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Day 1
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. The port is where most of the activity is, with boats coming and going to the offshore Cayes.
Our Leader plans to meet us in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Belize City at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Belize's Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (airport code BZE), which is 16km, around 20 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Belize City is usually a quick pitstop for travellers en route to get into the Belizean jungles or directly onto the Caribbean Islands. If you do arrive earlier in the day you might want to take a walk down the seafront towards the lighthouse and the port. The Belizean Tourism Village is also here - this colourful enclave of small shops, bars and restaurants was predominantly set up to capture the cruise trade but is a nice rest stop for a drink on non-cruise days.
It's worth noting that flights from the UK will likely require an overnight stay in the USA, with the most frequent flight options transiting via Miami or Houston. We recommend that you book an airport hotel, which often offer complimentary airport shuttle services.
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Day 2
Leaving Belize City on the northern highway, we turn off into the tropical interior and drive to the Community Baboon Sanctuary. Here we have a chance of up close encounters with the world's second loudest land mammal - the Yucatecan black howler monkeys in their natural habitat and learn about the close relationship these animals have with local people who benefit from their protection - confusingly the local people call the monkeys 'baboons'.
Later in the afternoon travel inland to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, an important wetland habitat. Settle down for two nights enjoying 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. For our first close up encounter with Belize's famed wildlife it's possible to use the hotels kayaks for an afternoon paddle in the lagoon. If the weather is fine we may take a sunset cruise on the lagoon in search of Green Iguanas and numerous wetland species including several species of kingfisher, heron, waders and raptors.
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Day 3
If we failed to do the sunset cruise yesterday we can rise early this morning to explore the lagoon by boat. In this birdwatchers paradise we may spot wood stork, boat-billed heron, vultures, kingfishers, grebes, hawks, snail kites, jacanas and, perhaps most notable of all, the rare jabiru - the largest flying bird in the hemisphere with a wingspan of up to 4 metres. Over 250 resident and migratory bird species have been spotted in the park.
Returning to the lodge for breakfast, this morning we venture by vehicle to the New River and Tower Hill bridge for the boat ride upstream to the 2000 year old jungle ruins of Lamanai, one of Belize's largest Mayan ceremonial centres.
Water birds are abundant in this ancient rainforest and freshwater 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 only partially cleared; most of the structures are still consumed by the surrounding rainforest with its thick canopy of huge trees, in total 718 known structures have been uncovered. The humid atmosphere adds an aura of mystery to the scattered and overgrown relics and there is some evidence that the Maya practised human sacrifice here.
We return to our lodge mid-afternoon. For keen bird watchers you won't have to venture far from the lodge, the lake hosts an abundant population of neotropical birds, just fifty feet from the lodge.
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Day 4
This morning we make a short excursion on foot to explore Crooked Tree further. This was one of the first settlements the British made in the area in the early 17th century. Testimony to this is the many Scottish titles and surnames that still exist. The extraction of logwood for textile dyes is what brought the original settlers here and we can still see the logwood tree growing commonly along the shores today.
We bid farewell to the reserve mid-morning, heading by bus to San Ignacio, a traditional Belizean town. Straddling the Macal River, once a critical transportation artery for the Maya and later the European settlers, it is now a centre for visiting ancient Mayan sites making it an ideal place to base ourselves for the next couple of days.
This afternoon we will visit a Green Iguana breeding programme in San Ignacio dedicated to re-releasing these magnificent reptiles back into their native habitat. The rest of the afternoon has been left free to enjoy the pool or head into town to explore. Our base is a resort just ten minutes outside of San Ignacio, featuring individual cottages, beautiful landscaped gardens and a swimming pool.
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Day 5
Today we make a visit to the great classical Maya site of Xunantunich, Mayan for 'Rock Stone Maiden'. We travel the short distance to the area by bus, crossing the River Macal by traditional hand-winched ferry to arrive at the site. Occupied until about 850 AD, 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 views are superb view from the summit, looking out over the forest with the Maya mountains to the south and the lowlands of Guatemala to the west.
This afternoon we drive through the traditional orthodox Mennonite Community of Barton Creek to a remote cave system. Leaving our vehicle, we board canoes and paddle into the Mayan underworld to explore the striking cave formations.
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Day 6
San Ignacio is at the heart of Belize's (small) inland tourism and offers many different activities. Today you can choose from several different optional tours in the surrounding area. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tikal just over the border in Guatemala is one of those options. Set in one of the America's greatest forest reserves known as 'The Maya Biosphere', Tikal and the surrounding forest are also home to many endangered animal species that are often seen here, living amongst one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. Abandoned in the 10th century and rediscovered 900 years later, this huge site lies amongst an example of more than 1000 years of undisturbed tropical forest regrowth. The ancient site provides an atmospheric backdrop to some superb wildlife spotting; it's possible to spot hummingbirds flycatchers and honeycreepers, all to the chorus of Howler Monkeys roaring in the distance.
Other optional tours include a visit to the archaeological site of Cahal Pech. Very active families may like to consider a caving trip to the ATM Caves. This is a physical outing that involves a full day of activity, including three river crossings (ropes are used to cross), squeezing through some narrow channels in the cave walls, clambering over and climbing down rocks, and swimming through dark pools inside the cave itself. The pay off is a chance to see pottery and well preserved skeletel remains from the Maya times, but it's one for active families with experience - there is no ducking out point once you're in the caves. You may instead wish to visit the Belize botanical gardens and jungle lodge where we can tour the gardens, lunch, and then paddle back to San Ignacio along the Macal River, rich in birdlife, butterflies and iguanas; alternatively simply relax at the hotel pool.
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Day 7
Today, we head south along one of Central America's most scenic roads - the Hummingbird Highway. Our first stop will be at the Blue Hole National Park, operated and run by the Belize Audubon Conservation Society. Broadleaf semi-deciduous rainforests cover the limestone cliffs, with a network of cave complexes hidden amongst the rich vegetation. Subject to local conditions, we aim to visit a large cave complex and swim in a crystal-clear limestone sinkhole surrounded by lush jungle.
Continuing along the highway through orange and cacao groves, our final destination is the tropical island of Tobacco Caye, located ten miles off the coast, a 20-minute boat ride from Dangriga Town. As one of the smallest islands in Belize, Tobacco Caye has an intimate, relaxed feel with a host of activities to choose from. We stay in cabins right on the reef's edge, overlooking the ocean.
While the island is proud to be all about living \ off the grid\ (there are no televisions or public phones), there is Wi-Fi available for a fee, usually accessible in the common areas of your hotel. However, the Wi-Fi can be unreliable, so if a connection is a must for you and your family, we suggest purchasing a SIM card in advance. Please also note that electricity can turn off during the day, although all hotels generate their own electricity through solar panels, and power is usually on for the majority of the time. As it is a very remote island, there are no standalone restaurants located on the island; however, there are restaurants available within our accommodations that cater to all diets and any fussy eaters!
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Day 8
Tobacco Caye measures just 200 feet wide and 400 feet long. Optional trips include visiting the small coral cayes, such as Bird Island a renowned local bird sanctuary. There are excellent snorkelling opportunities in the World Heritage Site of the Belize barrier reef system off the island as well as fishing tours, manatee watching and tours to nearby islands. A full list of costs of these activities is provided in the optional excursion section. Alternatively you can play beach volleyball, use one of the hotels kayaks or simply unwind in a hammock overlooking the ocean.
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Day 9
Enjoy a tropical island sunrise and optional guided pre breakfast snorkel trip with your tour leader. After breakfast the morning is free to kayak or snorkel, or just kick back and enjoy the island vibes and lifestyle of Tobacco Caye. This afternoon we head back by boat to Dangriga, and take a short drive back into the Maya Mountains appreciating the jungle clad scenery of Belize's interior.
Our base for the next two nights is a biology field station for Tropical Research and study. During our time here we will get a hands on experience of data collection and observations, starting with a bat misting net session this evening. Bat's make up Belize's most diverse mammal group with more than 40 different species.
Our accommodation is in rustic cabins in the jungle, in a bunk-house style. Each cabin has two or three bunk beds per room, with shared facilities. Although basic, the location in the jungle makes this a wonderful two night stop.
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Day 10
An optional pre breakfast ramble along forest trails allows us to showcase the incredible diversity of this tiny country. Belize's national bird - the Keel Billed Toucan is a common sight in this area and its frog like call is commonly heard from the tree tops in the early morning.
The Maya mountains are an important watershed for the country, and there are many waterfalls in the area to discover. Depending how active and energetic you're feeling you can either embark on a full day trip deep into the jungle interior to visit Davis falls, Belize's second highest waterfall or opt for a more sedate visit to Billy Barquedir National Park, home to the Billy Barquedir waterfall which has a delightful large forest pool and natural jacuzzi.
Davis Falls is a full day adventure on a specially adapted tractor trailer, we forge through eight miles of jungle dirt roads including eight river crossings before beginning a 45 minute hike through mature tropical forest to the foot of David falls at around 500 feet (120 meters). Its Belize's most impressive yet little visited waterfall, most of the time we will have the falls virtually to ourselves. There is ample time to enjoy the falls and take a refreshing dip before we retrace our steps back to our lodge. The total duration of the day is between six and seven hours. Please note if the river levels are too high we will head to the Billy Barquedir waterfall instead.
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Day 11
We leave the park this morning and head towards Belize City to 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.
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 catch lobster, conch, fish and crab to supply the domestic and foreign markets, so fresh seafood is readily available. (Lobster is the best buy when in season from Jun to Feb).
There's time to relax here at the hotel. The location is ideal to enjoy a number of optional trips over the next couple of days.
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Day 12
A free day to do as much or as little as you wish, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Caye Caulker.The island remains uncrowded and unluxurious, and the local fishermen catch lobster, conch, fish and crab to supply domestic and foreign markets. It's a popular place with backpackers, so there is a proliferation of good, reasonably priced restaurants. There's time to relax or enjoy a number of optional trips. You may take a snorkelling trip out to the nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark and Ray Alley, or take a full-day trip out to the Manatee Reserve to observe manatee in their natural mangrove habitat. Scuba diving is also available.
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Day 13
Another free day to relax or enjoy the optional activities available. Caye Caulker is surrounded by coral reefs, offering excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities along the reef. It's possible to hire bikes to explore the island at your own leisure, taking in the fine views of the crystal-clear Caribbean Ocean, coral sand beaches, and swaying palm trees.
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Day 14
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 (airport code BZE), will be provided. The earliest your flight can depart is 9.30am.
For those on later flights we will provide unaccompanied water taxi transfers later in the day with connecting onward road transfers to the airport. If departing today from Belize City, these transfers will be provided free of charge.
