Summary
- Day 1 : Arrive Belize
- Day 2 : Rio Macal and Xunantunich
- Day 3 : Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
- Day 4 : Tikal
- Day 5 : Flores
- Days 6-7 : Ambergris Caye
- Day 8 : Return Home
- Additional Tour Options
- $1790 - Short on time? Check out our 6 day tour instead
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
- Ambergris Caye
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
- Tikal
- Flores
- Rio Macal
- Xunantanich
- Maya Mountains
PaddlingIncludes paddling activity such as sea kayaking or rafting.
Nature ViewingIncludes intentional opportunity to observe flora or fauna with an experienced guide.
Cultural ActivitiesIncludes cultural activities such as a visit to a traditional village or a local market to give a unique perspective.
HistoryVisit ancient ruins and historical sites.
SnorkelingIncludes opportunity for snorkeling or possibly SCUBA.
HikingIncludes guided hiking excursions. Hikes may vary from easy and optional three hour hikes to more difficult multi-day treks.
Details
Day 1 Arrive Belize 
(D) Arrive at the Belize City airport and transfer to your jungle retreat. Time permitting, stop at the Belize Zoo, where in typical Belizean fashion animals roam 29 acres in large natural enclosures. 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) After a leisurely morning, we set out to down the Macal River for your first introduction to Belizean wildlife. Your guide will help you spot iguanas, peccaries, coati mundis and a myriad of bird life. After lunch in town, we will visit the Maya 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 Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
(B,L,D)
Click here for alternative excursion at Barton Creek Cave
We wake early for our unforgettable adventure into the Maya underworld. We begin our journey from our 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 we gear up with helmets and waterproof headlamps, then wade 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 archeological site, so we're careful not to disturb the sleeping skeletons and ceramic pieces before returning to the light above ground. Those preferring life above ground can choose from a variety of alternative excursions.
Day 4 Tikal
(B,L,D) After breakfast we depart for the 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 Maya 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 Maya culture and sprawled over 46 square miles with more than 4000 structures in the core city center alone. Today, the pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to howler and spider monkeys, white lipped peccary, brocket deer, coatimundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and the seldom seen jaguar. Today we explore the ruins with an experienced guide and watch the sun set over the pyramids before overnighting near the ruins.
Day 5 Flores
For those interested, 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 Maya weavings, or take a canoe trip on Lake Peten. Watch the sun set on the lake tonight from our hotel.
Days 6-7 Ambergris Caye
Early this morning you will be picked up and transfer to the Flores airport for your flight to Belize City. From there connect with a 15 minute flight over crystal Caribbean waters to Ambergris Caye. Settle into your beach side hotel and relax into the Belizean spirit. Tomorrow morning you're off on a snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley for your first introduction to the wonderful world of the Belizean reef. Sea turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks and hundreds of species of fish, coral, and sponges create one of the worlds most diverse underwater ecosystems. The rest of the time is available for you to arrange activities locally. You can take a PADI scuba diver Resort Course, explore the island by bicycle, rent a catamaran or just relax on the beach. The island has plenty of services for daytime adventure and nighttime dining.
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
Single Supplement:
$385
Meals Included:
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!
Notes:
Internal flights Flores-Belize City-Ambergris Caye-Belize City not included. Flight cost is approximately US$280(flight cost subject to change). You may buy this with your international ticket or we can bill you for this when you book.
Group & Staff:
Min 2, bilingual naturalist, local guides
Personal Budgeting:
Allow US$150 for meals, US$85 border taxes in Belize and Guatemala, $20 Tikal Re-entrance fee, 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
Is it for Me?
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!
Arrival / Departure Transfers:
1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person
Set Departures
Custom dates available. Contact a trip planner for details.
2009 Dec 18, Dec 22*
2010 Jan 9, Jan 30, Feb 17, Feb 20, Mar 6, Mar 20, Apr 3, Apr 24, May 15, Feb 17
