Introduction

Welcome to Unravel’s Experiences of a Lifetime! Want to learn how to travel nearly anywhere in the world? Would you like to see some of the best parts of southern Mexico and Guatemala? Join us for this ‘classroom on the road’ to learn all the skills you will need to forever say goodbye to the tour group and hello to the open road!

Trip Style

You can expect a small group of up to 12 travelers with some included activities and meals, but also time to explore or relax on your own. We stay in simple, locally owned guesthouses, bed’n’breakfasts, hostels, hotels, and campgrounds. We take all sorts of local transportation to get around.  This trip is about variety: the places, the people,  and the activities we participate in. While on the road we will focus on teaching our fellow travelers about how to travel smartly, safely, and sustainably!

Trip Map

Itinerary

One important part of this travel course is planning; this happens both before one boards their flight, and on-the-ground as-it-happens. This itinerary outlines the pre-trip planning. There is considerable flexibility for improvisation; this is intended so we can be in the moment and make the most of our travel opportunities!

The routes, activities and places visited described in these Trip Notes are intentions and are meant as a guide only. Outstanding circumstances may still require itinerary changes to be made up to trip start and during the trip. 

Days 1-5 – Cancun, Tulum, Chichen Itza, Merida

A true traveler gets off the beaten path, and we’ll leave tourist-stricken Cancun ASAP to really get into the heart of Mexico. So if it’s Cancun beach time you need, make sure to come a few days early!

We’ll meet in the morning and head out- first to Tulum, a chance to enjoy a pristine Caribbean beach, explore local Mayan ruins, snorkel, and get your adventure on! It’s not all sun and fun here, we’ll also have an opportunity to cover the essentials or traveling safely in a new place.

Afterwards we’re off to the remarkable Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, where we’ll learn the value of visiting a country’s historic sites, but also how best experience them without feeling like a herded animal!

Onwards from here to the beautiful “White City” of Merida. Though tourists come here, you will feel an immediate difference here from Cancun, will realize you’ve entered a true Mexico and learn more about how to get deeper into the local culture!

Days 6-9 – Palenque, San Cristobal da las Casas

Off we go to the southwest part of the nation to visit Chiapas state and the phenomenal ruins of Palenque. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is know for its intricate and well preserved architecture dating back to 100B.C. Only approximately 25% of the site has been excavated from jungle overgrowth! In addition to developing our Tomb Raider skills, we’ll also get to experience the jungle, and enjoy a visit to the magnificent Aguas Azules!

Next we head to the quaint city of San Cristobal de las Casas. There is a strong artistic community here and many skill artesians have moved here from the countryside. This makes the perfect setting to hone our local market negotiating skills.

On this section of the trip we also focus on transportation. We’ll get around by foot, taxi, collectivo, express bus, and even overnight bus. We’ll cover how to find out how to get from A to B, what to consider before booking, and how to travel safely and within your budget!

Days 10-15 – Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, Antigua

And off we head to Guatemala, the famous Lake Atitlan, and the fabulous tourist hub of Antigua. Here we’ll gain valuable experience in dealing with border crossings, dealing with money changers,  and noticing subtle cultural and lingual differences in a new country.

As we explore a couple of the highlights of Guatemala we’ll hone our skills on choosing and negotiating accommodations, and figure out how to choose a local operator and if you even need one. Once in Antigua we’ll have a chance to recap what we’ve learn, finalize our own plans for our onward journeys, and spend one last night as a group!

All good things must come to an end, but after all these adventures, you ‘re sure to feel confident and able to do it all on your own. And if, after all you’ve learned, you’ve realized you just prefer the fun and simplicity of traveling with a group, you’ll know that Unravel Travel will be around for your next adventure!

Itinerary Disclaimer

This itinerary may be updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers’ comments and our own research. As such, the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to the final copy of the Trip Notes that will be released to you shortly before your trip commences. For the latest updated trip notes please visit our website: www.unravel-travel.com

Culture Shock Rating

If you are an avid outdoors-person and have traveled to other developing nations before,  you will have a good sense of what to expect. If these activities are new to you, you should know that we will be traveling to remote, but typically safe areas of Mexico and Guatemala. Food will be tasty and healthy, and dietary needs will be taken into account, but selection and variety may not be what you you are used to back home. Transportation, accommodation, and sanitation is also quite different than you may be familiar with, but be assured that safety is our number one concern.

Physical Rating

These trips are active by nature, but you will have every opportunity to choose your own adventure. Everyone’s comfort zone is different. Be realistic about yours and give us a call to discuss the details before you book!

Inclusions

This is a list of included expenses on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

• 15 nights simple accommodations in basic guesthouses, hostels, campgrounds
• Public transportation between Cancun and Antigua and all destinations in between
• Entrance and guide to Chichen Itza, Palenque, and Aguas Azules
• Daily lessons, exercises and games related to Travel School
• Daily free activities
• 24/7 services of experienced group leader
• Follow-up assistance in travel planning next independent trip

Not Included

• Airfare to/from Cancun/Antigua, airport transfers
• Travel gear
• Optional activities
• Meals
• Individual Travel Insurance
• Gratuities for trip leader and guides

Spending Money

Everyone travels different, splurges and is frugal in different ways; therefore spending money requirements can vary greatly. Consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks and dining, shopping, optional activities and tipping. As a reference, one can spend from US$10-40 per day on food.

Important Notes

There will be 1 leader for every 12 travelers to make sure your trip runs smoothly. Your leader will be on call 24/7, yet there is a good amount of free time to be on your own.

This trip has been priced out with an assumed exchange rates of  US$1 = 11.53 Mexican Pesos and US$1 = 7.44 Guatemalan Quetzales. If the exchange rate varies drastically Unravel may be forced to charge an obligatory supplemental charge.

This price is assumed at double/triple occupancy. Solo travelers will be matched with others of the same gender. Unravel reserves the right to use triple occupancy or charge a single supplement if necessary.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travelers per group, minimum 4 travelers.

Accommodation

Simple guesthouses, hostels, campgrounds (15 nts)

Meals

Meals are typically not included on Travel School trips; the intention is that we are all encouraged to seek out food choices together and individually. We we eat street food from local vendors and in local restaurants. We will avoid tourist traps, and eat healthy and culturally typical foods. We will learn when it is worth it to splurge and when you don’t need to. Sometimes breakfast may be included with accommodation or meals while on day tours.

Transport

Local bus, overnight express bus, collective, passenger van, and by foot.

Group Leader

A Group Leader will accompany you on all parts of the itinerary and all included activities. Your Group Leader is there to assist you in making your travel experience the best it can be and is available 24/7 during the trip. Our leaders are chosen for their leadership skills and experience in the region, have a passion for the places they travel and its people and are trained and certified in basic first aid. While not traditional tour guides, they are there to share their experiences with you; we strive to have Group Leaders that take the hassle out of your trip and become the friend you travel with.

Joining & Finishing Points

Each group will initially meet at a centrally located point in Cancun. From here the journey will begin. Those arriving early or later can meet at the starting point hotel.

The trip ends in Antigua, Guatemala. It is each travelers own responsibility to plan their return to Cancun or plan their onward travel plans. We highly recommend travelers use their new found travel knowledge to continue their overland journey back to Cancun via Belize for 1-2 weeks or elsewhere in Central America. You only live once, right?!

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, nor should you, but things happen. You will be given contact details for your Group Leader, the starting point hotel and Unravel’s emergency contact in the case that there are any complications  with your arrival. Please notify your leader if there is a change to your itinerary and we will do our best to accommodate that.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the joining instructions in the Trip Notes. We will do our best to rectify the situation though we cannot be held responsible for circumstances outside of our control.

Emergency Contact

24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER Tel: +1 303-619-0910 There will be a number provided to call for a 24 hour manned mobile in case of genuine emergency.

Emergency Funds

Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control necessitate a change to our planned route.

Visas

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Citizens of certain nations require visas to enter the Mexico and Guatemala. Please contact you’re nearest embassy to find out your visa requirements.

Laundry

Laundry services will be available sporadically during this trip. You may have the opportunity to hand-wash articles of clothing while on the road. If you plan to do so, please be sure to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

What to Take

Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible, and a backpack (3,000 cubic inch minimum) is recommended as you will be expected to handle all your own gear.

Checklist

The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.

• 2 sets of comfortable traveling clothes
• 1 set of casual but smart clothes for evenings out
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 1 sun hat
• 1 pair of sunglasses
• 1 warm sweater/fleece
• 1 waterproof jacket with hood
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of sandals, sneakers or flip-flops
• 1 towel or sarong for the beach
• Underwear and socks
• Swimwear
• Toiletries
• Clothes washing detergent
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Camera, batteries, charger, & memory card
• Day Pack
• Alarm clock
• Sunglasses
• Pocket calculator (useful when exchanging money)
• Writing materials & notebook/diary
• Multi purpose knife tool
• Moistened tissues
• Assorted sized plastic bags – protects clothing and equipment
• Band aids  & sterile dressings/gauze
• Aspirin and/or Acetaminophen
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Insect repellent & Insect bite cream
• Lip balm
• Sun tan lotion (SPF 15 or more)
• After sun cream
• Prescription medicines
• Extra prescription glasses
• Photocopies of passport, visa, all important docs (scan and save to your email as well)

Issues On Your Trip

While we always endeavor to provide the best possible experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognize that there may be times when your group leader may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.

Please be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.

Health

All Unravel travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Unravel reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.

We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please make sure you discuss it with your doctor and be aware of the way altitude may exacerbate your condition.

Safety

Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Unravel itinerary, and Unravel makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

We also recommend that you check before departure that your travel insurance is valid for travel in these regions.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.

If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in country.

Please go to www.insuremytrip.com or www.worldnomads.com for links to various travel insurance providers.

Your Fellow Travelers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone’s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don’t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part.

Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.

Age restrictions apply to this trip: minimum age 18, maximum age 70

Responsible Travel

We believe strongly in positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects.

A Couple of Rules

While our trips are very flexible and accepting to local customs, there are a few things that will not be tolerated on Unravel trips due to their legality, how they may put other travelers or Unravel staff at risk, or are fundamentally against our responsible travel code. Any traveler possessing or using illegal drugs, participating in prostitution or engaging in acts of violence will be immediately removed from the trip. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group for making these offenses, and refunds to the trip will not be granted.