Belize | Exploring Jungles, Seas, and Ancient Civilizations

Belize | Exploring Jungles, Seas, and Ancient Civilizations

About this trip

Experience the adventure of the Belizean rainforest: the early mists, the birds, wildlife, and ancient trees. Enjoy the pristine environment: hike in old-growth forest, descend into subterranean caves, and relax in crystal-clear jungle pools. Discover inland Belize as you explore hidden Maya temples and learn about wildlife at the Belize Zoo. Then end your 8-day journey at Ambergris Caye on the Belize Barrier Reef, where a stunning underwater world shows off colorful fish, corals, and plant life.

Highlights

  • Ride on horseback to Xunantunich, an ancient Maya archaeological site, and see the country's tallest man-made structure at the Caracol site.
  • Observe tapirs, jaguars, and Harpy Eagles at the world-renowned Belize Zoo. 
  • Look for colorful fish, sea sponges, stingrays and other marine life during snorkeling excursions at the remarkable Ambergris Caye. 
  • Swim with nurse sharks and sting rays at Shark Ray Alley.

 

San Ignacio

Day 1

Upon arrival in Belize City, you will be met at the exit door of the airport by our representative, who will then transfer you to the Cayo District, stopping along the way to see some of the country's native animals at the Belize Zoo. You will stay the next three nights at Black Rock Lodge or similar. Black Rock is an eco-lodge nestled in the dense rainforest above the Macal River. Due to its location and property size, the lodge offers a variety of on-site activities for its guests, from canoeing, to horseback riding, bird-watching and hiking up the various canyon trails, where there is an abundant diversity of local flora and fauna.

Overnight at Black Rock

San Ignacio

Day 2

Your tour today begins at Hanna Stables, a family-owned horseback riding establishment where over 45 horses call home. When you arrive, meet your local Belizean guide for the day, and then mount your horses to depart! The ride to the Xunantunich archaeological site includes a well-maintained trail through a large private farm and along the banks of the Mopan River in the village of San Jose Succotz. You will cross the river on an ancient hand-operated ferry, and then ride your horse up to Xunantunich. When you arrive, prepare to dismount and let your horse rest while you explore Xunantunich by foot for as long as you desire. Afterward, ride back to the farm and enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Belizean dishes featuring ingredients grown in the lodge's organic farm. This afternoon, visit the nearby San Ignacio Resort, which has been at the forefront of conservation for the threatened green iguana. A highly interpretive and educational exhibit has been designed within the resort's property in order to create a closer look at this amazing reptile, and to learn how vital they could be to the ecological balance of the river habitat. Return to Black Rock Lodge for the night.

Breakfast-Lunch- included
Overnight at Black Rock

San Ignacio

Day 3

You will be met in the hotel lobby of the hotel by a representative for your tour to Caracol archaeological site and Rio Frio Caves. The largest of the structures at Caracol is Caana, measuring 141 feet in height, making it the tallest man-made structure in Belize. On your way back from Caracol, you will have another little adventure stopping by the Rio Frio Cave and Rio On pools of the Mountain Pine Ridge. Here you can jump in for a swim and relax before returning to your hotel.

Breakfast-Lunch- included
Overnight at Black Rock

San Pedro Ambergris Caye

Day 4

Today you will be transferred from the Cayo District back to Belize City for your flight to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. The most northerly and largest of islands off the coast of Belize is a base for world-class diving and snorkeling. Hotels, condominiums, and vacation rentals in San Pedro Town and along the coast of the whole island offer an eclectic choice of accommodation that are complemented by sophisticated international cuisine in beachside restaurants and local cafes serving traditional Belizean food. The streets of San Pedro Town bustle with local artists and craftsmen and contribute to the captivating atmosphere. A representative will meet you at the lobby of the Black Rock Lodge and transfer you to Belize City airport. Upon arriving in San Pedro, a representative of Ramon's will meet you and transfer you to the resort. Spend the next three nights at Ramon's Village or similar. Ramon's Village is a sanctuary nestled in a tropical garden of royal palms, bougainvillea, lilies, hibiscus, and dozens of other types of tropical flora. Surrounded by the plant life are Mayan sculptures that provide a glimpse of the civilization that once flourished in this Caribbean paradise. Caye.

Breakfast- included
Overnight at Ramons Village

San Pedro Ambergris Caye

Day 5

Today you'll have the chance to experience the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, part of the Belize Barrier Reef. You will be met at the pier of Ramon's and taken to the dive shop so that you can be prepped for the tour. Hol Chan is the Mayan translation for "little channel" and is home to over 160 species of fish, nearly 40 species of corals, 5 sponges, 8 algae, 2 sea grasses, 3 marine mammals, and 3 species of sea turtles. Shark Ray Alley, just 3 minutes from Hol Chan, is home to nurse sharks and sting rays. These creatures politely greet you as you arrive to visit them. If you are brave enough you can swim with them!

Breakfast-Lunch- included
Overnight at Ramons Village

San Pedro Ambergris Caye

Day 6

The next two days are at leisure to spend relaxing by the beach or pool and soaking up the Belizean sun. Optional activities can be arranged in advance or you can book directly with the tour desk

Breakfast- included
Overnight at Ramons Village

San Pedro Ambergris Caye

Day 7

Day at leisure.

Breakfast- included
Overnight at Ramons Village

Departure

Day 8

A representative will meet you in the lobby of the hotel and will transfer you to the airstrip so that you can take the flight to the Belize International Airport for your departure flight. An afternoon flight departing Belize is recommended.