Rainforest, Tikal & the Caribbean Islands

Itinerary in Brief: Spend a few days exploring the rainforest and Mayan ruins of western Belize, and fly out to the idyllic Caribbean islands on the barrier reef.

• First class jungle lodge
• Full day trip to Tikal
• Fascinating Mayan culture
• Fly out to Caribbean islands
• Spectacular barrier reef
• Premier small beach hotel
• Can be customized

Day by Day Itinerary

Included meals are indicated in parentheses: (B,L,D)

Day 1      Arrive to Belize/transfer to the Cayo District

Upon arrival in Belize you’ll be met at the airport and have a private transfer to western Belize to your jungle lodge (1 1/2 hours scenic drive), set in a hilly section of the rainforest, right along the lovely Macal River. The western part of Belize is the country’s best kept secret: beautiful rainforest, excellent accommodations, and many extraordinary excursions are available.
Chaa Creek (D)

Day 2      Mountain Pine Ridge/Achtun Tunichil Muknal

Today you’ll take a visit to some of the local waterfalls in the nearby Mountain Pine Ridge area, a vast area filled with forest, streams, and caves (all transport and private guiding included). If you are up for something really adventurous, you can also opt for a remarkable caving trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal, one of the great archeological caving experiences in the Americas, where you can journey far into a winding cave filled with relics from ancient Mayan rituals.
Chaa Creek (B,L,D)

Day 3      Full day trip to the ruins of Tikal in Guatemala

Today you will take a full day trip over the border into Guatemala to see the ruins of Tikal (about 2 hours drive to the ruins, with private driver/guide). Tikal is undoubtedly one of the most impressive of all the Mayan sites in Central America, a sprawling complex of temples and residential structures, with several temples that rise above the jungle canopy, providing sweeping views of the surrounding rainforest environment. After exploring the ruins, in the late afternoon you return to Belize for dinner and to relax.
Chaa Creek (B,L,D)

Day 4      Free day for Optional Activities

Free day for optional activities in the Cayo District and around your lodge. Options include horseback riding, hiking, canoeing on the Macal River, bike riding, or visiting nearby Mayan ruins. (If you would rather have an extra day at the beach, rather than in the Cayo, an alternative is to add another day to your beach stay rather than here.)
Chaa Creek (B,L,D)

Day 5      Fly out to the Islands

After breakfast, say farewell to Chaa Creek and western Belize. You will be picked up at Chaa Creek and transferred to Belize airport (1 1/2 hours), where you will board a small plane that will fly you out over the turquoise Caribbean sea and land you out to the island of Ambergris Caye (30 minute flight; local flights included in your trip price).  You will be met at the airport and transferred to your beach hotel, a beautiful spot located south of the town of San Pedro.
Victoria House (B)

Day 6      Snorkeling on the Barrier Reef

Today you’ll have a full day snorkeling excursion out to the Barrier Reef. You’ll make stops at some of the classic spots and also visit one or two of the islands that dot the reef.
Victoria House (B)

Day 7      Free Day

Today you have a free day for optional activities at the beach and on the Barrier Reef.
Victoria House (B)

Day 8       Depart for home

You will be transferred to the airport in San Pedro where you will take a small plane to Belize City (30 minute flight) and connect with your international flight home.
(B)