Itinerary

DAY 1 :  CAYO DISTRICT
Receive a warm welcome at the Belize International Airport and with your private guide drive 2 hours through the rolling hills of the Cayo District to Black Rock Lodge. Secluded away down a long dirt road, Black Rock Lodge is a premier location to experience the rain forest of Belize. Lounge on the expansive veranda with views of ancient mahogany trees, vine-covered ceibas, and the Macal River, or explore the network of trails around the lodge on foot or bike. Upon arrival at your lodge check in and explore the grounds before dinner. Overnight at Black Rock Lodge. [D]

DAY 2 :  MACAL RIVER CANOEING AND SAN IGNACIO
Paddle and float the gentle waters of the Macal River downstream as you canoe to the friendly town of San Ignacio. The river provides an excellent opportunity to view many bird species, Howler monkeys, iguanas and other wildlife. Explore culturally diverse San Ignacio where we'll have lunch and delve into the San Ignacio market. Our visit is on a Saturday when the local market expands to include hundreds of extra stalls selling everything you can imagine. Locals come for a day of socializing and buying their weekly groceries, creating a holiday-like atmosphere. We'll see and have the opportunity to taste tropical fruit, juices, fresh granola, and possibly papusas, which are a lovely combination of refried beans and cheese squashed inside tortilla dough, fried, and then topped with pickled cabbage. Overnight at Black Rock Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 3 :  BARTON CREEK CAVES, NIGHT WALK
Learn about the Maya as we enter into Xibalba (she-bal-ba), the Mayan underworld. The Maya believed that caves served as a connection between the living world and underworld. Our guide takes us into the Barton Creek cave system, one of Belize's most extensive, with over 4 miles of underground tunnels. The cave was formed by the Barton Creek and so we explore by canoe equipped with high powered lights amongst giant stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive calcite crystal formations. Learn about the rituals that archaeologists believe were performed here and the cave's importance to the ancient Maya people. After dinner this evening we'll take an optional (included) night walk near the lodge looking for nocturnal creatures such as bats, owls, and fascinating insects that are most active after the sun sets. Overnight at Black Rock Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 4 :  MORNING BIRDING, TRAVEL TO GUATEMALA, SUNSET VISIT TO YAXHA
This morning we'll take an early morning bird walk looking for some of the 280 species of birds that inhabit the ecosystem surrounding Black Rock Lodge. Look for the Keel-billed toucan, the iridescent Blue-crowned motmot, and listen for olive throated parakeets chattering in the rainforest canopy. Later this morning we'll depart Belize and drive across the Guatemala border to the remote site of Yaxha. Stroll through the ruins as we make our way to the Temple of Bats and climb the temple steps upward so that we can bask in the glow of the setting sun overlooking the lagoon. While the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, take a moment to imagine what it must have been like for the first adventurers to set foot on Mayan soil. We complete our journey arriving at Tikal in time to settle into our cabana for the evening. Overnight at the Jungle Lodge within Tikal National Park. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  TIKAL
Tikal National Park is known for its stunning Mayan temples, and also for its abundant and exciting wildlife. Observe parrots, toucans, guans and oropendulas flying over the canopy and monkeys cavorting in the awakening rain forest. Over 285 species of birds have been identified here including toucans, hawks, motmots and parrots. Frequently seen are Howler and Spider monkeys, coati, peccary and deer. The elusive jaguar and ocelot also survive in this pristine rain forest habitat. Strike out with your guide to investigate of the ancient ruins of this Classic Maya site which at its height supported a population upwards of 100,000 individuals residing over a 25-square-mile area. A local Maya guide will illuminate the archaeology and culture of Tikal as you explore pyramids soaring above the jungle canopy and innumerable multi-leveled palaces, ball courts, plazas, temples, terraces, shrines and carvings. As you eat lunch with your guide, reflect on this ancient culture and the sheer immensity of this famous Mayan city-state. This afternoon we'll transfer across Lake Peten Itza to the beautifully tranquil Ni'tun Ecolodge. Overnight at Ni'Tun. [BLD]

DAY 6 :  FLORES ISLAND
Leisurely wake this morning and make your way to a Guatemalan style breakfast, including eggs, bacon, black beans, tortillas, jam, toast, local fruits, juice and coffee. Fortified from breakfast, we'll take a boat to Flores Island. This small island is filled with small shops lining cobblestone streets with red tiled roofs hanging overhead. Walking is the best way to explore Flores, as circling the island by car takes about 15 minutes. We'll take a short tour with our guide and then have the rest of the morning to explore on our own and try lunch (not included) at any one of the local cafes. This is a great time to shop for local Guatemalan textiles, or to have some wonderful Guatemalan coffee and watch the fishing boats on the lake. After lunch return by boat across the turquoise waters to our comfortable eco-lodge near the village of San Andres. Spend the rest of the afternoon swimming or kayaking in the lake before having a wonderful home cooked dinner prepared with locally procured products. Overnight at Ni'Tun. [BD]

DAY 7 :  FLY TO THE CARIBBEAN
Take a boat to the Flores airport and bid your guide farewell before boarding a morning flight to the Belizean coast. Arrive at the beach, kick off your shoes, and enjoy the warm Caribbean ocean or just relax in a hammock and let the fresh scent of clean salt air lull you into peaceful reverie. A Caribbean style resort is the perfect way to end your vacation with the option of multiple activities (not included) such as reef and fly fishing, sailing, and SCUBA diving (instruction and certification available). Overnight at The Inn at Robert's Grove or similar.[B]

DAY 8 :  BELIZE BARRIER REEF
Explore the rich and colorful marine environment of Belize on a half-day snorkel outing. We'll head 30-40 minutes offshore to a deserted Caye on the Belize Barrier Reef where we have plenty of time for beachcombing and snorkeling right from the shore. Impressive arrays of fish are frequently spotted including angel and parrot fish, sergeant majors, barracuda, eels, and occasionally stingrays or the harmless nurse shark. Visually fascinating life forms such as brain and hydrocorals, sea fans, feather plumes, sponges and colorful sea cucumbers are also members of this underwater ecosystem. Return to the resort and choose from a variety of optional activities this afternoon or simply relax! Lunch and dinner are free today so you can venture out to try local cuisine. Overnight at The Inn at Robert's Grove or similar. [B]

DAY 9 :  PLACENCIA
You are on your own to do whatever you like! Relax, soak in the sun, read a book and swim in the ocean. Or if you are feeling energetic, snorkel or dive with whale sharks (best in April and May), paddle the Belize waterways in a kayak, grab the binoculars and go bird watching or head out on another of the optional tours (not included) offered by the resort. Overnight at The Inn at Robert's Grove or similar. [B]

DAY 10 :  DEPART
Drink in the warm ocean breeze as you enjoy breakfast before flying back to Belize International Airport in time for your departure. (Local flight included.) [B]

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