Physical Requirements
What to expect:
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2
3
4
5
Moderate
Pacing
- 7 locations in 16 days with some early mornings
- Three border crossing days featuring 7.5-hour drives with regular stops, and 1 internal flight
Physical requirements
- Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids
- You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted, stand up for 45 minutes at a time, and participate in 6-8 hours of physical activities each day
- Our activities include two 5-mile walks with steep slopes, uneven roads, and steps on Day 4 in Copán (90 stairs) and on Day 13 in Tikal (300 stairs)
- We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group's experience
- You may encounter animals on this trip. We make every effort to keep these encounters safe, however animals may behave unpredictably or dangerously at times. Please use caution when interacting with animals on this trip: Keep a safe distance, stay alert, and respect the animals
Altitude
- 2 days at altitudes above 8,000 feet
- 4 days at an elevation of 1,800 feet in El Salvador and Copan
- 4 days at an elevation of 200 feet in Peten and Belize
Climate
- Daytime temperatures range from about 55-85°F
- Temperatures can reach up to 80°F with a humidity of 85% in El Salvador and Copan
- Temperature can reach up 85°F with a humidity of 85% in Peten and Belize
- The lowlands of northern Guatemala and Belize are hotter, with tropical temperatures that may hit 100°F and regular rainfall, most of which occur May-October
Terrain
- Travel on rugged paths and trails, cobblestone streets, unpaved roads, and uneven ruins
Transportation
- Travel by 18-passenger air-conditioned minibus (no toilet on board), and 18-passenger boat
- Three 7.5-hour drives with regular stops, one 45-minute boat ride (round trip), and a 1-hour internal flight
Accommodations & Facilities
- The hotels, villas, and family-run lodgings on this trip feature amenities that will be more basic than travelers may be accustomed to. Rooms are smaller than those in the U.S.
- Some hotels do not include air conditioning, and one villa does not feature television
- Safety deposit boxes may be available in either your room, or the lobby, depending on your hotel
- Water temperature and pressure may vary
- Bed sizes may vary
- All accommodations feature private baths, but some may not include a hair dryer