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Please note: These are general guidelines applicable across all our travel styles, including group, private, camping, and family trips. Please focus on the sections relevant to your specific itinerary and disregard any information that may not apply to your travel style.
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. 🤝✨
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. 🚐🔒
Before your tour begins, it is recommended to check your government’s travel advice for the latest updates. Bear in mind that these sites are often obliged to err on the side of caution—the vast majority of travellers never experience any of the reported problems! 📑✨
We strongly encourage you to purchase comprehensive medical travel insurance that includes repatriation for all our tours. 🛡️✈️
Ideally, your policy should be designed for adventure travel and cover activities such as rafting, trekking, and horse-riding (with a helmet). Your chosen provider must offer 24-hour emergency assistance and be experienced in handling situations in developing countries.
A note on annual or credit card policies: If you have an annual policy or insurance through your credit card, please double-check that it provides the level of cover you require. Many of these policies are not suitable for adventure travel in remote areas or for travelling outside your country of residence. 💳🚫
We suggest that your policy has the following levels of cover:
Most current travel insurance policies easily exceed these suggested amounts. Furthermore, as personal liability is often an optional extra, there is no need for concern if your specific policy doesn’t include it.
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 and any optional activities you choose to book. It is always better to have a little more than you think you’ll need!
Contingency Money: While disruptions rarely happen, we recommend having at least USD 500 accessible for emergencies such as natural disasters or unexpected itinerary changes. 🛡️🆘
We recommend using Google Flights to find the best rates. When planning your route, please keep the following in mind: 💻✈️
Transfers are generally not included to keep our tours flexible (except for specific routes or private trips). Here are the best local tips for your arrival: 🛬✨
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 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. 🎁
In case your trip includes any camping nights, we provide everything strictly necessary:
Bring your own Head torch or flashlight 🔦 with spare batteries.
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.
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:
For most tours, a deposit is required, followed by the balance before departure. If we must cancel the tour, you will receive a full refund.
If you wish to cancel:
Our Right to Cancel: We may cancel a tour due to reasons beyond our control or if we do not reach the minimum of 6 participants (for group tours). In these cases, you can choose an alternative tour or a full refund of all money paid. 🤝🛡️
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. 🏨✨
Important Details
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. Our choice of accommodation can occasionally change, and staying at the group hotel ensures a much smoother arrival and departure experience for everyone. 🚐🙌
If you book with friends, you will share a room with them by default. Solo travellers 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. We will always do our best to accommodate you and your new mate if both parties agree. 🏳️🌈💞
For those who prefer their own space, a Single Supplement is available for an extra fee. This guarantees you a private room throughout the trip, though please note that in some unique or remote stays, even those with a supplement may occasionally need to share facilities due to limited availability. 🏨🚐
Please note that we may need to use different hotels from the expected ones. If this happens, we will always book a similar standard of accommodation.
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. 🌮🚐
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. 🚐💨
We rate our tours from 1 to 5 to help you match a trip to your fitness level and expectations:
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.
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. 🚐🙌
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:
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! 🥗
To ensure the best experience for your fellow travellers, we ask for a few simple commitments:
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.
As you might have gathered, overland travel is a unique experience that may not be for everyone. It is designed for those who:
In short, if you view challenges as part of the adventure, you will love the Lupita experience!
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