Touching down in Belize City, we immerse ourselves in the unique culture of this Central American gem of a destination and enjoy its unusual blend of British colonial architecture and small-town ambiance. We explore narrow streets lined with modern stores and dilapidated shacks, mingling with the ever-friendly locals along the way, before making our way across spectacular landscapes en route to some of the best-preserved ancient attractions in the world.
Once the heartland of the great Maya Empire, Belize lays claim to archaeological and historic sites by the dozen, from magnificent temples and pyramids, to stone structures dating from 500BC and regions that pinpoint Maya habitation as early as 1500BC. On the outskirts of Caracol, we find more ancient Maya buildings than the total number of modern houses in all of Belize. Getting closer to nature, we have the opportunity to visit wildlife sanctuaries and zoos, trek through lush jungle and swim amid schools of colourful fish in blue-green waters offshore.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Belize City. Today we arrive to Belize City, an interesting mix of British colonial architecture and small-town ambience. Belmopan may be the de facto capital but Belize City is the cultural and commercial centre. Overnight in Belize City. Dinner if required.
Day 2: Belize City, Belize - Tikal, Guatemala. Today we take an early flight from Belize City to Flores. Once settled in, we will visit Flores, located on an island in Lake Peten Itza on the site of an ancient Mayan capital. Overnight near Tikal. Hotel Camino Real or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Tikal, Guatemala - Belize City, Belize. This morning ee embark on a guided tour to experience Tikal, possibly the most magnificent of all Mayan sites. Here we discover ancient temples, pyramids and stone structures dating from 500 BC. Overnight in Belize City. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Belize City - Crooked Tree - Altun Ha - Belize City. Today we travel to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, this is an exciting bird watching habitat for novice and avid birdwatchers alike. Overnight in Belize City. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Orange Walk - Lamanai Archaeological Reserve - Belize City. Today we explore one of the many temples or palaces of Lamanai. Traveling via the Northern Highway, we pass through rural villages and lowlands to Tower Hill, where we board a riverboat and head up the New River. Overnight in Belize City. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Belize City - Belize Zoo - San Ignacio. Early this morning we we visit the world famous Belize Zoo. A highlight of any visit to this little country, the zoo allows us not only to see some of the rare creatures of Central America. Overnight in San Ignacio. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: San Ignacio - Caracol - San Ignacio. We have a full day excursion to Caracol, the largest site in Belize and once the most densely populated site in Mesoamerica. This is the largest site in Belize and once home to over 150,000 Mayans. This extensive site is one of the most interesting to visit in Central America; after all, Caracol once ruled over the mighty city of Tikal. The number of Mayan houses found in the countryside around Caracol is greater than the number of modern houses standing today in all of Belize. Overnight in San Ignacio. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: San Ignacio - Xunantunich - Belize City - Cay Caulker. This morning we visit Xunantunich, a Classic-period ceremonial centre. Its name means "stone maiden." Perhaps the best part of a visit to Xunantunich is the spectacular view of the surrounding forest from the top of El Castillo, the largest structure in the complex and the second tallest human-made building in Belize at 40 m/132 ft. Overnight in Cay Caulker. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Cay Caulker. On early British maps the island's name is spelled "Cay Corker." Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada, one theory holds that this island was a favorite stop for sailors to replenish and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means "the island of the cocoplum." Overnight on Cay Caulker. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Cay Caulker - Belize City - Departure. Today we fly to Belize City to connect with our onward flights. Departure from Belize City. Land only clients: Your flight out of Belize City, the tour end point, should take into account the trip from Cay Caulker. Those with morning flights may have to overnight in Belize City at an extra cost. Breakfast. Bon Voyage!!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants)
- All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, hotel porters (if available)
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuity, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable)
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on not included meal costs, shopping, and locally paid departure taxes.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Belize
Ecotourism
Cultural Journey
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