Bus tour company
Green Tortoise Adventure Travel
bills itself as offering "Affordable Adventures With Extraordinary People" - and there is truth in that advertising! Green Tortoise was founded 30 years ago with one bus and "the realization that beautiful places, great food, and sociable people were the only essentials for gratifying travel experiences". Today, they've ferried over 500,000 adventurers around the U.S. (including Alaska), Mexico and Costa Rica in modern buses equipped with custom-built booths and couches which convert into comfy
beds at night. And you'll be ready to rack out after a day of hiking, swimming, rafting and hanging out under waterfalls!
Tours
Green Tortoise trips are not sightseeing tours, but adventure vacations ranging in price from $150 for a weekend Yosemite getaway to $2150 for a 28 day tour of Alaska. Click on any of the trips listed below, most of which originate in San Francisco, and find out what's in store for you (each page has an online reservation utility):
Alaskan Expedition
Alaska Loop
Burning Man
Cross Country Adventure
Mardi Gras (not what you might think - yes, you're headed for the big party in New Orleans but you'll stop at the Grand Canyon, Carlsbad Caverns and more awesome spots along the way)
National Parks Loop
Northern Pioneer
Pacific Trek
Yosemite National Park (several options)
Baja Beach Daze - Mexico (whale watching!)
Costa Rica (Panama and Nicaragua options)
Maya Trail - Mexico (departs from Cancun - ahh)
Pyramids and Playas - Mexico and Belize (mystical magic, including Tulum -- must see before that's completely touristed)
Need to Know
Check your reservation info and costs carefully - 70% of your food, for example, is normally covered but you may have to pay additional food charges or other costs such as National Park entrance fees.
Green Tortoise tours are casual affairs; though it's a professionally and tightly tun outfit, be aware that itineraries are flexible and may change while you're on the road depending on your driver's judgement.
Because these are no-frill (and thus inexpensive) tours, no one is going to wait on you - you'll be expected to help cook and clean.
You will have to get to the departure point (usually San Francisco, but could be in Mexico or Central America, depending on the trip you choose) - avail yourself of airfare specials.
What to Pack
Sleeping bag
Water sandals and hiking boots
Bathing suit
Layered clothing
Flashlight
Rain gear
Sunscreen
Towel
Water bottle
Photo ID and passport
if you're leaving the U.S.
Tent if you choose a Costa Rican trip
Make Contact
Write to info@greentortoise.com, visit the website or call the very friendly Green Tortoise gang at 1-800-TORTOISE.
Ya gotta go for it - have a great time!
