Very good. As someone from a country where tipping is not standard, I felt the consistent pressure to tip people annoying and costly, particularly when I felt some of the activities were more expensive than other options available justified by ceos as using sustainable partners that paid better salaries to staff- then I didn?t feel necessity of tipping so much. For example, Manfred suggested $2 a day for a driver, and then said the total tips for like a 4 day drive totalled around half his salary for a month. I felt CEO?s wanted to have good relationships with local providers to encourage priority service for g tours but the onus of encouraging that positive feeling was put on guests through expectation of tips for nearly every service- I think it should be paid by better salaries from g adventures.
Central America cycling- fabulous A really wonderful trip- beautiful scenery, varied cycling, plenty of interesting wildlife, friendly leaders, and a real experience of the local cultures. Very hot and humid- so only go if you can cope with the climate!
Amazed this tour still ran with just 3 people! Aldo gave us a fine tour with a balance of Mayan sites and other interesting stops: boat ride to view wildlife, cenotes, thermal springs, chocolate production. Lots on history and contemporary politics too. I especially enjoyed walk through the jungle with biologist who identified mushrooms, plants, trees in the jungle. The hotels were more than adequate. At one, the howler monkeys came very close - their loud calls/roar were startling, incredible. Aldo was warm, easy going, humorous. Definitely recommend him as a very knowledgeable guide!