DAY 1
Arrive in Belize
City and be welcomed by Baymount owners Kathy and Richard Faulkner. En route to
Windy Hill Resort, we shall stop at the Belize Zoo, home to over 100 species of
native Belizean animals including the tapir, black howler monkey, scarlet macaw
and of course the jaguar. Following dinner and a long travel day, guests can
relax with others in the guest lounge or walk on the manicured 100 acres of
beautiful flowers and fruit trees that are home to the sights and sounds of many
colorful birds on the resort.
DAY 2
Following an
early morning breakfast its off through the jungle to neighboring Guatemala and
the spectacular ancient Mayan city of Tikal. An afternoon guided tour of this
ancient city will shed light on the mysteries of this ancient civilization,
their architecture, culture and of course the flora and fauna that envelopes the
site. Spending the night in the comforts of the Tikal Inn, located within Tikal
National Park, will provide us with the unique opportunity to sleep and arise
with the sounds of the jungle.
DAY 3
A sunrise walk
through the jungle trails of Tikal will provide a lasting memory as the giant
stone temples arise through the early morning sunrise. This too is the best time
to see and hear wildlife, especially the Black Howler Monkeys as their roar
signals the start of another day in the jungles of El Peten. Following lunch we
shall transfer back to Windy Hill and relax before another Belizean home cooked
meal. After supper, its off on a night hike to hear of the tales and life of a
Chiclero, as we visit his camp not far from Windy Hill. Chiclero’s gathered
chicle from the sapodilla tree to make chewing gum.
DAY 4
Following
breakfast another full day begins with morning treks led by native guides
through lush tropical rainforests at IX CHEL to learn of the medicinal
properties of jungle plants, and to CHE-CHEM-HA, a newly discovered cave that
holds magnificent Mayan pottery and a ceremonial alter that has remained intact
for over 1200 years.
In the afternoon
we shall visit Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, a cool pine forest with
tumbling streams, lush river valleys, numerous caves and waterfalls. Most
notable of the falls is the Hidden Valley Falls, a narrow chute of water falling
one thousand feet. Upon our return we shall be treated to a well deserved supper
and evening rest. Some may prefer to birdwatch, while others stroll the streets
of the nearby town of San Ignacio.
DAY 5
With our last
breakfast at Windy Hill completed, its off towards Caves Branch, but first we
will investigate an iguana conservation project along the banks of the Macal
River. Our visit with the iguanas or "bamboo chicken" as they are called by the
locals, will provide us with an up-close look at these reptiles and remind us of
the conservation challenges faced by developing nations.
A late morning
arrival at Caves Branch, followed by a brief welcome by our host Ian Anderson,
will allow us just enough time to join in on our first caving experience, a
combination walking, wading and inner tube cave tour of Footprint Cave. This
incredible river cave system features ancient Maya ceremonial sites, pottery,
artifacts, alters and the actual footprints of the Shaman priests dated to 400
A.D. Bring lots of camera film and a waterproof bag or better yet a waterproof
camera. Upon our return there will be just enough time to clean up, get settled
in and ready for a hearty buffet family style supper.
DAY 6
No need for a
wake up call today as the sounds of the jungle coming to life are all that is
needed. A hearty breakfast and off on another cave expedition. For a more
challenging tubing adventure and the chance to get wet again, how about the 7
mile underground "River of Caves" expedition or for a dry cave experience,
explore the "Crystal Cave", one of the oldest and most spectacular wild cave
systems on the planet. Bring several rolls of film for this tour. If you’re
looking for an adrenalin rush try "The Black Hole Drop", an incredible 300 foot
rappel into Actun Loch Tunich basin and then we have to climb back out. (A
slight surcharge may be necessary)
Plenty to talk
about around the supper table tonight.
DAY 7
Our breakfast at
Caves Branch and early morning transfer to the Belize municipal airport will
mark the end of our jungle adventures. Ambergris Caye, a paradise island
just a few minutes flight from Belize City, will mark the beginning of our
reef adventures. Upon arrival in the town of San Pedro will shall be
escorted to Victoria House with it’s grand colonial style house, airy verandas
and lush gardens planted with bougainvillea, hibiscus and oleander. The
afternoon will be free to soak up some rays on the snow white Caribbean sands or
shop and stroll in the timeless, gentle hamlet of San Pedro town.
DAY 8
Following a
hearty breakfast, we’re off on a full day sailing cruise to the island of Caye
Caulker aboard San Pedro’s most comfortable vessel, the Winnie Estelle.
Relax as cayes (islands) along the barrier reef slide leisurely by and enjoy the
warm Caribbean breeze while on our way to lunch at Caye Caulker. The trip also
features snorkeling opportunities at Coral Gardens and Shark/Ray Alley.
DAY 9
Today is our
Caribbean eco-adventure day with choices of two half day or one full day
adventure. Half day adventures include snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine
Reserve/Shark Ray Alley and a birdwatching/snorkeling adventure on the leeward
side of Ambergris Caye. A full day is set aside for the manatee watching
excursion to view the West Indian Manatee in its natural habitat.
The areas most
famous snorkeling destination, the Hol Chan ("small channel" in Mayan) Marine
Reserve, was established in 1987. The 5 mile square area is literally a natural
aquarium presenting opportunities to observe huge Grouper, Jack, Red, Black and
Yellow-tailed Snappers, Angelfish, Crabs, Green and Spotted Moray Eels and
hundreds more species. Shark/Ray Alley is another snorkeling adventure, where
you swim in the midst of docile Nurse Sharks and Sting Rays.
Belize is a bird
watchers paradise and the boat excursion to the leeward side of Ambergris will
introduce us to some indigenous species including the Great Blue and Little Blue
Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibis, Brown Pelicans, Magnificent Frigate
Birds, Reddish Egret in its rare White Phase and the majestic five foot tall
Jabiru Stork.
The Manatee
watching excursion will provide a special up close encounter with the West
Indian Manatee in its natural habitat. These endangered sea giants, weighing up
to 3,000 lbs. and reaching up to 13 feet in length, are harmless and peaceful
creatures that inhabit the clear waters surrounding Sergeants Caye.
Our last full
day in Belize will conclude with our special farewell supper.
DAY 10
Our last
breakfast and off to San Pedro for the short flight back to Belize City. With
our final farewells, we depart, each on our separate ways, but with a vacation
full of fond memories, new friendships and the enthusiasm for planning your next
adventure.
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE
* A local Guatemalan guide at Tikal National Park
*
Local Belizean guides on all other tours and adventures.
*
All ground transportation in Belize and Guatemala.
*
Local round trip air from Belize City to San Pedro to Belize international.
*
All accommodations.
*
Full meal plan (breakfast, lunch and dinner) daily.
*
All tours and adventures described in itinerary.
*
Entry fees to all parks and points of interest visited.
*
All rental equipment.
*
All Guatemala and Belize government, hotel and service charges related to the
above.
PRICES QUOTED DO NOT INCLUDE
*
International flights to and from Belize City.
*
International Flight Airport Departure Tax from Belize City.
*
Tips for Guatemalan and Belizean guides and vehicle drivers.
*
personal insurance.
*
any personal expenses.
*
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
