Belize-Guatemala Multi-Sport
8 Days & 7 Nights
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Day 1:
Arrive Belize City, transfer to Chaa Creek Resort, Belize Zoo Tour & Canoeing the Macal River, Macal River Jungle Camp (011-501-91-2009 / shared baths)
We meet in Belize City at 9:00 a.m. and then shuttle west to the award-winning Chaa Creek Resort and the heart of Belize’s tropical forest. Along the way we visit the one-of-a-kind Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Center for an up-close introduction to Belizean wildlife. The center is home to more than 125 rare and colorful creatures’ native to Belize who don’t live in cages but in private patches of enclosed native forest. You’re likely to see several of these species in the wild as the trip unfolds. In mid-afternoon we venture down the Macal River on a self-guided canoe trip to the village of San Ignacio, where we’re picked up and shuttled back to the Jungle Camp. This is a gentle float and a relaxing way to experience the beautiful countryside from yet another active means of transportation. Our lodging for the next three evenings is Chaa Creek’s Macal River Jungle Camp, one of Belize's finest eco-retreats. We stay in comfortable casitas set on raised wooden platforms nestled in the forest above the Macal River. Wildlife surrounds you with over 250 species of birds having been sighted on the grounds. Go to sleep to the sounds of frogs and crickets and awaken to the sights and sounds of toucans and parrots in the trees outside your window. Mayan cooks prepare delicious local meals on an open hearth and serve them under an open-air thatched palapa.
• 2-hour shuttle from Belize City to Chaa Creek
• Tour of Belize Zoo and Tropical Educational Center en route [1-2 hours]
• Canoeing the Macal River [approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours on the river]
Day 2:
Mountain Bike to Xunantunich & Swimming/Butterfly Camp, Macal River Jungle Camp
We begin this morning with a mountain bike journey which takes us from Chaa Creek to the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich (“Stone Lady”). After crossing the Mopan River on a hand-crank ferry, we cycle up to Xunantunich and climb El Castillo, the tall pyramid at the site with unique friezes and a grand view of the surrounding Belizean jungle. We stop for lunch at Clarissa Falls before concluding our ride back to Chaa Creek. Later this afternoon we have the time to visit Chaa Creek’s Butterfly Farm and Natural History Center, enjoying a refreshing swim in the Macal River or relaxing in the hammocks at our casitas.
• Biking to Xunantunich and Clarissa Falls on dirt roads and trails [14 miles, downhill initially and concluding with a climb back to Chaa Creek]
• Leisurely afternoon with a visit to Chaa Creek’s Butterfly Farm & Natural History Center and/or a late afternoon swim back at Camp
Day 3:
Horseback Riding, Exploring Che Chem Ha Cave, Hiking to Black Rock, Macal River Jungle Camp
This morning starts with a horseback ride through the pastures and jungle of the Chaa Creek property, with an opportunity to gallop a bit if you so desire. We then shuttle for 45 minutes to tour the remarkable Che Chem Ha (“Falling Waters”) Cave. After lunch in the family home, we’re led up a short but steep trail to the cave by William, who discovered the cave in 1989 as a teen while searching for palm leaves to thatch the roof. Donning our headlamps (there is no electricity in the cave) we feel like we’re among the first to experience this cave and marvel at its intact 2,000 year-old Mayan pottery and superb crystalline dripstone formations. Following our return to the family compound, we hike off of the Vaca Plateau and down to the Macal River Gorge. Continuing beneath the limestone cliffs along the Macal River, we complete our journey with a well-earned swim at Black Rock. Time permitting; we enjoy a drink at the lodge perched high above the river before shuttling 30 minutes back to Chaa Creek. This is a full but highly satisfying day of xploration and activity.
• Horseback riding [2 hours]
• Hiking to and from Che Chem Ha Cave [2 miles roundtrip] and cave tour [about 300 yards in and back out again], total of 2-1/2 hours
• Hiking to the Macal River Gorge and Swimming at Black Rock [4 miles, 2 hours]
Day 4:
Tikal National Park, Guatemala, The Tikal Jungle Lodge (011-502- 476-8775 / private baths)
This morning we journey to Guatemala's world famous Tikal National Park. No other Mayan ruin can compare to Tikal’s majestic architecture and spectacular jungle setting. Tikal has six major temples, hundreds of other structures and once was home to nearly 100,000 Mayans. Equally as intriguing as the temples and ruins themselves are the sacred ceiba, gumbo-limbo, strangler fig and other trees of the jungle and the plentiful wildlife that call Tikal home. Accompanied by a licensed Guatemalan guide, we’re likely to see black howler monkeys (with a “roar” that once heard you’ll never forget), the graceful and playful spider monkeys, a multitude of toucans, parrots and kites, the colorful oscillated turkey, coatimundis and agoutis, armies of leaf-cutter ants on the march, and possibly a gray fox or crocodile near the lagoon by the visitor center. A spectacular way to conclude the day is to sit above the jungle canopy, scope the birds through your inoculars, and photograph the sunset from atop Mundo Perdido ("Lost World”) After a full afternoon of exploration, we overnight at the park entrance at the Tikal Jungle Lodge where a local dinner and lively conversation round out the day.
• 2-1/2 hour shuttle from Chaa Creek to Tikal National Park
• Hiking, temple climbs, and birding [approximately 5-6 miles of walking, 4 to 5 hours including interpretive guiding]
Day 5:
Transfer to Hopkins via Hummingbird Highway, Almond Beach at Jaguar Reef Lodge (1-866-424-1516 / private bathrooms)
This morning we will likely be awakened by “Tikal’s alarm clock”, the roar of black howler monkeys from the trees above the lodge. After breakfast, we travel back to Belize and onto the Caribbean Coast via the scenic and unforgettable Hummingbird Highway. Edging along the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains, this spectacular road connects Belize from east to west. Along the way we stop at the famed Blue Hole National Park, where an underground river emerges briefly into a tree- and flower-lined pool.
After a refreshing swim and delicious lunch, we continue our trek across the Maya Mountains toward the Caribbean. Time permitting; we stop at Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce factory. This world renowned hot sauce (and a Belizean meal staple) uses all natural ingredients and is processed by hand. Our accommodations for the next three nights are at Almond Beach at Jaguar Reef Lodge. These beachside casitas welcome the gentle coastal breezes and help us rejuvenate after our daily activities. Tonight we dine on Caribbean fare and, with luck, listen to local Garafuna music. • Shuttle from Tikal to Jaguar Reef Lodge (3.5 hours to Blue Hole, 2.0 hours to Jaguar Reef Lodge)
• Blue Hole National Park (lunch and short hike)
• Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce Factory tour (time permitting, 1 hour)
Day 6:
Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, Almond Beach at Jaguar Reef Lodge
We begin our journey from Coco Plum Cay and proceed through the cays to the barrier reef. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest unbroken barrier reef in the world, stretching some 200 miles, spanning the entire length of Belize. Your guide will swim along with you and point out the many sea creatures that inhabit this massive reef system including lobsters, eels, nurse sharks and several varieties of rays. We take a lunch break on South Water Cay where there is a nice beach ideal for swimming. After a relaxing lunch we proceed south and take more time to snorkel and explore the reef system before returning to the lodge at mid afternoon. Scuba diving is available at additional cost.
• Snorkeling tour (depending on sea conditions), 6-8 hours
NOTE: Divers must bring proof of current certification. We must be informed if you wish to dive at the time of booking.
• Scuba diving [optional, $80 USD additional charge for two dives, including equipment rental]
Day 7:
Hiking Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Almond Beach at Jaguar Reef Lodge
After breakfast we shuttle to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Reserve, the world’s only jaguar reserve. Situated in the shadow of the Maya Mountains, the Reserve encompasses 100,000 acres of tropical moist forest, and includes Victoria Peak, the highest point in Belize at 3,675 feet. The Reserve is home to all five species of Belizean jungle cats -- jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis -- as well as tapir, paca, deer, peccary (the jaguar's favorite meal), black howler monkeys (the rainforest's loudest animals), several species of amphibians and snakes. Almost 300 species of birds have been identified here, including the scarlet macaw and Montezuma oropendola. This is a true paradise for those interested in viewing wildlife and spectacular flora. Today we hike on well-groomed trails through a variety of lush tropical forest habitats. One of our favorite trails is Ben's Bluff, which takes us to a ridge where jaguars have been studied using radio telemetry. We also have the opportunity to cool off in one of the numerous swimming holes found in "the Cockscomb". By mid-afternoon we begin our journey back to the Lodge.
• Hiking in Cockscomb (approximately 500 feet of elevation gain/loss, 4-6 hours, 4-6 miles)
Day 8:
Belize City, Flights Home
After our last breakfast together, we shuttle to the Dangriga airstrip and take the scenic flight back to Belize City at 10:25 a.m. We arrive at Belize International Airport at approximately 10:50 p.m. and transfer to return flights home.
• 45-minute shuttle to Dangriga airstrip
• 25-minute fight to Belize City (departs 10:25 a.m., arrives 10:50 p.m.)
Gateway City: Belize City, Belize
Meeting Time & Place: 9:00 a.m. on Day 1 in front of The Great House Hotel (011-501-223-3400) in Belize City.
Trip Conclusion: Approximately 11:00 a.m. on Day 8 at the Belize International Airport, Belize City. A departure tax
of U.S. $20 and a passenger security screening fee of U.S. $1.25 are required at departure.
Flights Between Dangriga and Belize City: Flight from Dangriga to Belize City on Day 8 leaves at approximately 10:25 a.m. and
arrives at approximately 10:50 a.m.
Trip Fees Include: Meals (lunch Day 1 - breakfast Day 8; breakfast at Jaguar Reef Lodge is a continental buffet, not an American
breakfast), accommodations and activities as described in the itinerary, equipment for included activities, van transfers, park entrance
fees, flight between Dangriga and Belize City, and professional guides.
Trip Fees Exclude: Airfare to and from Belize, any pre- or post-trip lodging, optional activities such as scuba diving and scuba
equipment, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, hotel transfers to and from Belize International Airport before or
after the trip, airport departure taxes and screening fees (currently a total of U.S. $21.25), a conservation fee of U.S. $3.75 paid when
exiting Belize en route to Guatemala.
Special Requests:
If you have any special dietary needs or any special request that will make your trip more enjoyable, please be sure to notify your
us upon booking.
Questions & Answers:
What weather conditions can I expect?
December through May in Belize to take advantage of the dry season which has the most reliable weather. But storms can still disrupt our schedule and delays may occur. For more information check out the Central American weather site on the internet: http://www.intellicast.com, enter Belize under the country prompt, then double click Belize City.
How difficult is this trip...Really?
No experience is required for any activity, but this is an activity-oriented trip. We will spend
three to six hours a day in moderately strenuous activities. There will be lots of walking involved in the tour of Tikal.
Tour Operator: This tour was designed by The World Outdoors and is conducted by a local tour operator – Chaa Creek Resort
selected for their reputation, service and reliability. Bilingual guides from Chaa Creek will lead all activities for the entire tour.
Emergency Contact Information Belize: Chaa Creek – 011-501-91-20009 (Front Desk), Roberts’s Grove – 1-800-565-9757
The World Outdoors: Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m Mountain time. For emergencies after hours
please contact Bill Marriner 720-289-0460 cell or Dean Barta 303-570-4545 cell.
In general, what are the accommodations like?
• Macal River Jungle Camp:
Ten raised casitas (a platform cottage with screen siding and tent roof) are set in a secluded forest
clearing on the banks of the peaceful Macal River a 10 minute walk from the main Chaa Creek compound. Each casita is
comfortably appointed with a porch and hammock, two twin beds and kerosene lighting. The camp provides hot water showers
and clean, modern bathroom facilities with solar powered lighting. Friendly Mayan hosts serve traditional Belizean meals in a
spacious central thatch-roof palapa where travelers can relax and swap tales with new friends over an ice-cold Belikin beer.
• The Jungle Lodge:
The most comfortable and most interesting place to stay in Tikal National Park, this classic jungle lodge
consists of a swimming pool, private bathrooms and is set in the rainforest just outside of the park entrance. You’re likely to
see and hear black howler monkeys right outside your cottage.
• Almond Beach at Jaguar Reef Lodge:
Almond Beach is a brand new resort (Spring 2005) built alongside the famous Jaguar
Reef Lodge, a resort that for the past fifteen years has personified adventure travel at its finest. Almond Beach has private,
luxurious, beachside accommodations to return to after a high energy day of diving, snorkeling or exploring the magic of
Belize…all of this in a small, boutique resort, with every unit offering individually controlled air conditioners, luxurious
bathrooms, local, hand carved furniture, artwork and pottery. Dining will be at the restaurant at Jaguar Reef Lodge.
Money in Belize:
The exchange rate is two Belize dollars per U.S. dollar. There is no need to convert your money as U.S. dollars
are accepted everywhere. It is best to have cash (bring small bills) for smaller purchases, cabs and isolated areas that we may visit.
Medical Information:
You should be vaccinated within the past five years for tetanus, and we recommend that you talk to your
doctor about malaria, hepatitis, and allergic reactions to marine life. The biggest hazard on our trip is sunburn so be careful for the
first few days; bad sunburn can spoil your trip.
Insects:
Although insects are not typically a major problem during the dry season when our trips are scheduled, ticks, flies and mosquitoes do exist and can be bothersome. Bug spray with at least 15% DEET is highly recommend.
Food & Water:
The best bet is to drink bottled water. We recommend you do not drink tap water unless you have been told that it is safe to drink. The water is safe to drink at Chaa Creek and Jaguar Reef. Bottled water is readily available throughout the country. The Belizean diet is mostly borrowed from the U.K., Caribbean, Mexico, and the USA. Chicken, rice and beans are the staples, fruits and vegetables are excellent, and there is a variety of fresh local seafood.
Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodation Recommendation:
• The Great House:
Meticulously restored 1927 grand colonial; oversized rooms feature lemon-washed walls, pine floors
and numerous amenities. Full bar and restaurant http://www.greathousebelize.com/ (501-223-3400 / private baths)
• Radisson Fort George Hotel:
Centrally located, swimming pool, commanding views of the sea. Full bar and restaurant
http://www.radisson.com/belizecitybz (800-333-3333 / private baths)
• Villa Boscardi: Family
Oowned and operated B&B, quiet residential location, European charm, one block from the
Caribbean. http://www.villaboscardi.com/welcome.html (501-223-1691/private baths)
• We're Always Improving!
While the information presented here details this trip's planned activities, routes, accommodations, departure and conclusion times, we are consistently seeking new opportunities to enhance this itinerary and your experience. Our actual activities and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. As a result, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary since unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Naturally, we will keep you up-to-date on any
changes that may affect your arrival or departure times.