| Testimonials |
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This trip was just what the doctor ordered - a momentary escape from the world we know. A fusion of culture, education and athletics with a guide to make it all comprehensible along the way. No TV, No Radio, No distractions and certainly no time to miss any of it. (that is if you are not tempted to visit the internet cafes along the way). So, get lots of sleep because you’re going to need it - this journey is for the mind, body and soul. Lori Coolidge, USA We are a group of three who went on a Duende tour from Mexico though Belize to Guatemala. It has been a very exciting tour covering the Maya ruins in Tikal, exploration of a cave used by the Mayans, and a three-day canoe tour into the jungle of Guatemala. The canoe tour went into a protected part of the jungle, which allowed us to experience the wildlife and see less shy animals -especially groups of monkeys. During the 8 days we were acompanied by two guides from Duende and local guides with special knowledge about each individual area. This tour has exceeded my expectations and the fact that we were a relatively small group allowed for focusing on the things we found most interesting and taking care of our individual wishes for the tour. Martin Moller, Denmark We were a small group of three people, so we had a very dedicated and outstanding tour. Duende took us deep into the jungle of Guatemala to canoe on the San Pedro River to see newly discovered Mayan ruins. We were guided by both Duende guide and a local guide, who was an expert in the native and wildlife we saw. We had the chance of seeing the wildlife up close and taking some amazing pictures. All in all a uniqe experience that I don't think we would have had anywhere else. Furthermore, they made use of a really good guide at Tikal, who spoke perfect English and knew everything about the Mayan Civilization. Eigil Jensen, Denmark I had a wonderful time on the Ruins, Canoe and Cave Tour. Chantal, Ismael and Lou are obviously passionate about providing an authentic cultural experience and opportunities to explore the really astonishing and beautiful nature of the area. Though there was a lot of physical activity, I always felt my guides were concerned for my comfort and enjoyment. It seemed less like I was traveling with a tour company and more like I was taking a trip with friends. I’ll be recommending it to everybody! Also super cool: no single travelers supplement. I really appreciate that. Mary, USA The tour contained a good combination of archeological, cultural, physical & social activities. It gives a very interesting, up-close look at Mayan and Central American cultures. Eugeny, Russia The tour included a good mix of activities to appeal to most “active” travelers interested – archeological ruins, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, cave tours. I really felt we had gotten “off the beaten path”! Steve, USA I very much received the adventure I was looking for. Tikal was for more than I expected and Juan made it perfect. Lou sure showed me the jungle and the unexpected adventure it can hold. I don't want to leave. I am bitten, scratched, dirty, cut, have worn the same pair of pants for 2 days and I love it!! Martha, USA
I have travelled in Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East and yet visiting Guatemala and Mayan sites Tikal, Nakum and Yaxha was a completely new and unique experience. I would not miss the opportunity to go. I will always treasure the feelings of discovery and perspective from accessing my own niche in the legacy of these incredible archaeological, spiritual areas. Each time I thought I had seen the most spectacular view or structure, there was another one that I was exited to discover.
Greg, USA
Chantal and Ismael provided a perfect tour to fit our style of adventure. We only had four days here in Guatemala and squeezed 8 days worth of adventure in. We felt so comfortable with Chantal and Ismael from the first glance of them at the airport. They are pleasant, kind and fun from sun up to sun down. We always felt safe and sure of our surrounding as they are very well known and respected with the locals here. We hope to have another adventure with them, next time bringing our children. We had an unforgettable experience and would recommend Duende Tours to all. Thank you. Rhona & Christophe Vandaele Rhona, Ireland
& Christophe, Belgium
Fantastic tour! With only a short allotment of available time our guides ensured that everything ran smoothly, allowing us to fit in numerous activities without feeling rushed. This would be a feat anywhere – but is downright remarkable in Central America. Elliot, USA From the moment we contacted Duende Tours, we knew we were in expert hands. With only a few weeks to go before our trip, they were able to organize a tour for us that included everything we wanted (even though we were only two people). They answered all of our questions immediately and the guides themselves answer most emails, rather than a customer service rep. They even helped with many of the arrangements for the trip (although there’s not a lot you’ll need to do, as most of the planning is done by the tour group). And whether you’re a weekend warrior or an Ironman, everything is adaptable to your skill/fitness level. As for the actual tour? An incredible and surreal experience that will amaze you. Biking through the jungle, remote Mayan ruins that few people will actually see (let alone touch), rowing across a crocodile filled lake in the dark of night… Take pictures, but as amazing as they’ll be, they can never do the experience justice. Even camp dinners are gourmet meals (believe it or not, the food you’ll eat by a campfire in the jungle is better than what you’ll find in the finest restaurants in Cozumel!). Our tour guides even helped negotiate down the prices on some of the amazing woodwork you can find in the local Guatemalan towns. Duende Tours provides the kind of experience most people will only see on television. And by visiting as an ecotourist, you’ll be supporting the local economy in ways that help sustain the environment. The down side? A Duende Tour might be a steal now, but this amazing tour group is guaranteed to become increasingly popular and increasingly harder to book. While you can, take advantage of this rare opportunity… before they become “Duende Tours, Inc, a Limited Liability Corporation”. Jay Pathmanathan, MD, PhD -USA I liked learning a lot about the Mayan culture, history and world. The guides and helpers, Shantelle, Ismael, Lou and Juan, were very helpful and taught me many things. I especially liked Shantelle’s great organization and Lou’s delicious cooking. Also I enjoyed the exercise gained from climbing immense temples and riding arduous bike trips. Spencer, USA It was a great trip, you guys were all such a great help with everything and great friends to me. The ruins were all unbelievable and I got lots of exercise from all parts of the trip! You are all awesome and I am so glad I met you all! Take care! I enjoyed using my Spanish with all of you! Nick, USA The personal attention of Chantal, Ismael and Lou to see to our every need was amazing. We were taken to places that were beautiful and remote – many untouched. The Tikal tour by Juan was extremely educational for all of us. The jungle in Yaxha and Nakum were truly beautiful, as were the ruins. Lou’s food and fun manner was fantastic! Bacalar was gorgeous, loved the pirate museum! Thank you for everything! July, USA I selected this tour because I wanted my family to experience the Mayan world, but in a personal way. With the organization, friendliness, and knowledge of Chantal, we enjoyed a tour that will be remembered for many years. We have a better understanding of the language, culture, beauty, and intelligence of this truly remarkable civilization. You have a great product! Russell, USA Overall I thought the trip was fantastic, as it had a wonderful blend of outdoors and the rugged jungle as well as the history of the Mayans. Winston, USA A wonderful Mayan adventure with a brilliant guided tour of Tikal. We will never forget holding a crocodile and being up close with toucans and howler monkeys. Thank you Chantal and everyone at Duende Tours for a memorable experience. Janelle and Jeremy, Australia
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| "I will always treasure the feelings of discovery and perspective" |
Highlights:
Bacalar lagoon and Cenote Azul, Yaxha camping and ruins, Topoxte Island, 2 day jungle adventure, horseback riding or off-road cycling, Tikal guided Tour, Belize cave tour.
Highlights:
Bacalar lagoon and Cenote Azul, Tikal guided Tour, Eco-village El Remate, 3 day jungle adventure, river canoeing, El Peru camping and ruins, Belize cave tour.
| "A wonderful blend of outdoors and the rugged jungle as well as the history of the Mayans" |

Leaves from Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
9-day tour

High physical demand.
Leaves only in March, April and May 2008 (see Tour Calendar).
This 9-day tour starts and ends in the Mexican Caribbean and travels through parts of
| Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities |
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Here are some financial aid resources in the areas of environment and ecology, Study abroad and Sports. These resources are not for any particular school, but for the general population of students and academics. Although a small list we do hope to increase this resource, so we graciously welcome any feedback or suggestions pertaining to financial aid. |
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| Insuring Your UK |
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For your UK holiday adventure travel insurance may be required. Whether you purchase standard travel insurance for your UK trip or whether insurance is a must depends on what you're going to be doing. Some insurers even offer UK adventure travel insurance specific to your activity. You can, for instance, purchase UK adventure travel backpacking or horsebackriding UK insurance. You can purchase a policy that covers sports in general.
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| Tikal-Yaxha Tour by Air |
| Mayan Jungle Highlights |
| Ruins, Canoe & Cave Tour |
| Deep Jungle Biking Tour |
| Mayan World Information |
| Tikal (spanish) |
| Mercato Italiano |
| Photo Gallery |
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| Duende Tours Google Blog |
| Actieve Avontuurlijke Reizen |
| Adventure travel, a shift in backpacking |
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In 1996 me and two friends undertook our first backpacking experience. We traveled from Costa Rica to Guatemala in six months. We originally planned to travel for a year, but half way decided to do something more useful with our presence in Central America and applied for volunteer jobs in Honduras and Guatemala. |
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