We'll begin our Belize tour by spending two nights in Glover's Reef Atoll. Glover's is one of only 3 coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy exploring the reef and its colorful array of undersea life. Snorkel with blue parrot fish, neon blowfish, six foot eagle rays and harmless nurse sharks. Learn the finer points of sea kayaking and windsurfing, or maybe spend the time in the shade, relaxing in a hammock. Next we head inland to the thatched-roof cabanas of our jungle lodge. From here we'll journey through cathedral shaped caves, explore winding trails along the Roaring River, explore Maya ruins, and learn the ancient traditions of the Maya.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Belize
Catch a connecting flight to Dangriga, and spend the night in this small town along the southern coast.
Days 2-3: Glovers Reef Atoll (B,L,D)
This morning you travel by motor launch 20 miles east of the main Barrier Reef to your private island base-camp at Glover Reef Marine Reserve. This is an active excursion that includes many hours of kayaking each day.
Travelers should be prepared for vigorous - and rewarding - activities. You'll begin by rigging your kayaks with main-sails and sailing along the shallow reef flats to a superb snorkeling site. Tonight enjoy an island feast with a mixed grill of seafood, fresh fish and vegetables topped with Belizean coconut baking and tropical fruits.
Glover's is one of only three atolls in the Caribbean Sea. Due to its isolation from the mainland the waters are exceptionally clear with an incredibly rich reef system that offers the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. Day 3 is flexible in order to respond to both group and individual desires and abilities. Activities include: sea kayaking, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, kayak sailing and windsurfing for both novices and experienced boarders. For those of you who are certified divers, you can also arrange dives on the outer walls. If all this sounds a little too busy, you always have the choice of just kicking back in a hammock and enjoying your Belize vacation with a good book and a cold drink.
Day 4: Maya Mountains (B,L,D)
Enjoy your last morning on the reef before journeying into the country's interior. You'll travel by boat to the mainland, then take a long drive along Hummingbird Highway to your home for the next three nights. Along the way stop at the Belmopan Market, stretch your legs, and find a snack among the stalls piled high with fruits and housewares. 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 5: Rio Macal and Xunantunich (B,L,D)
Breakfast is at the Garcia Sisters, where they will 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 Mayan in Belize. After breakfast, paddle down the Macal River for your first introduction to Belizean wildlife. Your guide will help you spot coatmundis, iguanas, peccaries 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 and Guatemala.
Day 6: Caracol and Water Wonders (B,L,D)
Today you'll continue your explorations of the ancient Mayans with a visit to the ruins of Caracol. There is still much to be discovered at Caracol and archaeologists continue their digs and preservation of the site. The ruins offers massive structures, haunting tombs and burial sites, and intriguing carvings that tell stories about the people who lived and worked in this fantastic Mayan city. With time you'll stop at Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave.
A stop at the pools makes for an inviting dip, especially after spending the afternoon hiking under the hot jungle sun. Even for those who prefer to keep dry, the beauty of the pools is well worth the stop. Not far from the pools is the Rio Frio Cave. This is the largest cave in Belize. Approaching the cave's enormous mouth invites a magical, almost frighteningly fantastic, sensation. Long ago the cave was used as a ceremonial site for the Mayans, but while artifacts no longer remain, the cave still holds onto its mysticism.
Day 7: Actun Tunichil Muknal (B,L,D)
You'll begin today's journey from your lodge doors, crossing creeks and 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'll gear up with helmets and waterproof headlamps, then wade into the water flowing from the cave's mouth. Your journey follows the river's flow through wet and dry caves encased in hanging stalactites and towering stalagmites.
Your 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 archaeological site, so be careful not to disturb the sleeping skeletons and ceramic pieces before returning to the light above ground. 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. There are also other activities available for those who prefer life above ground.
Day 8: Return Home (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Belize City and catch your international flight home.
Accommodations: 1 night simple hotel, 4 nights rainforest cabañas, 2 nights tent-walled cabañas
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: local flights, motor boat, private van, kayaks, canoe, your own feet!
This is an 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 Weekly Departures available starting every Saturday
Please note that because of inclement weather and the risk of hurricanes, we do not offer this trip from May through the end of November.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$170
US$1190 - 5 days
Note: Internal flight Belize City-Dangriga not included. Flight cost is approximately $55(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$60 for meals/snacks not included, US$38 international departure tax, US$75 optional excursions, and money for tips and 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
Multi-activity
Cultural Journey
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