Even if you can't take advantage of the bonus airfare, we still consider this a deal. Here's the math. With free airfare, your total trip cost is $1,802.53 (82.53 in taxes, plus a $320 kitty, but more on that below) bringing your daily cost in just under $79. If you must pay for your airfare, the current average cost from major departure points in the U.S. and Canada to Cancun is right at $400, bringing the total bill to $2,202.53, or just under $96 per day.
And then there's all that you do on this journey. Your very first week you make the trip from Cancun through Mexico down to Guatemala in Dragoman's custom-built, Mercedes expedition vehicles--these Swiss Army Knives of transportation are fully-equipped for the trip, containing everything you'll need along the way including camping equipment, water and a safe. Along the way you stop at the ruins of Chichen Itza and Palenque, tour a jungle, and visit San Cristobal. Following the philosophy of Dragoman's trips--that your vacation should also benefit the people and environment of those places you visit--you will also have the option of visiting several indigenous Indian villages, taking part in local crafts and community projects. Additional optional activities include horse trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving, caving and canoeing, to name a few. The second week is spent exploring Guatemala, and the third week is devoted to Belize.
This is a participatory trip. About 30% of the time, you'll be camping, so be prepared to pitch in, literally, by setting up your camping area, shopping in local markets and preparing your own meals. The remainder of nights will be in hotels.
The $320 kitty is for incidental expenses along the way. Everyone puts their money in the pot to cover the costs of food, campsite fees or entrance fees while out in the bush, for example. Whatever is left over at the end of those 23 days is either redistributed amongst the group or, more likely, spent on a final meal together.
Each trip (there are two more offered--in June and July) accommodates only 22 people, plus two guides, so don't sit back and wait, because these spaces will go.
For complete details, call Adventure Center at 800/228-8747 or go online at www.adventurecenter.com/dragoman/specials/frame_mamspcl.htm.