Best of Mexico & Costa Rica

Intrepid Travel · 25 days

5.0

1 Reviews

Duration

25 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Raise a glass of mezcal to Mexico, then embrace ‘pura vida’ (the simple life) in the rainforests and on the beaches of Costa Rica.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (23), Lunch (5), Dinner (5)
Accommodation: Hotel (22 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Highlights

Hike through the scenic landscapes of Manuel Antonio National Park with a local naturalist guide and look for wildlife like sloths and iguanas along the way.
Experience the culinary heart of Cholula in a locally hosted gastronomy workshop that explores corn, Indigenous language and traditions, and the ancestral techniques behind Mexico’s staple foods.
Spend two nights in Tortuguero in a lodge set along the canals, where the rainforest comes right to your doorstep. Take a guided canal boat tour to experience this remote region the way locals do, quietly moving through narrow waterways surrounded by dense jungle.
Take a step back in time during guided tours through the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – as well as Teotihuacan, Palenque and Mitla.
Take a nighttime wildlife walk at the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, where you’ll discover a completely different side of the forest. Spot frogs, insects, reptiles and other nocturnal creatures.

Trip Details

Duration

25 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Plane, Shared boat

Guide Language

English

Starts

Mexico City, Costa Rica

Finishes

San Jose, Costa Rica

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Mexico City

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative for a complimentary transfer to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow travellers – until then, the day is yours. Perhaps take a stroll to get a feel for this vibrant capital where the ancient and modern collide. After the meeting, you might like to head out with your leader for an optional group dinner – an opportunity to get stuck straight into the many local culinary delights.

Included Activities:

Complimentary arrival transfer

Optional Activities:

Mexico City - Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) (entrance fee) (Closed Mondays) (95 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Mexico City

Today, you’ll get to know Mexico City during a guided tour with your leader. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral – the largest and one of the oldest cathedrals in Latin America. You’ll also explore Zocalo, the city’s main square, and the remains of Tenochtitlan – the capital city of the Aztec empire. Check out famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera’s Mural Museum at the Alameda Central. Today’s guided tour includes a visit to the Museum of Anthropology – home to an impressive collection of 600,000 pieces of Mexican art and artifacts. After, the day is yours to spend as you please. The Leon Trotsky and Frida Kahlo (La Casa Azul) museums are famous sights worth checking out as an optional activity. Otherwise, maybe visit the colourful floating gardens of Xochimilco just outside the city.

Included Activities:

Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the Mural Museum (entrance fee)
Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee)
Mexico City - Leader-led orientation walk
Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee)

Optional Activities:

Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) (320 MXN)
Mexico City - Leon Trotsky Museum (entrance fee) (75 MXN)
Mexico City - Boat ride through Floating Gardens of Xochimilco (Approx. per boat per hour) (1000 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Puebla

Depart Mexico City this morning and visit the ancient Teotihuacan ruins, once one of the biggest cities in the world. Meet with a local guide and discover the ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the skyline. Stroll down the Avenue of the Dead and get a sense of what life was like here nearly 2000 years ago. Continue to the colourful city of Puebla, joining your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings around the beautifully preserved city centre. Puebla is known for its delicious food scene – your leader will have tips on the best places to dine on local specialties this evening.

Included Activities:

Puebla - Leader-led orientation walk
Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Puebla

This morning, get to know Cholula, a city close to Puebla, by joining your leader on an orientation walk. Cholula has more churches than any other city in Mexico and you’ll stop at a few on your journey, like Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios, located on the top of the Great Pyramid of Cholula. While there, attend a hands-on, locally guided gastronomy workshop and learn the influence of Nahuatl ancestral tradition and corn on Mexican cuisine. Grind corn on a traditional metate, make tortillas by hand while learning about the cultural and culinary importance of corn in Mexico. After, head back to Puebla after to explore the historic city at your own pace in the afternoon – maybe sit down for a dish of mole poblano (Puebla’s specialty sauce of dried chillis blended with spices, nuts and chocolate, typically served with chicken).

Included Activities:

Cholula - leader led orientation walk
Cholula - Gastronomy & Corn Traditions Workshop

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Oaxaca

Today you’ll journey to Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ca), the city best known for its mole and mezcal. You’ll see the rest of its best bits on an orientation walk with your leader. Maybe see the main square with its architecture dating back to the 16th century or the Mercado 20 de Noviembre – a food market loved by the locals. Tonight, join your group for a dinner where you can try some of the regional specialities such as tlayudas (Oaxacan pizza) or one of its seven varieties of mole.

Included Activities:

Oaxaca - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Oaxaca

Take today to explore Oaxaca at your own pace. Maybe start in the city’s colourful, historical markets, where stalls are packed with fresh produce, mole pastes and handmade ceramics – even chapulines (grasshoppers), if you’d like to try this local snack! Your leader can help with recommendations, whether you want to spend more time browsing crafts, tasting regional dishes or learning about Oaxaca’s creative traditions. You might also choose to visit nearby Monte Alban, the ancient Zapotec site set on a hill above the valley or join a cooking class to learn more about the ingredients and techniques behind Oaxacan cuisine. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner and try local favourites like tlayudas, mole negro or mezcal.

Optional Activities:

Oaxaca - Cooking class (1500 MXN)
Oaxaca - Monte Alban Archaeological Site (transport, local guide & entrance fee) (1100 MXN)
Oaxaca - Santo Domingo Cultural Centre (entrance fee) (210 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Salina Cruz

Set off with your leader this morning, first stopping at the famous Tule Tree – a 1500-year-old Montezuma cypress with a 36 m (118 ft) circumference, making it one of the widest in the world. Travel on to the Mitla archaeological ruins – once the religious centre for the Zapotec people. Lunch today will be at the home of a local Zapotecan family, where you’ll have the chance to try traditional dishes and learn about their culture. Visit a woman-owned mezcal farm and tour the cacti plantation – you’ll round out your day of exploration by sampling some of the different mezcals. Relax on the bus as you travel to Salina Cruz for the night.

Included Activities:

Oaxaca - Zapotecan home-cooked lunch
Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
Oaxaca - Mezcaleria visit
Oaxaca - Tule Tree

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: San Cristobal de las Casas

Your journey continues as you drive to the Sumidero Canyon – a gigantic natural canyon with walls reaching as high as 1000 m (3280 mi). Here, hop aboard a boat for an up close and personal tour of this remarkable landscape. Be sure to keep an eye (or an ear) out for howler monkeys along the way! After your boat trip, drive to the charming city of San Cristobal de las Casas. When you arrive in ‘San Cris’, take a walk and soak up the traditional atmosphere of this town, which is due to the grand Spanish architecture, prominent Indigenous cultures and winding cobblestone streets. Your leader will help orient you with a walk around the town centre, and then you’re free to venture wherever your heart desires.

Included Activities:

Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport)
San Cristobal de las Casas - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: San Cristobal de las Casas

This morning, drive to the nearby Maya village of San Juan Chamula. Sitting in the highlands, this village serves as a marketplace and religious ceremonial centre for the Indigenous communities who live in the surrounding hills. The local people have retained their traditional way of life and can often be seen wearing their own distinctive clothes. Make the short drive to the next town of Zincantan. As you explore with your leader, you’ll learn more about these mostly Maya communities. Later, during your free time back in San Cris, maybe rent a bike to explore the town further.

Included Activities:

San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
Zinacantan - Maya Church (entrance fee)

Optional Activities:

San Cristobal de Las Casas - Bicycle rental (per hour) (400 MXN)
San Cristobal de las Casas - Na Bolom Museum (75 MXN)
San Cristobal de las Casas - Jade Museum (65 MXN)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Palenque

Say goodbye to San Cristobal de Las Casas as you head for Palenque. This is a bit of a long travel day, so have your favourite playlists and audiobooks ready to go. When you arrive, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore. Sitting in a steamy jungle, Palenque is a central town close to the nearby Maya ruins of the same name, which you’ll have a chance to check out tomorrow.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Palenque

This morning, visit the ruins of Palenque. Sitting on a hilltop surrounded by thick trees, the ruins date back to AD600 and are some of Mexico’s most impressive Maya relics. As you take a guided walk among the temples, listen out for the eerie calls of howler monkeys and screeching parrots echoing from the jungle. There are many ruins that are still unexcavated and remain concealed in the forest. The area gives you an idea of what the Spanish invaders must have seen when they arrived. This afternoon, visit Misol-Ha, where the cascading falls and quiet surroundings create a refreshing escape into nature.

Included Activities:

Palenque - Archaeological site (Guide, Transport & Entrance fee)
Misol-Ha - Waterfall Visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Merida

Settle in for another driving day as you travel from Palenque to the historic city of Merida. Your drive will be broken up with short stops and an included lunch stop. Lunch will be a moreish selection of local seafood, with alternatives available. Founded in 1542, Merida is the capital of the Yucatan state and has retained much of its charm. When you arrive, stretch your legs with an orientation walk with your leader where you’ll have the chance to learn about its Maya heritage.

Included Activities:

Merida - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Merida

Today is a free day to explore the many sights of Merida. Perhaps visit some of the museums, including the impressive Regional Anthropology Museum of the Yucatan, and stroll the city streets, which are alive with art and culture. Hang out in the green and shady Plaza Grande, with the 16th-century cathedral on one side and City Hall, State Government Palace and Casa Montejo on the other. The outdoor market is another essential stop, with an array of hammocks and Mayan replicas for sale, plus a selection of enticing local cuisine, including the dish cochinita pibil (‘little pig’) or the incredibly spicy El Yucateco hot sauce. If you’re keen to explore more Maya sites, you may want to head for the ancient ruins of Uxmal. Here, you’ll see the Palace of the Governors, considered by many to be the best example of classic Maya architecture.

Optional Activities:

Merida - Celestun Bird Sanctuary (entrance and transport) (2100 MXN)
Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) (2200 MXN)
Merida - Fernando Garcia Ponce-Macay Contemporary Art Museum (entrance fee) - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Playa del Carmen

Your first stop today is Chichen Itza, possibly the most famous Maya site in Mexico and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll see the marvellous Temple of Kukulkan standing over the ruins – not far from the temple is the ‘ball court’, where many disputes are known to have been settled by way of a ball game that employed only the elbows, hips and wrists. Stone carvings depicting violence suggest it wasn’t such a casual sport. After a guided tour of the site, enjoy a special lunch with a family in the town of Piste. Tuck into a traditional pibil feast – a Maya style of cooking that involves barbecuing underground, which the family has perfected over generations. Finally, continue to the popular seaside town of Playa del Carmen, where you may like to join your group for a final dinner together.

Included Activities:

Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: San Jose

This morning, you’ll fly to San Jose. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel. San Jose is a rapidly expanding city, home to some great markets, historic neighbourhoods and a chorus of old theatre. The rest of today is free for you to explore San Jose at your own pace until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Maybe visit the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum or join the San Jose By Night Food and Culture Urban Adventure. After your meeting, maybe ask your leader for the best spots for a first taste of Costa Rican cuisine in the surrounding streets.

Optional Activities:

San Jose - National Museum (Entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) (11 USD)
San Jose - Jade Archaeological Museum (Entrance fee) (16 USD)
San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) (17 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Tortuguero

After breakfast, descend to the Caribbean lowlands to the port of Caño Blanco – this rustic port is your entry point to Tortuguero National Park. When you arrive, hop aboard a small boat and take a ride into the depths of the Costa Rican wilderness. Arrive in the middle of this biodiverse area, where freshwater lagoons rest under the canopy of rainforest bordering the ocean. This afternoon, visit Tortuguero town, where sandy streets, colourful homes and Afro‑Caribbean traditions tell the story of a village shaped by isolation, resilience and the sea. Many animals call this place home, including jaguars and turtles, so listen out for the sounds of the local wildlife as you fall asleep in your lodge tonight.

Included Activities:

Tortuguero - Boat Ride Caño Blanco to Tortuguero

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Tortuguero

Begin your day with a guided walk through the rainforest on your lodge's private nature trails, taking in the sights and sounds of Tortuguero's unique Caribbean wilderness. After lunch at the lodge, venture by boat into Tortuguero National Park’s jungle-fringed canals. Gliding through narrow waterways beneath dense rainforest, you’ll discover one of Costa Rica’s richest ecosystems, home to monkeys, sloths, caimans and a dazzling variety of birdlife. Discover how Tortuguero earned its reputation as the ‘Amazon of Costa Rica.’ For those seeking a quieter start, an optional sunrise kayaking tour allows you to paddle through the canals as the forest awakens. In the evening, you’ll have the optional opportunity for a guided sea turtle observation walk (during nesting season) – a chance to witness these ancient creatures returning to the beach and connecting the name Tortuguero (place of turtles) to its living legacy.

Included Activities:

Tortuguero - Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero Town Visit
Boat Tour in Tortuguero Canals

Optional Activities:

Tortuguero - Turtle Watching Night Tour (45 USD)
Tortuguero - Sunrise Canoe Trip Around Canals (45 USD)

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: La Fortuna

Take the boat back to the dock in Caño Blanco as you start your journey toward Costa Rica’s volcanic highlands to La Fortuna. Dominated by the near-perfect cone of Arenal Volcano, this small town has grown from a quiet farming community into a place where nature sets the pace. With its lush rainforest trails, waterfalls and soothing hot springs, the volcano anchors everything. This evening, you’ll get a chance to soak in those mineral-rich waters – warmed by the magmatic centre of Arenal – in a lush jungle setting, then sit down to a dinner featuring ingredients from the garden and local producers.

Included Activities:

Tortuguero - Return Boat Ride to Caño Blanco
La Fortuna - Ecotermales Thermal Waters

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: La Fortuna

Today is free for you to explore La Fortuna at your own pace. Maybe visit La Fortuna Waterfall, descending more than 500 steps through the jungle as the air cools near the 70 m (230 ft) falls. Take a refreshing dip in the pool below or simply soak up the misty rainforest setting. You could also head out on the 1968 Lava Trail in Arenal National Park – a moderate walk across hardened lava fields from the 1968 eruption, where black volcanic rock contrasts with bright green regrowth and open views of Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. This evening is yours to spend as you wish, with another chance to soak in the local hot springs.

Optional Activities:

La Fortuna - Paradise Hot Springs (Entrance fee) (47 USD)
La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) (25 USD)
La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 volcano hike (25 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 20: Monteverde

This morning, travel by bus and boat to incredible Monteverde. Settled by North American Quakers in 1951, this area was initially used as an environmentally conscious agricultural community and is now a biological preserve. The forest has near-constant cloud cover, providing consistent rainfall. Check into your hotel and take some time to relax or explore the grounds. This evening, join a local guide for a nighttime wildlife walk at Children’s Eternal Rainforest – an Intrepid Foundation partner and Costa Rica’s largest private reserve, protecting more than 22,000 ha of forest through conservation, education and ecotourism. As night falls, your guide will point out different insects, birds and nocturnal animals that are hidden during the day.

Included Activities:

Monteverde - Children's Eternal Rain Forest (The Intrepid Foundation Partner) Night Wildlife Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 21: Monteverde

After breakfast, join a guided nature walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve for a quiet exploration of the misty trails beneath the dense canopy of moss‑draped trees. With the help of your guide’s spotting scope, the forest’s hidden life comes into focus – resplendent quetzals perched high in fruiting trees, colourful toucans, bellbirds, camouflaged tree frogs and sometimes coatis or howler monkeys moving through the branches. The experience is less about distance and more about discovery, revealing a world that often hides in plain sight. The afternoon is free to explore Monteverde your way – perhaps a suspension bridge walk through the cloud forest canopy or, if you’re up for an adventure, a zoom over the canopy by zipline. Maybe you’ll taste the flavours of the forest on a coffee and chocolate tour or wander the butterfly garden to find your peace.

Included Activities:

Monteverde - Cloud Forest Reserve With a Local Guide

Optional Activities:

Monteverde - Suspension Bridges Tour (55 USD)
Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) (101 USD)
Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate Tour (47 USD)
Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (Entrance fee) (22 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 22: Manuel Antonio

Today, you’ll move on to Manuel Antonio by private transfer. Check in when you get there then head to the nearby beach or opt to take a kayaking tour with a naturalist near their home along the Damas Island canals. You’ll be exploring with someone who really knows the twists and turns of these protected tropical wetlands. If you’re lucky, you might spot a troop of curious white-faced capuchins in the trees above. This evening is free, as you prep for a day of exploration tomorrow.

Optional Activities:

Manuel Antonio - Cruise (Inc transport, guide, Iunch and drinks onboard) (95 USD)
Manuel Antonio - Mangrove Kayak Activity (With lunch) (75 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 23: Manuel Antonio

Take the day to experience the lush national park surrounding Manuel Antonio. Joining your guide, who has all the insider knowledge, spend some time discovering the park and learning about the beauty of the jungle, keeping an eye out for sloths and iguanas. Wander into the depths of the rainforest and look out for wildlife – your guide knows exactly where to find the weird and wonderful that call this place home. After your jungle walk, you’ll have plenty of time to relax on the park’s beaches – some of Costa Rica’s prettiest – and swim in the warm water. Tonight, head back to the hotel for dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

Manuel Antonio National Park - Tour with a Naturalist Guide (Entrance fee, Guide and Transport)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 24: San Jose

Today, you’ll drive back to San Jose, where your leader will take you for a stroll to stretch your legs and get a feel for this lively city. Later, you might like to head out for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

San Jose - Leader-Led Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 25: San Jose

With no further activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave any time after checkout. If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica, just reach out to your booking agent.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $12,460

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 25 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Raise a glass of mezcal to Mexico, then embrace ‘pura vida’ (the simple life) in the rainforests and on the beaches of Costa Rica.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Oct 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Kathryn

Traveled, March 2024

04/14/2024

A great trip. We had fun learned a lot and saw all the important things. Our guides and specialist guides were excellent.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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