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Belize - Family Exploration of Rainforests, Reefs, and Ruins

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Explore the pristine environment of Belize while hiking in old growth forest, floating along a crystal clear jungle river, and listening to the relaxing sounds of nature. Explore hidden Maya temples as you journey back in time to discover the ancient history of Mesoamerica. After uncovering the treasures of Western Belize, the journey continues in Guatemala for a visit to Tikal, one of the most famous and impressive Maya sites in Mesoamerica with over 3,000 excavated structures and several of the tallest temples in the Maya world. From Tikal, head to Ambergris Caye to relax on the beach or snorkel the azure waters of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Explore the fascinating plants and wildlife of the jungle during guided nature hikes.

Discover history at the sites of ancient Maya ruins and burial grounds.

Visit the city of Caracol, the largest Maya city in Belize and home to over 36,000 structures.

Get a glimpse of past civilizations while seeing the incredible archaeology at Tikal.

Explore the azure waters of the Belize Barrier Reef at Ambergris Caye.

Choose from a variety of optional activities including diving, snorkeling, swimming, tubing, and bird walks.

Day 1 - San Ignacio

Upon arrival in Belize City meet a representative of Pook’s Hill and transfer to the lodge, located in the Cayo District. Pook’s is situated within a 300-acre private reserve at the foothills of the Maya Mountains, bordering the Roaring River and Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. The lodge encompasses the site of an ancient Maya Plazuela Group. The 11 thatched cabanas and main lodge are located in a small clearing in the forest with lawns leading to the creek below. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Pook’s Hill Lodge (D)

Day 2 - San Ignacio

Wake up for early morning birding around the lodge followed by breakfast. Enjoy a short talk on "The Life of the Forest" before a guided hike in the primary rainforest of the reserve. The hike includes information on the various hardwoods and medicinal plants of the forest and their uses. After lunch, swim or go inner tubing in the Roaring River. Meet at the Maya Plaza at the lodge in the late afternoon for a short talk about the Maya people who lived in the valley. Overnight Pook’s Hill Lodge (BLD)

Day 3 - San Ignacio

After an early breakfast, head through the rugged backroads of the Mountain Pine Ridge for a visit to Caracol. Covering 35 square miles, Caracol is the largest Maya site in Belize and features 36,000 structures marked so far. Swim at the beautiful Rio on Pools this afternoon en route back to Pook’s Hill. Return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight Pook’s Hill Lodge (BLD)

Day 4 - Tikal

Early departure from Pook’s Hill to Guatemala’s Tikal National Park and Maya Biosphere Reserve for a full day exploration of the park. Tikal is one of the most famous and impressive Maya sites in Mesoamerica, with over 3,000 excavated structures and several of the tallest temples in the Maya World. Overnight Tikal National Park and Maya Biosphere Reserve (BLD)

Day 5 - Ambergris Caye

If desired, choose to rise at dawn and return to Tikal to watch the sunrise (site re-entrance fee not included). After breakfast transfer to Belize City with lunch en route to meet your flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Upon arrival in San Pedro, transfer to SunBreeze Suites. Located in the town center, your accommodations are only minutes from the airport and within walking distance of local restaurants, bars, supermarkets, gift shops, and golf cart rental. Overnight SunBreeze Suites (B)

Day 6 - Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is located about half a mile from the Belize Barrier Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world. Spend the next two days at leisure to relax or enjoy some of the many tours offered by SunBreeze Suites, such as diving or snorkeling with the colorful marine life at the reef. Overnight SunBreeze Suites (B)

Day 7 - Ambergris Caye

Continue to spend the day at leisure to relax or enjoy some of the many tours offered by SunBreeze Suites, such as diving or snorkeling with the colorful marine life at the reef. Overnight SunBreeze Suites (B)

Day 8 - Farewell

Transfer to the San Pedro Airstrip for your flight to Belize International Airport. Upon arrival check-in for your flight back to the United States. (B)

Pricing

$1,857 (2012)
$1,887 (2013)

Cost does not include international airfare. Rates are based on double occupancy and vary based on season and number of travelers.

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