Meet with the descendents of the Maya while staying at a lovely award-wining lodge and spa in the heart of the Belizean forest. Explore the Cayo District on horseback and mountain bike, venture out on a night hike in the forest and float down eerie Maya caves on tubes. In Ambergris, La Isla Bonita, you may snorkel in the transparent waters, search for manatees, escape for a picnic in a desert island, rent a catamaran for the day, relax at the beach and dine on succulent fresh seafood.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Arrive in Belize (Cayo District) After clearing customs and immigration, proceed to the reception area, where our local representative will be holding a board with your name on it. You will be greeted with a “Welcome to Belize” and transferred to the Cayo District, a fascinating kaleidoscope of Mayan traditions, intriguing Mennonite communities, ancient ruins and mesmerizing national parks.
Maya villages plus a nocturnal hike (Cayo District) The choice is yours: Jump on a horse or mountain bike and explore the surrounding reserve through the well maintained trail network. Horseback rides are led by a naturalist guide who will explain the secrets of the rainforest, scout for wildlife in the exuberant foliage and point out some interesting Mayan ruins. Mountain bike trips are self-guided. Duration in both cases is two to three hours. The afternoon is free to hike in the reserve trails, canoe in the river, learn about Maya natural medicine on a guided tour at Ixchel Farm or take advantage of the spa facilities. This evening depart in the company of our guide for a very interesting tour. Under his experienced lead you will silently walk along the forest trails in search of nocturnal creatures. Learn to identify the sounds of the jungle and marvel at the interesting inhabitants of the night. (B)
Tikal: Skyscrapers in the jungle (Cayo District) Heading west along the Western Highway, we will pass through the town of Benque Viejo and head for the border. After clearing customs we will enter Guatemala and start driving deep into the Peten jungle on our way to Tikal. Tikal, once the most powerful city in the Americas, is a huge complex comprising more than 3,000 structures including temples, altars, pyramids, and palaces that reach out to the sky among a sea of green foliage. The surrounding national park is home to several endangered species such as jaguars, pumas, monkeys, deer, tapir, and anteaters as well as more than 260 species of birds, 130 species of medicinal plants and 300 orchids’ species. You will tour the site in the company of our knowledgeable guide while listening to the sounds of the jungle. After learning about the great history of Tikal and its mysterious decline, we hike up one of the towering temples for an outstanding view of the surrounding jungle. Later we return to Cayo and to our hotel. (B,L)
At leisure (Cayo District) We let you decide your plans for your last day in Cayo. You may take a full day trip to one of the fabulous Mayan ruins of Caracol, join a guided hiking excursion, visit the town of San Ignacio, do some shopping or indulge in one of the very special treatments offered at Chaa Creek Spa. All activities and tours at extra cost. (B)
To the reefs! Cave tubing on the way (Ambergris Caye) Leave the beauty of Mountain Pine Ridge, its natural wonders and Maya traditions to discover Belize’s reef system. En route, stop at Jaguar Paw underground cave system for an experience of a lifetime. The atmosphere inside the caves is eerie, magical…almost supernatural. Your light will be flickering upon strange shapes, the echo of your voice bouncing off the distant walls… and the ultimate darkness beyond. You will explore this underworld network by inner tubes as you float gently down a subterranean river catching glimpses of Maya pottery, artifacts, spectacular rock formations and the occasional bat. At the end of the tour you will be dropped off at the airport in Belize City for your ongoing flight to Ambergris Caye. This afternoon, you can relax on the beach before dining on fresh seafood. (B,L) *Note: Deluxe option at Victoria House does NOT include daily breakfast
Shark encounters in the reef (Ambergris Caye) This memorable day will have us snorkeling at two of the most famous spots in the Caribbean: Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Park. We will have the opportunity to interact with nurse sharks and playful Southern Sting Rays, in what is a really unforgettable experience. Then we will continue to Hol Chan, a protected reserve featuring a natural break that gives rise to striking coral formations. Besides the corals, expect to encounter large numbers of all kinds of colorful tropical fish, spiny lobsters, huge black groupers and even moray eels. (B)
“La Isla Bonita” (Ambergris Caye) Ambergris is popularly known as the capital of carefree and casual. “No shirts, no shoes, no problem” reads a popular tourist slogan. You won’t find paved roads, traffic lights, or high-rise buildings here, and the main means of transportation is bicycles and golf carts that can be rented by the hour. Everything in Ambergris revolves around the beautiful Caribbean so most activities in the island are water oriented. During these two days we recommend you join a diving expedition to the famous Blue Hole or go snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing or simply relax on the beach. Despite its laid-back atmosphere and casual ambiance, Ambergris boasts a handful of small charming hotels that surprise visitors for their fantastic decoration, exquisite service and elaborated cuisine. For our itinerary we have selected enchanting boutique hotels featuring secluded beachfront locations, posh accommodations, gourmet dining, and spa facilities. (B)
Depart Belize Today our local representative will be transferring you to the airport in time for your departing flight. We wish you a pleasant trip back home and hope to enjoy your company in another exciting adventure very soon. (B)
PRICES FROM
From $2,286 per person in double occupancy
SPECIALS
June Special : Book any 2010 departure and receive a $75 per person discount!
FACTS
Departure: Daily year round
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Type of services: All services in this tour are operated either on a private basis or in small groups led by local English-speaking guides.
Highlights: Horseback riding and/or mountain biking in Cayo District; mighty Tikal Ruins; exploring Mayan caves by inner tubing; the charming Chaa Creek Lodge and spa; snorkeling in the second largest barrier reef in the world; lovely Ambergris Caye and its incredibly romantic hotels.
Travel documents: American, Canadian and EU citizens only need a valid passport for stays of up to 30 days.
Inclusions: All ground and air transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
or send
an email to us.
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