Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Belize

Upon arrival you are greeted at the Belize City international airport by our local representative and transferred in an air conditioned vehicle to Belize's Cayo district. If time allows (flights arriving by noon) the perfect introduction to Belize is to visit the Belize Zoo and the Maya ruins at Xunantunich on your way to Cayo (at extra cost). Your base of exploration is Chaa Creek, a 330 acre private rain forest reserve and jungle lodge on the banks of the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The lodge provides a unique rain forest experience while maintaining an unspoiled ambiance and is comprised of comfortable palm-thatched cottage rooms and suites nestled along the riverside in a setting of unmatched beauty and tranquility. Guests can interact with nature by exploring the river and miles of well-maintained trails, Mayan temple sites, and through a myriad of adventure activities. Wildlife abounds, and some 250 species of birds have been sighted within the reserve.

Accommodations: Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Chumpiate Pottery Cave

Awake this morning to the rustling of the palms, rain forest birds or even the call of the howler monkey from the surrounding jungle. After a delicious breakfast served under a large, open air, thatch roofed restaurant visit the Vaca Plateau and Chechem Ha where your local Maya guides will share their wisdom as they lead a hike through the rain forest to Chumpiate Cave. The cave was a sacred ceremonial Maya site and contains pottery representing 2000 years of history. Spectacular limestone formations line the crystalline walls of the cave. Active travelers will enjoy (at extra cost) a guided jungle safari after dark jungle in search of many of the elusive animals that feed under the cover of darkness including howler and spider monkey, gibnuts, kinkajou, wild boar, deer, quash, armadillo, tarantulas, scorpions, leaf-cutter ants or even snakes.

Accommodations: Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Tikal National Park

Depart early for the drive from Belize, across the border into Guatemala. Explore the ancient Maya city of Tikal, located deep in the rain forest of El Peten. This magnificent city was once home to over 100,000 people and a center to arts, culture and politics long before the arrival of the Spanish. Temples rise 200 feet above the forest floor and there are innumerable ceremonial sites, terraced palaces, ball courts, stelea, plazas and living quarters to explore. Your local Maya guide illuminates the lifestyle and culture of this once powerful empire while keeping an eye out for the area's abundant wildlife. The primary rain forests of Tikal National Park are home to abundant birds and small mammals that are easily observed as you amble among the ruins. Over 285 species of birds have been identified including toucans, hawks, motmots and parrots. Frequently seen are howler and spider monkeys, coatamundi and peccary. Elusive predators such as the jaguar and ocelot also exist in this pristine tropical habitat. After exploring the ruins relax by the pool at your hotel only a short walk from Tikal's central plaza within the National Park.

Accommodations: Tikal Jungle Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 4 - Tikal and Cayo Adventure

This morning is free to explore Tikal National Park on your own. We suggest rising early witnessing sunrise from the top of a temple. This is an excellent time to listen to the cacophony of the rain forest as birds and wildlife come to life. Return early this afternoon to Chaa Creek for a nature hike on the surrounding trails, a swim in the Macal River or a visit to the Natural History Center and Butterfly Farm. Of course you may relax in a hammock on the deck of your cabana or pamper yourself at Chaa Creek's full service spa (at additional cost).

Accommodations: Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 5 - Rain forest to Reef

Enjoy a scenic canoe trip down the Macal River to the charming town of San Ignacio. Pass through jungle and farmland stopping for a refreshing swim and scanning the shoreline for tropical birds. Upon arrival you will be met at the historic Hawkesworth Bridge and transferred to Belize City Marina arriving no later than 2:30pm. Here you will board a boat for the approximately ninety minute trip to Turneffe Flats. Travel 32 miles through several offshore cayes, the Barrier Reef, and then among the Turneffe Island Atoll to the Turneffe Flats . Arrive in time for dinner. Meals are a tasty combination of Belizean and American dishes served family-style. Fresh fruit, fresh seafood and fresh baked pastries are standard fare. Overnight in a beach front cabana overlooking the Caribbean at Turneffe Flats.

Accommodations: Turneffe Flats
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Days 6-7 Caribbean Beach and Barrier Reef

Spend two full days exploring the rich island, mangrove and reef ecosystems of the Turneffe Atoll by foot, boat, kayak and snorkel. A flexible schedule allows you to choose from a number of fully guided activities or just relax on the white sand beach in front of your cabana. While snorkeling your guide will point out a wide variety of tropical reef fishes, rays, sea turtles, lobsters, dolphins and possibly even a manatee. Take a boat ride around the Atoll in search of Bottlenose & possibly Spotted Dolphins. Before or after your guided activities explore by sea kayak, paddling along the shore or exploring off shore to the reef surrounding the island cave. Bring snorkeling gear along for a dip to cool off or take a closer look at marine life. Of course there is ample time to relax on the sand outside your beachfront Caribbean Cabana. Meals and overnights at Turneffe Flats.

Accommodations: Turneffe Flats
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Depart

After a delicious breakfast depart Turneffe Flats at 8:00am returning to Belize City by boat. Transfer to the Belize International Airport for your trip home or begin your trip extension. Flights should be arranged to depart no earlier than 11:20am. If your flight departs in the afternoon take time to explore Belize City's waterfront or hire a taxi to take you to the nearby Maya ruins of Altun Ha before your departure.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

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