.gov.uk/foreign‐travel‐advice.
Should there be any change to advice prior to or during travel,
we may have to cancel or curtail a tour at short notice, or re‐
route an itinerary part way through.
Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of
publication. The most up‐to‐date prices can be found on the
Exodus website.
© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO
1. Check availability
Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
2. Secure your place
You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for
between three and seven days.
3. Complete your booking and payment
When you're ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online
booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking
form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all
major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book
with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour
operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number
2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators
(FTO) and ABTA ‐ The Travel Association. This means you can
book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to
us for your trip are fully protected.
Edition No. MP 2 2017
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