Mayan Mystery

Day 1 Arrive Belize City

(D) Airport pickup and transfer to our jungle lodge.

Day 2 Mountain Pine Ridge

(B,L,D) Enjoy your first Belizean breakfast before heading off to the nearby Maya ruins of Cahal Pech. Built to house an ancient royal family, today Cahal Pech's courts and pyramids are being excavated by local archeologists to reveal it's once royal splendor. After exploring the ruins we leave the lowlands for the Mountain Pine Ridge, passing citrus farms and a Maya village along the way. As we gain altitude enroute, the tropical green of the lowlands mixes with rugged pine trees, streams run faster and colder, and the very air becomes lighter and crisper.

A short hike through towering pine trees and lower-lying palms brings us to the 65-foot high entrance to the Rio Frio Cave. Natural light filters in, illuminating a sparkling array of crystalline features and lighting our way as we wander through the quarter-mile long cavern. We'll also visit the picturesque Thousand-Foot Falls before cooling off with a dip in the cascading waters of the naturally carved Rio On Pools.

Day 3 Canoeing the Macal River, Morpho Butterfly Farm

(B,L,D) We take an early morning canoe trip down the Macal River. The jungle canopy rises high above as our guide shows us along this famous trail and explains the traditional uses of native plant species in Mayan medicine. This afternoon we visit the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm. Here we see an example of the cycles of forest life and the fragility of tropical forest ecosystems. Accompanied by knowledgeable local guides we have a wonderful opportunity to gain a comprehensive introduction to the natural history and geography of Belize.

Day 4 Tikal Ruins

(B,L,D) Tikal Ruins Details »
The cultural differences are immediately noticeable as we journey into a region alive with Maya traditions and ruins. Crossing the border into Guatemala, we head to one of the most famous Maya sites in Central America. The towering pyramids of Tikal rise above the thick jungle canopy like stoic sentinels of ancient mysteries. The Maya began building Tikal 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, coati-mundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and the seldom seen jaguar. We'll explore the ruins with an experienced local guide. For those interested, climb to the top of imposing Temple I for a birds-eye view of the main plaza! After the tour you're free to roam at your own pace before we head back to Belize

Day 5 Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

(B,L,D) Today we make an unforgettable adventure into the Maya underworld. We drive by 4WD 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. This is a fairly rigorous trip and travelers should be in good shape. 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.

Days 6-7 Mayan Discoveries

(B,L,D)

Mayan Discoveries Details »
The largest ancient Mayan city in Belize rises out of the Chiquibul Rainforest south of San Ignacio. At the height of its military power, the mighty city of Caracol defeated the city of Tikal and established itself as the supreme Mayan metropolis. Centuries after the battle cries have gone silent and the bustle of the city disappeared, we'll explore this city now conquered by the thick jungle.

A climb up the highest Maya structure in Belize rewards us with magnificent views of the ancient city and surrounding forest. The once vibrant city is now home to howler monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, scarlet macaws and more, so we'll have great wildlife viewing opportunities today. On Day 7 we continue our adventure with a visit to the recently discovered Che Chem Ha cave. The cave was discovered by a local family searching for palm fronds to thatch a house. Now the family serves as guides to the well-hidden cave, revealing the past as well as providing a glimpse into rural Belizean farm life.

As we walk through passages leading to the primary chamber, we're surrounded by huge ceramic pots that serve to remind us of the ceremonial importance of Che Chem Ha. Lunch is with our guide's family at their little roadside restaurant. In the afternoon, we cross the Mopan River by hand crank ferry for a visit to Xunantanich. Climb one of the pyramids for a view of the Macal, Mopan and Belize River Valleys. Tonight we enjoy our last Belizean dinner with our wonderful hosts at our jungle lodge.

Day 8 Return Home

(B)

Transfer back to Belize City for your flight home, with a stop at the Belize Zoo.