Belize. Luxury Belize Family Vacation

Day 1: Arrive in Belize

Arrive at the Belize International Airport and receive a warm welcome from our private local guide. We set off across the Belizean countryside, quickly leaving the city on a 2 hour drive to the rain forests of the Cayo District. Overnight at the Lodge at Chaa Creek in a cottage beautifully set in the rain forest. [meals not included]

Accommodations: The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Day 2: Cave Tubing & Xunantunich

Get prepared for unforgettable day inner tubing though an expansive limestone cave system of Caves Branch river system. Cross the stream with your inner tube and hike upstream before hopping in the river and floating into a massive cavern with underground waterfalls, limestone formations, and an incredible crystal cathedral chamber. No experience is needed since the trip does not involve technical caving. Eat lunch before heading off to visit the Maya ruins of Xunantunich or “Maiden of the Rock”. The dominant structure of this ruin rises 130 feet, providing an amazing view of the surrounding forest and ancient city below. Explore the ruins and picture ancient Mayan life while your guide gives a detailed description of the historical events surrounding this fascinating area. Return to the lodge for another savory dinner while listening to the sounds of the rain forest. Stay overnight at Chaa Creek.

Accommodations: The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Barton Creek Caves & Zip Line

This morning we have a special cooking lesson as we visit a local Mayan home to learn to make tortillas. Corn tortillas form the base of the Mayan diet and children not only love to make them, they love to eat them! Our Maya experience continues as we delve into Xibalba (she-bal-ba), the Mayan underworld. The Maya believed that caves served as a connection between the living world and underworld. Our guide takes us into the Barton Creek cave system, one of Belize’s most extensive, with over 4 miles of underground tunnels. The cave was formed by the Barton Creek and so we explore by canoe equipped with high powered lights amongst giant stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive calcite crystal formations. Learn about the rituals that archaeologists believe were performed here and the cave’s importance to the ancient Maya people. Hop out of our canoes and head up to Calico Jack’s zip line course set into the side of the Mayan Mountains. Choose from a variety of courses ranging from 4 platforms and 1,000 ft. to 15 platforms and 2,700 ft. of pure zipping enjoyment (activity not included and to be paid directly). Stay overnight at Chaa Creek.

Accommodations: The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Caribbean Coast

Your morning is at leisure to enjoy Chaa Creek. Sleep in and later visit the Butterfly farm, arise early for an early morning bird walk or just laze around at the pool. If you wish your guide can arrange activities such as canoeing on the Macal River, mountain biking, or horseback riding at additional cost. Following lunch, settle into the van for one of the most scenic drives in Belize as you travel along the Hummingbird Highway through the Maya Mountains to Placencia on the Caribbean Coast. Kick off your shoes, unpack and settle into your beautiful room. Step outside your door to see wonderful ocean views and pristine white sands. Overnight at Chabil Mar.

Accommodations: Chabil Mar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Days 5-7: Belize Barrier Reef & Free Days

With a local snorkeling expert, head out today to explore the extensive Belize Barrier Reef. Check out the strange coral formations and swim amongst a variety of brilliantly colored tropical fish as you explore the marine environment on a half-day snorkeling and swimming excursion. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest unbroken barrier reef in the world. Your guide will swim along with you pointing out the dazzling array of tropical fish, hydrocorals, sea fans, feather plumes, sponges, and sea cucumbers. Return to the lodge for lunch on your own, and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the beach. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
The remainder of your stay is at your leisure. Choose to head out on another snorkeling outing, SCUBA diving, fishing or one of the many mainland tours such as Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve. Additional tours and activities can be reserved at additional cost with the concierge desk during your stay. Overnights at Chabil Mar.

Accommodations: Chabil Mar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Depart

Enjoy one final dip in the warm Caribbean Sea and shake out the sand before packing up and returning to Placencia to board your short flight to the Belize International airport in time for your international departure. (Local flight included.) Laugh about your good times on the way home and start planning your next family adventure!