Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival into The Belize International Airport you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to a cozy Jungle Resort located in Cayo, alongside the Belize River. If you arrive early enough, there is an option to stop at the Belize Zoo enroute. Once at our jungle lodge you'll check in and have the remainder of the afternoon to get acquainted with the grounds and your group. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. (D)
Day 2: Che Chem Ha - Xunantunich Ruins (Caving and Hiking)
This morning after breakfast we depart for a hike to the wondrous limestone cave of Che Chem Ha featuring enormous Maya pottery that has been untouched for thousands of years. We'll break for lunch midday and then on to visit the Xunantunich ruins, a major ancient Maya site of Belize. We'll climb the steps of El Castillo, the largest pyramid, and have a panoramic view of the Cayo District. In the afternoon we return to our jungle lodge for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Vaca Falls (Kayaking)
Today we switch to a water activity with a full day trip paddling kayaks to Vaca Falls. We'll run a stretch on the upper Macal River surrounded by tangled rainforest abundant with wildlife. Iguanas and turtles are common sightings along the riverbank. As well there is abundant bird life and occasional monkeys can be seen perched high in treetops overlooking the river valley. The Macal River passes cuts through a remote section of the Maya Mountains where very few people venture. We'll break for lunch on a riverbank with time to soak in the surroundings and smell the roses. Late afternoon return to our same accommodations in the jungle. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Black Hole Drop (Hiking and Caving)
Prepare for an incredible adrenaline rush today. This expedition starts off with a vigorous hike into the foothills of the Maya Mountains to the edge of the Actun Loch Tunich sinkhole. We call this the Black Hole drop, a sinkhole, 300 feet deep and 200 feet above the rainforest canopy. Our fully trained caving guides rig a system of rappelling ropes for our decent deep into the basin. The sinkhole is not actually black, but the bottom isn't visible from the start of the rappel. Once we reach terra firma we head back to our base for a well-deserved cold beer. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Cayo District (Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking)
Today we have a double dose of adventure! We begin on horses cantering through fertile agricultural regions and small quaint villages. We'll break for lunch midday, then get outfitted with our bikes. Once we've had some instruction on gears and safety we're off for the remainder of the afternoon, spinning our wheels through a tropical rainforest along a muddy jungle trail. Overnight at the same jungle lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Cayo District (Innertubing and Caving)
After a hearty breakfast in a pristine tropical setting we'll start to prep for your first caving adventure. Today we'll venture deep underground into the mystic cave world, the most sacred area of the ancient Maya. The adventure begins with a drive through plantations of orange until reaching the entrance to a Mayan Ceremonial Cave. Here with some stamina, we'll paddle innertubes upstream, past massive stalagmites through one of the more extensive underground river cave systems in the country. The only source of light is beaming headlamps, guiding you through the darkness of the cave. Inside we'll visit the ancient Maya ceremonial centers, left untouched for over 2,000 years. The day ends with a transfer to Belize City to catch a short flight to the tropical island of Ambergris Caye. Overnight in a comfortable hotel. (B)
Day 7: Ambergris Caye - Sharkray Alley (Snorkelling)
Today we take to the sea for some snorkelling in Sharkray Alley. The marine life is abundant as this section is a part of the protected Hol Chan Reserve National Park. It's possible to see sting rays, moray eel, giant clams, nurse sharks and lots of schools of colourful fish. We end the day at our same hotel in Ambergris Caye. (B)
Day 8: Ambergris Caye (Free Day at the Beach)
Today is a free day to spend as you wish. There are many tours you can book locally such as manatee watching, snorkelling, diving, biking, etc or you can spend the day relaxing at the beach with a good book. Overnight at same hotel in Ambergris Caye. (B)
Day 9: Departure San Pedro - Belize City
Today you'll be transferred to the airstrip in San Pedro to catch a flight to The Belize International Airport to connect with your International flight home.(B)
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