Expedition Overview
Expedition Overview
- Canoe past calcite crystal formations in the Barton Creek Cave, and learn how the ancient Maya used this underworld for ceremonial purposes.
- Take a private tour of the ancient Maya ruins of Tikal, Guatemala, located in the heart of a jungle brimming with tropical birds and animals.
- Swim and snorkel among sea turtles, sharks, sting rays, and colorful coral reefs at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.
- Delve into Maya culture while spending time with a local family, learning to cook Maya specialties and make traditional crafts.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Just beyond the pristine beaches of the Belizean coast, lush jungles harbor fascinating wildlife, ancient ruins, and a mélange of Caribbean and Latin American cultures. Journey to the country’s remote southern reaches to discover coastal forests teeming with rare marine and birdlife, and sleepy villages where the culture of the modern-day Maya thrives. Cross the border into Guatemala, and wander the ancient passageways of Tikal’s temples, then descend into the Maya underworld on a caving excursion. Set out from Ambergris Caye and dive into the magical undersea of the Belize Barrier Reef.
Arrive at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, then fly to Punta Gorda. Transfer to your hotel nestled in the lush coastal jungles of southern Belize. The afternoon is yours to enjoy poolside or choose to stroll along the beach.
Get your sea legs today: Visit the Rio Grande estuary, and then head to the Port Honduras Marine Reserve to watch for the endangered West Indian manatee at Frenchman Lagoon. Snorkel the Snake Cayes, teeming with a colorful array of fish and coral; and picnic along a white-sand beach on a tiny isle. Meet park rangers at Abalone Caye and learn about their efforts to stop poaching in this pristine marine sanctuary.
Travel to the Kek’chi Maya village and visit the home of a local family to learn about their culture. Roast and grind cacao beans for a Mayan-style cocoa drink, fry up tortillas, and sit down with your hosts to share a traditional Maya meal. Try your hand at weaving baskets and fabrics, and head outside for a guided walk to discover traditional uses of regional plants, herbs, and spices.
Today, transfer to the Punta Gorda airport and fly via Belize City to San Ignacio, located in the spectacular and ecologically rich Cayo District. Continue to your jungle lodge—located within a 365-acre private forest reserve—and check in to your airy, palm-thatched accommodations. This afternoon, choose to explore the wildlife of the rainforest on a guided hike, join a river safari, visit an organic farm, or embark on a night walk to seek out nocturnal species.
Cross the border into Guatemala for a full-day visit to the famous Maya ruins at Tikal. Take a private tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, including the Great Plaza and its iconic Temple of the Jaguar, the Temple of the Mask, and Acropolis. As you explore the ancient city, keep your eyes peeled for the tropical animals and birds that inhabit the surrounding jungle.
This morning, visit Barton Creek Cave and learn about how the cave served as a gateway to the underworld for the ancient Maya, and paddle a canoe along its aqueous passageways, studded with sparkling calcite crystals. Then fly to Ambergris Caye, the country’s largest island, and transfer to your hotel overlooking the Belize Barrier Reef. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in this tropical paradise.
Embark on a half-day private snorkeling adventure in the deep blue waters of Belize. Swim among sea turtles, sharks, sting rays, and coral reefs at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore on your own. Relax at your hotel’s private beach, or stroll the sandy streets of colorful San Pedro town.
Explore the peninsula at your own pace today. Relax at the pool or retreat to the spa. Or opt to book your own excursion: head out on a guided boat tour in pursuit of indigenous birds, or charter a sunset cruise.
After breakfast, transfer to San Pedro Airport, then fly to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City to catch your flight home.