Costa Rica, Cuba & Mexico Odyssey - 21 days San Jose to Cancun

Come with us and explore the pristine protected rain forest teeming with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths along the Caribbean Coast, and then venture inland to experience different habitats, including a mist-shrouded cloud forest, a smouldering volcano, and picturesque lake. Add to that the rhythms of Salsa, Cuba’s unique culture and mystical Mayan Ruins, for an unforgettable journey on our Costa Rica, Cuba and Mexico tour.

TRIP SUMMARY:

• Bilingual tour leader & local guides
• All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners
• Guided boat trip on Tortuguero canal
• Walk to Sea Turtle Interpretation Centre
• Hot springs excursion La Fortuna
• Horse ride on way to Monteverde (or van transport for those not wanting to ride)
• Monteverde Cloud Forest guided walk
• Flights San Jose – Havana – Cancun
• Havana city tour, and specialized day tour of your choice in Havana
• Buena Vista Social Club show
• Guided tour of Chichen Itza Mayan site
• All land and air transport during the itinerary – see flight costs
• The cost of entry for all scheduled tours.
• Cuban Tourist Card
• All accommodation on a twin share basis

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

• Your domestic and international airport departure taxes, 
• Pre & post tour accommodation, 
• Visas  except for Cuba, 
• Vaccinations, 
• Personal travel insurance (compulsory), 
• Meals (except those listed ) , 
• Other personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, souvenirs, 
• Tips

Note: All prices are subject to change and currency fluctuations until final payment has been made.

PAYING LOCALLY

Local payments will be collected by your tour leader on day 2 upon arrival and must be paid in USD cash. Paying locally allows us to keep the overall cost of our tours competitive and pass the savings on to you. These funds are put towards local expenses. In some developing countries the transferring of funds is at times problematic so this is a way to help us serve you, whilst saving you money. Payment is to be made to your leader upon arrival in cash.

ITINERARY

Arrive San Jose, capital of Costa Rica, located in the central highlands. Most airlines arrive in the late evening for a brief overnight stay before our adventure continues.  

Begin with an incredible bus ride over the mountains to the Caribbean coast, where a half day boat ride takes us to Tortuguero, with spectacular wildlife viewing en route. Tortuguero National Park was created in 1975 to protect the four species of sea turtles which nest along the beaches. We may see herons, egrets, spoonbills, as well as amphibians and reptiles like the “Jesus Lizard” (it walks on water) and caimans. The tropical rainforest gives way to beaches, ideal nesting grounds for Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtles. The latter nests from mid- March to May, so we hope to see them on this trip. Spend time cruising the canals looking for howler monkeys, toucans and crocodiles amongst other wildlife and visit the Caribbean Conservation Center. An excellent source of information about the turtles and their tropical habitat. 2B, 2L, 2D

Leaving behind the Caribbean Coast, we travel by boat and van through lush rainforest and palm plantations to La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Set on the northern plains of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano sits on the southeast shore of artificial Lake Arenal (77 square kilometres). Separating the mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilarán, the lake was created by a hydroelectric dam. The volcano has been very active and occasional eruptions made it a natural wonder to be respected. However, since the beginning of 2011 it has remained dormant. Who knows what 2012 will bring! We spend the evening soaking in the hot springs at its base, sipping cocktails, hoping to catch a glimpse of lava flowing down the side. B

From the central valley, ascending into the cool, misty mountain air, we travel by horse around Lake Arenal to Monteverde. Spend time exploring the town and the Forest Reserve which covers 1600 hectares of forest and is home to a great variety of wildlife. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different species of mammals inhabit this small area. You may be lucky enough to see the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful and elusive birds in the world.

Quakers from the United States founded the village of Monteverde in the 1950s. Looking to leave behind the constant fear of war and objecting to being forced to support continued militarism through their taxes, the Quakers chose Costa Rica because of its commitment to a non-militaristic economic path—Costa Rica’s army was dissolved in the 1940s. The unique community has several local co-operatives worth visiting including artist collectives and a cheese factory. Optional activities include the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges through the jungle canopy, a butterfly garden, Ranarium and a thrilling canopy zip line. 3B, 1D

Leaving the heights of the cloud forest, we travel to the sparkling Pacific coast and Manuel Antonio. Set in lush forest with troups of Squirrel and Capuchin Monkeys the time here is yours. Explore the national park, raft the Savegre river, take a kayak tour through the Damas mangrove estuary, or soak up the sun on beautiful Espadilla beach. 2B.

An early start takes us by van directly to the airport for our morning flight to Havana, Cuba. One of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Venture among the splendorous crumbling architecture of the streets of old Havana and sit on the famous sea wall (El Malecon) to take in the view and some fresh air, and to socialize with the colourful and friendly ‘Habaneros’. B

We’ll take you on a guided walking tour of the historic centre of Havana (approx 2 hours) before heading off to Viñales. Surrounded by picturesque limestone pincushion hills (“mogotes”), Vinales is a small and culturally rich village, where you will get your first experience staying in the house of a Cuban family. Explore caves, hiking, biking, horseback riding or simply enjoying the views of the valley and sprawling tobacco fields below are all options. Vinales is one of the cooler areas of Cuba, so its also a nice escape from the hotter parts of the country. The nightlife is very active in this village with the local residents more than willing participants in dancing to the local live music. From Havana to Vinales its about a 3 hour drive. 2B

We head back past Havana to the French founded city of Cienfuegos and the Bay of Pigs. Cubans call their town La Perla del Sur (the pearl of the south). Its appeal lies partly in the European flavour of its colonial hub, with a wide Parisian-style boulevard and elegant colonnades. Beyond Cienfuegos we travel along the picturesque Bay of Pigs past the site where the landing of counter-revolutionary exile militia occurred in 1961.  B

Its only about 2 hour drive to from Cienfuegos to Trinidad but we make the most of the beautiful journey by stopping at the picturesque El Nicho Waterfall. You’ll have the chance to swim, walk and explore. Trinidad is a standout favourite destination. No other colonial city in Cuba is so well preserved, and the local residents are extremely friendly and festive. Trinidad is steeped in religiosity, none the least of which is Santeria and other Afro-Cuban religions that are related to Voodoo. There are no less than 10 live music venues all within a short walking distance. Many of these have lovely outdoor settings, in courtyards, and within the walls of old colonial ruins.
We are near the lovely Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of Sugarmills) and Playa Ancón, where you can enjoy long stretches of unspoiled, white sand beaches. Scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming in waterfalls and horse-riding are other optional activities. 2B

We return to Havana via Santa Clara, where there is a huge statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara, to commemorate his death and that of the revolutionaries who died along with him in Bolivia. There is also a museum here dedicated to his amazing life. Our final night in Cuba is spent back in Havana. On day 17 you have a day to explore Havana and can take advantage of one of the specialized day tours we have included in the trip. This evening will feature a Buena Vista Social Club show. 2B, 1D

Fly to Cancun and spend our last few of days in the bustling, vibrant tourist town of Playa del Carmen. We’ll be staying in the central part of town away from the resort hotels, but right near the most beautiful stretch of white sand beach. While we are here, a trip to the impressive Mayan site of Chichen Itza, is included and you also have the option of visiting the Tulum Mayan site. You’ll have time to do as much or as little as you like. Swim, snorkel, explore the underground rivers, visit Cozumel Island, dive, or do some souvenir shopping for that silly sombrero or gorgeous tiled mirror. These last couple days are designed as a relaxing end to an active trip, so you may prefer to just sit in a local bar with an icy cold Marguerita, squishing sand between your toes and wandering across the beach for a swim in the electric blue water. You tour leader will be on hand at all times to offer help in sightseeing, activities, and great places to eat. We’ll also enjoy a final dinner together, celebrating a fantastic and diverse trip. 3B, 1D

Departure day. B