DATES:
Dec. 21- 29, 2008
Feb. 21- Mar. 1. 2009
Privately Anytime
When families join guide-extraordinary Luis Godoy for this nine-day trip packed with activity, adventure and surprise in magnificent Belize, participants of all ages are always thoroughly delighted. Not only does Luis have complete comfort in the rain forest, encyclopedic knowledge of the orchids and tropical birds and reptiles, and total command of Mayan lore, but he communicates these with an energy, passion and joy rarely matched by guides anywhere. He makes everything fun.
The itinerary below was designed as a labor of love by Luis and M17099 specialists Florine Herendeen and Lene Minder. All activities can be adjusted for the skills and interests of the group. First, spend four nights at one of the greenest, most family friendly nature lodges in Cayo District, canoe or tube on the Macal River, explore Barton Cave, ride horseback in the rain forest and climb Maya pyramids at Xunantunich and Tikal. For a striking contrast, transfer to Punta Gorda on the Caribbean coast, far from other tourists. Snorkel the reef, spend the day with a family on their cocoa plantation, and jump into the waterfall pools at Rio Blanco National Park.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Belize City
Upon arrival in Belize City, you will be met by your guide and transferred a short distance (approx. 2 hours) to your rain forest lodge where you will spend the next few days. Arriving in the late afternoon, you will have some time to freshen up before dinner to take in the spectacular natural surroundings of your lodge. Meals: (D).
Day 2: Xunantunich/River Tubing or Canoeing
Recent discoveries show that Xunantunich, a Mayan archeological site also known as the Stone Woman, survived the collapse of the Classic Mayan Period by up to 200 years. This morning you will get to climb the towering heights of the tallest ruin and see the panoramic view from the top. But, watch your step - the stairs are very steep! Grab a tube or canoe this afternoon and float down the river. Look for the basking iguanas and fluttering parrots overheard as you drift along. Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 3: Horseback Riding/Barton Creek Cave
Saddle up at the Equestrian Center and enjoy a two hour morning horseback ride through the rain forest’s stunning scenery. Teak trees, iguanas and many species of birds will catch your eye. *Routes are available for all levels of riding experience*. Stop for lunch at the ranch lodge. In the afternoon, transfer deeper into Belize to the river and cave entrance at Barton Creek. With canoes and spotlights, you will float through beautiful cave formations where you can see remains from ancient Mayan rituals. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 4: Tikal
Once the grand capital of the Mayan world, Tikal may be the most impressive site in all of the Americas. In Guatemala, just two hours from your Belize lodge, these famous ruins lie in a vast rain forest sanctuary rich with bird and animal life. Wonder at the Great Plaza, the 200-foot temple pyramids, the mazes of courtyards and tiny rooms and extensive areas of ruins still under jungle cover. Fifteen hundred years ago, the population here was 100,000, but in 900 AD, the civilization collapsed. Hike, climb or just meditate on the mesmerizing structures. You’ll learn a tremendous amount, and leave pondering the same questions that engage archaeologists and scholars today. Return to your lodge by evening.*For those not wanting to go to Tikal, other activities will be available. Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 5: Punta Gorda
The flight to Punta Gorda will allow you to see Belize’s amazing landscape below. Marvel at the vast blue waters of the ocean or the beautiful green foliage that seems to extend beyond the horizon. Upon arrival in Punta Gorda, you will be met by a representative of the lodge who will transfer you to your accommodations for the next four nights. Once you check-in, you can relax and enjoy lunch with views of the rain forest canopy and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, work off your full belly with a kayaking or tubing trip on the river. Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 6: Port of Honduras/Snorkeling the Reef
Board a local boat this morning for a trip down the Rio Grande (approx. 1 hour) into the Port of Honduras, which is a protected area on the Caribbean coastline. Once out at sea, travel another half hour to the reef. Along the way, you will see Caribbean marine life, inner coastal coral formations, and possibly even turtles and manatee. Here, you will enjoy snorkeling and a picnic lunch on a small Caye (island). All day you will be able to spot different species of rare birds and other animals both on land and amongst the coral reefs, which are the largest in the western hemisphere. Return to the lodge for your overnight. Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 7: Chocolate Tour/Blue Creek Cave
Introduce yourself to the makers of chocolate at a family run farm in a Kek’chi Maya Village. Your host for the day, Juan Cho, is a trained tour guide as well as owner of an organic cocoa plantation. Juan sells his beans to the Toledo Cacao Growers Association which ships the beans to Green & Black in the UK. There, they are used to produce Green & Black’s signature Mayan Gold chocolate bars, the very first fair trade product. You will be taken to visit the plantation on the banks of the Moho river where Juan will explain his organic farming methods and you may help in the tasks of the day. This afternoon, you will put your headlights on for a cave experience like no other! Hike along the river over rocks and boulders to the entrance of this wet cave. With your guide and headlamp, you will swim into the cave and observe the sparkling mica-studded stalagmite and stalactite formations. Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 8: Rio Blanco National Park/Lubaantun
Located in the Maya Mountain Reserve, Rio Blanco National Park is a family fun favorite. With an impressive 100 foot wide, 20 foot high waterfall as your backdrop, jump off of a 25 foot high cliff into the deep pool below. Hike the nature trails and look for the residential and migratory birds, terrestrial mammals, and some interesting insects. After a picnic lunch, head to Lubaantun Ruins. Believed to have been an administrative, religious, and political center, Lubaantun was mainly used for occasional festivals, ball games, and other ceremonies. Wander freely though the site and imagine how it would have been hundreds of years ago. Meals: (B, L, D).
Day 9: Punta Gorda/Belize City/Onward
Sadly, say goodbye this morning and transfer to the Punta Gorda Airport for your flight to Belize City and your international flight home. Meals: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$3,250 - adult
$2,895 - children under 16
$2,295 - children under 12
*Child costs based on child sharing a room with two full paying adults
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Belize
Ecotourism
Rainforest
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