Belize Adventure - Ambergris

Arrive at the Belize City airport and transfer to your jungle retreat. The 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.

This morning, have the thrilling opportunity to soar through the jungle treetops high above the forest floor. A short hike up into the rainforest leads you to the first of five platforms, where you begin your exciting trip back down through the jungle canopy on a series of cables. In the afternoon, take a leisurely float through the caves and majestic jungle on inner tubes. Hike to the put-in to the Cave's Branch River with your inner tubes. From there, enjoy a float through a series of caves with glimpses of the towering rainforest in between.     

Visit the ancient site of Xunantunich Cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry to tour the temples and palaces. Climb "El Castillo," which towers 130 feet / 40 meters above the plaza for unobstructed views of Western Belize and Guatemala. Your guide explains the history and ongoing efforts to understand this place.

Later, explore western Belize on a tour of the Macal River. Put your canoe in the water with a naturalist guide to spot wildlife such as iguanas, kingfishers, and cormorants along the way.

Wake early for an unforgettable adventure into the Maya underworld. Begin the journey from the 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, gear up with helmets and waterproof headlamps, then wade into the emerald-colored water flowing from the cave's gaping mouth. Your journey follows the river's flow through wet and dry caves encased in hanging stalactites and towering stalagmites. The final destination is the spectacular primary chamber where ancient kings and priests made blood sacrifices to appease the Maya gods. Your lights illuminate the ghostly outlines of skeletal ritual victims and scattered ceramic shards of ancient rituals. Tunichil is an active archeological site, so be 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 to the Barton Creek Cave is an excellent choice for all ages. Click here to see other activities available for those who prefer life above ground.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight over crystal clear Caribbean waters to Ambergris Caye. Settle into your beachside hotel and relax into the Belizean spirit.

After breakfast, take a snorkeling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. See sea turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks, and hundreds of species of fish, coral, and sponges in one of the world's most diverse underwater ecosystems. Use the rest of the time to arrange activities locally. 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.

Take today to explore Ambergris Caye on your own terms. Rent a bike to cruise the island, book a sailing trip, or try scuba diving for the first time. The town offers excellent options for dining and entertainment, or you can just soak up the sun by the water. Click here to check for more activities you can enjoy during your stay.

Catch your flight back to Belize City in time to connect with your international flight home.

*Please schedule your international flight to depart 12:30 PM or later this day.