Our essential information section replicates the headings contained in the general information section but supplies you with the essential information in regard to your specific trip with us, Please read both sections before you book.
Your AB trip to Mexico includes or precludes the following:
Your AB leader to Mexico will be an experienced fully qualified UK mountain leader who will work closely with our expert in country guides. You will be given direct access to your guide at the earliest opportunity after you book your trip.
We only use accredited local guides in Mexico. Our in country provider is English speaking as are most of our mountain guides. You will find our in country providers very friendly and a joy to work with. On our volcano climbs our guide ratio will be 1:3 but on our normal non technical hiking routes and other trips the ratio will be 1:10.
Hotels: The hotels we use throughout Mexico are standard basic hotel´s. The standard of hotels in Mexico is excellent. Not only are these are comfortable, clean and well run hotels but comparitively they are as good as we have seen on our travels anywhere! Even when travelling in the southern parts of Mexico the standards remain high and the people friendly.
NB: Hotels throughout Mexico normally supply wifi or internet access.
Haciendas: These vary greatly, some are of an exceptionally high standard whilst all are very comfortable. You will not be dissapointed with your stays in our Mexican haciendas.
Lodges: Most of the lodges we use are in the southern rural areas and they tend to be very comfortable. Some are eco style lodges but still have excellent amenities.
Refuges: The standard of the refuges in Mexico vary considerably and in our view are considered quite basic. Don't expect alpine standard refugees but Mexican huts do serve their purpose well.
Tents: The tents provided by our providers tend to be standard mountain tents that can sleep two to four people.
Single supplements: Are available on request at any of our hotels but single rooming facilities are limited at any of our lodges or haciendas. Single clients will inordinarily be doubled up with clients of the same gender whilst camping but during your stay at any refuge there will be no such luxury unless you are fortunate to be climbing during a quiet period when rooming conditions may change. When ever possible we will make every effort to accommodate all of your accommodation requests.
NB: If camping or staying in a mountain huts, you will need to bring a suitable sleeping bag and sleeping mat or Thermarest.
Our transportation in Mexico is provided entirely by our reputable in country providers. This normally consists of well maintained 4x4 drive vehicles, cars or mini buses. Mexico roads are normally very good but do expect a fair share of pot holes. Our transport costs to the mountain area necessitate 4X4 drive vehicles so you will find our transport costings are slightly higher than normal due to the quality of vehicle required.
We are particularly conscious of the inherent risks involved whilst driving in other countries. Whilst we cannot guarantee the same driving and regulatory standards as that of the UK we do specifically ask our in country drivers to supply suitable drivers and vehicles for our use at all times.
Any fees associated with mountain permits, national park entrance costs, local taxes or entry to any sight seeing venue is included within the cost of your trip or expedition.
Your price will include the cost of your booked adventure activities outlined in your itinerary. The cost will generally include equipment costs unless otherwise specified in the essential information list for your specific trip.
For our climbing or trekking trips that necessitate the use of ropes, group climbing equipment, camping and cooking gear then these items will be included within the cost. What is and what is not provided will be outlined in the essential info page for each destination country as each country is slightly different to the next.
On such trips we prefer if our clients brought their own ice axes, plastic boots, crampons, harnesses and helmets but if you do not possess such items then invariably they can be hired at a moderate cost in country. We can let you know what is and what is not available in country and the cost of hire if required. Clients will be expected to supply their own sleeping bag for all of our expeditionary trips and that it is suitable for their needs.
The variety of our destination countries will be reflected in the meals provided to you on our adventures. The quantity, quality and preparation standards involved may be or may not be to your liking. We do endeavour to use in country suppliers that provide us with a high standard of cuisine of a substantial nature that is prepared in a suitable manner at all times.
The actual provision of food for your trip will vary depending on the destination country. As a general rule most of your meals will be included. Hotel stays however will in the main only include breakfast unless otherwise stated i.e. the provision of hiking day lunches but any stays at mountain lodges, haciendas or refuges will include all meals on a set menu basis. Full details of what is and not included are shown on the essential information page for each trip or expedition.
We do ask that if any client has got any dietary requirements then they let us know at the earliest opportunity in order that we can make suitable arrangements for you.
Adventure Beyond is not an IATA bonded company and such we do not provide flight bookings. You will find suitable flight booking advice on each our destination pages and on our client information brochures. Our itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and charge you appropriately.
The general rule will be that your lunch or evening meals at hotel stays will not be provided unless it specifies in your particular trip or expedition essential information notes.
We do not include any form of insurance as part of our price but you must have adequate and valid travel insurance and it is a condition of accepting your booking that you obtain insurance cover and provide us with a copy of your policy. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical costs, rescue (including mountain rescue)and repatriation in the event of an emergency. In addition we advocate having suitable cover for baggage and effects, personal liability and cancellation should you become ill and are unable to travel with us. Most good travel insurance policies will cover these items but please ensure that you are covered for your specific trek, climb or any activities that you will participate in. We find that Snowcard or The BMC provide the best policies for adventure travellers.
We supply all of the specialist group equipment that you require on your trip and in most instances can organise the rental of personal specialist equipment (see group equipment above). In addition you will need a variety of clothing and equipment for your trip. You will need suitable clothing for any climbs you do at altitude, general trekking and for relaxing in. Each designated trip will have its own clothing and equipment section that will be necessary for that particular expedition. Items will either be labelled up as desirable or essential. Clients are strongly advised to take with them items marked as desirable whilst those labelled as essential are mandatory and required for survival in the mountains. These lists are designed to help you choose the right equipment for the demands of that particular trip or expedition. Please ensure that have everything that is on the list.
For our trips at altitude our general rule is that you need to be dressed and equipped for a day out in the Scottish hills in winter.
Any food or refreshment you consume that is outside the remit of our supplied itinerary will be paid for by the client.
Our overseas itineraries and prices are compiled on the assumption that the first day and the last day coincide with your pre-arranged day of arrival and departure. Should you be arriving or departing on alternative dates then this will be at your own expense but AB can make these arrangements for you and invoice you appropriately.
The amount of spending money you take is up to you, we can only advise on this and such advice is given within on our essential information pages. Tips, laundry or room service charges are expenses directly attributed to you. Again suitable advice is given in our essential information pages. Tips are also referred to in our responsible tourism section below.
Customers who are British citizens will need a full British passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the return date for all of our holidays. If you are not a British national other regulations may apply to you and you should check with the embassy of your destination country. Please note that for all of our trips we will require a copy of your passport details and additional photographs. These are to be used only in the event of an emergency.
This section is reproduced from our booking conditions to stress the Visa Waiver Program entry requirements to the USA.
Visa advice is provided on each of our travel country pages for British nationals. Obtaining any relevant visas is the responsibility of the consumer and we only advise accordingly. Citizens of other countries may fall under different visa regulations and may have to make alternative arrangements. Again we can assist in such cases but it is your responsibility to obtain your visa and you can check up on your visa requirements using the travel advice page on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
In areas where we have to obtain trekking permits or permits to enter specific national parks then we obtain these on your behalf.
Visa Waiver Program
For some of our trips clients may travel via the USA. If so since the 1st January 2009, the US authorities have introduced a requirement for passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for a Electronic System Travel Authority or ESTA. For additional information consult the US Embassy London website. Registering for your ESTA costs $14 via the electronic registration page on the US Embassy website. The ESTA is valid for two years, so you will only need to apply once even if transiting in the US on both your outbound and return journeys.
Passengers who have not applied for and received travel authorisation via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the U.S port of entry. However, neither possession of a visa, nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa-free on the VWP guarantees admission to the United States. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the port of entry. We recommend that you carry your ESTA approval with you when you travel.Important reminder: If you are refused boarding or denied admission at the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation charges in accordance with the terms of our contract with you.
You are responsible for any necessary medical immunisations required for your respective trip or expedition. We are able to advise on health requirements but we are not medical experts. You should obtain suitable medical advice and recommendations for your travel destination from your local doctor or travel clinic at least two months in advance of your date of departure. You are well advised to also have a dental check prior to your departure. Clients are reminded that should you have to undergo any medical or dental treatment whilst abroad then the treatment may be expensive and the services not of the same standard as the UK. For any European destinations then you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your local Post Office. This provides an element of free medical services within the EU zone but should not be considered as an alternative to our requirements for adequate travel insurance. See the EHIC homepage for further information.
Any customer suffering from any mobility impairment, illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or pre existing medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking.
You will need a variety of clothing and equipment for your trip. You will need suitable clothing for any climbs you do at altitude, general trekking and for relaxing in. Each designated trip will have its own clothing and equipment section that will be necessary for that particular expedition. Items will either be labelled up as desirable or essential. Clients are strongly advised to take with them items marked as desirable whilst those labelled as essential are mandatory and required for survival in the mountains. These lists are designed to help you choose the right equipment for the demands of that particular trip or expedition. Please ensure that have everything that is on the list.
Some of the countries we visit have higher crime rates than we do here at home. We carry out a security risk assessment for all of our trips and will give you sensible and suitable advice for your destination country. Though we will do our utmost to take care of your safety we cannot guarantee it due to the many variable factors involved. We do expect any person travelling with us to take due notice of our safety advice but in addition we also expect each person to be aware of their own personal security by behaving appropriately and taking basic sensible precautions.
Should you wish to know more about crime and security in your destination country visit Nation Master. In addition the FCO gives out excellent travel information advice on their Travel Advice by Country page and provides an excellent travel service on Know Before You Go page.
Some of our routes will be designated as a straightforward trek but many of our expeditions include ascents on snow and ice. On these routes the use of ice axe and crampons and crevasse rescue skills are a definite advantage but not essential. For routes that require specific snow and ice skills i.e. glacier travel in roped teams, then requisite instruction time will be allocated during the stated trip. In specific cases, especially when using non standard routes in Ecuador, a winter skills course can be built into the trip.
Each of our trips are graded appropriately in accordance with our grading trips section. Clients should not underestimate the physical demands required for any of our trips. This is particular so for our mountain climbs as they are at altitude and taxing physical endeavours. With that said regular UK hikers should have the experience and fitness levels required to complete any of our trips or expeditions. If you have some Scottish winter experience then this will provide you with an even better chance of success.
All of our treks and expeditions are designed with an acclimatisation program that will suit the majority of people. However some people will adapt better than others and we anticipate that our programs to be successful in 90-95% of cases. However about 10-20% of our clients may experience some symptoms such as headache and loss of appetite on our climbs. You may also be one of the 5% of the population who adapt least well to high altitude and if so most if not all commercial climbing trips will not suit you. While we will do our utmost to acclimatise in our destination location it is important that clients without prior high altitude experience take heed of the above. In any event we ask all of our clients to familiarise themselves with our in depth section on altitude.
Some of our trips and expeditions will involve journeys to remote areas where the day to day lifestyle is far different to what you would expect at home. The local customs, culture, food, transport and simple day to day organisation is simply not what it is at home and some aspects of your trip may be beyond our control. We advise all of our clients to be prepared for the unexpected and whilst we do everything we can to stay within the boundaries of our itineraries, some things just cannot be planned for. We will at all times endeavour to minimise any adverse effect of any changes but should you not be prepared for such events then our holidays may not be for you. Any changes that occur will be dealt with by the designated Adventure Beyond guide and in accordance with our booking conditions.
Our trips to Mexico have been formally risk assessed and our trip leaders and in country providers will direct our expeditions in accordance with these risk assessments. Each expedition group travelling with us will be briefed in full in regard to their booked activities and personal security in country.
Our mountain guides, trip leaders and our in country providers will do their utmost to ensure that you have a save and pleasurable trip. However mountain climbing and outdoor related activities in general do carry the risk of injury. On all of our trips and expeditions we have to take extra care of our clients but we cannot guarantee that we can eliminate all of the risks due to the very nature of the activity you will be partaking in. Where the risks are deemed by your guide or leader to be above a reasonable level then that activity may be cancelled or terminated.
In order to adhere to a system of continuity Adventure Beyond applies the same standards of safety to its overseas ventures as if it was undertaken by NGB (National Governing Body) organisation within the UK i.e. BMC (British Mountaineering Council), BCU (British Canoe Union.