Day 01: Arrive Belize
Arrive in Belize City, the capital of Belize until 1970 at which time it moved to Belmopan. Its a typical Caribbean town, parts of the town are still largely built of wood and galvanised iron, with many of the original colonial style houses in an elegant state of disrepair.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: To Crooked Tree Wildlife Reserve via Altun Ha
After breakfast continuing to the atmospheric Maya ruins of Altun Ha. The pyramids and temples in this compact site are a great introduction to Belize’s diverse cultural history – within less than one hour we will have journeyed from the Caribbean vibe of Belize City to the land of the ancient Maya.

Later in the afternoon we travel inland to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, an important wetland habitat. Settling down for two nights we enjoy the hospitality of our local hosts on the shores of the Crooked Tree Lagoon. Established in 1984, this maze of waterways and lagoons supports a wonderful variety of wetland species, perfect for our first close-up encounter with Belize’s famed wildlife.

Day 03: Boat trip to the jungle ruins of Lamanai birdwatching en route
Rising early this morning or tomorrow morning, we explore the lagoon by boat. In this birdwatchers paradise we may spot wood stork, numerous herons, vultures, kingfishers, raptors and shore bird, and perhaps most notable of all, the rare jabiru stork – the tallest flying bird in the America’s standing at 5ft with a wingspan of up to 9ft. We return to the lodge for breakfast and then set off by vehicle to the New River for the boat ride upstream to the 2000 year old jungle ruins of Lamanai. Water birds are abundant in the ancient rainforest cover and crocodiles may be spotted lurking along the river bank. Lamanai, the original name of these Maya ruins, means Submerged Crocodile, which helps to explain the numerous carved crocodile representations at the site. The ruins are located some distance off the beaten track and are still not reconstructed or cleared. We approach on foot following rough trails. The surrounding rainforest with its thick canopy of huge trees, and humid atmosphere adds an aura of mystery to the scattered and overgrown relics. A cache of children’s bones has been unearthed from beneath one of the stelae, suggesting that the Maya practiced human sacrifice here.

Day 04: Dawn bird watching, drive to Placencia
An optional early bird walk and sunrise along the Crooked Tree Lagoon can be an unforgettable experience in this important wetland sanctuary. After breakfast, we visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary in search of howler monkeys. Here we have a chance to watch troops of black howler monkeys swinging from the trees in their natural habitat, before we begin our journey south along the scenic Hummingbird Highway, where orange and grapefruit groves are surrounded by a backdrop of lush jungle clad limestone hills – The Maya Mountains. We will visit a local organic farm and tree planting project along the way in this beautiful setting. Our day ends in the beach resort of Placencia, a town located at the end of a narrow peninsula between mangrove lagoons and the Maya Mountains and the Caribbean Sea.

Day 05: In Placencia; free to explore, snorkel or relax on beach
Placencia is southern Belize’s premier beach spot and a jumping off point for visiting numerous cayes that form part of the Belize barrier reef – the longest reef system in the western hemisphere. Today, we have the option to visit Laughing Bird caye. It lies 9 miles west of the Placencia Peninsula and is an area of specific biological interest within the world heritage site. It is a picture postcard uninhabited tropical island that allows us to experience a guided snorkelling trip directly from its coral sand shores. Alternatively, you might like to relax and enjoy local life at the beach in Placencia.

Day 06: Visit Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve; head to San Ignacio
This morning we visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This is the world’s first and only jaguar reserve, in the heart of an important large tract of undisturbed tropical forest that is thought to have the densest population of jaguars in all the America’s; the magnificent cats are a protected species here in their natural habitat and are no longer hunted as big game: however we would have to be extremely fortunate to spot one. They can grow up to six feet in length and weigh some 159 kilograms. The reserve is home to five species of wild cats, wild pigs, dwarf brocket and white tailed deers as well as Belize’s national mammel – the Tapir. The park is also home to more than 300 species of birds that can be found on an extensive network of maintained trails. We plan to do a hike through the rainforest to a small waterfall and for the more energetic a hike to the clearing of “Ben’s Bluff” that offers incredible views of the forest and towards Belize’s most iconic mountain – Victoria Peak at 1120m. Leaving the park we drive on towards San Ignacio on the hummingbird highway, we can stop at the “other” Blue Hole – a collapsed limestone cavern for a welcome swim in fresh water in yet another large protected forest reserve – the Blue Hole National Park.

Day 07: Explore the Xunantunich archaeological site
San Ignacio, a traditional Belizean town, is an ideal place to base ourselves for the next couple of days. Straddling the Macal River which was once a critical transportation artery for the Maya and later the European settlers it is now a centre for many adventurous activities. Today we make a visit to the great classical Maya site of Xunantunich, Mayan for ‘Rock Stone Maiden’, perhaps for phallic or fertility reasons. We go by bus and then cross the River Mopan by traditional hand-winched ferry to arrive at the site. Occupied until about AD 850, the main plaza is dominated by an awesome structure called El Castillo – a massive pyramid which rises to 40 metres. On the top is a partially restored stucco frieze representing the Sun God and astronomical signs of the Moon and Venus. The superb view from the summit looks out over the forest with the Maya mountains to the south and the lowlands of Guatemala to the west. After visiting Xunantunich, we journey to San Ignacio and the lively market, full of Belize’s colourful cross section of diverse people and the local produce they bring to town from the surrounding hills on a Saturday. The afternoon is free for personal exploration or cave canoeing into the Mayan underworld at the stunning Barton Creek cave system, located near to the Orthodox German Mennonite Communities found in Belize’s interior.

Day 08: Free day, choices include visit to Belize Botanical Gardens
Today is free to relax in the hotel’s gardens and pool or perhaps make an independent visit to the nearby Cahal Pech Archaeological site – a popular option is to visit one of the region’s most impressive botanical gardens – the Belize Botanical Gardens. This extensive botanical collection in the Macal River Valley is surrounded by Rainforest and rich in wildlife. From the gardens, we can paddle by canoe through unspoilt jungle scenery back to San Ignacio.

Day 09: Explore the great Mayan metropolis of Tikal (Guatemala)
Leaving Belize today we drive to Tikal, just over the border in Guatemala. Arriving at Tikal we spend the day exploring this great Mayan metropolis, which can justly be compared with Egyptian and Greek masterpieces. Initially settled about 600 BC, Tikal was abandoned by its rulers around AD 890 and totally deserted a hundred years later. The city covered an area of 16 square kilometres. Re-discovered in 1848, only a few of its great temples and pyramids have yet been excavated. Accessible by foot are a number of outlying and little known temples still covered by a tangle of undergrowth, and for those with a head for heights, the views from the temple tops out over the jungle and the hidden city below are mesmerising.

Day 10: Optional re-entry to Tikal
Today we rise to the sounds of the surrounding jungle coming to life. Unaccompanied, we have a chance to return to the site for a further exploration of the jungle encroached ruins. It is possible to go into the site to watch the sunrise from atop of Temple 4, the highest structure in the site at more than 200ft above the forest floor. Clear sunrises are uncommon however owing to the humidity the rainforest generates. Witness instead the roof combs of the surrounding temples reveal themselves as a forest wakes and the sounds of toucans, parrots, spider and howler monkeys fill the air. Alternatively you can enjoy the day relaxing, excellent bird watching and wildlife can be seen around the hotel pool! There are two small museums located close to the hotel, or you may like to visit Guatemala’s second largest lake – Peten Itza – and the colonial island town of Flores.

Day 11: Boat journey to the idyllic island of Caye Caulker
This morning we drive to Belize City and take a water taxi to Caye Caulker. Once a pirate lair, this tiny but enchanting tropical island lies 34km northeast of Belize City and about 1.6km inside the greatest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. The water taxi transfer takes about an hour and is a highlight in itself, speeding through the turquoise waters. The island remains uncrowded, and unluxurious, with relatively modest prices in restaurants and bars, owned and run by the friendliest of local people. The local fishermen produce lobster, conch, fish and crab to supply the domestic and foreign markets. Fresh seafood is readily available and lobster is the best buy when in season from Jun to Feb. There’s time to relax – our hotel has a beach, which is rare on the island – as well as to enjoy a number of optional trips. You may take a snorkelling trip out to the nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark and Ray alley, or take a full day trip out to Goff’s Caye to observe the Manatees in their natural mangrove habitat. Scuba diving is also available.

Day 12: Free time in Caye Caulker; – Optional snorkel boat trip
Today we spend some time either relaxing or we can participate in one of many of the optional activities available on the island. The Belize cayes have some of the best snorkelling in Central America, and it’s well worth a trip to Goff’s Caye or Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Day 13: Tour ends Belize City
The trip ends at our hotel on Caye Caulker. From here, we get a water taxi back to Belize City. The water taxi takes around one hour. The earliest water taxi is at 6am and operates throughout the day. An onward road transfer to Belize’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.

Day 01: Belize City/Burrell Boom
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Arrive at any time in Belize City and transfer to our hotel, located just near the village of Burrell Boom.
Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are free to arrive at any time to the Belize City airport where you will be met and transferred to our hotel near Burrell Boom village, which is about 30 minutes from the airport.

Day 02: Burrell Boom
Enjoy a full day boat excursion to Lamanai—a Maya archaeological site dating from as early as 1,500 BC. Located on the wildlife-rich shores of the New River Lagoon and surrounded by dense jungle, Lamanai is one of the oldest known Maya sites in Central America. Explore the sprawling stone ruins with a local guide, and note the abundance of crocodile motifs at the site; the name “Lamanai” translates as “submerged crocodile” in the regional Maya dialect. Afterward, return to our hotel to relax at the patio bar and pool, or stroll the grounds to spot local wildlife.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES:
Lamanai Ruins Guided Tour
Lamanai is located on the shore of the New River Lagoon and is one of the largest Mayan ceremonial site within the region. Lamanai translates as “submerged crocodile” in ancient Mayan, and the site was occupied as early as 1500 BC. The onsite museum has interesting artifacts on display.

Orange Walk Riverboat Wildlife Excursion
Duration : 0.75 hr – 1.0 hr
Enjoy a thrilling boat ride upriver to Lamanai, past lush forest dripping with vines, orchids and air plants. View the abundant wildlife along the way including tropical and migrating birds, spider monkeys and freshwater crocodiles.

Day 03: Burrell Boom/San Ignacio
This morning, we’ll visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, co-founded by National Geographic Grantee Dr. Robert Horwich. This community-run organization is dedicated to the conservation of the Yucatán black howler monkey, locally called a baboon. Tour the sanctuary with a guide and observe these endangered monkeys in the wild. Then head to the village of San Antonio to visit a G Adventures–supported women’s cooperative. Try your hand at throwing clay in the cooperative’s pottery workshop, and learn how to prepare corn tortillas using ancient Maya techniques. After lunch, continue to the bustling town of San Ignacio.
The town of San Ignacio is situated on the banks of the Macal River. It is a perfect location to visit the surrounding countryside. All activities here are optional, so the choice is yours: explore the Mayan cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal, containing relics dating back 1400 years, visit the butterfly gardens, or go tubing or canoeing through the natural limestone caves of the region.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES:
Tortilla-Making Lesson
Corn tortillas are a staple of Belizean cuisine, and the fresher they are the better. Drop by the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative for a tortilla-making lesson and demonstration. Help grind wet corn kernels on an ancient stone that’s been passed down through generations to the special ladies who work here. Then try your own hand at making perfectly round tortillas, which is harder than you may think. Afterward, enjoy the results of the group with a cup of atole, a local corn drink.

Howler Monkey Experience
Founded by five-time National Geographic-grantee Dr. Robert Horwich, the Community Baboon Sanctuary is a conservation project that works to protect the natural habitat of the black howler monkey through community education and sustainable ecotourism practices. Go for a nature walk in the rainforest with a community guide to observe monkeys in the wild. The sanctuary also promotes the economic development of the surrounding communities through the ecotourism it brings in. Over 200 private, local landowners in seven villages, stretching over 20 square miles, have voluntarily pledged to conserve their land for the protection of the black howler monkey, resulting in an increase in the monkey population. So as part of the experience, also enjoy a cultural demonstration of rice beating and cashew roasting.

San Antonio Women’s Cooperative visit with Pottery Class.
Visit a G Adventures-supported local women’s cooperative, which was founded as a way for under-educated women to earn income and share centuries-old Mayan techniques and knowledge. Meet some of the inspiring women here and gain insight into the tradition of throwing pots. Then sit down to lunch together, sampling traditional foods of the Cayo region.

Day 04: San Ignacio
Discover the stunning Maya ruins of Xunantunich, built over a thousand years ago on a hilltop above the Mopan River. Climb the steps of El Castillo, the site’s tallest structure, to enjoy panoramic views of the jungle; and wander amid intricately carved stelae and well-preserved temples and palaces. Spend the afternoon at leisure, choosing from a variety of optional activities.

INCLUDED ACTIVITY:
Xunantunich Visit
Duration : 2.0 hr – 4.0 hr
Distance : 11 km
Getting there includes crossing a narrow river by a hand-cranked ferry which shuttles you across! There is a small fee to enter the grounds and a guide can give you the lowdown on the site. If you would prefer, you can take a taxi (for extra cost) who will also cross on the hand-cranked ferry and drive to the site.

Day 05: San Ignacio
Enjoy a free day to explore San Ignacio and the surrounding countryside. Opt to descend into the spiritual “underworld” of the Maya at the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, an ancient burial site where mysterious rituals took place; visit a butterfly garden to see the brightly coloured local species; or go canoeing or tubing through the region’s breathtaking limestone caves.

Day 06: San Ignacio/Caye Caulker
Drive back towards the coast and catch a ferry to Caye Caulker—one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful cayes or islands—located along the Belize Barrier Reef. Settle into your hotel in this breezy island paradise and choose to take a walk through laid-back Caye Caulker village, home to a small but diverse community of local residents and expats.
Caye Caulker is a long thin limestone caye off the coast of Belize. Fewer than 2,000 people live here full-time – an eclectic mix of Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, Creole, and Mennonites, along with a few hippies and retirees. The main street is a sandy pathway and people get around on foot, by bike or golf cart. Apart from eating some sensational seafood (lobster is a local specialty), the main activity is snorkelling and boating along the nearby Belize Barrier Reef.

Day 07: Caye Caulker
Set out to explore the island on a leisurely bike tour with a local guide from the G Adventures–supported Bike with Purpose project. This afternoon, opt for a snorkelling excursion on the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef on the planet. Come face-to-face with sea turtles, manta rays, parrotfish, nurse sharks, and other fascinating creatures as you swim through the warm tropical waters. In the evening, choose to take a relaxing sunset cruise around the island.
The barrier reef off Caye Caulker is a true wonder of nature. Optional snorkel trips get you up close and personal with nurse sharks and rays, to name a few of the wondrous resident creatures.

INCLUDED ACTIVITY:
Belize Bike with Purpose Tour
Duration : 2.0 hr
Take a leisurely bike tour around Caye Caulker with a guide from the G Adventures for Good supported Bike with Purpose project. See the island through the eyes of a local on this two-hour tour, and live the island’s motto of ‘Go Slow’. Feel the island breeze in you hair while knowing you’re supporting a program that helps youth from Caye Caulker build skills for tourism jobs upon graduation from high school.

Day 08: Caye Caulker
Spend the day at leisure, opting to join a full-day sailing and snorkelling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve—the first marine reserve in Belize. Swim alongside schools of tropical fish in this spectacular natural aquarium and visit the Coral Gardens, perhaps spotting a manatee or two among the vibrant coral formations. Cap off the day with a cruise back to Caye Caulker just before sunset.

Day 09: Caye Caulker
Depart at any time.

Day 01: Belize City
Hello! Welcome to Belize. Located where the Belize River meets the Caribbean Sea, this bustling former capital is full of history and culture. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting you’ll meet our representative & transfer to hotel.

Belize City is an interesting place, divided by the world’s only remaining manual swing bridge. On the north side is the coastal and maritime museum, housed in the beautifully restored former fire station. Also in the north is the Image Factory, displaying contemporary Belizean artists, and the National Handicraft Centre. The oldest Anglican church in Central America, St John Cathedral, was built in 1812 with bricks brought as ballast in European sailing ships. Opposite is Government House, a preserved colonial mansion. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which will make chatting with locals much easier. The Belizeans are known for their relaxed and easy-going way of life. You will be amazed by how many different cultures coexist harmoniously here.

Day 02: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Take a private vehicle to Crooked Tree (approximately 1.5 hours). Crooked Tree is an inland wildlife sanctuary full of lagoons, marshlands and creeks, making it one of the best destinations for wildlife spotting. Enjoy your free afternoon exploring the sanctuary by foot or by boat, hoping to spot Jabiru stalks, yellow-headed parrots, Mexican black howler monkeys and Central American river turtles (locally known as the Hicatee). The Crooked Tree village also has some notable and historical sights, having been established around 1750 during the logwood period and thought to be the oldest non-indigenous settlement in Belize. The village is also famous for its locally grown and processed cashews.

Day 03: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary – San Ignacio
Wake up early and embark on a birdwatching excursion around the sanctuary, travelling by boat on the lagoon. Some 250 resident or migratory neotropical birds inhabit this reserve, among them the Jabiru stork – the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere. Then drive to the San Ignacio area (approximately 2.5 hours). Once arrived and checked in to the hotel, head to Cahal Pech Ruins, a Mayan site near the centre of town. This archaeological site was a royal palace of a ruling Mayan family, consisting of 7 plazas and over 30 structures including temples, buildings and ball courts. Afterwards, the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. 

Day 04: San Ignacio
You have a free day to take on any of the many optional activities available in San Ignacio. Perhaps take a day trip to Xunantunich, an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre located with panoramic views over the countryside. The east side of one of the temples has a unique molded wall surface and the central plaza has three carved stelae (stone slabs). Getting to the site is half the fun as you’ll need to take a hand-cranked ferry to cross the river. Otherwise, head to the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal – a living museum of Maya relics. Wade through the water until you reach the ceremonial site. Here you will find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons, preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1400 years. If Maya ruins aren’t your thing, consider a trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to visit waterfalls and warm swimming holes, a visit to a butterfly garden, or a canoe down the Barton Creek cave reserve.

Day 05: Belize City – Caye Caulker
Travel by local bus to Belize City (2 hours) where you’ll board a water taxi (1 hour) to Caye Caulker. The Belize Cayes are a group of islands a short boat ride away from the coast. There are a number of these islands to choose from, but the tour bases itself on Caye Caulker as this is one of the more popular islands with travellers. From here it is possible to arrange day trips to other Cayes, to the best reefs for snorkelling, or simply to take a local boat out to the reef of Caulker itself. Each island has its own particular character, but all of them have the unmistakable Caribbean pace and charm. Once you’ve arrived on Caulker, the group leader will give you an orientation walk to get your bearings around the island.

Day 06: Caye Caulker
If your idea of paradise is white sand, blue waters and palm trees then you’re going to dig Caye Caulker with the next couple of days to explore, relax and get active. Relax on the beach with a book, or head out to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the magnificent Blue Hole and the world’s second-longest barrier reef. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters among colourful corals and see tropical fish, sharks, and the occasional manta ray, or spend a half-day taking a sea kayak adventure around the nearby reefs and atolls.

Day 07: Caye Caulker
Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you want with another day here. After a day of swimming and lazing on the beach, you’re sure to get hungry. If you’re interested in sampling local cuisine, Belize is famous for its barbequed food, with some of the best meals cooked on the roadside. Caye Caulker is famous for its lobster – not the cheapest meal you’ll ever buy, but so (so) good. Always make sure that you respect the season: the lobsters can only be caught between June and February. If you’re out of season, how about some grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local firewater?

Day 08: Depart Belize City
Final departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.