MEXICO CITY TO SAN JOSE BOLT

31 days from

BMS Main tour page image
DEPARTS MEXICO CITY to SAN JOSE
Trek Code:
BMS
Destination:
Central America
Departs:
Jun-Sep
Accommodation:
Budget Lodging
Age Range:
18-38
Best of Trek:
  • > Explore Tikal, Palenque & Copan Mayan ruins
  • > Visit Caye Caulker, Roatan & Ometepe Islands
  • > Enjoy jungles, waterfalls & Caribbean beaches
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Tour Overview

Six very different countries provide pulsating cosmopolitan cities, incredible jungle vistas, Caribbean beaches and perhaps the finest array of Mayan ruins. Dramatic volcanic landscapes mix beautifully with ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant nightlife to create one all-encompassing adventure. Come face to face with Capuchin monkeys, sample local food, bathe in natural hot springs and uncover artistic colonial cities. Dance the night away to a mariachi beat, try tamales washed down with Mezcal, follow jungle trails to towering Mayan ruins and walk streets paved in history on this Central American odyssey.

Included Highlights
  • > Visit Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica
  • > Visit Masaya shield volcano
  • > Informal Spanish language sessions with tour leader
  • > Walking tours in Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Mérida, Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, Rio Dulce, Roatan Islands, Leon, Granada
  • > Sparkling Caribbean Sea and sprawling jungle
  • > Agua Azul waterfalls
  • > Entrance into Palenque & Tikal archaeological sites
  • > Shop until you drop in colourful markets
  • > Water taxis to Caye Caulker, Roatan & Ometepe Islands
  • > Visit UNESCO world heritage sites
  • > Natural hot water spring evening swim
  • > Swim in the Caribbean waters in Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, Roatan Island
  • > Scenic walks and hikes
  • > Guided excursion to Chichen Itza
Tour Facts
  • > Tour leader: Services of a professional bilingual tour leader and local guides
  • > Transport: All transport by BOLT (Buses or Local Transport)
  • > Accommodation: All 30 nights included (19 x twin, 6 x twin/triple, 3 x multi share & 2 sleeper coaches).
  • > Wi-Fi: The majority of hotels/hostels have Wi-Fi available in either the rooms or common space.
  • > Group size: 18 maximum
What is a BOLT tour?
What is a BOLT tour?

Our BOLT tours (Buses Or Local Transport) offer the same great TrekAmerica experience, but using the most appropriate and affordable style of travel for the countries we visit. You'll stay in a mix of hotels and hostels, with most nights on a twin or triple share basis. Buses, collectivos, taxis, ferries and overnight buses get you from A to B, so you get to see the best that these awesome countries have to offer whilst travelling the same way the locals do, with the help and security of your local tour leader.

Optional Activities (paid locally)
  • Various optional activities are available with a selection of the most popular listed below. All activities are arranged and paid locally with your tour leader. Please see the day by day itinerary for a full list of activities available each day.

  • > Mexico City local tours US$14
  • > Oaxaca archeological sites and tours US$25 each
  • > Sumidero Canyon boat tour (5hrs) US$24
  • > Rancho Nuevo Cave & Chiflon Waterfalls (11hrs) US$25
  • > Cenotes and natural water parks US$109-$159
  • > Ragamuffin boat snorkelling tour US$45
  • > Caye Caulker crocodile cruise US$22
  • > Kayaking US$10-15 per hour
  • > La Finca hot springs US$35
  • > Mountain biking US$20
  • > Macadamia Nut Farm US$28
  • > Snorkelling US$30-$69
  • > Canopy tours US$45-$65
  • > Horseback riding US$30-$50
  • > Granada city tour US$10
  • > Volcano trekking US$10-$15
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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

Extra information

There will be a pre-departure meeting at approximately 18:00. You are free to arrive at any time.

Local Payments:
Some meals included as per the itinerary with all other meals paid individually in local restaurants.

Budget approximately US$68 for border-crossing fees (additional fees may apply for air departures).

Mexico combined entry & exit fee US$25 (Keep proof of payment)
Guatemala exit fee US$3
Belize exit fee US$20
Honduras entry fee US$4
Nicaragua entry fee US$13
Nicaragua exit fee US$3

Fees are subject to change. Please consult local embassies to confirm exact costs.

Important: You will need adequate travel insurance to join this trip. Download our insurance tips pdf for more information.

  • Day: 1 Mexico City

    One of the largest cities on earth, there's plenty to keep you occupied for a couple of weeks, let alone 1 night. Why not stop by the archaeological site of Teotihuacan; see an original Frida Kahlo painting at the Coyoacan art Museum or dance to world class DJs in one of the many regular club nights. Head off en-masse to "Salon Sol", a traditional place located downtown and enjoy snacks, drinks & live music.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share

    Optional activities: Chapultepec downtown tour US$14 | South tour to Tlalpan US$14 | Teotihuacan Pyramids US$28 | Anthropology Museum US$8

  • Day: 2-3 Oaxaca

    Join your tour leader for a guided walking tour through Oaxaca, a city famous for its arts and crafts. Buy souvenirs at a local market and slow the pace down by visiting some great archaeological sites - Mitla & Monte Alban are particularly beautiful.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 2 breakfasts included

    Optional activities: Chapultepec downtown tour US$14 | South tour to Tlalpan US$14 | Teotihuacan Pyramids US$28 | Anthropology Museum US$8

  • Day: 4 Overnight Transfer to San Cristobal

    The morning and afternoon is at leisure before joining your overnight transfer to San Cristobal de Las Casas.
    Accommodation: Overnight sleeper coach, breakfast included

  • Day: 5-6 San Cristobal de Las Casas

    Popular with travellers for decades, picture-perfect San Cristobal is set in a highland valley surrounded by pine forest. Explore San Cristobal's cobbled streets and markets, soak up the unique ambience and share a traditional group meal of Tamales Chiapanecos, before hitting the local bars. Visit the Sumidero Canyon and indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula & Zinacantan.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 1 breakfast included

    Optional activities: : Sumidero Canyon boat tour (5hrs) US$24 | Indigenous villages tour (5hrs) US$18 | Horseback riding US$15 | Rancho Nuevo Cave & Chiflon Waterfalls (11hrs) US$25

  • Day: 7 Palenque

    Take a private transfer to Palenque with a stop at Agua Azul, a group of waterfalls which create beautiful natural ponds. Make sure you take your swimwear as there will be time for a refreshing dip.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share, 1 breakfast included

  • Day: 8 Palenque & Overnight Transfer to Merida

    Pottery shards found during excavations show that people lived in Palenque as early as 300 B.C. Discover a rich history with an included entrance ticket into the enigmatic Palenque Archaeological site and ruins. You may like to hire a local guide around the site as your tour leader is unable to guide you here. This evening you board your bus for an overnight transfer to Merida.
    Accommodation: Overnight sleeper coach

  • Day: 9 Merida

    The capital of the state of Yucatan, there's always something going on in Merida - cheap eats, thriving markets and regular festivals ensure a full day of sights and sounds.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share

  • Day: 10-11 Chichen Itza & Playa Del Carmen

    En route to Playa Del Carmen pause to see the fabled site of Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Continue to Valladolid, a bustling Mayan city where the towns people still wear traditional Mayan clothing and buildings around the Main Plaza are pretty in pastel. Playa del Carmen awaits, with a full day tomorrow to explore Tulum or visit Xcaret, an awesome natural park with tons of weird and wonderful wildlife and Cenotes (underground caves).
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 2 breakfasts included

    Optional activities: Coba Ruins with cenote tour US$75 | Xcaret, Xel-Ha & Xplor natural water parks US$109-$159 each

  • Day: 12-13 Caye Caulker, Belize

    Take a bus and water taxi towards Caye Caulker, Belize. With a population of only 1,200 people, it has a real cosy island appeal. Take off your shoes and dip your feet into the clear seas, and tuck into fresh local lobster.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share, 1 breakfast included

    Optional activities: Ragamuffin boat snorkelling tour US$45 | Cave tubing US$87 (inc transfer and lunch) | Bike rental US$8 (full day) | Crocodile Cruise US$22 | Night fishing US$200 for 4 people | Kayaking US$10-15 per hour

  • Day: 14-15 Tikal & El Remate, Guatemala

    Say "adios" to Caye Caulker, and board your water taxi to Belize City. Across the border awaits El Remate, a sleepy typically Guatemalan village where it's so laid back, it's almost horizontal. Nearby lies Tikal National Park, a massive area containing some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Mayan civilization and the largest excavated site in the American Continent.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin or triple share

  • Day: 16-17 Rio Dulce, Guatemala

    Meaning "Sweet River', Rio Dulce is a melting pot of Caribbean charm and natural beauty. Hop on a tuk tuk to a hot spring or make a beeline for the local markets, where the food is to die for.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share

    Optional activities: La Finca hot springs US$35 | Visit to Livingston town (transfer and entrance) US$26

  • Day: 18-19 Antigua, Guatemala

    Honduras is next on the list, with Antigua City providing ample entertainment - feel free to explore the city shops with textiles, ceramics, jewellery and antiques, or climb on a mountain bike for a change of pace. Why not add a touch of culture and pay a visit to Macadamia nut and coffee plantations.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 1 breakfast included

    Optional activities: Mountain biking US$20 | Macadamia Nut Farm US$28

  • Day: 20-21 Copan, Honduras

    Copan Mayan Ruins, known in ancient times as "Xukpi", was the art and astronomy capital of the Mayan world. Carved monuments and intricate, swirling art surpasses any other Mayan city. Take an included dip in the Natural Hot Water Springs located just outside the city. A bumpy ride and a splash in this natural oasis is a brilliant way to bond with your group.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 2 breakfasts included

  • Day: 22-23 Roatan Island, Honduras

    Snorkelling, canopy tours and horse riding are only a few things that await you at Roatan Island, and life moves at a much slower pace, allowing you to completely relax in an island paradise.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share

    Optional activities: Snorkelling US$30-$69 | Roatan Iguana Farm Tour US$45 | Canopy tours US$45-$65 | Horseback riding US$30-$50 | Roatan canopy zipline & reef snorkelling tour US$88

  • Day: 24 La Ceiaba & San Pedro Sula, Honduras

    Wave goodbye to the lovely Roatan Islands and continue your journey to San Pedro Sula, where you'll find amazing markets. Try your hand at bartering for local specialities such as leather, textiles, silver and much more. Dust off your boots for a hike through Cusuco National Park, visit Taulabe Caves and Pulapanzak Waterfalls, or enjoy a coffee tour.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in multi share dorms

  • Day: 25-26 Leon, Nicaragua

    Another day and another whole new country to explore! This time it's Nicaragua, and Leon provides the perfect introduction as one of the oldest cities with some of the best colonial architecture in the country. Its centre boasts museums, art galleries, colourful colonial architecture and an imposing cathedral.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share

    Optional activities: Leon city tour US$15

  • Day: 27-28 Managua & Granada, Nicaragua

    A rare opportunity to stop at Masaya, an awesome active volcano located 20 km south of Managua, Nicaragua, where the locals have baptised it "La Boca del Infierno" or "The Mouth of Hell". Granada is your home for the next 2 nights. Take a trip to 'Monkey Island' where its cheeky residents will put a smile on your face!
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in multi share dorms

    Optional activities: Granada city tour US$10 | Mona Monkey Island tour US$60

  • Day: 29-30 Isla Ometepe, Nicaragua

    Ometepe Island gets its name from the Aztec language, meaning "Two Hills", due to the mountains formed by the two volcanoes. Trek to the volcanoes or try sand boarding down the dunes, for a taste of adventure.
    Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share

    Optional activities: Volcano trekking US$10-$15 | Kayaking US$15 per hour

  • Day: 31 San Jose, Costa Rica

    Leaving Ometepe for San Jose, Costa Rica, your adventure is nearing an end. Why not add some additional nights accommodation and head out to the markets or sample the vibrant nightlife of this sprawling metropolis.

    This tour ends at approximately 17:00 hrs. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs. If you would like to BOLT on additional nights here, please enquire at the time of booking.

Book Your Trip Online

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You can easily book your trek online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe and protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.


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