Travel to Belize: Belize Beach and Active Adventure

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Belize Beach and Active Adventure

			DAYS: 8 GRADE: II-III, Moderate hiking, very active define PRICE: From $2795 per person (Includes Local Air) * NEW ITINERARY * HIGHLIGHTS: Horseback riding in the Maya Mountains Canoeing the Barton Creek Caves Zipling through the jungle Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Spelunking El Pilar Mayan Ruins Snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Discover the wild diversity of Belize on a multisport adventure designed specifically for families with adventurous teens or energetic young adults. The inland rainforests are a veritable playground for hiking enthusiasts, mountain bikers, spelunkers and those interested in uncovering the fascinating history of the Mayan people. Led by one of Wildland's Belizean naturalist guides, canoe the Macal River, explore the expansive Mayan ruins of El Pilar, hike and swim through the most impressive cave in the Mayan lowland, zipline through the forest canopy and embark on a horseback ride to Big Rock Falls. Then from the lush inland rainforests, you'll travel to the pristine coral reefs and white-sand beaches of the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. From the comfort of your beach-side cabana, you can snorkel directly from shore in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, observing brightly colored fish and an array of other marine life in this diverse underwater ecosystem. Kayaks are available for paddling offshore and certified scuba divers can explore the underwater walls around South Water Caye, amongst the best wall-dives in Belize. Or after all this active adventure travel, you may prefer to just relax in a hammock, close your eyes and listen to the sound of the waves, the birds and the wind in the palm trees. . . it's up to you!

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE IN BELIZE
Upon arrival at the Belize International Airport receive a warm welcome from our local guide. Get your first glimpses of Belize as you depart Belize City and head deep into the heart of jungle. Surrounded by the Maya Mountains and located high above the Macal River Black Rock Lodge is the perfect base to begin experiencing the true essence of Belize. Stay overnight at the Black Rock Lodge. [D]

	Paddle the waters of the Macal River in search of Toucans and basking Iguanas.

DAY 2 :  MACAL RIVER CANOEING AND EL PILAR
Paddle and float the gentle waters of the Macal River downstream as you canoe to the friendly town of San Ignacio. The river provides an excellent opportunity to view many bird species, Howler monkeys, iguanas and other wildlife. Explore culturally diverse San Ignacio and enjoy lunch before heading off to visit the Maya ruins El Pilar. This little visited site is actually the largest in the Belize River area, straddling Guatemalan border and encompassing over 25 plazas and 100 acres of undisturbed jungle 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 a savory dinner while listening to the sounds of the rain forest. Overnight at Black Rock Lodge. [BLD]

Watch the video below on the many family-friendly active adventures in Belize.

DAY 3 :  ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL CAVE, NIGHT WALK
Drive 45 minute past the town of San Ignacio, before setting out on a 45 minute nature hike through the surrounding rainforest. The hike includes three stream crossings and passes through the 6,700 acre Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Actun Tunichil Muknal "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher" is the most impressive cave in the Maya Lowlands. Located in the heart of the Belizean Rain forest, this cave was a sacred place to the prehistoric Maya of Belize, who first began to use the entrance during the early classic period (300-600AD). The cave system consists of a series of chambers, ending in a 300 by 50 meter Cathedral where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. Here you will be exposed to the individuals sacrificed to the gods of the underworld. A good level of physical fitness is required along with the ability to swim. This evening after dinner we'll take a guided night walk looking for nocturnal creatures such as kinkajous, bats, owls, northern potoos, tyras and coatimundis. Don't forget your headlamp! Overnight at Black Rock Lodge. [BLD]

Spelunking combines adventure and insight into Maya history.

DAY 4 :  HORSEBACK RIDING TO BIG ROCK FALLS AND OPTIONAL ZIP LINING
Mount up this morning on gentle trail horses as we set off into the rain forest on a morning horseback ride. Our destination is Big Rock Falls, a beautifully secluded waterfall. We'll have time for lunch and a swim before meeting the van for the short drive 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). Overnight at Black Rock Lodge. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  CAVE TUBING AND SOUTH WATER CAYE
Get prepared for an unforgettable day inner tubing though an expansive limestone cave system at Caves Branch. Pass through citrus orchards to the river's edge where a short float trip carries you 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. Next stop is the tranquil Southwater Caye Marine Reserve and your home for the remaining days of your Belizean Vacation. Kick off your shoes, unpack and settle into your beach cabana located on Southwater Caye, a private 15 acre island located right on the Belize Barrier Reef. Step outside your door to see wonderful ocean views and pristine white sands. Head out snorkeling directly from the beach, grab a fishing pole and try your hand at catching snapper, permit or maybe a tarpon. Whichever way you choose to spend your days, you can always simply relax in a hammock under the swaying palms and let your cares drift away. Overnight at Pelican Beach Resort South Water Caye. [BLD]

	Snorkelers and SCUBA divers are thrilled by the pristine reef environment around the South Water Caye Marine Reserve and Belize Barrier Reef.

DAYS 6-7 :  BELIZE BARRIER REEF AND FREE DAYS
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, 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. Additional tours and activities can be worked out with the lodge manager during your stay. Overnight at Pelican Beach Resort South Water Caye. [BLD]

Watch the video below on snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef.

DAY 8 :  DEPART
Enjoy one final dip in the warm Caribbean Sea and shake out the sand before packing up and returning to Dangriga 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! [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Grettel Calderon 1(800)345-4453 C o n t a c t Jeff Stivers 1(800)345-4453