Pre-Departure Information

To make the most of your trip, it’s essential to arrive in good health. 🏃‍♂️ We recommend consulting with your doctor to determine if they have any specific health recommendations for your trip. The World Health Organisation and the National Travel Health Network are also brilliant resources for your research. 💻

Should a medical issue arise while we’re on the road, our absolute priority is to obtain professional help for you immediately. While health services vary across the different regions we visit, we’ll be right by your side to help you find the best possible solution. 🤝✨

💪 Health Conditions and Suitability

We require a basic level of fitness to participate in our trips, so it is important to consider whether you are in the right physical and mental condition for the journey. Please take a moment to check your specific itinerary for the approximate driving hours, available facilities, and the challenge rating of the activities we have planned. 🏔️🚐

If you have any medical issues that might limit your participation in any of the activities, please let us know as soon as possible. Your safety is our priority; therefore, if our crew considers that your health might be at risk during a particular activity, we reserve the right to limit your participation. 🤝✨

In general, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize are safe countries for tourists, where locals welcome visitors with open arms and often go out of their way to help. However, as with any adventure travel, there is always an inherent risk. 🌎✨

Choosing a respectable local company like Lupita for your experience drastically reduces these concerns. We take security as a top priority and have implemented important measures to keep everyone safe—you can check the full details on our dedicated Safety and Security page. 🚐🔒

🌍 Foreign Travel Advice

Before your tour begins, it is highly recommended to check your local government’s official travel advice website for the latest updates on safe travel. While our travellers rarely experience any of the reported problems, staying informed through your country’s foreign affairs department is always best practice! 📝✨

📋 Adventure Travel Insurance

We strongly encourage you to purchase a comprehensive medical travel insurance policy for your tour. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. 🛡️✈️

When selecting your policy, please ensure it includes the following core coverages:

• Medical & Repatriation: Full coverage for emergency medical expenses, including emergency repatriation to your home country.
• Adventure Activities: Ensure your policy covers active travel, including specific activities on your itinerary, such as trekking, rafting, or horse riding.
• Trip Cancellation & Curtailment: Coverage for the full cost of your trip and flights in case of unexpected changes or cancellations before or during the tour.
• 24/7 Assistance: Your provider must offer 24-hour emergency assistance and have experience handling logistics in developing countries.

💳 A note on Credit Card or Annual Policies: If you rely on insurance through your credit card or an annual multi-trip policy, please double-check the fine print. Many of these standard policies do not cover adventure travel in remote areas or international overlanding.

Note: Personal liability, baggage loss, and personal effects coverage are highly recommended for your own peace of mind, but remain a personal choice.

Our prices are per person and include accommodation, transport, the vehicle and its equipment, and any meals or activities listed as included. 🚐✨

Trip prices exclude:

• Travel insurance, flights, and personal taxes (including border fees).
• Passports, visas, and vaccinations.
• Optional activities, extra accommodation, or room upgrades.
• Contingency expenses for force majeure (e.g., natural disasters) or personal spending money. 💵

💵 Local Operational & Community Fund (If applicable):

For expeditions where a Local Fund is specified in the booking sidebar, this mandatory cash portion is paid directly to your expedition leader on Day 1. It goes 100% towards cash-only ground logistics: local guides, community-hosted meals, artisanal workshops, and daily field expenses in areas where card payments are non-viable.

Please note: USD bills must be in clean condition (not torn or written on), as banks and local partners in the region can reject damaged currency.

🛍️ Personal Spending & Budget:

We’ve designed our itineraries to include most activities, so you’ll only need a limited amount of extra money. Drinks, laundry, souvenirs, taxis and meals not listed in the trip notes are at your expense. 🌮 Daily expenses typically range from 5 to 40 USD, depending on your personal spending.

Contingency Money: We recommend having at least USD 500 accessible for emergencies such as natural disasters or unexpected itinerary changes. 🛡️🆘

💳 Cash & Card Logistics on Route:

• ATMs are King: Withdrawing local currency (MXN) directly from local ATMs upon arrival is the easiest and cheapest way to get cash. 🏧
• Notify Your Bank: Remember to set your travel dates in your banking app before departure so your cards don’t get blocked. 📞
• Bring a Backup: Always travel with at least two different cards kept in separate places, just in case. 🎒
• Cards vs. Cash: Cards are fine for larger bills ($25 USD or more) in big cities, but cash is absolutely essential for small towns and street food. 🌮

🛂 Passports & Visas

• Most nationalities do not require visas for Mexico, Guatemala, or Belize, but some (e.g., Taiwan) do. It is essential to check your specific requirements online before departure.
• You must have a passport valid for at least six months and sufficient blank pages for stamps. Tourists are typically granted 3–6 months upon arrival.
• Please note that border fees (up to 50 USD) are not included and must be paid individually.
• If transiting via the United States, you must apply for and pay for an ESTA before you fly.

✈️ Booking Your Flights

We recommend using Google Flights to find the best rates. When planning your route, please keep the following in mind: 💻✈️

• Regional Airports: Not all itineraries begin or end at international hubs. However, domestic flights and buses are affordable and comfortable.
• Mexico City Arrivals: If your trip starts here, ensure you choose Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX). Avoid the “other” airport (NLU), as it is very far from the city centre! 🏙️🚫
• Airlines: We recommend Aeromexico for reliability. Volaris and Viva are budget alternatives, though delays are more frequent.
• Buses: Mexico’s luxury bus network is excellent. We highly recommend ADO for comfort and frequent departures. 🚌✨
• Travel Tip: It is often cheaper to book a return flight to a major hub (e.g., Cancún) and add a separate one-way domestic flight to your specific starting point.

🤝 Flexibility & Liability

• Adventure travel requires flexibility. In rare cases of major disruptions—such as natural disasters or failing to reach the minimum number of travellers—we may need to adjust the itinerary or cancel a trip. 🌪️🚐
• Liability: We cannot accept liability for any connecting travel arrangements or non-refundable flights affected by these changes.
• Recommendation: We strongly advise booking flexible tickets or securing insurance that covers cancellations. If a trip is cancelled, we will provide an official letter to support your insurance claim. 📝🛡️

We typically do not arrange private airport transfers (except for Belize, Chiapas and private groups!), as the best and most cost-effective method depends highly on your arrival city. 🛑

Instead, we highly recommend the following efficient and safe options for our main starting points:

• 🇲🇽 Mexico City (MEX): You can use Uber, but be aware that airport WiFi is famously unreliable, and depending on your terminal, you may have to walk outside the airport grounds to meet your driver. The easiest alternative is an Official Airport Taxi. Go to the secure kiosks inside the arrivals hall, compare prices between a few, and always ask for a standard/shared option to avoid being upsold to an expensive “luxury” private service. 🚕 A standard ride to our central hotel should cost around $300 – $350 MXN (approx. $15 – $20 USD).

• 🏖️ Cancún (CUN): Pre-book an official shared van on www.bookaway.com for fair pricing ($10–$20 USD). If you are travelling in a group of 3 or 4, booking a private taxi through the same platform might actually be cheaper and faster! 🚐

• 🌿 Chiapas (TGZ to San Cristobal/Chiapa de Corzo): Official airport taxis are readily available and very safe. Simply buy a ticket at the official kiosks inside the terminal, which have fixed rates. However, if you prefer absolute peace of mind and want a driver waiting for you, we can pre-organise this transfer for you for a small management fee. Just contact us in advance! 🚙

• 🇧🇿 Belize City (BZE): We do offer this! When you book your tour with us, you can select our arrival transfer add-on. We will arrange your transport from the airport straight to the ferry terminal and your hotel in Caye Caulker. 🚤

• 🇬🇹 Guatemala City (GUA to Antigua): Uber is highly recommended, very safe, and costs around $30–$45 USD per car. If you are travelling solo, look for the Shared Shuttle kiosks right at the airport exit (around $15–$20 USD per person). 🌋

Pro Tip: No matter the airport, always pay at official kiosks or through secure apps, and never accept rides from random drivers soliciting inside or outside the terminal! 🛑 Additionally, do not feel pressured to tip airport transfer drivers. Especially in Cancún, some drivers can be very pushy and demand large tips, but tipping for this specific service is neither required nor expected. Keep your boundaries firm! 🙅‍♂️

Travel light but smart — 🌿 We recommend packing light for maximum comfort and flexibility — remember, less luggage means more space for unique souvenirs! If you forget anything, don’t worry; all the essentials can easily be purchased locally. 🚐✨ Here’s everything you’ll need for a comfortable journey!

🧳 Luggage

• 1 Large backpack or duffel bag for your clothes and essentials. These are easier to handle, since on our trips you’ll often need to carry your luggage upstairs or walk a few blocks. A suitcase is possible but not recommended, as it’s less practical in these situations.
• 1 Small day bag for items you’ll need during the day.
• 1 Fanny pack or shoulder bag for quick-access valuables.

Luggage Limit: Your main bag should not exceed 18 kg (40 lbs) and 75 × 30 × 30 cm (30 × 12 × 12 in). If you love souvenirs, leave extra space or plan to ship items home. 🎁

👕 Clothing

• 7–12 sets of underwear, T-shirts, and socks.
• 2-3 pairs of super-light long trousers (better than shorts for mosquitoes…).
• 2-3 long-sleeved fresh shirts (good for evenings against mosquitoes 🦟).
• 1 sweater/jumper/fleece 🧥.
• 1 light waterproof jacket for rain and wind ☔.
• Comfortable trainers or hiking shoes 👟.
• Sandals or flip-flops 🩴.
• Water shoes.
• Swimwear 👙 + towel.
• UV-protective swimming shirt 👕 (highly recommended for coastal tours).
• Optional: 1 set of casual clothes for evenings out. 🌆

🧼 Personal Care

• Medications and toiletries 💊.
• Earplugs for noisy situations.
• Mosquito repellent 🦟 (eco-friendly if possible).
• Sunscreen ☀️, lip balm 💋, after-sun care.
• Hand sanitiser 🧴.
• Hat 👒 and sunglasses 🕶️.

⛺ Camping Gear

In case your trip includes any camping nights, we provide everything strictly necessary:

• Tents with mosquito nets (2 people per tent).
• 15ºC sleeping bags + liners.
• Inflatable mats with integrated pillows. 😴

Bring your own Head torch or flashlight 🔦 with spare batteries.

📑 Essentials & Documents

• Passport, debit/credit cards 💳, visas, flight tickets, and photocopies.
• Some local currency in cash 💵.
• Smartphone 📱 and charging cables.
• American travel adapter 🔌.
• Refillable water bottle 💧.
• Optional: money belt, padlock 🔒, book 📖.

🧺 Laundry & Medical

• Laundry: Available at hotels or local services every few days. 🧼 Sometimes up to a week. Equipment for hand washing when camping can be provided.
• Medical Kit: We carry a basic first aid kit 🩹, but it is better to bring your own prescription meds.

🦟 Mosquitoes & Insects

• Common in coastal & jungle areas.
• We prioritise accommodations with nets, but bring repellent.
• Wear long sleeves 👕, trousers 👖, closed shoes and socks at sunset.
• Harmless jungle critters may appear, but our crew will help.

Our unique stays set us apart! We prioritise locally-owned, centrally located, and charming colonial-style hotels, alongside eco-friendly community stays and adventure-focused camping. 🏨✨

• Hotels: Most stays are in 3–4-star hotels with private bathrooms and hot showers. In cities, we stay in the heart of the action. Rooms typically feature two double beds shared by two people (same-sex).
• Unique & Remote Stays: Sometimes the best experience isn’t in a hotel, but in a special location with limited availability. In these cases, we adapt to shared dorms, cabins, or rooms with different configurations and shared facilities to ensure we stay in the most incredible spots. 🛖🤝
• Camping: To reach the most pristine natural wonders, we use a mix of established sites, basic camps, or even wild camping, depending on the route. We provide all gear (tents, air mattresses, pillows, and sleeping bags). You will share a spacious 4-person tent with just one other person. 🏕️🌌

Important Details on Flexibility

• Standards vary by region. Reaching the most beautiful, off-the-beaten-track spots requires a bit of adventure! 🎒🧗
• Please note that we may need to use different hotels from the expected ones. If this happens, we will always try to book a similar standard of accommodation.

👤 Single Supplement (Private Rooms)

For those who prefer their own space, a Single Supplement upgrade is available for an extra fee at the time of booking on most tours. This guarantees you a private room throughout the hotel stages of the trip. 🏨✨

Please note: In some of our unique or remote stays (such as eco-lodges, cabins, or camping stages), single rooming may be limited or unavailable due to the nature of the location. In these rare cases, even passengers with a Single Supplement may need to share facilities or tents. Occasionally, you may also be able to upgrade to a private cabin or tent upon arrival, subject to local availability.

🏨 Pre & Post Trip Accommodation

While our itineraries provide time to explore, we are happy to arrange additional accommodation if you wish to arrive early or extend your stay. Please select this option during the booking process if required. 🛌✨

Our rates are fixed for the season, so we cannot match last-minute discounts or internet specials found on third-party websites. If you prefer to book your own extra nights, we kindly ask that you confirm with us first which hotels we are using for your specific departure. 🚐🙌

🔄 Rooming Rotation

Our prices are based on shared accommodation (2 people per room). If you book with friends, you will share a room with them by default. Solo travellers who choose shared accommodation will share with other passengers of the same gender on a rotation basis, ensuring great interaction across the group! 🤝✨

Occasionally, room configurations may differ—for example, one room might have air-con while another does not, or bed sizes may vary. To keep things fair, we rotate these rooms among the group and ask for your flexibility. If you make a great friend (or more!) during the trip, feel free to discuss your rooming preferences with us. 🏳️‍🌈💞

From archaeological tours and wildlife watching to scenic treks, Lupita offers a wide selection of experiences! We’ve designed our trips so that the vast majority of activities are already included in your tour price. 🐆🏛️

Most of our remaining activities are “free,” meaning there are no entry or transportation costs involved. A small selection of experiences is optional and at your own expense. Please note that some activities may be modified or cancelled due to unpredictable conditions. In these rare cases, we will offer you alternatives. ⚖️

For insurance reasons, we do not officially organise high-risk activities such as paragliding or horse-riding without a helmet. If you choose to participate in these activities independently, you will be required to sign a disclaimer. 🛡️⛰️

In our tours, we categorise meals as Included, Van, or Own Expense. You can check the specific plan for your journey on each tour page. Please keep in mind that these plans may vary due to the adventurous nature of our trips. 🌮🚐

• Included Meals: Some of our stops—especially community stays—include all meals. Most hotels also provide breakfast, and several of our full-day activities feature lunch or dinner as part of the experience. We take great pride in ensuring a significant portion of your meals are already covered!
• Van Meals: These are an important part of the Lupita experience, ensuring enough flexibility to access remote areas and giving us the freedom of not depending on restaurant schedules! We prepare these using the van’s equipment with everyone’s participation. Your crew is always there to guide you, and everyone is expected to chip in with the washing up and tidying to keep things running smoothly. 🥗🔥 For trips with frequent van meals, we use a Cook Group system where teams of two or three take turns planning, shopping, and cooking for the group.
• Own Expense Meals: On different occasions and especially when we stay in towns, you’ll have the freedom to explore the local food scene and find your own favourite restaurants. This is the perfect time to try that specific street taco stand or local bistro you’ve been eyeing! 🌮🏘️

🥑 Dietary Requirements & Allergies

Please let us know about any dietary needs or allergies when booking so we can plan our menus accordingly. We do our best to respect all choices; for included meals, a vegetarian or vegan option is always available. While camping, we cook meat in separate pans, and you can let us know if you prefer not to be involved in meat preparation. While restaurants in some areas can be challenging for specific diets, we are always on hand to help you find the best solution! 🌱🥑

To help you choose the right adventure, every tour page features a challenge rating. We calculate this by balancing several factors: daily driving distances, the mix of accommodation (hotels vs. wild camping), the frequency of van meals, the intensity of activities, and logistics like border crossings. 🚐💨

📊 Understanding Our Ratings

We rate our tours from 1 to 5 to help you match a trip to your fitness level and expectations:

• ⭐ Relaxing: Focus is on a leisurely experience with minimal physical exertion. Ideal for a slow-paced holiday. 🧘‍♂️
• ⭐⭐ Easy: Expect some light physical movement. Suitable if you are comfortable with short walks and a relaxed overall pace. 👟
• ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate: Perfect for active people. You should be comfortable with a mix of somewhat demanding activities and varied environments. 🥾
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Serious: Great for those used to regular exercise. You should be comfortable participating in physically demanding activities for extended periods. 💪
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Heart-pumping: Designed for travellers in excellent physical shape. Expect continuous, high-intensity activity; pre-trip training is recommended! 🏔️🔥

Understanding these ratings ensures you have the most enjoyable experience possible. If you’re unsure which level fits you best, feel free to reach out to our team via the Contact Us page!

On most group trips around Mexico, you’ll travel in Lupita, our extra-large 2020 Volkswagen Crafter. We have specifically adapted her to take us into rugged areas where conventional tours simply cannot go. Please consider the vehicle your home on the road! 🏠💨

For private tours or journeys through Belize and Guatemala, we may use Lupita or a different rental vehicle depending on your group size and current border restrictions.

🚐 Life On Board & Driving Dynamics

• The Drive: Most driving days are quite short (usually just one morning). While tours in Northern Mexico may require a few longer stretches, we always try to build in time for scenic stops along the way. 🛣️🌵
• Road Conditions: Please be aware that roads in many areas can be bumpy. Unexpected, unsigned potholes and “topes” (speed bumps) are frequent. Despite our drivers’ best efforts, it is practically inevitable that we will “jump” one or two during the trip. 🎢🚗
• Safety On Board: For your safety, seatbelts are compulsory in all countries we visit. To avoid any unexpected bumps, please do not leave heavy objects in the overhead storage and take care not to lay your head against the windows while we are moving! ⚠️

• All our group trips with 6 or more passengers are run by two passionate crew members dedicated to making your journey safe and enjoyable. The most common setup features one leader focusing on tour logistics while the second serves as the dedicated driver—please note that in this configuration, the driver may not always speak English. Depending on the trip, you might also meet a leader/driver paired with an assistant or a trainee. 🚐✨
• For groups of fewer than 6 people or private tours, you will normally be accompanied by one tour leader who also serves as your driver.
• Regardless of the team size, your leaders are experts in expedition leading with a solid understanding of the regions you’re crossing. While they have great general knowledge and provide plenty of suggestions, they are not “traditional” guides. Instead, we hire the best local experts to enhance your journey at archaeological sites, nature reserves, and cultural stops. These experts provide deep insights and are cherished members of the Lupita Overland family. 🏛️🌎

💸 Should I Tip the Crew?

While never mandatory, tipping is a common way to show appreciation for our team’s hard work. If you feel they’ve gone above and beyond, a general guideline is $2–$8 USD per person, per day for your tour leaders, typically given as a total amount at the end of the trip. A basic tip for all local guides is already included in your package, so you don’t have to worry about it daily, though any additional tip you wish to give for exceptional service is always welcome. 🌸🙌

When you join a Lupita adventure, you become part of a diverse community of travellers of all ages and nationalities, all sharing a common passion for discovery. A core part of our travel concept is this sense of community—the more heart you put into the journey, the more you will get out of it! 🌎✨

As part of an overland group, everyone chips in to keep the adventure moving. This might involve helping with luggage, monitoring the fridge, or simply being there to lend a hand when you see something that needs doing. 🚐🙌

🏕️ Life at Camp & Beyond

Many of our travellers’ favourite memories are forged during our camping days, where the true spirit of overlanding comes to life. These stays rely on a collective effort, and you’ll find yourself becoming an integral part of the “camp crew.” This includes hands-on tasks such as:

• Setting the Scene: Pitching your own tent and helping to arrange our communal “living room” by setting up food boxes, tables, and chairs.
• The Camp Kitchen: Joining forces to prepare fresh meals and, of course, the inevitable (but often social!) task of washing up and tidying the kitchen equipment.
• Van Maintenance: Helping to keep our home-on-wheels organised by monitoring the fridge and ensuring gear is securely packed.

Your crew will always be on hand to lead the way and provide assistance. A proactive approach and a willingness to muck in are the best ways to ensure everyone has a fantastic time under the stars! 🥗

🤝 Group Respect & Care

To ensure the best experience for your fellow travellers, we ask for a few simple commitments:

• Positive Atmosphere: We value education, kindness, and good manners. We maintain a strictly non-violent environment where differences are settled through “good talk” and mutual respect. A polite, considerate attitude goes a long way in a shared space, ensuring that the van remains a happy and welcoming home for all.
• Punctuality: Being on time for departures and meet-ups keeps our schedule stress-free.
• Health & Safety: If you are feeling unwell, we kindly ask you to wear a mask inside the van to protect the rest of the group.
• Active Participation: Especially during camping days, being present and involved makes the community bond even stronger. 🤝💪

Our itineraries are a statement of intent, but the very nature of overlanding in remote areas means we must embrace the unpredictable. Whether it is adverse weather, local strikes, or minor mechanical issues, factors beyond our control can affect the trip. You may encounter a higher level of unpredictability than you would in your daily life or on more conventional tours. 🌪️🔧

However, this flexibility is also what makes our journeys special! We may take an impromptu detour to a vibrant local festival, spend an extra afternoon at a hidden beach, or visit a local village school. We adapt our route to seize the best opportunities as they arise.

🧩 Is Overlanding for You?

As you might have gathered, overland travel is a unique experience that may not be for everyone. It is designed for those who:

• Want to take part and be an active member of a travelling community.
• Don’t mind a bit of discomfort or the uncertainty of the open road.
• Are happy with a flexible itinerary and can “go with the flow.”
• Thrive on the thrills of discovery and enjoy the simplicity of camping under the stars. ⛺✨

In short, if you view challenges as part of the adventure, you will love the Lupita experience!