A nation on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west. Offshore, the massive Belize Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, hosts rich marine life. Belize’s jungle areas are home to Mayan ruins like Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid; lagoon-side Lamanai; and Altun Ha, just outside Belize City.
Accommodations
Orange Walk District – Lamanai Landings Resort
(or equivalent at time of booking)
These Three Bedroom Condos are perfect for large families or groups of friends. Each bedroom offers a king bed (2nd and 3rd bedroom of units 4 and 10 offer queen beds), and-suite bathroom a fully equipped kitchen, living room with a foldout couch, dining area. You have a furnished balcony facing the courtyard with partial view of the beach and sea, closet, iron, hair dryer and safes. A large veranda provides the perfect setting to take morning coffee and watch the sunrise or relax with a glass of wine and listen to the sounds of the sea or to watch the passerby below.
San Pedro – Ramon’s Village Resort
(or equivalent at time of booking)
Styled after the Tahitian cottages on the Polynesian island of Bora Bora, our cabanas are built from native materials by craftsmen utilizing the same skill and techniques the islanders used in the days of the great sailing ships. Ramon’s Village is a sanctuary nestled in a tropical garden of Royal Palms, bougainvillea, lilies, hibiscus and dozens of other types of tropical flora. Surrounded by the plant life are Mayan sculptures that provide a glimpse of the civilization that preceded us in this Caribbean paradise. Once inside our enchanted village, you’ll be in a world of your own choosing
San Ignacio – Cahal Pech Village Resort
(or equivalent at time of booking)
One of our very favorite places to stay in San Ignacio is the award-winning Cahal Pech Village Resort.
Experience this Belize resort as the ultimate vacation hid-a-way. Cahal Pech Village Resort is our special place to stay in San Ignacio, Cayo and we are certain it will be yours too.
Conceived in the minds of their founders, the dream was drawn out, and the plans were put together for a beautiful Belize resort that would be carved out of the jungle just 72 miles west of Belize City. This was no easy task, but with a ton of passion and some fierce will they proudly bring us this amazing little paradise in paradise.
Built next to a Mayan ruin that was home to the Maya Elite Families, they take a page from that era by treating every guest like royalty. Wonder as you gaze upon the kingdom from afar. You might need a selfie with the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena in the background here. Wave to your subjects from the window of your comfortable Belize accommodations or simply just set off to visit this kingdom of riches.
Itinerary
Upon arrival youand your group will be greeted by our friendly and professional Gold Standard Certified tour guides. We will meet youjust outside the arrival doors of the Philip S.W Goldson International Airport. After a brief introduction and maybe a joke or two about you vacationing where we get to live, we will head south along the Western Hwy into the capital of the country, Belmopan. Where we can stop for refreshments and facilities.
Continuing south we will haves everal amazing opportunities to stop,take pictures and acclimate to the wonders of Belize passing several of our cultural epicenters on our journey into Placencia, Dangriga & Hopkins to name a few. When we arrive in Palencia you will overflow with anticipation for the week ahead just by the sight of this beautiful sleepy beach town. Our staff will have you checked into your beautiful beach cottage at Brisa Oceano Resort (or equivalent at time of booking) just in time to enjoy the sunset sipping on a cocktail.
Dinner included
Since this site is accessible by riverboat along the bountiful New River, we figured… why not do that?
On day two you will wake up and enjoy the blissful sounds of the Belize jungle while you enjoy traditional Belizean breakfast by the lagoon. Then just a 5 min walk to the resort pier where you will come aboard and prepare yourself for an Un-Belize-Able riverboat cruise that will leave you breathless. A tour in itself… this heart-racing riverboat cruise will take you from sliding around corners like your favorite James Bond scene to a creeping gentle stop interacting with the undisturbed wonders of Belize, the wildlife, the river, the lagoon, the Maya Culture, and the memorizing Rainforest adventure of your life. (4+hours) B,L
During the 16th century when the Spaniards first arrived in Belize they were amazed to stumble on the Maya, still living in the ancient city of Lamanai (“Submerged Crocodile”), This incredible archeological find provides an amazing wealth of knowledge and a preserved glimpse into the past at the mystical world of the Maya. This particular site dates back to pre-classic times – making it one of the oldest occupied kingdoms of the Maya to date. Nestled comfortably on the beautiful flowing banks of the New River, this area was home by more than just the Maya! Keep your eyes peeled and your cameras on the ready for the current indigenous residence of this majestic land; Howler and Spider Monkeys, Iguanas, Crocodile, Belize’s list of world class exotic bird species, and way more…
(4+hours) B,L
Today you will have the adventure of your life. It will be a full day so eat a hearty breakfast because we will be leaving directly after breakfast for a 3-hour drive to the tallest structure in Belize. Xunantunich “Maiden of the Rock” or Noble Lady. We will pass the Mennonite community of Spanish Lookout and marvel at their immaculately kept farmlands, a snapshot of an earlier modest way of living. Down past what was one of the three largest cattle ranches in Belize (Running “W” Ranch), through San Ignacio/Santa Elena… the twin towns of the famed CayoDistrict, across the MacalRiver then to down the southern banks of the Mopan River, our destination.<br>
Cross over a hand operated ferry straight from a huck fin novel, and then walk the path of the ancient Maya Kings, XUNANTUNICH!<br>
(8+hours) B,L,D
Today we will enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the tranquility of the Lamanai Lagoon for the last time. Time to pack up and head south-west along the Western Highway to the visit with the wonders of the World-Famous Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center.
Amaze at the relative closest of wild Belize, come face to face with the Jaguar, walk under packs of Howler Moneys as they swing and jump through the canopy. Come within arms reach to one of our national mammal The Tapir, meet Belize’s Bald Eagle, the majestic Mr. Toucan!
After the zoo we will head West again past our Nations Capital, Belmopan with time to stop for refreshments, snacks, and facilities. Then on to San Ignacio where we will spend the night reflecting on the beauty of BELIZE.
(5+hours) B,L,D
Today will start out like any other day in paradise,breakfast and a thirst for adventure.
After a traditional Belizean breakfast, we will take a short drive to the tallest structure in the country. Just a short drive to cross the Macal River then to down the southern banks of the Mopan River to to arrive at our destination Xunantunich “Maiden of the Rock”. Here you will cross a hand operated ferry, straight out of a Thom Sawyer & Huck Fin novel.
Follow alongside your guide as your view opens to and across a beautiful grassy plaza, be amazed with the perfect architecture of El Castillo,one of the three largest Maya Temples in Belize and then… walk the path of the ancient Maya Kings, XUNANTUNICH!
(3+hours) B,L
On day five we will head south stopping along the way to Placencia. “The Peninsula”
Once a sleepy fishing village, Placencia has emerged as an increasingly popular eco-destination on the Caribbean.The peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches, with a lagoon to the west and the Caribbean to the east and lots of peace and quiet in the middle. Take a stroll down the colorful boardwalk or if you’re up for an adventure, head out to the nearby reef for some world class snorkeling.
Breakfast
Today you will have the adventure of your life.
After breakfast we will check out, load up, and head east for an adventure you will not soon forget. Today we visit one of the most popular attractions in Belize tourism today.
The World-Famous Belizean Cave Tubing & Ziplining Experience. You will fly above the canopy and through the jungle, even glide across a river like Tarzan & Jane.
Then relax as you and the team float effortlessly down the caves branch river. This hour-long float is not only calming to the soul, but our knowledgeable guides will astound you with stories of the fabled Maya Underworld.
After lunch we will head to Belize City where you will board a water taxi, on our way to the beautiful Island of San Pedro,
Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita”.
B/L/D
The sub-aquatic haven of the increasingly popular Shark Ray Alley, hailed as one of the best “animal dives” by the Caribbean’s Skin Diver Magazine, along with the incredible Hol Chan Marine Reserve just 4 miles southeast of Ambergris Caye is our destination on this sixth day of your adventure. Originally a central gathering point for local fishermen to clean their daily catch, the area soon became a popular feeding ground for local sea lifelike the passive nurse sharks and several species of sting ray that inhabit the surrounding waters. This unique congregation of marine species soon became an alluring spectacle to both locals and tourists. As the location’s popularity increased, it was obvious to Belize, it should serve a higher purpose and become a conservation site.
Shark Ray Alley, adequately dubbed, came into existence in the 1990s.
B/L/D
Today is yours… no tour, no guide, no agenda, no nothing except be on vacation.
Explore the island of San Pedro and see if you can figure out why they call her La Isla Bonita.
San Pedro Town is in the south part of Ambergris Caye, located in northern Belize. Its sandy streets are lined with wooden houses, seafood restaurants and beach bars. It features dive sites with parrot fish and moray eels, plus nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley as you already know. To the north, Bacalar Chico National Park protects wildlife and the Chac Balam Mayan ruins.
This would also be a great day to visit the sister island of Caye Caulker only a short boat ride over. Spend the day and drift away at the lazy lizard affectionately know as the “split” before heading back for your last night and farewell dinner
B/L/D
Today will be the saddest day of your trip…
Enjoy your last morning in Belize, take a walk along the beach, eat a delicious breakfast and take your last photos of this amazing place.
Your guide will be eagerly awaiting your arrival as you exit the pier from the San Pedro water taxi… if not with you already on the island.
Time permitting, we will provide a complimentary city tour on the way to the Belize City International Airport.
Breakfast
