SAN JOSE TO MEXICO CITY BOLT
31 days from
- Trek Code:
- BSM
- Destination:
- Central America
- Departs:
- Apr-Oct
- Accommodation:
- Budget Lodging
- Age Range:
- 18-38
- > Mayan ruins of Tikal, Palenque, Copan
- > Visit islands of Caye Caulker, Roatan & Ometepe
- > Explore jungles, waterfalls & Caribbean beaches
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 white sand beaches 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.
- > Visit Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico
- > Swim in the Caribbean waters in Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker & Roatan
- > 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
- > Visit Masaya shield volcano
- > Scenic walks and hikes
- > Two overnight sleeper coaches
- > Guided excursion to Chichen Itza
- > 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 in rooms or common space.
- > Group size: 18 maximum
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.
- 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.
- > Teotihuacan Pyramids US$28
- > 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
- > Volcano trekking US$10-$15
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.
As this tour departs at 0730 we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation. Please request hotel details at the time of booking.
Local Payments:
Some meals included as per the itinerary with all other meals paid individually in local restaurants.
Budget approximately US$71 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
Costa Rica 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.
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Day: 1-2 San Jose & Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Leave behind San Jose - a city with an interesting mix of history and modernity to begin your journey towards Isla Ometepe in Nicaragua. Upon arrival to San Jorge you take the water taxi to Isla Ometepe. Its name derives from the Aztec language and it means Ome= two and Tepelth=hills, due to the mountains formed by the two volcanoes. Trek to the volcanoes; try kayaking or sand boarding down the dunes, for a taste of adventure.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
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Day: 3-4 Granada, Nicaragua
Departing Ometepe Island by water taxi you arrive to the colonial city of Granada. 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! If you want to brush up further on your Spanish, our informal session today helps you do just that.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in multi share dorms
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Day: 5-6 Managua & Leon, 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". Continuing onto Leon, one of the eldest cities in the country with finest colonial architecture in Nicaragua. The centre is an attractive destination due to its museums, art galleries, colourful architecture and imposing cathedral.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
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Day: 7 San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Another day, and another whole new country to explore! This time it's Honduras and the city of 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. Also known for its nightlife, you may want to head out to sample Salva Vida, the local beer of Honduras.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in multi share dorms
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Day: 8-9 La Ceiba & Roatan Island, Honduras
Today after breakfast we'll depart from San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba beach where we board the water ferry to Roatan Island. Snorkelling, canopy tours, horse riding or exploring lush tropical scenery 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
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Day: 10-11 Copan Mayan Ruins, Honduras
Today we wave goodbye to Roatan Island as we make our way to Copan, made famous for the mighty Mayan Ruins. Known in ancient times as "Xukpi", it was the art and astronomy capital of the Mayan world and with an included guided visit, you can discover carved monuments and intricate swirling art surpassing any other Mayan city. Take an included evening 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 or triple share
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Day: 12-13 Antigua, Guatemala
Guatemala is the next country 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
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Day: 14-15 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, 1 breakfast included
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Day: 16-17 Tikal Mayan Ruins & El Remate, Guatemala
Say "adios" to Rio Dulce, making our way to 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
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Day: 18-19 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
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Day: 20-21 Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
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 Cenontes (underground caves).
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share, 1 breakfast included
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Day: 22-23 Chichen Itza & Merida
Leaving for Merida stopping en route to visit the fabled site of Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Continue to Valladolid, a bustling Mayan city where the townspeople still wear traditional Mayan clothing and buildings around the Main Plaza are pretty in pastel. Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan and there's always something going on in Merida - cheap eats, thriving markets and regular festivals ensure a full day of sights and sounds. This evening you board your bus for an overnight transfer to Palenque.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share & overnight sleeper coach, 1 breakfast included
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Day: 24 Palenque
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.
Accommodation: Budget Lodging in twin share
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Day: 25-27 San Cristobal
Take a private transfer to San Cristobal 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. 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. On the final evening in San Cristobal you take the overnight sleeper coach to Oaxaca.
Accommodation: 2 nights Budget Lodging in twin share & overnight sleeper coach, 2 breakfast included
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Day: 28-29 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, 1 breakfast included
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Day: 30-31 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 add on some post tour accommodation and 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: 1 night Budget Lodging in twin or triple share
This tour ends at approximately 17:00 hrs on day 31. 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
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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How to Book Online
1. Pick your chosen available departure date.
2. Select the number of passengers to book.
3. Click on the book button to be taken to our secure online booking engine.
4. Complete all personal details and payment information.
5. Your tour will be confirmed immediately by e-mail.
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