Belize Jungle & Ruins Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1 Belize City/Cayo

Meet and Greet on arrival. 3:30 PM transfer by our shuttle service to your Cayo area hotel for check-in.

Day 2 Cayo

Depart from your hotel and head southwest to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve for a visit to the famous Maya site of Caracol (Maya for Snail), the largest Maya city in Belize. This site in size rivals that of neighboring Tikal. “Canaa”, the largest and most impressive temple at this site is still the highest structure in the country. From here one has a panoramic view of a vast empire that once was. The lush primary rainforest vista gives one the sense of peaceful silence interrupted only by a startled bird call or howl of a monkey. Picnic lunch while at Caracol. In the afternoon you will continue your exploration in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, with stops made at Rio Frio Caves and time for a quick swim at the Rio On bathing pools.

Day 3 Cayo

Full day tour of Rainforest Medicine Trails. As you walk along well defined trails, your guide will point out plants and herbs once used by the Maya and still used by Belizeans today for medicinal purposes. Samples from many of these plants and trees have been sent worldwide in the search of cures for diseases such as cancer. Next tour stop is the Che Chem Ha Cave site in the Vaca Falls area. This cave contains enormous Maya pottery untouched for thousands of years. (Note: Rigorous 30-minute uphill trek to cave. Physical fitness required).

Day 4 Cayo

The adventure begins with a short drive to Xunantunich (Maya for “Maiden of the Rock”) which sits just inside the Western border of Belize. Before reaching the entrance of this ancient city, your party will board a 19th century hand-cranked ferry which takes you across the Mopan River. The ruins are actually located on one of the highest plateaus in the area and it is possible to climb to the top of “El Castillo”, the largest of the temples at this site. From this vantage point, one gains a panoramic view of the Cayo District and nearby Guatemala.After enjoying a tasty local lunch, we continue to Barton Creek Cave in Amish territory. Equipped with canoes/kayaks and high-powered lights we gently paddle into Xibalba (she-bal-ba), Maya for underworld. Stalactites and Stalagmites hang high overhead as we float past impressive calcite crystals. Our knowledgeable guides will discuss the use of this cave by the ancient Maya, while some artifacts can be seen high above the alcoves.

Day 5 Belize City

Transfer by land with stop at Inland Blue Hole then on to Gales Point Manatee for transfer to Belize City by way of inland lagoons and rivers.

Day 6 Belize City

Morning departure to the Northern Highway to board your river boat and then travel down the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons where orchids, bromeliads and wildlife abound, it is easy to encounter hawks, kites and falcons. You may also see dainty Jacanas lightly walking on the lily pads while the crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Maya for “Submerged Crocodile”) rise into view. While touring this site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest amid the chatter of birdlife and the haunting call of the Howler Monkeys. Your guide will point out the Copal and Ramon trees, which were of great importance in ancient times.

Day 7 Belize City

Morning departure by motor boat from Belize City to the nearby Manatee breeding grounds. You are almost certain to see one or several of these docile and protected sea mammals. These gentle mammals are believed to be the “mermaids” many sailors talked of as they do suckle their young. Goff’s Caye is another seven miles to the east and this small island is perched right on Belize’s Great Barrier Reef, a true picture postcard tropical paradise. Snorkel off the pristine sandy beach with your instructors for that wonderful “Cousteau Experience”, or swim in cool waters, or relax under a palm tree. A beach picnic lunch and refreshments are served. (Snorkel equipment is included.)

Day 8 Belize City

Morning at leisure with transfer to Belize International Airport to connect with your outbound flight

Trip Details

Accommodation	Superior hotel (7 nts)
Brochure Notes	Minimum 2 people.Blackout Dates: Dec 20/07 - Jan 02/08
Departure	Monday
Group Size	Minimum 2 passengers
Included Highlights	Chiquibul Forest and Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, rainforest medicine trek and Che Chem Ha Caves. Canoe tour to Barton Creek Cave, rainforest riverboat cruise, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Meals Included	7 B, 6 L
StartFinish	ex Belize City
Transport	Bus or Van, Hiking, Boat
Brochure Intro	This busy tour encompasses impressive Mayan sites, incredible wildlife and a chance to relax on the beach.

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