- Travelling through Mesoamerica is an incredible privilege. To help you connect authentically with local communities and preserve the magic of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, here are a few essential tips for your journey:
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- 🗣️ Be Respectful & Polite – Always be kind, discreet, and avoid loud behaviour. Respect different cultures and traditions. You can’t drink alcohol outside bars or terraces.
- 📸 Photography Etiquette – Never take photos of police, military or locals without permission. Always ask first or interact respectfully — for example, by buying a small souvenir.
- 👗 Dress Appropriately – Especially in religious or traditional places.
- 🐾 Respect Wildlife – Observe animals from a distance and avoid feeding or touching them unless your local guide allows it. This includes dogs unless they seem very well cared for (they may carry fleas).
- 🗑️ Dispose of Trash Responsibly – Separate rubbish when possible. If no bins are around, carry it until you find one. Put toilet paper in the bin unless it’s clearly indicated otherwise or there’s no bin. When in nature, it is a great idea to bring a bag and collect trash, even if it isn’t ours.
- 💧 Reduce Plastic & Conserve Resources – Bring a reusable bottle; we provide safe drinking water in the van and in some hotels. Take short showers, turn off lights/AC, and reuse towels when you can.
- 🛍️ Support Local Businesses – Eat at local eateries and buy from family-run shops and artisans to help local communities.
- 💬 Learn a Few Words – Simple Spanish phrases go a long way in Mexico and Guatemala: Gracias (Thanks), Por favor (Please), Hola (Hello).
- 💰 Tipping – A 10% tip is expected at restaurants. Tipping hotel staff or street performers is optional but always appreciated.
✨ Following these tips helps you travel responsibly, connect meaningfully with people, and make a positive impact while enjoying an unforgettable experience!
💰 Tipping Guide
- 🍽️ Restaurants – 10% is standard, 15% for exceptional service.
- Mexico: When paying by card, you can add the tip directly to the bill, but never automatically.
- Guatemala & Belize: Sometimes a tip is added to the bill; make sure it isn’t more than 10%.
- 🚗 Drivers (airport transfers, taxis, Uber) – Not expected. A small tip (1–2 USD in local currency) if they help with bags is appreciated. Don’t feel pressured—if in doubt, politely refuse and tell them to contact us.
- 🗺️ Local Tour Guides – For your convenience, a standard and fair tip for local guides on included activities is already covered in Lupita’s tour price. You don’t need to tip separately, but if you feel they provided an exceptional experience, you are more than welcome to give an extra tip individually! For optional activities you do on your own, tipping 5–10% of the activity cost is customary, depending on the quality of the experience.
- 🏨 Hotels – 0.5–2 USD in local currency for bellhops and housekeepers (only if there is an envelope). You can decline assistance if you prefer, and ask at reception if you want your room cleaned.
- 🎶 Street Performers & Vendors – 0.5–1 USD in local currency is common if you wish to contribute. Avoid touristy terraces if you want to skip tipping. Supporting local development projects or artisan cooperatives is also a great way to help the community.
- 🤠 Overland Crew – Tips for the crew are not included in your tour price. If you feel our crew has done an excellent job and want to show appreciation, a tip is always welcome. Approximate guidance: 2–6 USD per day per crew member, but it is entirely at your discretion and within your means.
📝 Final Note – Tipping is never obligatory; don’t feel intimidated if someone gets upset. Follow your budget and possibilities. If tipping isn’t possible, you can still help by leaving positive reviews, sharing kind words, writing thank-you notes, or recommending activities and places to other travellers.
