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Handling an urchin while snorkeling at Turneffe Flats

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Ambergris Caye - Example 8 Day Tour
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Journey through cathedral-shaped caves, spot wildlife along the banks of the Macal River, and explore winding trails in the Belizean rainforest. Then discover the jungle-clad ruins of Tikal, where the ancient Maya once held their royal courts. Conclude your Belize vacation with two days at a beachside hotel on Ambergris Caye - snorkeling, diving, or fishing by day and relaxing to Caribbean rhythms by night. Enjoy this complete adventure with a wide range of what Belize has to offer in just 8 days.
Cabanas at Pook's Hill LodgeExploring a cave in the Belizean rainforestResting in the shadeView of Temple I from North Acropolis-TikalKayaking Boom Creek A diver gets a love bite from a remoraExploring the Actun Tunichil Muknal caveTravelers walking carefully through the ATM caveCanoeing on the Rio MacalBeach day in Belize!Relaxing in the hammock at Hamanasisunrise on Ambergris CayeToday, we're the viewA group enjoys the ATM cave tourRainforest at the opening of the Actun Tunichil Muknal caveView of Temple II-TikalRelaxing on Ambergris CayeSea turtles await!Top of Pyramid in XunantunichLeaving the cathedral of the Actun Tunichil Muknal caveA view from inside the ATM caveWatching beautiful coral reef pass by while diving off Caye CaulkerThe grounds and cabanas at Pook's HillA-OK! Snorkeling at Hol Chan, BelizeWe made it!Handling an urchin while snorkeling at Turneffe Flats
Highlights
  • Canoe down the Rio Macal and spot Belizean wildlife
  • Explore the Maya underworld of Actun Tunichil Muknal
  • Visit Tikal's towering pyramids that rise over the jungle canopy
  • Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Belize

When you arrive at the Belize City airport, you'll be transferred to your jungle retreat. Time permitting, you may 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 will be filled with exploring the lush vegetation of the Maya Mountains and the mysteries beneath.

Day 2: Rio Macal and Xunantunich

After a leisurely morning, set out down the Macal River for your first introduction to Belizean wildlife. Your guide will help you spot iguanas, peccaries, coatimundis, and a myriad of bird life. After lunch in town, 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

Rise early for an unforgettable adventure into the Maya underworld. You'll begin your journey from your lodge doors, crossing creeks and traveling deep into the Belizean jungle to the opening of the sacred Actun Tunichil Muknal - the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher. At the entrance, you will be equipped with helmets and waterproof headlamps, then wade into the emerald waters that flow from the cave's gaping mouth. Your journey follows the flow of the river through wet and dry caverns surrounded by hanging stalactites and towering stalagmites. Your final destination is the spectacular Primary Chamber, where ancient kings and priests made blood sacrifices to appease the Mayan gods. Your lights illuminate the ghostly outlines of skeletal ritual victims and scattered ceramic shards from ancient rituals. Tunichil is an active archaeological site, so be careful not to disturb the sleeping skeletons and ceramic shards before returning to the light above ground. See Barton Creek Cave for an alternate excursion.

Day 4: Tikal

This morning, after an early breakfast, you'll depart for the three-hour drive to the magnificent Tikal ruins, just across 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 1,500 years the area was an important religious, scientific, and political center. Pyramids were built to honor dead kings, 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 4,000 structures in the main city center alone. Today, the pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to howler and spider monkeys, white-lipped peccaries, brocket deer, coatimundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots, and the seldom seen jaguar. After a tour of the ruins, you will return to your lodge in Belize for your last night in the jungle.

Day 5: Ambergris Caye

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

Day 6: Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley Snorkeling

This 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, corals, and sponges create one of the world's 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 adventures and nighttime dining.

Day 7: Free day on the beach

Today is free 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 adventures and nighttime dining.

Day 8: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Ambergris Caye and fly back to Belize City in time to connect with your return flight home.

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

Accommodations

Cayo District - Hotels

San Pedro, Ambergris - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,590 2-3 travelers

Notes

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Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Gear rental in Jade Jungle Resort
  • Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided on your trip free of charge.  Occasionally the snorkeling gear that is supplied is worn, and there may not be enough sizes available to fit every traveler. Therefore, you may want to bring your own snorkeling gear (particularly a mask and snorkel).
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Internal Flights: Belize City - Ambergris Caye - Belize City
  • Border tax at Belize-Guatemala border $45
  • Tikal Entrance Fee $20

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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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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