Meals

There are 11 breakfasts, six lunches and three dinners included. Breakfast is always provided in hotels and generally consists of bread, eggs, ham, fruit, juice and coffee. Although meat plays a key part in many Central American dishes, vegetarians can be well catered for. Please advise us on booking of any special dietary requirements you may have.

Accommodation

We stay six nights in hotels and five nights in destination lodges. (Those on the group flights will have an extra hotel night in Houston en route) In Crooked Tree and Tikal, we stay in lodges surrounded by tropical forest and the sounds of the jungle. In San Ignacio, we can enjoy the pool and view from our hotel perched on a hill overlooking the river valley. While in Caye Caulker our 3 star hotel has island flair and comes with a pool, private beach and rooftop lounge. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary: Bird’s Eye View Lodge (nights 1-3) Bird’s Eye View Lodge is located in the heart of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is known as the top neotropical birding site in Belize. The lodge offers modest rooms, air-conditioned rooms, a bar and full restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine. San Ignacio: Cahal Pech Resort (nights 4-6) Cahal Pech Village Resort is perched on a hill overlook the town of San Ignacio. The in addition air-conditioned rooms, this relaxed resort also has two pools, a bar, restaurant and is a stone’s throw from the Mayan site of Cahal Pech. Tikal: Tikal Jungle Lodge (nights 7, 8) Tikal Jungle Lodge is in the heart of Tikal National Park and a short walk from the ruins. The rooms feature architectural decorative details and amenities designed to deliver a relaxing experience in the middle of the jungle. The restaurant serves international cuisine, and the bar offers a variety of cocktails to enjoy at the bar or poolside after a day of exploring Tikal. Note - in accordance with park regulations, power generators run with limited service in rooms from 10pm-6am (powering ceiling fan, one nightlight and one outlet). Caye Caulker: La Isla Resort (nights 9-11) After all our exploring the Mayan world, it’s time to relax a bit. La Isla Resort is a beachfront hotel centrally located in Caye Caulker and a short walk to everything. The rooms are bright and functional with air-conditioning. The resort has a relaxing pool, free to use kayaks and paddleboards, as well as rooftop lounge area to watch the sunset. Worth knowing Single rooms can be booked for an optional single supplement, subject to availability at the time of booking.

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Others

All listed activities

Transport

We use a private minibus throughout the trip with air-conditioning. To reach Caye Caulker, we travel by water taxi, a high-speed boat service.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Journey To Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Journey To Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (Dinner)

Arrive in Belize and travel to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, named for the ‘crooked’ cashew trees that grow around the lagoon. Wetland areas weave throughout, providing a habitat for some 286 bird species, the migratory jabiru stork being the most famous. Crocodiles, monkeys, otters and freshwater turtles also reside here. It’s a peaceful destination with an interesting community and history; the village of Crooked Tree is thought to be the earliest European settlement in Belize. Tonight, we enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. Accommodation: Bird’s Eye View Lodge (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Hike And Sunset Cruise (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Hike And Sunset Cruise (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Wake up fresh to beautiful bird songs. In the morning, we join our guide to explore the on-site hiking trails, looking for the birds and other amazing animals that live here. Back at the lodge, we have lunch and relax. Later this afternoon, our wildlife tour continues with a three-hour guided sunset boat trip on the lagoon. Migratory birds tend to visit between December and May, but plenty of resident species are seen throughout the year. From our small boat, it’s easy to appreciate the tranquillity of the sanctuary. Accommodation: Bird’s Eye View Lodge (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Boat Ride To Lamanai Mayan Temple (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Boat Ride To Lamanai Mayan Temple (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

This morning, we venture by boat to the Mayan temple of Lamanai (meaning Submerged Crocodile) on the shores of the New River Lagoon. It is thought to be the largest Mayan ceremonial site in the region with more than 800 structures deep in the jungle. As we cruise, our guide points out the resident bird species and wildlife, including spider monkeys and crocodiles. We then explore the glories of the site, including the High Temple, where we can ascend 125ft (38m) to the top and take in breath-taking views of the complex. Accommodation: Bird’s Eye View Lodge (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Visit Howler Monkey Sanctuary And Float Down The Caves Branch River (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Visit Howler Monkey Sanctuary And Float Down The Caves Branch River (Breakfast,Lunch)

This morning, we head west to the town of San Ignacio. Along the way, we visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, a grassroots conservation project that protects the endangered black howler monkey (there are no baboons in Belize, but this is the name used in the local Creole dialect). The reserve provides 20sqmi (52sqkm) of forest for the estimated 4,000 to 5,000 resident black howler monkeys – you’ll certainly hear their calls as you enter the sanctuary! Our adventure continues when, following a short river ford and hike, we each sit in an inflatable tube and float down the Caves Branch River. Our gentle journey takes us through a series of caves once thought to be Xibalba, the Mayan underworld. As we go, our local guide reveals the mysteries of life after death in the religion of the ancient Maya. After, we continue to San Ignacio, a laid-back town with a mixed population of Mestizo, Creole, Lebanese, Chinese and Mennonites. A great example of multicultural Belize. Accommodation: Cahal Pech Resort (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Tour Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Tour Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve (Breakfast,Lunch)

Today we take a break from the jungle and explore the scenic beauty of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. It was established in 1944 to protect and manage this unique Caribbean pine forest habitat and noticeably contrasts to the rest of the tropical country. We will take a nature walk on our way to explore the spectacular Rio Frio Cave – whose entrance alone is 65ft (20m) tall and opens into an immense cave chamber. Afterwards we enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the scenic “Rio on Pools”, where a series of mini-waterfalls has worn the granite into inviting pools. Lunch will be followed by an opportunity to visit the pools (a great spot to cool off from the heat). The reserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including white-nosed coatis, tapirs, ocelots, cougars and jaguars. Resident birds include native stygian owls, blue-crowned motmots, king vultures, keel-billed toucans, parrots, bluebirds and woodpeckers, which are joined by visiting orange-breasted falcons and tanagers. We end the day with 2 unique experiences on our way back to San Ignacio. First, we visit a Butterfly Farm that supports a local conservation project and is abuzz with hummingbirds. Secondly, we will learn about and enjoy a craft coffee experience that incorporates Mayan harvesting and preparation techniques. Accommodation: Cahal Pech Resort (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Free Day For San Ignacio Optional Excursions (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Free Day For San Ignacio Optional Excursions (Breakfast)

We have a free day to enjoy San Ignacio and the surrounding area. There is a range of optional activities, including a visit to the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (ATM for short). This popular full-day cave tour starts with a short swim into the Mayan underworld to view the Crystal Maiden, the crystalised skeleton of a young woman whose bones have calcified and now sparkle. San Ignacio is lovely to explore and there are short excursions available from town, including a chocolate tour or a walk amid the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech – see the Extra Expenses & Spending Money section of the Trip Notes for more. Accommodation: Cahal Pech Resort (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Cross To Guatemala With Xunantunich Exploration En Route (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cross To Guatemala With Xunantunich Exploration En Route (Breakfast)

On our way to the Guatemalan border, we visit Xunantunich, one of the most important Maya sites in Belize. The centre is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. The largest pyramid here, El Castillo, rises 130ft (40m) above the main plaza and offers an impressive panorama over the Mopan River valley and into Guatemala. After exploring, we cross into Guatemala where we meet an additional local guide, driver and vehicle to transfer us to the Tikal Jungle Lodge, where we spend the next two nights. Accommodation: Tikal Jungle Lodge (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Tour The Mayan Ruins Of Tikal (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Tour The Mayan Ruins Of Tikal (Breakfast,Lunch)

We rise early to enjoy a sunrise tour of Unesco-listed Tikal, nearly 20sqmi (52sqkm) of classic ruins surrounded by the dense jungle of Petén. We take a tour of the city, visiting the main temples, palaces, squares, tombs, residences and religious monuments. The area was thought to support a population of 90,000 Mayans at its peak and there are some 3,000 separate buildings to explore. Tikal is also a superb area for observing jungle wildlife and visitors regularly see howler monkeys, spider monkeys, toucans, weaver birds, coatimundis and even tarantulas (if you know where to look and wish to find one!). After a full morning touring Tikal with our guide, we have lunch and return to the lodge to enjoy an evening soundtracked by the jungle. Accommodation: Tikal Jungle Lodge (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: Return To Belize; Rum Tour And Caye Caulker (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Return To Belize; Rum Tour And Caye Caulker (Breakfast)

We leave Guatemala this morning and journey back to Belize City. Here, we visit Travellers Liquors (home of the much-loved One Barrel Rum) for a history lesson in rum-making at their heritage centre. This features the bottling process, product sampling, Belizean cocktail-making tips, and opportunities to sample and purchase vintage-edition rum. We then head to the Belize City water taxi station where we take a boat to the Caribbean island paradise of Caye Caulker. Here lies the delicate coral of the Belize Barrier Reef, which provides food and shelter to a dizzying number of tropical fish, with manatees, nurse sharks, stingrays and turtles sharing the warm turquoise waters. Accommodation: La Isla Resort (or similar)
Day 10 Day 10: Full Day Of Snorkelling In Hol Chan Marine Reserve (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Full Day Of Snorkelling In Hol Chan Marine Reserve (Breakfast,Lunch)

Just off the southern part of Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize and a few minutes’ boat ride from Caye Caulker, is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (the name means Little Channel in Mayan and is named for the natural break in the reef here). This area is an important marine habitat, providing refuge for a huge number of fish, coral, several sea turtle species, West Indian manatees and two dolphin species. Nurse sharks also congregate in Shark Ray Alley, a popular dive site. Bring your waterproof camera, today we join a full-day snorkelling tour in the reserve to see a wide selection of the marine life in these tropical waters. Accommodation: La Isla Resort (or similar)
Day 11 Day 11: Free Day To Enjoy Caye Caulker (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Free Day To Enjoy Caye Caulker (Breakfast)

Today has been left free to enjoy the laid-back spirit of Caye Caulker. Spend your day relaxing by the pool, the beach or take a stroll to explore this charming island town atop the reef. Paddleboards and kayaks are also available free of charge from the hotel. Don’t forget to grab a cold beverage as you watch the sun set on your Belizean adventure. Accommodation: La Isla Resort (or similar)
Day 12 Day 12: Transfer To Belize City; End (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Transfer To Belize City; End (Breakfast)

This morning, we wave goodbye to our island paradise and return to Belize City by water taxi and begin our return journeys home. If you’d like to spend more time in or Caye Caulker, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

12 days tour

Belize Reef & Ruins

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Belize Reef & Ruins

Day 1: Journey To Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (Dinner)

Day 2: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Hike And Sunset Cruise (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 3: Boat Ride To Lamanai Mayan Temple (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 4: Visit Howler Monkey Sanctuary And Float Down The Caves Branch River (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 5: Tour Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 6: Free Day For San Ignacio Optional Excursions (Breakfast)

Day 7: Cross To Guatemala With Xunantunich Exploration En Route (Breakfast)

Day 8: Tour The Mayan Ruins Of Tikal (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 9: Return To Belize; Rum Tour And Caye Caulker (Breakfast)

Day 10: Full Day Of Snorkelling In Hol Chan Marine Reserve (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 11: Free Day To Enjoy Caye Caulker (Breakfast)

Day 12: Transfer To Belize City; End (Breakfast)

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