Audley launches new Central America, Mexico & Cuba brochure

Audley have launched a new Central America, Mexico & Cuba brochure with many suggestions for getting right off the beaten track as well as exploring the key highlights of each country.

Key destinations include:

Nicaragua

Superb value and a wealth of attractions make Nicaragua the real hidden gem of Central America. It has emerged from years of political instability as one of the friendliest and most welcoming countries, offering elegant colonial cities, unspoilt rainforests, wildlife, secluded beaches, active volcanoes and deep crater lakes. Nicaragua has far less visitors than its more famous neighbours and so Audley feel that now really is the time to go, before it inevitably becomes more popular. A 14 day Classic Nicaragua itinerary costs from £2,920 per person.

Costa Rica

Audley encourage clients to combine the well-known highlights with more off-beat experiences such as the Turrialba Valley for its good birdwatching, coffee plantation tours and excellent white-water rafting.

The new brochure also includes a double page spread on the Osa Peninsula — a remote yet hugely rewarding area on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. It is home to magnificent primary rainforest, deserted beaches and incredible wildlife, described by National Geographic as ‘the most biologically intense place on Earth.’ Audley’s 11 day Wildlife of Costa Rica itinerary includes three nights in the Osa Peninsula and costs from £2,825 per person.

The launch of British Airways’ direct flight from London to San José in Costa Rica has also made it more easily accessible.

Mexico

Audley have put more focus on Baja California with its fantastic whale watching opportunities as well as charming coastal towns, cactus forests and beautiful beaches. They have included a new Cradle of the Grey Whale itinerary, visiting three superb lagoons in Baja California as well as taking in volcanic landscapes, forests of giant cacti, vast canyons, pristine beaches and oasis towns in the middle of the desert. This 15 day trip costs from £4,090 per person.

Isla Holbox is also new to the brochure. A world away from the Mayan Riviera’s coastal resorts it is a sleepy island retreat just a 20 minute ferry ride from Chiquila port, two hours’ drive from Cancun. It is extremely laid back with very little development and its sandy streets mean that golf carts and bicycles are the only means of transport.

Guatemala

As well as visiting Antigua, Lake Atitlåan and Tikal, Audley recommend including some off-the-beaten-track areas such as the city of Quetzaltenango in the Western Highlands and lesser-visited Maya ruins in the north. They can also arrange an exciting overnight jungle camping trip to see the statues, temples and the partially excavated ruins and Maya village of Uaxactun.

Belize

Audley encourage clients to visit the Toledo District in the south of Belize. It is far less visited than the Cayo and Orange Walk districts and yet has so much to offer including remote Maya sites, superb wildlife with 15 national parks and reserves, untouched rainforests and spectacular caves and waterfalls. It is also where Green & Black’s source their organic cocoa beans.

Cuba

Audley advise clients to book as far in advance as possible (ideally 9-12 months ahead) to ensure they get the itinerary they want as visitor numbers to Cuba are increasing dramatically. Audley suggest including accommodation in private houses and homestays as part of any trip in order to give clients the chance to glimpse into the daily life of these people living through this period of remarkable change.