• > Why go to Central America with Djoser?
• > What will the accommodations be like during the trip?
• > What is the transportation like during this trip?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > Will it be possible during this trip to do some diving?
• > Which payment method is best to bring to Trans-America? Are there ATM machines?
• > Do I need hiking boots on this trip?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > What are the extra costs to expect during this trip?
• > What kind of animals will we meet on the way?
• > Do I need a mosquito net for the trip through Central America?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?

Why go to Central America with Djoser?

During the trip we will use excellent buses and good hotels. A Dutch-speaking guide will accompany you on the trip. This unique route through Central America will take you through the most authentic and least visited countries in this region. In Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua you will see a large diversity of Indian cultures. Costa Rica will introduce you to an overwhelming natural beauty. In order to facilitate smooth traveling we will use a domestic flight from “Isla de Roatan” to Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Not only the various archeological ruins of the Mayas are interesting, but also the contemporary population is fascinating. You will also see a great natural diversity.

What will the accommodations be like during the trip?

We will spend the nights in centrally located good tourist class hotels. Most hotels will have a colonial character and some will have a pool, a nice yard or a patio. Especially the accommodations in Antigua, Granada, Leon and “Rincon de la Vieja” possess unusual charm. The hotels in Quepos and Boquete are plainer. In all hotels you will stay in rooms with private showers and baths. Air-conditioners and ventilators are present where needed.
Click on the following link to view some of our lodgings: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels

What is the transportation like during this trip?

In every country on the trip we will use our comfortable private bus that allows us to stop where we want for a photo, a pretty village or a restroom. Because we will cross several borders, we will change busses in each country. For the crossover to Roatan and “Isla Ometepe” we will use a ferry. And we will use a domestic flight to cover a long distance from Roatan to Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras.

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

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. While the tour leader will help you to assimilate, you will not get a word-for-word repeat of all that is said or written in Dutch.
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.

Will it be possible during this trip to do some diving?

In Honduras the Bay Islands in the Caribbean Sea are a highlight. There you will find paradise-like palm beaches and an emerald blue sea. The colorful world under water with the coral reefs and the rich flora and fauna will be a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The tour guide will be able to organize several kinds of snorkel- and dive excursions locally.

Which payment method is best to bring to Trans-America? Are there ATM machines?

At several locations during the trip you will be able to use ATM machines. Aside from that it will be convenient to have a credit card. An amount of cash in dollars is ideal, because many entrance fees to the National Parks and excursions can be paid with dollars. Furthermore we recommend that you bring along a small amount in traveler’s checks, because they are insured against theft and loss.

Do I need hiking boots on this trip?

During the trip you will have several hiking opportunities: a spectacular climb of the volcano “Pacaya,” a nice hike along coffee plantations and cornfields around the crater lake of Atitlan, a visit to the archeological site of Copan and in the National Parks you may discover the flora and fauna with a guide. We recommend that you bring comfortable sturdy shoes. They do not have to be professional hiking boots.

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 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.

What are the extra costs to expect during this trip?

For this trip through Central America you will need about 340 dollars per person per week for meals, entrance fees and excursions. Take into consideration that Costa Rica is the wealthiest country in Central America and therefore has prices equivalent to those of the United States.

What kind of animals will we meet on the way?

A very special experience is an encounter with dolphins. On an optional excursion to the island of Roatan in Honduras you will have the unique chance to meet these special animals up close. You may touch them in a basin and you may even swim with them!!

Do I need a mosquito net for the trip through Central America?

You do not need to bring a mosquito net on the trip through Central America. If you need a mosquito net, it will be there.

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 or airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.