Breathtaking Belize

Day 1: Arrive Belize City, Belize

Welcome to Belize! Your adventure begins in Belize City – located where the Belize River meets the Caribbean Sea, this bustling former capital is full of history and culture. A welcome meeting will take place at 6 pm tonight where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive with time to spare, Belize City has plenty to discover. On the north side is the coastal and maritime museum, housed in the beautifully restored former fire station. Also in the north is the Image Factory, displaying contemporary Belizean artists, and the National Handicraft Centre. The oldest Anglican church in Central America, St John Cathedral, was built in 1812 with bricks brought as ballast in European sailing ships. Opposite is Government House, a preserved colonial mansion that’s well worth a look from the outside.

Day 2: Belize City to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Travel by private vehicle to Carmelita, where you take a boat to the Lamanai Archaeological site. On the way you may spot colourful birds along the river, before arriving to explore the remains of an ancient Mayan civilization and its unearthed temples. Return to Carmelita and travel on to Crooked Tree, and inland wildlife sanctuary full of lagoons, marshlands and creeks, making it one of the best destinations for spotting wildlife. The afternoon is free to explore the sanctuary in search of Jabiru stalks, yellow-headed parrots, Mexican black howler monkeys and Central American river turtles. The Crooked Tree village has some historic sights, dating back to 1750 during the logwood period and thought to be the oldest non-indigenous settlement in Belize. In the evening, settle into your lodge enjoy dinner with your group. Meals included: Dinner

Day 3: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to San Ignacio

Drive to San Ignacio, stopping at an organisation formed by local Mayan women to share skills and traditional knowledge while earning an income. Join the women for a cooking demonstration followed by lunch together. Head to Cahal Pech Mayan ruins, an archaeological site that was a royal palace consisting of over 30 structures.  Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4: San Ignacio

Today is at your leisure to choose from the many optional activities in San Ignacio (additional expense). This may include a day trip to Xunantunich, access by hand-cranked boat or an impressive Mayan ceremonial centre, the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal, a living museum of Maya relics where you wade through water until to the ceremonial site where you’ll find ceramic pots and crystallised skeletons preserved by the natural processes of the cave for over 1400 years. You can also take a trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge area to see waterfalls and swimming holes, a butterfly garden, or canoe down the Barton Creek cave reserve.

Day 5: San Ignacio to Caye Caulker

Travel by local bus to Belize City where you take a water taxi to the island of Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is the most famous (and arguably the most beautiful!) island in the area, you can also take day trips to the other islands or some spectacular reefs to snorkel. On arrival in Caye Caulker, take an orientation walk to get to know this tiny laidback island.

Days 6-7: Caye Caulker

Spend two days in Caye Caulker, with its white sand, blue waters and palm trees.  You may choose to add an excursion (additional expense) such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to the magnificent Blue Hole and the world’s second-longest barrier reef. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters among colourful corals to see tropical fish, sharks and the occasional manta ray. Your time in Caye Caulker is all about taking it easy, so do as much (or as little) as you like. After a day at the beach if you are interested in local cuisine, Belize is famous for its barbequed food, with some of the best meals cooked roadside. Caye Caulker is also famous for its lobster (June-February), if you are out of season, try grilled shrimp and a lovely rum and coke made with the local firewater.

Day 8: Depart Caye Caulker, Belize

Your tour finishes today and you depart Caye Caulker. You have a water taxi ticket included to take the water taxi from the Caye Caulker city port back to Belize City (Approximately 1 hour).