Summary
- Day 1 : Arrive Belize
- Day 2 : Rio Macal and Xunantunich
- Day 3 : Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
- Day 4 : Tikal
- Day 5 : Flores
- Day 6 : Return Home
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
- Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
- Tikal
- Xunantanich
- Rio Macal
- Maya Mountains
- Flores
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.
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. Along the way 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)
Alternative: Barton Creek Cave: http://www.adventure-life.com/belize/barton_creek_cave01.php
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.
Day 6 Return Home
Bid farewell to the world of the Maya, and transfer to the Flores airport for your flight to Belize City and connect with your international flight home. Note International flight cannot depart prior to 1 PM.
Accommodations:
3 nights rainforest cabanas, 1 night jungle lodge, 1 night comfortable hotel
Single Supplement:
$250
Meals Included:
All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation:
private minibus, canoe, your own feet!
Notes:
Internal Flight Flores - Belize City not included. Please add $155 (flight cost subject to change)
Group & Staff:
Min 2, bilingual naturalist, local guides
Personal Budgeting:
Allow US$70 for meals, US$85 border taxes in Belize and Guatemala, US$50 optional excursions, and money for souvenirs.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations:
Share US$55, Single US$110
Is it for Me?
Itinerary is designed to educate travels about the fascinating Belize cultures and histories. A moderate itinerary that is suitable for nearly any age and all travelers who are fairly active.
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
2010 Jan 9, Jan 30, Feb 20, Mar 6, Mar 20, Apr 3, Apr 24, May 15
