Belize - Discover Belize (15 days)
Belize has a unique and colourful Afro-Caribbean, English and Spanish population. It's also a naturalist's paradise, with over 500 bird species and much wildlife.
Lamanai & Crooked Tree Sanctuary:Driving northwards from Belize City our first stop is the marshy lagoons and wetlands of Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary - a birdwatcher's paradise and habitat of the Jabiru stork (with its phenomenal 3-metre wingspan!) From here we explore the ancient ruins of Lamanai - reached by river boat through dense rainforest. Generally uncleared and with only rough approach trails, rediscovering this remote site is a real adventure.
Maya Mountains:Heading down to the coast, we reach one of Belize's best beach spots, situated on a sandy peninsula, Placencia. It is an ideal place to relax or explore fishing villages and thatch-roofed stilt houses. We then travel inland to walk forest trails in Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve and swim in the deep waters of the 'Blue Hole'. Two full days are spent exploring the area around San Ignacio where there's time to walk, canoe or even go caving! We include a visit to Xunantunich, where the 40-metre pyramidal 'El Castillo' affords spectacular views across the mountains and lowlands of Guatemala.
Tikal & Coral Reefs:We enter Guatemala and spend a night at Tikal - without a doubt the most magnificent Maya ceremonial centre of all. Heading back to the old capital, Belize City, we take a skiff across the clear Caribbean seas to the tropical island of Caye Caulker. Lying inside the greatest living reef in the Western Hemisphere, it is an idyllic spot for underwater explorers. Reef trips, snorkelling or scuba diving trips are all available.
- Day 1: Arrive USA
- Day 2: Fly Belize City; drive via Community Baboon Sanctuary to Crooked Tree
- Day 3: In Crooked Tree; river trip to visit Lamanai ruins
- Day 4: Drive to Placencia via Altun Ha
- Day 5: In Placencia; optional excursions
- Day 6: Drive Cockscomb Jaguar Sanctuary and Blue Hole to San Ignacio
- Days 7,8: In San Ignacio; visit Xunantunich; optional walking and canoeing
- Day 9: Drive Tikal (Guatemala); visit Tikal site
- Day 10: Drive Belize City
- Day 11: Launch to Caye Caulker
- Days 12,13: On Caye Caulker; swimming; optional snorkeling
- Day 14: Launch to Belize City & depart
- Day 15: Arrive USA
Operated by Explore Worldwide (BL)
Departures: December to April
- Contact us for more information, current costs and to make a booking on this small group adventure