This is the perfect trip for travelers short on time and who are looking at learning more about Belize history and culture. Rich in Maya culture and jungle beauty, this Belize trip will take you into the Maya Mountains, to the ancient ruins of Xunantunich and Caracol, into the underground world of mystifying caves and beautiful water wonders. This trip is designed to introduce you to Maya culture, but also includes plenty of hiking, caving and other activities to keep your body and mind engaged and excited.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Belize
Arrive at the Belize City airport and transfer to your jungle retreat. Along the way stop at the Belize Zoo, where in typical Belizean fashion animals roam 29 acres in large natural enclosures. The jungle lodge is surrounded by pristine forest, tucked next to the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Roaring River. 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)
In the morning we stop at the Garcia Sisters for a traditional Maya 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 Maya in Belize. After breakfast, paddle down the Macal River for your first introduction to Belizean wildlife. Your guide will help you spot iguanas, peccaries, coatimundis and a myriad of bird life. After lunch in town, we will visit the Maya ruins of Xunantunich. From atop, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cayo District of Guatemala. Once a major ceremonial site, Xunantunich offers the second tallest ruin in Belize.
Day 3: Caracol and Water Wonders (B,L,D)
Today we'll continue our explorations of the ancient Maya 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. A visit to the ruins offer massive structures, haunting tombs and burial sites, and intriguing carvings that tell stories about the people who lived and worked in this fantastic Maya city. With time we'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 Belize sun. The smooth granite stones make for great slides, but be sure to watch your step. 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. Long ago the cave was used as a ceremonial site for the Maya, but while artifacts no longer remain, the cave still holds onto its mysticism.
Day 4: Actun Tunichil Muknal (B,L,D)
Wake early for our unforgettable adventure into the Maya underworld. Begin the day's journey from your lodge doors, wading across the river 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 we gear up with helmets and waterproof headlamps, then enter into the emerald colored water flowing from the cave's gaping mouth.
Our 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 Maya gods. Our lights illuminate the ghostly outlines of skeletal ritual victims and scattered ceramic shards of ancient rituals.
Tunichil is an active archaeological site, so we're careful not to disturb the sleeping skeletons and ceramic pieces before returning to the light above ground. This is a fairly rigorous trip. For those looking for an alternative trip, a visit the 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 5: Return Home (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Belize City and catch your international flight home.
Accommodations: 4 nights rainforest cabaņas
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: private minibus and/or van, canoe and your own two feet!
Itinerary is designed to give you an introduction to the rich Maya culture, but also includes plenty of hiking, caving and other activities to keep your body and mind engaged and excited.
Weekly Departures: any day of the week
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$145
Personal Budgeting: Allow US$40 for meals/snacks not included, US$35 international departure tax, US$35 optional excursions and money for souvenirs.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: 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
Archeology/History
Multi-activity
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