Explore Belize on a 9-day tour from £1,499pp
The Caribbean nation of Belize is packed full of wonders, from the world’s oldest known Maya sites to the second-largest reef system on the planet. On this refreshing journey, immerse yourself in the world of the Maya on visits to mysterious jungle ruins, and glimpse the living traditions of this ancient civilisation as you learn to make tortillas alongside local women. Gain insights into community conservation at a wildlife sanctuary founded by a National Geographic grantee, and culminate your adventure on the idyllic isle of Caye Caulker, perched along the pristine Belize Barrier Reef.
Book your Belize adventure with Charitable Travel and donate 5% of the price to the charity of your choice at no extra cost!
Travel style: National Geographic Journeys. Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam- all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded. Quality accommodations and more inclusions, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 1 – Light. Light walking and hiking, suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group Experience. Max. 16, avg. 12
Age Requirement: 12+. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What’s Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tortilla-Making Lesson, San Ignacio
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Howler Monkey Experience, San Ignacio
- Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women’s Cooperative visit with Pottery Class and Local Lunch, San Ignacio
- Your G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye Caulker
- Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio
- Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
- Arrival transfer
- Lamanai guided site tour
- Xunantunich guided site excursion
- Farewell dinner at a local Caye Caulker restaurant
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Accommodations (Hotels)
- Meals (8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner, allow USD285-370 for meals not included.)
- Transportation (Private vehicle, water taxi, walking)
- Staff & experts (Chief Experience Officer throughout, local guides)
Itinerary
Day 1 – Belize City/ Burrell Boom
Arrive at any time in Belize City and transfer to our hotel, located just near the village of Burrell Boom.
Day 2 – Burrell Boom
Enjoy a full-day boat excursion to Lamanai—a Maya archaeological site dating from as early as 1,500 BC. Located on the wildlife-rich shores of the New River Lagoon and surrounded by dense jungle, Lamanai is one of the oldest known Maya sites in Central America. Explore the sprawling stone ruins with a local guide, and note the abundance of crocodile motifs at the site; the name “Lamanai” translates as “submerged crocodile” in the regional Maya dialect. Afterward, return to our hotel to relax at the patio bar and pool, or stroll the grounds to spot local wildlife.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 3 – Burrell Boom/ San Ignacio
This morning, we’ll visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, co-founded by National Geographic Grantee Dr. Robert Horwich. This community-run organisation is dedicated to the conservation of the Yucatán black howler monkey, locally called a baboon. Tour the sanctuary with a guide and observe these endangered monkeys in the wild. Then head to the village of San Antonio to visit a women’s cooperative. Try your hand at throwing clay in the cooperative’s pottery workshop, and learn how to prepare corn tortillas using ancient Maya techniques. After lunch, continue to the bustling town of San Ignacio.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your Journeys Highlight Moment Tortilla-Making Lesson| Your G for Good Moment San Antonio Women’s Cooperative visit with Pottery Class and Local Lunch| Your Journeys Highlight Moment Howler Monkey Experience
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 4 – San Ignacio
Discover the stunning Maya site of Xunantunich, built over a thousand years ago on a hilltop above the Mopan River. Climb the steps of El Castillo, the site’s tallest structure, to enjoy panoramic views of the jungle; and wander amid intricately carved stelae and well-preserved temples and palaces. Spend the afternoon at leisure, choosing from a variety of optional activities.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 – San Ignacio
Enjoy a free day to explore San Ignacio and the surrounding countryside. Opt to descend into the spiritual “underworld” of the Maya at the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, an ancient burial site where mysterious rituals took place; visit a butterfly garden to see the brightly coloured local species; or go canoeing or tubing through the region’s breathtaking limestone caves.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 – San Ignacio/ Caye Caulker
Drive back towards the coast and catch a ferry to Caye Caulker—one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful cayes or islands—located along the Belize Barrier Reef. Settle into your hotel in this breezy island paradise and choose to take a walk through laid-back Caye Caulker village, home to a small but diverse community of local residents and expats.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 – Caye Caulker
Set out to explore the island on a leisurely bike tour with a local guide from the Bike with Purpose project. This afternoon, opt for a snorkelling excursion on the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef on the planet. Come face-to-face with sea turtles, manta rays, parrotfish, nurse sharks, and other fascinating creatures as you swim through the warm tropical waters. In the evening, choose to take a relaxing sunset cruise around the island.
Exclusive Inclusions: Your G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour| Your Discover Moment
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 – Caye Caulker
Spend the day at leisure, opting to join a full-day sailing and snorkelling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve—the first marine reserve in Belize. Swim alongside schools of tropical fish in this spectacular natural aquarium and visit the Coral Gardens, perhaps spotting a manatee or two among the vibrant coral formations. Cap off the day with a cruise back to Caye Caulker just before sunset. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 9 – Caye Caulker
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Price is correct as of 22/08/2023
