• > Why go to Mexico with Djoser?
• > What are the accommodations on this trip?
• > What kind of transportation will be used during these trips?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > When do I have the best chance to see whales?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?
• > Is it possible to book this trip for a private group?

Why go to Mexico with Djoser?

We will use good buses and comfortable hotels during our trips. A local guide accompanies our short trip with North American travelers. On the longer program you will join Dutch travelers and a Dutch tour leader will accompany the group, delivering information in Dutch and English. (Either trip can be booked privately for 2 or more for a surcharge) Djoser offers comprehensive packages, which feature rich history and ancient culture, diverse geography, and of course, pristine beaches. It is much more than a typical trip to Mexico. Several civilizations left their temples and other cultural treasures behind in Mexico. We will also travel through the Mexican highlands where few western tourists come. During the trips you will learn about the impressive Mayan Culture, the bustling cities and the imposing temples. On the way you will love the beautiful variety of nature. And, of course, you will also have ample opportunity to explore on your own. At the end of the tour at the nice white beaches of Playa del Carmen you will be able to pleasantly look back and enjoy all your impressions. You will love all water sport opportunities that this old fishing village has to offer.

What are the accommodations on this trip?

In Mexico, we will spend the nights in good tourist class hotels with air-conditioning or ventilators where needed. At the end of the trip you will be able to rest up at the shore. Our hotel is within walking distance of the beach. Click on the following link to view some of our lodgings: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels/

What kind of transportation will be used during these trips?

On the trips through Mexico we will use a comfortable private bus typically with air-conditioning. A private bus will let us stop where we want, for example to take a picture or to visit a nice village or to use a restroom. The trip from Flores to Palenque will be partly done by “lancha,” a long narrow boat, because the river is the only mode of transportation in this part of the Petèn Jungle.

Click on the following link to view slides of the transportation we use: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation/

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could be one of a maximum of four North American travelers on this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

When do I have the best chance to see whales?

During the trip through North Mexico you will have the best chance to spot whales when these mammals are along the coast of Baja California in the months of December through March.

Is it possible to extend this tour?

When you book your trip you can request a layover. The layover cost is $150 for the flight deviation. If you would like an extension you can request an extension when you book for $100 per extension (for flight deviation). Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book how many nights and where you wish to extend or layover. Neither hotels nor airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.

Is it possible to book this trip for a private group?

You may book the short 10-day program for a private group on a custom date for an additional $100 per person. The longer 17-day program is available for 2 or more people for an additional $250 per person. Seasonal surcharges may apply. Please ask about discounts for groups of 8 or more.