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Suitability
Suitability
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Land departure tax from Belize to Tikal is 18.75US$ (payable day 9), entry tax to Guatemala 2US$ (payable day 9) and International airport tax is 35$ (day 14) however this may be included in your ticket cost.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Placencia - Full day boat excursion to Laughing Bird Caye US$70. Scuba diving available at approx US$75-125. San Ignacio - Caving/ canoeing at Barton Creek, half day US$40; Caracol ruins US$70; Guided botanical garden self guided tour plus 3hr canoe trip and lunch US$60 (full day), Botanical garden night tour and meal US$55. Tikal - 2nd visit to ruins US$21; Sunrise tour US$35 Caye Caulker - Snorkel / boat trip to Caye Caulker Marine Reserve US$40, Snorkel / Boat trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve US$70, Scuba diving is approx US$90 for a single tank dive on barrier reef. Sea Kayak Bird Watching tour US$20
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Local Currency: Belize: Belize Dollar. Guatemala: Quetzal.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We strongly advise taking your money in small denomination US Dollar Travellers Cheques along with some US Dollar Cash. US dollar notes are legal tender in Belize.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: In major towns only.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: US$ Travellers Cheques can be exchanged in most major towns.
Additional Information: Your Tour Leader will advise you on currency matters on arrival.
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant. **Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Please note: Please note that flights on the tour may transit through the USA. According to US law, passengers will have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight.
Holders of the UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and several EU country passports can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they hold a machine readable passport. They must also be entering the country by sea or air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/onward ticket. As well as being machine readable, if your passport was issued on or after 26 October 2005, it must contain both a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.
All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night’s accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel.
Anyone applying for ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel under the Visa Waiver system will be charged a fee of 14USD (9GBP).
For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter).
For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, TB, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link athttp://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Sub-tropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean. Summer highs are rarely above 35°C, winter lows rarely below 15°C. Annual rainfall ranges from 107cm in the north to 364cm in the south and humidity can be high at any time of year. The rainy season extends from June through October with a short dry period in August, but some rain can be expected throughout the year.
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
One main piece of luggage and a daysack. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage – so don’t overload yourself.
Bring lightweight, informal clothing. A sweater or fleece is advisable for cool evenings and you’ll need a good waterproof jacket all year round. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers give protection against thick forest growth and insects on jungle walks. A swimming costume and sun hat are essential.
Lightweight trail boots are preferable for jungle paths, and you’ll want to bring sandals. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet for exploring caves and wet beach landings.
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
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