11 MAR - 8 APR 2025 (29-days) Cuba Mexico Guatemala (Havana, Trinidad, Cancun, Merida, Chitchen Itza, Palenque, Flores, Tikal, Antigua, Panajachel, San Cristobal & Mexico City)
Cost Rm20,000 (per pax for 15 pax group)
Based on USD1=Rm4.772 Maybank 3/6/24.
We will make final cost adjustment based on USD rate when collecting balance.
EXCLUDES ALL FLIGHTS. Individual fares on 3/6/24 Turkish Airlines in Havana out Mexico City is Rm7500. Havana to Cancun estimate Rm1500. San Cristobal to Mexico City estimate Rm500. Members can opt to extend or use other airlines.
BEFORE YOU SIGN UP - APOLOGIES BUT THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. We use 15-seats SMALL LOCAL VANS in Mexico and Guatemala, and luggages are stored on the ROOF. Members must take turns sitting at the last row (uncomfortable and cramped). There are many long journeys. Many rooms are accessed via narrow stairs and NO LIFTS. Baggages must be small and light. Baggages 26/28 inches are not allowed on Yongo trips. Most rooms are on twin share basis but expect some triple share room because of the odd number in the group. Couples exempted from triple-share.
4 Jun 2024. Yongo works on first-come-basis re trip deposit to confirm any booking. You can register your interest and we will notifty you when the next t trip opens for booking.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This is meant to be a "free and easy" adventure trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humor, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similarly assorted types! We had a couple of those before and it wasn't pleasant for us or them. Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun.
Group in Havana / Lake Atitlan / Homun Cenote Yaxbakultun / Cuban Taxi
This will be a semi-backpack experience using a fews metro rides but mostly chartered buses traveling from town to town. In Cuba, we stay in small family guesthouses called Casa Particulars located near to each other. In Mexico and Guatemala, we stay in budget hotels and guesthouse. It is important participants manage their own luggage. Note 26/28 inches bags are not allowed on Yongo trips. Like most Yongo trips, you pay for your own meals and entrances, except for those specified below. You also pay the within-the-town taxis and other activities not specifed below.. You also pay within-the-town taxis and other activities not specifed below.
DAY 1 KLIA to Istanbul. Meet at KLIA by 7 AM TUE 11 MAR 2025 for Turkish Airline flight KUL (1000) to Istanbul IST (1630) flying time 11:30hr.
DAY 2 Istanbul to Havana. Transit 9:25hr before flight IST (0155) to HAV (0815+1) flying time 13:20hr. Transfer to guesthouse. Free day to wander about Old Havana, a UNESCO site. In Cuba, we have a local guide, driver and use of a 30-seats bus. Overnight (ON) Havana.
Day 3 Havana Old Town. Havana is one of the finest and largest colonial city in the Americas and was the main port where ships start their journey back to Spain and Europe. Christopher Columbus first landed in Cuba and not in the United States. We have a local tour guide for a half a day visiting the Museo Revolution and other main sights of Havana Old Town. Group will have the rest of the day visiting other sights. There are many places for people-watching and in the evenings, there are many places for food and good music. Entrance fees to Museo is included. ON 2nd night Havana.
Day 4 Pinar then Vinales. On the way to Vinales 186km 3hr straight drive, we stop in small town Pinar del Rio to visit a Cigar Factory. We arrive in time for lunch at a local eatery for local paladar (home-cooked) lunch. Unesco listed Vinales was the first area in the world for widespread growing of tobacco starting 200 years ago. It still produces some of the finest tobacco in the World. We do a guided Walking Tour of Vinales valley. Entrance Cigar factory, Vinales National Park fees and Walking Tour fees included. ON Vinales.
Day 5 Cienfuegos. We travel to Cienfuegos 414km 6hr, a UNESCO listed town with its many European buildings, Parisian-styled boulevards and elegent colonnades. Our Cuban guide will take the group on a walking tour in the evening. ON Cienfuegos.
Day 6 Santa Clara, Trinidad & Ingenious Sugar Cane Valley. We first travel to Santa Clara 65km 1:15hr to visit Che Guevara Muusoleum. Che was an Argentine doctor who joined Fidel Castro in the fight for Cuban Independence. We then travel 95km 1hr to Unesco listed Trinidad, itself a small colonial town full of charm, live music, handicraft markets and Paladars (private restaurants). Trinidad was built on the back of the 19th century sugar and slave trade, was the biggest producer of sugar for Europe. Enroute, we visit Manaca Iznaga, a former sugar plantation with its landmark slave tower. At its height, there were over 50 sugar mills with over 30,000 slaves. ON Trinidad.
Day 7 Horse Riding to Waterfall and free day. We have an optional morning 3-4 hours horse riding to a nearby National Park ending with a swim in a waterfall pool, costing USD30. Today is a free day to relax in the prettiest town in Cuba. The weath accummulated from sugar is reflected in Trinidad's numberous beautiful colonial buildings. Trinidad is also a center for live music at night at its main town square. ON 2nd night Trinidad.
Day 8 Bay of Pigs and Havana. We first visit the Bay of Pigs Museum 160km 2:40hr, the site of the failed US sponsored invasion of Cuba of 1961. Nearby is Caleta Buena, which has a natural sea pool for clear blue water swimming in the Caribbean Sea. Bring swim gear for this. Entrance USD15 includes buffet lunch and free flow drinks including Cuban Rum is covered. We continue to Havana 220km 3hr, arrivng late afternoon. ON Havana.
Hemmingway's Bar / Cuba Paseo del Prado / Vinales Tobacco / Che Guevera stuff
Day 9 Fly to Cancun. After breakfast, we transfer to airport for flight Havana (1045) to Cancun (1110) MEXICO flight time 1:25hr. Transfer by taxis to Downtown Cancun. Our hotel is located near busy local streets with many eateries and convenience shops. ON Cancun.
Day 10 Chitchen Itza. Our chartered van takes us to Chitchen Itza 220km 2:30hr. This most visited UNESCO listed site, is one of the best examples of Mayan architecture with its stepped pyramids. The El Castilo pyramid is best known for its carved snakes which 'follows' the sun during the spring and fall equinoxes and has been voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. We hire an on-site guide to bring the group around for about 2.5hr. After lunch, group travel to Homun 100km 1:45hr to go swimming in the cenotes. These underground caverns have clear blue turquoise waters, which are filtered through the limestone ground. We return to Merida 62km 1:30hr. Entrance Chitzhen Itza and Cenotes covered. ON Merida.
Day 11 Merry Merida. Free day in Merida, the state capital of Yucatan and cultural center. This busy city is full of small parks and good sized colonial buildings. We have an easy relaxing day in Merida, starting with a free walking tour 1:30hr at 930am from the Main Square. After the tour, members visit local market Mercado Lucas de Galves. ON 2nd night Merida.
Day 12 Palenque. Our chartered van takes us to Palenque 530km 8hr, arriving in the late afternoon. Palenque is a small town and a jumping off point to visit Palenque Mayan city as well as Agua Azul cascades. ON Palenque.
Day 13 Palenque and Agua Azul. Palenque Ruins is a medium sized site but contains some of the finest architecture sculpture, roof comb and bas-reflief carvings of the Mayans. It is famous for being the site of the tomb of Pacal the Great, where the carving of the 'space-man in a rocket ship', was found. We also visit Agua Azul, a popular river recreation area with many big waterfalls. Entrance and day tour to Palenque and Agua Azul covered. ON 2nd night Palenque.
Semuc Champey and back streets Trinidad / Chicken Buses n Chichi Market Guatemala
Day 14 Flores. We cross into GUATEMALA via the border crossing at El Ciebo 148km 3hr. We change to a local van and contiue our journey to Flores 176km3.5hr, arriving afternoon. Flores sits on the banks of the Lago or Lake Peten and is the gateway to the biggest Mayan City of Tikal. ON Flores.
Day 15 Tikal National Park. UNESCO listed Tikal is much quieter than the crowded sites of Chitchen Itza and Palenque. The five main temples tower above the jungles of the Tikal National Park. Much of Tikal is still unexcavated but there is much to see. We start from Flores at 5AM to get to Tikal 66km 1:15hr away. Morning hours is best for some wildlife spotting. We return to Flores in the afternoon to lunch at one of the many local restaurants. Transport, local guide and entrance to Tikal included in trip cost. ON 2nd night Flores.
Day 16 Semuc Champey. We start at 5am in a 2-days hired van to take the group first to Semuc Champey 325km 7hr away. Semuc Champey has a natural 300m limestone bridge, under which passes the Cahabon River. Atop the bridge is a series of stepped turquoise pools, great for swimming. We will have a few hours until the evening to enjoy this natural scenic area. Entrance fees Semuc Champey covered. ON Semuc Champey.
Day 17 Antiqua. We travel to Antigua 315km 7hr and expect to arrive late afternoon. UNESCO listed Antigua founded in early 16th Century was the old capital of Guatemala and home to numerous colonial buildings and churches. ON Antigua.
Day 18 Antiqua. A full day to visit the vibrant local market and its big Artesan Center. Also wander about the old city streets and extensive colonial building. ON 2nd night Antigua.
Day 19 Panajachel. In the morning, our chartered van to take us to Panajachel 115km 2:45hr, located beside the beautiful Lake Atitlan, ringed by volcanoes and colourful villages. Free and easy rest of day to wander about the local market and many eatearies. ON Panajachel.
Day 20 SUN Chichi Market & Lake Atitlan Boats. Early morning we travel 37km 1:15hr to Chichicastenango to experience the colourful Sunday market. Great opportunity to see locals dressed up in their traditional clothing and also buy many handicrafts at affordable prices. It is reputed to be largest in Central America known for its traditional K'iche' Maya culture. We return to Panajachel for our lake tour to visit the lakeside towns of San Juan and Santiago villages. There are a total of 14 villages around Lake Atitlan. During the village visit, we will encounter many artisan's shops including painting, weaving and famous Guatemala coffee. Chici Market and Boat Tour cost covered. ON 2nd night Panajachel.
Teotihuacan / Palenque / Chitchen Itza / Forested Tikal
Day 21 San Cristobal. Today is a long van journey first to border town La Mesilla 221km 5hr, then to San Cristobal 170km 3:15hrs, as we leave Guatemala and re-enter MEXICO. Our private transfer will take us from Panajachel to San Cristobal de las Casas, capital of the state of Chiapas located in the Highlands region all. San Cristobal has many beautiful colonial buildings, legacy left behind by the Spanish who made it their regional base since 1528. It is also home to plenty of cafes and restaurants serving up a variety of great regional food. ON San Cristobal.
Day 22 Indigenous Villages & San Cristobal. In the morning, we visit to the nearby Indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. The church in San Juan Chamula is well known for its shamanistic practices in a Christian church. We continue with a visit to the biggest local market of Mercado Municipal Jose Castillo Tielemans. Free rest of day to explore this popular town, filled with shops, restaurants and cafes. Not to be missed is the best baroque church in Mexico, the ornate Santo Domingo Church. Entrance and tour of Indian Villages coverd. ON 2nd night San Cristobal.
Day 23 Sumidero Canyon then fly Mexico City. Depart morning for half-day tour of Sumidero Canyon National Park 54km 1hr. One gets on a boat to sight crocodiles, vultures and tree top monkeys. We then travel to TGZ airport 27km 30min for our flight 1030pm (1:40hr) to Mexico City. Boat ride Sumidero Canyon NP covered. We will have 4 nights in Mexico City. ON Mexico City.
Day 24 Mexico City. We have a full day walking tour with a local guide, starting with the UNESCO listed Zocola and Meixco City Historic Center. We bus to the National Museum of Anthropology, which has the largest collection of ancient Mexican Art. Visit with our guide the Mayan, Aztec, Teotihuacan and other ancient civilizations. ON Mexico City.
Day 25 Teotihuacan. We charter a van to take group to UNESCO listed Teotihuacan, a pre-Columbia Mesoamerican City 30km from Mexico City, for a guided visit. The Sun pyramid is the biggest and rivals the pyramids of Giza. Transport, entrance and local guiding included in trip cost. After we finish, we travel to the nearby Basilica de Santa Maria de Guadalupe, one of the top pilgrimage site for Catholics, where a farmer claimed to have seen Mother Mary on a few occassions. In the evening, we visit the famous Mariachi Square with its many musicians. ON Mexico City.
Day 26 Xochimilco. We head off to Xochimilco, 25km 1hr by local Metro, which is a popular weekend getaway for local, also known as the Venice of Mexico. We visit on a Saturday to join the crowds in navigating the canals in boats called trajineras. Mariachi bands on their music boats float up and down and serenade the visitors for a fee. Boats stop at floating gardens where locals buy plants and flowers. Rest of day free to explore Mexico Ctiy. Xochilmilco Metro and boat trip cost covered. ON Mexico City.
Day 27 Fly Home. Depart early morning 6 AM SUN 6 APR 2025 to airport 12km 30min. Fly Turkish Airlines MEX (0900) to Istanbul IST (1010+1) takes 16:10hr. ON Plane.
Day 28 Fly Istanbul Transit 5:40hr before flight IST (1550) to KUL (0710+2), flight time 10:20hr. ON Plane
Day 29 KLIA & Home. Lands Kuala Lumpur 710 AM TUE 8 APR 2025.
Xochimilco Boats / Chichi Market Tortillas
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Cost cover accommodation, town-to-town travel, tours and entrances specified in the itinerary.
- Accommodations will be in homestays (Cuba) and small hotels/guesthouses for Guatemala & Mexico.
- Trip cost DOES NOT include flight tickets, meals (Rm100 x 25 days = Rm2500 and other entrance fees and optional activities.
- In-town taxis are not covered except for transfers to and from bus stations to our place of stay.
- Cost is subject to change depending on fluctuations in exchange rates and/or airfares.
- Non Refundable deposit of Rm7000 is payable to confirm your place,
- We use this deposit to buy the flight tickets Havana to Cancun and San Cristobal to Mexico City (estimate Rm2000)
- RESERVATION IS STRICTLY ON FIRST-COME-BASIS RE YOUR TRIP DEPOSITS.
Email: yongo123@gmail.com or tanyeowlim@gmail.com
Phone: Lee Min 016 220 9033 or 603 4031 6225
Phone: Yeow Lim 016 209 3360
Address: No 19 Lrg Air Bersih Tiga, Air Panas, 53200 Kuala Lumpur