• Belize

Overview

Learn about the history & culture of Belize, from the age of the ancient Maya civilization to the inhabitance of the Garifuna people. During this week-long tour you will enjoy cultural exhibits, educational sightseeing tours, traditional cuisine, wildlife observation excursions, exciting outdoor activities, & more. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to experience Belize up close & personal!

Highlights

  • Lamanai – Archaeological site featuring ancient Maya temples.
  • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary – First area to be designated a sanctuary for the near threatened Jaguar.
  • Cave Tubing – Float along the Caves Branch River. Learn about the caves & their natural formations.
  • Studio Gallery Cayetano – Learn about the Garifuna culture & Punta Rock music.
  • Snorkeling Adventure – Guided excursion off the coast of Caye Caulker.

Itinerary

Day 1: Belize City

Arrive at the airport, & transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Day 2: Belize City – Lamanai – Belize City

After breakfast this morning, begin the journey to the ancient Maya civilization of Lamanai. On the way, you’ll enjoy a boat ride up the New River, a natural habitat for crocodiles, hawks, howler monkeys, falcons, & the lily pad-walking Jacana bird. Highlights of the archaeological site include the Mask Temple, the Jaguar Temple, & the climbable High Temple. Enjoy lunch before returning to Belize City today. 

Day 3: Belize City – Caves Branch River – Maya Center

Get ready for a day full of excitement & adventure! Visit the Belize Zoo, & see the peculiar-looking Baird’s tapir. The zoo is also home to a variety of other mammals, reptiles, & birds. Check out the spotted jaguar, the colorful Scarlet Macaw, & the venomous Coral snake. Discover fascinating natural formations on a cave tubing adventure along the Caves Branch River. For lunch, enjoy traditional Belizean cuisine. Other highlights today include a hike through the jungle to learn about its plant life & its importance in the age of the Maya civilization. Later today, head to the village of Maya Center for dinner & an overnight stay. 

Day 4: Maya Center – Cockscomb Basin – Maya Center

Discover the lair of jaguars, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This natural reserve is known worldwide as the first area to be designated a sanctuary for the near threatened jaguar. Explore the reserve, & observe its native flora & fauna, which includes hundreds of other wildlife in addition to its jaguar population. Pumas, Keel-billed toucans, & ocelots name a few. Head back to the village of Maya Center for lunch & a special cultural exhibition. Enjoy the evening at leisure. 

Day 5: Maya Center – Dangriga – Belize City – Caye Caulker

Visit the town of Dangriga, & learn about the Garifuna people. Enjoy a visit to Studio Gallery Cayetano, where you’ll learn about the famous Garifuna figure, Pen Cayetano, & the beginning of Punta Rock music. Before leaving Dangriga, experience the tastes of Garifuna tradition with a special meal at lunchtime. Upon arrival in Belize City, board the boat for Caye Caulker. 

Day 6: Caye Caulker

Spend the next two days on the warm & sunny island of Caye Caulker. Enjoy an exciting snorkeling adventure this morning, & spend the remainder of the day at leisure afterward. There are many fun activities to choose from, including fishing & watersports. Or, you may choose to simply relax on Caye Caulker’s sandy shores. 

Day 7: Caye Caulker

Enjoy another day on the island, under the warm Caribbean sun.

Day 8: Caye Caulker – Belize City – USA

Fly to the airport in Belize City, & board return flight to the USA.