Discover the jungle clad ruins of Tikal where the ancient Maya once held their royal courts. Then, journey through cathedral shaped caves, spot wildlife along the banks of the Macal River, and explore winding trails in the Belizean rainforest. End your Belize vacation with two days at our beach side hotel on Ambergris Caye - snorkeling, diving or fishing by day and relaxing to the Caribbean rhythm in the evening. A complete adventure with a wide taste of what Belize has to offer in just 8 days.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Belize (D)
Arrive at the Belize City airport and transfer to your jungle retreat. With time, stop at the unique Belize Zoo. Your jungle lodge is tucked next to the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Roaring River. Surrounded by pristine forest, your days at the lodge are filled with natural discoveries exploring the lush vegetation of the Maya Mountains and the mysteries beneath.
Day 2: Rio Macal and Xunantunich (B,L,D)
Enjoy breakfast at the Garcia Sisters where they prepare a traditional Mayan meal. These five sisters have been instrumental in reviving the art of Yucatec Maya slate carving and maintaining the language, culture and traditions of the Mayans in Belize. After breakfast, paddle down the Macal River. Your guide will help you spot iguanas, peccaries, coatimundis and a myriad of bird life. After lunch in town, you will visit the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, once a major ceremonial site and the second tallest ruin in Belize. From atop, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cayo District of Guatemala.
Day 3: Caving Expedition (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast you'll begin your caving adventure, journeying deep into the Belizean jungle to the opening of the sacred Actun Tunichil Muknal - the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher. At the entrance you gear up with helmets and waterproof headlamps, then wade into the emerald colored water flowing from the cave's gaping mouth.
Your journey follows the river's flow through wet and dry caves encased in hanging stalactites and towering stalagmites. Our final destination is the spectacular primary chamber where ancient kings and priests made blood sacrifices to appease the Mayan gods. Your lights illuminate the ghostly outlines of skeletal ritual victims and scattered ceramic shards of ancient rituals. Tunichil is an active archeological site, so we tread carefully. This is a fairly rigorous trip and travelers should be in good shape. For those looking for an alternative trip, a visit to the Barton Creek Cave is an excellent choice for any age.
Day 4: Tikal (B,L,D)
This morning take a three hour drive to the magnificent Tikal ruins, just over the border in Guatemala. Tikal's towering pyramids rise above the thick jungle canopy like stoic sentinels of ancient mysteries. The ancient Mayan began building this city around 600 B.C., and for the next 1500 years the area was an important religious, scientific, and political center. Pyramids to honor dead kings were built, administrative buildings rose, storage houses appeared and houses for royalty were carved out of the jungle.
Tikal became one of the greatest centers of Mayan culture. Today, the pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to howler and spider monkeys, white lipped peccary, brocket deer, coati-mundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and the seldom seen jaguar. Today you'll explore the ruins with an experienced guide and watch the sun set over the pyramids before overnighting at the ruins.
Day 5: Flores
You can wake early to watch the spectacular sunrise over the great ruined city before heading to Flores. The afternoon is free to enjoy this quaint colonial town built on an island and surrounded by jungle. Explore the cobblestone streets, browse the local tiendas for Mayan weavings, or take a canoe trip on Lake Peten. Watch the sun set on the lake tonight from your hotel.
Days 6-7: Ambergris Caye
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the Flores airport and return to Belize City. From there it's a quick 15 minute flight to Ambergris Caye. Settle into your beach side hotel. This afternoon you get your first introduction to the wonderful world of the Belize reef with a snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Sea turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks and hundreds of species of fish, coral, and sponges create one of the worlds most diverse underwater ecosystems. Tomorrow take a PADI scuba diver Resort Course, explore island by bicycle, rent a catamaran or just relax on the beach. Most of your time on Ambergris is on your own, but the island has plenty of services for daytime adventure and nighttime dining to conclude your Belize vacation.
Day 8: Return Home
Bid farewell to Ambergris Caye and fly back to Belize City in time to connect with your return flight home.
Accommodations: 3 nights rainforest cabanas, 1 night jungle lodge, 3 nights comfortable hotel
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: local flights, private van, canoe, your own feet!
This is a great trip for active people of any age. The cave trip is moderately challenging, so travelers should have a good sense of adventure!
Start Dates 2008: Dec 21, Dec 24, Dec 27
Start Dates 2009: Jan 3, Feb 5, Mar 20, Apr 10
Please note that because of inclement weather and hurricane risks trips from August through the end of October are not advisable. Ask about our other great trips during these months!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$265
6-day trip option: US$1635
Note: Internal flights Flores-Belize City-Ambergris Caye-Belize City not included. Flight cost is approximately US$265(flight cost subject to change). You may buy this with your international ticket or we can bill you for this when you book.
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$150 for meals, US$25 border taxes, US$38 internal departure tax, US$140 optional excursions, $10 Hol Chan Reserve entrance fee and money for souvenirs.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Belize City: Share US$55, Single US$110
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25/person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Belize
Rainforest
Multi-activity
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