Highlights Merida, Uxmal, Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, Tulúm, Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Playa del Carmen.

Mexico Civilizations Map

Mexico Civilizations


Mexico Civilizations - CMMCD

Last Updated: August 13, 2010
9 days: Mexico
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What's Included

Orientation walk around Merida and local markets - Tour of Uxmal ruins and Hacienda Sotuta de Peon - Visit a cenote (underground sinkhole) for a swim - Horse drawn carriage tour of Paseo Montejo district - Visit the Anthropology Museum - Tour of Chichen Itza ruins and Balankanche caves - Tour of Tulum ruins - Canal tour in Sian Ka'an Biosphere - Arrival and departure transfers

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Gap Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Validity: Valid for all trips departing January 1st, 2010 - December 31st, 2010.


Trip style

Discovery Adventures: Inspired by Discovery Channel’s award-winning programming, Discovery Adventures are designed to engage your curiosity, expand your horizons and push the boundaries of active and intellectual exploration like nothing you’ve ever experienced.

Follow in the footsteps of history and uncover the secrets of long-lost civilizations. Span the chasms of distant cultures and come face to face with the exotic and extraordinary. Head deep into the heart of the wild and witness the awesome majesty of a world you’ve only imagined.


Service level

Comfort: Feed your curiosity for culture and authentic experience while still maintaining the comforts you are used to at home. Relax, your arrival transfer is always included. Expect air conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms, television, phone services, cafe/bar and internet. 24 hr electricity and hot water are the norm and continental breakfast is always included. For the most part, you will be travelling around in air-conditioned fixed route tourist buses, private touring vehicles or planes.

Physical grading

2: Light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.

Please note: Many Discovery Adventures trips include more than one 'Physical Grading' element that may increase the overall rating of a trip to a higher level. You can choose not to participate in these activities. For specific trip information, refer to the Trip Details document, or contact our sales department.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Cancún

Arrive in Cancún and transfer to the hotel. There are no planned activities until the evening, so check into the hotel and enjoy the city. In the evening, there will be a welcome meeting to learn more about our trip and meet our traveling companions.

A long-time destination for sun-worshipers and spring breakers, we only stay here long enough to meet and get primed for our adventure. The famous resort of Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula is a thriving town with skyscraper hotels and crowded beaches. Prices are higher in Cancún than elsewhere in Mexico because everything must be transported into the city.

In an attempt to capture more tourism dollars, the Mexican government financed the development of the city of Cancún in 1970, when there were only 3 residents on the island. The city grew rapidly and now has more than a half million residents and approximately 150 hotels. Famous for its white-sand beaches and nightlife, millions of tourists flock to the zone annually.

Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) as the heat and humidity of Cancún may cause dehydration.

Day 2 Mérida (B,L)

Head to the capital of the Yucatán, Mérida, where we'll explore the city’s museums, plazas, architecture, open markets and outdoor cafés. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where our guide will walk us through the menu, explaining the local specialties that cause some to claim that the Yucatan cuisine is Mexican's best food.

Following lunch, hit the bustling and colorful market on a brief orientation walk through downtown Merida. Known as la ciudad blanca, the white city, Merida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico’s fascinating mix of cultural influences.

Mérida, the capital of Yucatán State, was founded in 1542 on the site of the Mayan city of Tihoo. Its centre, the Plaza Mayor, or zocalo, is green and shady and surrounded by the twin-towered 16th Century Cathedral, the City Hall, the State Government Palace, and the Casa Montejo. There are several 16th and 17th century churches scattered about the city, as well as some interesting museums. We can buy traditional crafts, such as hammocks or Guyabera shirts, and a good selection of Maya replicas. We can also try out new and wonderful food items, such as the delicious cochinita pibil, a local specialty. Hot sauce fans will also want to try El Yucateco, a fiery liquid made from habanero peppers.

Sundays in Merida are a fun experience, as around the main plaza, streets are closed, stands are set up, and an outdoor party begins. A handicraft market and food festival are on the main plaza, and nearby streets have live music and dancing. Take in the festivities side-by-side with Mexicans, and maybe even try a couple of twirls dancing salsa.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 200 miles (320 km)

Day 3 Mérida (B,L)

Merida is the gateway to the Mayan ruins of Uxmal which rivals Chichén Itzá in its scale and extent of excavation. One of the Yucatán’s many ancient treasures from the Late Classic period, we enjoy an included guided tour here today. Afterwards, we visit a local Hacienda and cenote.

From the late 1600s to the early 1900s, Mexico was once covered in haciendas (equivalent to American plantations) in agricultural and manufacturing centers throughout the country. The primary focus of the Yucatan haciendas was based around henequen, or sisal fiber, used to make rope, cord, and twine. Many of the mansions found in Merida were built from this "green gold". During our time in Merida, tour a once fully-functioning hacienda a bit outside of town before taking a dip in the crystalline waters of a nearby on-site cenote, or underground sinkhole.

Day 4 Merida (B)

On our final day in Merida, we'll be treated to a horse-drawn carriage ride down the beautiful boulevard of Paseo de Montejo on our way to a guided tour of the anthropology museum. Along the Paseo de Montejo, together with many shops and restaurants, we will see stately mansions dating from the late 19th century. Nearby, is the main shopping street, Calle 65. We'll be sure to find Mérida a fascinating and beautiful city to explore on foot during our leisure time.

Day 5 Chichen Itza / Valladolid (B,L)

En route to Valladolid, we stop for a guided tour of the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and a visit to the caves of Balankanché.

The ancient Mayan city, estimated to be founded in 432, houses some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture ever excavated, including El Castillo, with a balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand and towering walls. The attention to detail, and fusion of architecture, science and religion within the structures and throughout the city planning, will no doubt impress all who see it.

Nearby, we'll find the caves of Balankanché which contain beautiful natural stone formations and caverns that were once used for Mayan ceremonies.

We will overnight in Valladolid, a bustling Mayan city with a colonial flair. Many of the residents still dress in typical Mayan clothing. Historically-speaking, this city is very important in the Mayan world, as the Caste War began here in 1847 with the execution of three Maya who planned an uprising.

To Chichen Itza:
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 75 miles (120 km)

To Valladolid:
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Distance: 30 miles (50 km)

Day 6-7 Tulúm / Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (2B, 1L)

Travel the short distance to the lazy town of Tulúm and enjoy a guided tour of the small seaside ruins.

Free of large scale hotel development and with turquoise water and white sand beaches, Tulúm is one of the most peaceful and relaxing areas on the Mayan Riviera. We'll have some free time to enjoy the beach while we're here.

On Day 7, travel a short distance south to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in the Mexian Caribbean. This UNESCO World Heritage site is know for its unique geography including wetlands and fauna of over 100 mammal species and over 300 birds. One of the greatest challenges faced in the reserve is to integrate human activities without compromising other life forms within its boundaries. Sian Ka'an is Mayan for "where the sky is born" or "gift from the sky". We will have the opportunity to explore this gift from the sky on an educational sight-seeing boat tour. We will learn about the coastal flora and fauna while boating through lagoons and canals. After a snack, kick back and relax as we float in our lifejackets downstream of a lazy freshwater river. We will be accompanied by an experienced guide during our exploration of this beautiful reserve.

Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 60 Km

Day 8 Playa del Carmen (B)

Head up the coast to Playa del Carmen in the center of the Mayan Riviera for one last day to enjoy the coast. Once a sleepy fishing village, it has steadily grown in size since the passenger ferry to Cozumel has been running from its docks and is seen as a more relaxed pueblo than its neighbor to the north, Cancún. The same white sand beaches and turquoise waters lap at its shore, but Playa del Carmen is lacking the massive crowds found in Cancun.

While here, our time is at leisure - relax on the beach, buy the last of our souvenirs along "La Quinta", Playa's pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants, or spend some time in the water snorkeling or scuba diving.

Day 9 Depart Playa del Carmen (B)

We will be transferred to the Cancun airport for our outbound flight at any time, though remember that check out at the hotel is at approximately 12pm midday.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at the time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travelers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your trip details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The trip details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1) Discovery Adventures is operated in conjunction with Gap Adventures, the world leader in sustainable adventure travel. An award winning company with over 800 employees and 17 operational offices worldwide, Gap Adventures has 20 years experience in creating culturally interactive travel experiences. Gap Adventures advocates a triple bottom line business philosophy where equal attention is given to the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism to achieve long-term environmentally responsible growth whilst protecting destinations & cultural heritage for future generations.

2) Please note that Playa del Carmen is a short 45-minute ride from the Cancún airport.

Accommodation

Comfort hotels (8 nts)

About Accommodation

The accommodation level for most Discovery Adventure tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, motels, lodges, guest houses, etc. You'll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodation and amenities can vary by Country and region and please remember that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Some trips may include camping, permanent tented camps or more rustic lodges, depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Please see your trip details for more information, specific to your tour. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops on tour.

Single Travelers

We believe single travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. If you prefer to have your own room, The My Own Room option is available on most tours, but some exceptions can apply). Our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Transport

Van, Mini-bus, Boat, Horse-drawn carriage, Walking

Group Size Notes

Max 15, Avg 8

Local Flights

There are no flights included on this tour.

Meals Included

8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches

Meals

Travelling with Discovery Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful foods and flavors that are available in the world. Some meals are included in the trip price in more remote regions or as a highlight where we can share a local specialty or cultural experience. In many places where there is a choice of eating options, we like to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company, but there is no obligation to do this. Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Group Leader Description

All Discovery Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our expert group tour leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. Group leaders are experts in their region with a broad, general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local expert guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

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 are likely to be of a variety of ages 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 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.

Joining Hotel

Radisson Hotel Hacienda Cancun
Avenida Nader 1 S.M. 2
Cancun, Mexico
Telephone: + 52 (998) 881-6500

Joining Instructions

An arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour and our driver will be waiting for you with a Discovery Adventures Sign with your name on it.

Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. 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. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Finishing Point Instructions

Please note that on the last day of the tour (Day 9), a departure transfer is included from Playa del Carmen to the Cancun airport.

What to Take

We recommend the use of a medium sized soft suitcase, duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact Gap Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in San José, Costa Rica. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

Gap Adventures San José, Costa Rica,
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT –6).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +506 2296 6994.

Costa Rica Emergency Cell Phone: +506 8322 9140 (after office hours).

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office in Costa Rica, we have a toll-free line within North America (or our regular direct line), which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from UK: 0844 410 1030
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Outside North America, Australia and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467

Checklist

Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•Cash and traveler's cheques
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•Discovery Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Suggested Items:
•Camera and extra memory card/film
•Extra batteries (recommended)
•Electricity Plug Adapter
•Flashlight or Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulbs)
•Binoculars
•Cover for backpacks
•Concealable money belt
•Fleece top
•Windproof/waterproof jacket
•Small towel and swim wear
•6 shirts/t-shirts
•Sun hat
•2 pair of shorts
•2 pairs of long trousers
•1 pair hiking pants/track pants
•hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes
•Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes, and 3 pairs of socks
•Sport sandals
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Insect Repellent
•Pocketknife
•First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

Optional Items: reading/writing material, Maps, guidebooks

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Spending Money

Every traveler is different, therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while some may like to purchase more souvenirs. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards with travellers cheques as backup is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than $100 USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Discovery Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

All prices are per person, in USD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Mérida (Mexico):
City tour $10 USD
Celestún Bird Sanctuary $35 USD
Dzibilchaltun Ruins tour $10 USD
Cenotes Tour $15 USD via public transport, $30 USD via private transport

Playa del Carmen:
Snorkel rental $5 USD
Ferry to Cozumel (return) $22 USD
Tulum $10-40 USD
Bicycle rental $16 USD/day

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. Discovery Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When traveling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our tour leaders to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please click here.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage, as a minimum requirement. Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered to equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

Download the the medical questionnaire.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the law of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world, but it is not acceptable for our travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been shown to your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy 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. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Keeping in Touch

If you need to be contacted while traveling, we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact information in this document. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.

Planeterra - The Gap Adventures Foundation

Planeterra is a non-profit organization with a long history of supporting sustainable community development through travel and voluntourism. By getting to know local people in the communities, Planeterra is able to help identify individual needs and act quickly to meet them. 

A range of over 30 projects worldwide, from providing water tanks to families in Kenya to a women's weaving co-operative in Peru, Planeterra offers travelers with a few hours, a few days, or a few dollars to spare, a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and communities around the world. Discovery Adventures supports the work of Planeterra and includes community project visits in many of our tours.