Belize | Birding Mountains, Wetlands, and Pine Forests
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About this trip
Set your sights on hundreds of neotropical species on this 8-day birding expedition accompanied by Holbrook's Debbie Jordan and your local expert guide. This journey takes you from the hilly pine-oak forests and grasslands of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to the broadleaf forests of Chiquibul Forest Reserve and wetland habitats of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Seek out Yucatan and regional endemics, as well as other native and migratory species. Plus, receive an introduction to Belize’s unique culture and fascinating Maya history.
SPECIAL NOTE: This Holbrook Explorers trip is an excellent introduction to birding in Belize! In particular, it offers birding organization representatives and leaders a way to familiarize themselves with Belize and its birding opportunities, should they wish to plan and/or lead a future group trip to Belize for their organization, Audubon chapter, or birding club. (Plus, any participants who return to Belize with a group of their own before are eligible for a 50% refund of their land cost; see Pricing tab for full details.) However, members of the general public who do not have intentions of organizing a future group trip are also welcome!
Highlights
- Hike the mid-elevation pine-oak forest in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where possible sightings include Yellow-faced Grassquit, Golden-hooded Tanager, Ornate and Black-and-white Hawk-Eagles, Orange-breasted Falcon, and King Vulture.
- Seek out birds like the Green Honeycreeper, Tody Motmot, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, White-winged Tanager, and large forest raptors in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, whose mid- to high-elevation tropical moist broadleaf forests support the highest species diversity in the country.
- Spend a day birding in the pine savannas and south farmlands near Bird's Eye View Lodge for opportunities to see the near-endemic Yucatan Jay, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Yellow-headed and Yellow-lored Parrots, Aplomado Falcon, Canivet's Emerald, and Yucatan Woodpecker.
- Bird on foot and by boat in the lagoons and tributaries of the Ramsar-designated Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, where Jabirus, Bare-throated Tiger-Herons, Boat-billed Herons, Snail Kites, Neotropic Cormorants, and other species congregate in high numbers during the dry season.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Continue your Belize birding adventure with an optional post-trip extension to Shipstern Nature Reserve, Mar. 16-19, 2027. Learn more
Meet your host
Debbie Jordan
Debbie's 33-year career with Holbrook Travel began in 1986 with company founder Giovanna Holbrook. Debbie rejoined Holbrook in 1996, and her passion for birding and nature travel has led her to organize group expeditions that directly support habitat conservation in Central and South America. Now working part-time, she enjoys the duties of Holbrook Ambassador and helps non-profit and specialty group clientele with all aspects of program development and marketing. A lifelong traveler, Debbie arrived in Florida with her family aboard their 36-foot sailboat in 1972, after cruising from California to Florida via the Galápagos Islands and the Panama Canal. When not traveling for work or pleasure, she is appreciating grandchildren in her Melrose, Florida home.
Activity Level 2: Easy-Moderate
Participants should be able to walk at least 2-3 hours over some uneven and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty and should be able to ascend or descend 50 stairs consecutively. Physical activities typically last for at least 2-3 hours at a time.
$3,295
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $650
Participants who book a future group birding program to Belize with 8 or more paying travelers and completing travel by Dec. 31, 2028 are eligible for a 50% refund of their land fee, up to $1,647.50. Applies to new group bookings only. Refund will be provided by check or future travel credit after the new group has completed travel. If minimum group size of 8 paying participants is not met, refund will be prorated based on number of paying participants. If you co-organize and/or co-host a future group program to Belize with another participant on this trip, only one refund will be granted per 8 paying travelers. Airfare, single supplements, gratuities, and optional services are not eligible for refund. Refund does not apply to post-trip extension. Refund is non-transferable.
What makes us different
Wildlife up-close
Scopes
Expert guides
Sustainable travel
Flight arrangements
Service anytime
Daily Itinerary
Print ItineraryBurrell Boom
San Ignacio
San Ignacio
San Ignacio
Crooked Tree
Crooked Tree
Crooked Tree
Farewell!
Pricing
Print Pricing$3,295
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $650
Participants who book a future group birding program to Belize with 8 or more paying travelers and completing travel by Dec. 31, 2028 are eligible for a 50% refund of their land fee, up to $1,647.50. Applies to new group bookings only. Refund will be provided by check or future travel credit after the new group has completed travel. If minimum group size of 8 paying participants is not met, refund will be prorated based on number of paying participants. If you co-organize and/or co-host a future group program to Belize with another participant on this trip, only one refund will be granted per 8 paying travelers. Airfare, single supplements, gratuities, and optional services are not eligible for refund. Refund does not apply to post-trip extension. Refund is non-transferable.
What's Included
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Full time expert birding guide for duration of program
- Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
- Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
- Non alcoholic beverage with meals
- Water refill station during transfers
- Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
- Items of personal nature
Pricing Details
A deposit of $350 is required for participants to register and reserve space on the program. Reservations submitted beyond the final payment deadline noted below will require full payment to enroll. 120 or more days before departure: $100 cancellation fee; remaining balance is refunded. 119 - 96 days before departure: full deposit of $350 is forfeited. 95 - 0 days before departure: 100% of program price is forfeited.
Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.
Single room supplement $650
Final payment due date: December 04, 2026
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoEntry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Belize. U.S. passports must be valid for the duration of your stay in Belize. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least six months’ passport validity.
A visa is not required for visits up to 30 days.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Belizean Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
When leaving Belize by air, there is a departure tax of USD $55.50, which is usually included in the cost of your airfare. Consult with your airline to determine whether the departure tax is included in your ticket cost. If the departure tax is not included in your ticket cost, it should be paid at the airport prior to check-in, payable in cash only (U.S. currency). Please note exit taxes are subject to change without prior notice.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot, as well as COVID-19 vaccination, before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Belize, unless you are traveling from (or transiting through) a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is required.
Though not required for entry, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers visiting Belize.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. The CDC advises that the risk of malaria in Belize is low, but travelers should still take precautions against mosquito bites. To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.
Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.
DENGUE FEVER AND OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES
Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Belize, including dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and others. Travelers to Belize should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above.
After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
OTHER NUISANCE PESTS
In places with rich vegetation and proximity to bodies of water, you may encounter chiggers. These are mites that can superficially attach to skin and leave behind itchy red bumps that appear 3-6 hours after initial contact. Their bites are sometimes mistaken for those of bed bugs or other insects; however, unlike bed bugs, which tend to target exposed skin, chiggers look for skin folds or areas where clothing fits tightly—like the ankles, waist, underarms, elbow creases, and the back of the knees—to feed on broken-down skin cells. They are not known to transmit any illnesses in Belize but can cause considerable discomfort.
We recommend that travelers protect themselves against chigger bites using the measures noted above. Additionally, if potential exposure occurs, we recommend showering and scrubbing skin with soap and hot water as quickly as possible. If that is not immediately feasible, promptly rub skin with a dry towel or cloth and place any exposed clothing in a zip-top bag until it can be washed. To treat any itchiness, we suggest over-the-counter anti-itch lotion and/or oral antihistamines.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
Liability Waivers
Please note you may be asked locally to sign liability waivers in order to participate in certain activities. If you would like to receive a copy of any required waiver in advance, please contact Holbrook Travel.
Resources
Print ResourcesPacking Recommendations
Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.
You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.
CLOTHING
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Belize. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.
Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.
Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Belize’s rainy season is June to November, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.
For birding programs, pack muted colors such as khaki, olive, and forest green.
- A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
- Shorts
- Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and insect protection
- Undergarments
- Sleepwear
- Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
- Bathing suit – Some hotels have pools.
- Socks – Bring extra pairs.
- Shoes – You’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes or boots suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re caving or visiting the beach or cayes, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
- Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
- Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
- Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter
Personal Toiletries
Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.
Note that COVID self-test kits are not legal in Belize and may be confiscated at the airport.
- Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites and to be considerate of your fellow travelers.
- Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor
- Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect repellent (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed, as it may not be available at all stops
Your local guide will carry a basic first-aid kit, but you may also wish to pack a small medical kit for personal use. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, powdered electrolyte packets to prevent dehydration, aloe vera gel to treat sunburn, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.
Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.
Miscellaneous
Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
- Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
- Money – ATM/credit card and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
- Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
- Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
- Sunglasses with strap
- Small day pack for hikes and excursions
- Flashlight and/or head lamp
- Portable, rechargeable or battery-operated personal fan
- Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
- A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
- Binoculars with lens cleaner
- Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
- Reusable water bottle
- Non-perishable snacks; electrolyte powder packets
- Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
- Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
- Notepad or travel journal and pen
- Entertainment (e.g. music, a deck of cards, reading material and a portable bright light to read by, etc.) for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane
- Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
- A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
- Money belt
- Voltage converter and plug adapter
- Chargers for electronics
- Dry bags for electronics
Questions?
Contact Debbie Jordan at 866-748-6146 or debbie@holbrooktravel.com
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