Central America Tour: Playa del Carmen, Tour start line.
Central to South America Tour: Puk’s Palace, Nicaragua.
3500 NZD
Flights are not included, Closest airport is Cancun, Mexico.
We have a few days in Mexico before the tour begins but you may want a few days for yourself so you’re welcome to fly in a few days earlier.
Shuttles and buses from Cancun airport are easy to find and affordable.
The public bus ADO departs every 30 minutes from the airport to Playa Del Carmen for approximately $12 US.
Meeting point will be emailed prior to departure.
When tour closes onward travel is always an opportunity with Costa Rica and Panama being in close proximity. At tour close the following airports are available:
135 km: Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR/MRLB) Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
142 km: Managua, Nicaragua (MGA/MNMG) Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport
317 km: San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO/MROC) Juan Santamaría International Airport
494 km: Tegucigalpa, Honduras (TGU/MHTG) Toncontín International Airport
San Jose, Costa Rica possibly offering the largest variety of flights.
All airports have shuttle or bus options available to you.
You will be in charge of your own luggage, we suggest you bring a large backpack, something you can carry on your back, due to transportation within the tour. Small/Medium suitcases will work but will be a pain carrying it around. There’s a lot of transit, try make it easy on yourself, all the shuttles have limited space so try pack smart, one main piece of luggage per person.
All countries require a valid passport.
If passport is within 6 months of expiring countries will not allow entrance.
It is essential you double check visa requirements before you depart, here we offer some information on visas but it is your responsibility as the traveller to arrange and research your own visas. If you do not comply with visa requirements you may be refused entry into a country and miss some of the tour. If you are refused entry to a country, it is your own responsibility and Puk Tours will not be liable for any inconvenience or expense incurred as a result.
Below is some information on the topic but make sure you double check the specific requirements for your own country/passport.
Visas generally not required for stays under 90 days. Visitors entering Belize are authorized for 30 days. At present, citizens of the USA, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other nations can arrive in all Central American countries (including Mexico) without arranging a visa beforehand. Many countries charge an entry or tourist fee upon arrival – from US$5 to US$20. Just keep in mind this for your budget.
Mexico exit tax by land: MXN 290 (USD21)
Departing Belize - $20 USD
Entering Guatemala - 10 Quetzales
Entering Nicaragua - $12USD
Departing Nicaragua - $5USD
Costa Rica airport exit tax: $29USD
These costs are subject to change and fluctuate from day to day.
Prepare your bank for your travels.
Notify your bank before travel and let them know every country you will be visiting. Banks can freeze accounts for security reasons if your card is used in a foreign country, so avoid the hassle of being stuck at night with no cash by letting them know ahead of time.
Don’t change money at airports or money exchange.
You will generally get better rates at an ATM, especially if you take out as much as possible and avoid withdrawal fees. Airports have notoriously poor exchange rates.
Take out extra cash
Due to ATM fees, the less times you go to the bank the better, so aim to take out as much as you will need for a week or two
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
Central America isn’t expensive, but everyone’s different, some travellers will choose to spend more on excursions during the day, some will party harder during the nights.
Street food is always a treat and your only paying cents for a feed, and beers aren’t more than a dollar or two.
Remember that all your accommodation and transport are included. Some people tend to get silly but these tours are friendly for the budget tight traveller’s as well.
Once you’re on tour, life will be cheap, wild and an absolute treat!
Travel insurance is compulsory to come on tour with us. Please forward evidence of your travel insurance via email prior to departure.
We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
There are many factors that need to be considered by you and your health care professional when assessing the need for vaccines and/or medication. This information is only a guide and not a replacement for professional health advice. Be sure to speak to your doctor or visit a travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks before you travel. The following is a list of our general recommendations:
Yellow Fever – The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those travelling to Panama, although outbreaks have occurred in other countries so please consult your doctor. If you are travelling to areas within South America prior to travelling to Central America it is often required that you carry a yellow fever vaccination card with you.
Hepatitis – Both A and B vaccination recommended.
Typhoid – Vaccination recommended.
Diphtheria – Vaccination recommended.
Cholera – Vaccination recommended.
Rabies – Vaccination recommended.
Tetanus – Vaccination recommended.
Malaria – risk varies by the region and season. You are most at risk in some areas of Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. Consult your doctor for the latest information.
