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 $2395 per person (Includes Local Air) HIGHLIGHTS: Rain forest hikes in the Maya Mountains Canoeing on the Macal River Rappelling Black Hole Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Snorkelling on the 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 white sand Belize beach front and the country's wonderful diversity on this active vacation, perfect for families with teenagers and fit, adventurous travelers. Explore the inland rainforests of the Cayo District and the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Canoe the Macal River, hike and swim one of the most impressive caves in the Mayan lowland, and rappel the Black Hole Drop. Snorkel, dive and relax on an offshore caye. Lodgings feature beach front cabanas and a jungle eco-lodge.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE IN BELIZE

Receive a warm welcome at the Belize International Airport and head west for a 2 hour drive through the rolling hills of the Cayo District to Black Rock Lodge. Secluded away down a long dirt road, Black Rock Lodge is in a fantastic location to experience the rainforest of Belize. Lounge in the expansive veranda overlooking the Macal River and the surrounding rainforest foliage, old mahogany trees and soaring vine-covered ceibas. Explore the network of trails around the lodge on foot or bike, graded from casual to strenuous, or grab a tube and float down part of the Macal River right beneath the Lodge. Listen for howler monkeys in the middle of the night, or walk the trails tracking down many of the over 200 resident species of birds. Upon arrival at your lodge check in and explore the grounds before dinner. Overnight Black Rock Lodge in a Riverview cabin or similar. [D]

Upgrade to Chaa Creek for an additional $400 per person.

	Rappel into the rainforest canopy on the Black Hole Drop.

DAY 2 :  MACAL RIVER CANOEING
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 the short drive back to the lodge. Use this free afternoon to indulge in a swim in the river, hike the reserve trails, or book an optional activity such as mountain biking or horseback riding(not included) with the lodge. Relax in preparation for your upcoming days of adventure! Overnight Black Rock Lodge or similar. [BLD]

DAY 3 :  BLACK HOLE DROP
Stretch your comfort zone as you rappel down into a jungle sink hole deep in the rainforest. This expedition starts off with a vigorous hike into the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The edge of the Actun Loch Tunich sink hole sits over 300 feet above the basin below and 200 feet above the rain forest canopy that grows out from the sink hole basin. Our fully trained caving guides provide helmets and safety equipment as they rig a system of rappelling ropes for your decent to the basin below. The first 10 feet provides the adrenaline, the next 200 feet features an unforgettable experience and sights to behold, and the final 100 feet plunges you down through the rain forest canopy. The sink hole is not actually black but since you can't see the bottom from the start, there is an additional element of excitement. Feeling relief on reaching the bottom, the question becomes - How do we get you out? Celebrate your accomplishment on the return hike out of the foothills and a well deserved beverage at camp. This expedition is not for the faint of heart! All participants must be relatively fit. Overnight at Black Rock Lodge or similar. [BLD]

Note: Fear of heights? Switch this day's activity for another exciting Belize adventure. Just ask the program director.

Spelunking combines adventure with an insight into Maya history.

DAY 4 :  ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL CAVE
We drive past the town of San Ignacio and set 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 one of the most impressive caves in the Maya Lowland. Located in the heart of the Belizean Rainforest, 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. A good level of physical fitness is required along with the ability to swim. Overnight at Black Rock Lodge or similar. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  CARIBBEAN COAST
Transfer to Belize City and the boat dock at the Belize Tourism Village where you'll board a water taxi for the exhilarating 90 minute trip to the Turneffe Atoll. Boat over azure waters speckled with mangroves and coconut tree covered islands past the Belize Barrier Reef and to the western side of Turneffe Atoll. Check into your beach front room and take a refreshing swim in the tranquil waters of the Caribbean. Beachfront cabanas with Caribbean views offer immediate access to world class snorkeling and SCUBA diving for undersea enthusiasts. The cabanas have private porches with chairs, hammock, one king or two twin beds and a private bathroom with hot water showers. Meals are served family style prepared with a variety of fresh fish, meats, salads, fruits, vegetables, deserts, and other local specialties. Overnight at Turneffe Island Resort. [BD]

Note: Upgrade to a superior room for an extra $330 pp or a private cabin for $660 pp.

	Snorkelers and SCUBA divers are thrilled by the pristine reef around Turneffe Atoll.

DAYS 6-7 :  TURNEFFE ATOLL
Spend your days snorkeling on one of the premier barrier reefs in the world. Snorkel from the beach in front of your cabana or join two guided excursions each day. A variety of excellent snorkel and dive sites offer the opportunity to view colorful fish, beautiful coral, stingrays, eagle rays, barracuda, nurse sharks and much more. When not in the water, enjoy activities for everyone including kayaks, hobie kats, and short birdwatching walks. Hire a fishing guide and try your luck fly fishing for bones, snook, or permit. Keep as busy as you wish, or slow down and relax in a hammock on the beautiful white sand beaches surrounding this primer Belize vacation resort. All snorkel activities are included, while dives can be purchased on site or in advance at an extra cost. All meals and overnights at Turneffe Island Resort. [BLD]

Note: Snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel) are available at the resort for $9 per day and wet suits for $14 per day.

DAY 8 :  DEPART
Depart the Turneffe Atoll this morning for the boat ride back to Belize City. There you'll be transferred to the Belize International Airport in time for your flights back home. [B] Note: On your departure day you will leave the island around 8:30am, you may arrange your outbound flight/transfer from Belize City anytime after 12:30pm.

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