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Making tortillas. The Living Maya Experience.

Living Maya Experience

Example 6 Day Tour staying at Tanager Rainforest Lodge
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Tanager Rainforest Lodge offers all the best of Belize jungle adventure with an authentic Mayan experience. The lodge is located on the banks of the Rio Grande, the gateway to the Mayan mountains. Experience modern Mayan culture with local families and villages as you learn to make an authentic Belizean lunch, chocolates and take a Garifuna drumming lesson. You'll also have the opportunity to kayak, go cave tubing, birding, ziplining and more. Spend your evenings relaxing at the lodge and recounting stories of your day with your fellow travelers.
Kayaking in still watersKekchi weaving. The Living Maya ExperienceLocal musicians playing for usWeaving demonstration at Marta's. The Living Maya ExperienceZipline adventure in Big Falls VillageExhilarationHomemade yarn for saleBasket weaving with local artisansMayflower hike swimming holeExploring the cave in Blue CreekKayaking on the Rio GrandeZipline adventure in Big Falls VillageFamily kayaking while staying at the Lodge at Big FallsSanta Cruz Waterfall in BelizeEnjoy the tropical settingFood demonstrationsMaking tortillas. The Living Maya Experience.Making tortillas. The Living Maya Experience.
Highlights
  • Visit a local market to purchase the ingredients for your traditional lunch
  • Visit the Warasa Garafuna Drum School and participate in a class
  • Meet Mayan staff as they teach you their craft
  • Choose from a variety of activities offered at the lodge
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Belize fly Punta Gorda

Upon your arrival at Belize International airport, you will be escorted to Tropic Air and set up to fly into Punta Gorda, an hour trip with two stops along the way. In Punta Gorda meet up with your guide and travel twenty miles to the lodge which rests on the banks of the Rio Grande river. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at the lodge.

Day 2: Lubaantun and Rio Blanco National Park

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning drive with your guide 18 miles past the Maya villages of San Antonio and Santa Cruz towards Rio Blanco National Park. En route, stop to visit Lubaantun, a site dating back to 700-900AD set in the magical ambiance of the Mayan jungle. Lubaantun is most noted for its large collection of miniature ceramic objects found during its excavation. These are thought to have been used in rituals as charmstones.

Continue on to Rio Blanco National Park, where you'll explore with your guide. This park was declared an "Indigenous People's Park" in 1992. The reserve is managed by surrounding Maya Villages in the region who see its preservation as a top priority. Enjoy a guided hike, picnic, and a swim in one of the waterfalls before returning to the lodge this evening.

Day 3: Mayan House

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After breakfast, have a short hike to the Mayan house located onsite, where Norma and Erwin demonstrate craft-making from materials gathered from the surrounding jungle. With Erwin's guidance, you try your hands at crafting. This tour fosters a deep appreciation for the artistry involved in making basketry, shoulder bags, palm fans, and calabash carvings.
Later this afternoon, select from a variety of activities offered at the lodge: indulge in the swimming pool, kayak, tube on the river, or embark on a nature walk around the grounds.

After a full day of activity, enjoy dinner and a free evening at the lodge.

Day 4: Chocolate Making and Garifuna Drumming

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning you have the option of rising early for a guided bird walk around the lodge grounds. Your guide, Steven, is an expert birder who will help you spot and identify the local woodpeckers, trogons, parakeets, and toucans.

Later in the morning, visit the Ixcacao Mayan Chocolate facility in nearby San Felipe village. Ixcacao is a boutique factory owned by Abelina Cho, and is known for its delectable, sustainably-produced, environmentally-conscious chocolate. Enjoy a lunch that will delight your palate with its unique chocolate flavors, courtesy of Ixcacao.

After lunch head toward Punta Gorda for a visit to the Warasa Garifuna Drum School, founded by master drummer and teacher, Ronald 'Ray' McDonald. Experience the vibrancy of Belizean culture through the unique rhythms of the Garifuna as you participate in a lively drumming lesson.

Once again, the evening will be yours to dine and relax at the lodge.

Day 5: Punta Gorda Market and the River

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today your guide drives you to Blue Creek Village, where Yona and Vince Mayan welcome you into their home. They share their knowledge of the organic fruits, vegetables, and spices grown around their home. Together, you roll up your sleeves and prepare an authentic Belizean lunch.

This afternoon you can choose between two activities:

-Kayaking on the Rio Grande: You will be transported 5 miles upstream to San Miguel village, embark on a Hobie (sit-on-top) kayak,and float downstream back to the lodge. Along the way enjoy the riverside scenery and even get a chance to spot some local fauna.

-Blue Creek Cave Swim: You will be transported 15 miles south to Blue Creek cave, hike half an hour to the cave mouth, and swim upstream inside the cave to a point where the river cascades from a fissure in the cavern wall.

Return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 6: Depart Lodge at Tanager Rainforest Lodge

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Enjoy your last morning at the lodge before returning to the international airport or traveling on in Belize.

Accommodations

Tanager Rainforest Lodge

The lodges and grounds at the Lodge at Big Falls
The Lodge at Big Falls
The Restaurant at Tanager Rainforest Lodge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,269
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 5 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Park Entrance Fee
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Arrival Transfer
  • Departure Transfer
  • Airport Departure Tax

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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