National Geographic Journeys
9 Days • fr. $2,149
Belize offers so much more than the iconic Blue Hole! Dive right in and see for yourself on an Explore Belize tour. Discover Mayan archaeological ruins, Community Baboon Sanctuary, visit a cooperative pottery workshop and prepare your own corn tortillas using ancient techniques. Of course, there is also ample time to explore beneath the waves in the spectacular Belize Barrier Reef.
Beautiful Belize is full of historic sites, wildlife preserves, rich cultures and more. You'll happily do more than get your feet wet on this exciting vacation. Hike Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, built over a thousand years ago and climb the steps of El Castillo, the site’s tallest structure for exceptional views of the surrounding jungle. Visit a Yucatán black howler monkey sanctuary. Indulge your inner artisan by throwing some clay at a women's cooperative. There's an art to preparing traditional tortillas and you will have a fantastic opportunity to learn the traditions used. Stroll along the sandy main thoroughfare of gorgeous Caye Caulker and try the delicious lobster after a thrilling day spent snorkeling, sailing or biking. Optional endeavors available for purchase include a tour of butterfly gardens, a tour of the Mayan spiritual “underworld” at Actun Tunichil Muknal cave or a tubing excursion through natural limestone caves. This adventure truly has something to captivate all interests.
Burrell Boom, Belize
Arrive at any time in Belize City and transfer to your hotel, located just near the village of Burrell Boom. Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are free to arrive at any time to the Belize City airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel near Burrell Boom village, which is about 30 minutes from the airport. The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.
Black Orchid Hotel
Burrell Boom, Belize
Enjoy a full day boat excursion to Lamanai—a Mayan 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.
Breakfast, Lunch
Black Orchid Hotel
Burrell Boom, Belize
This morning, you’ll visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, co-founded by National Geographic Grantee Dr. Robert Horwich. This community-run organization 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.
San Antonio, Belize
Then head to the village of San Antonio to visit a G Adventures–supported women's cooperative. Try your hand at throwing clay in the cooperative’s pottery workshop, and learn how to prepare corn tortillas using ancient Mayan techniques. After lunch, continue to the bustling town of San Ignacio.
San Ignacio, Belize
The town of San Ignacio is situated on the banks of the Macal River. It is a perfect location to visit the surrounding countryside. All activities here are optional, so the choice is yours: explore the Mayan cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal, containing relics dating back 1400 years, visit the butterfly gardens, or go tubing or canoeing through the natural limestone caves of the region.
Breakfast, Lunch
Midas Resort
San Ignacio, Belize
Discover the stunning Mayan ruins 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.
Breakfast
Midas Resort
San Ignacio, Belize
Enjoy a free day to explore San Ignacio and the surrounding countryside. Opt to descend into the spiritual “underworld” of the Mayans at the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, an ancient burial site where mysterious rituals took place; visit a butterfly garden to see the brightly colored local species; or go canoeing or tubing through the region’s breathtaking limestone caves.
Breakfast
Midas Resort
Caye Caulker, Belize
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.
Caye Caulker is a long thin limestone caye off the coast of Belize. Fewer than 2,000 people live here full-time – an eclectic mix of Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, Creole, and Mennonites, along with a few hippies and retirees. The main street is a sandy pathway and people get around on foot, by bike or golf cart. Apart from eating some sensational seafood (lobster is a local specialty), the main activity is snorkeling and boating along the nearby Belize Barrier Reef.
Breakfast
La Isla Resort
Caye Caulker, Belize
Set out to explore the island on a leisurely bike tour with a local guide from the G Adventures–supported 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.
Breakfast
La Isla Resort
Caye Caulker, Belize
Spend the day at leisure, opting to join a full-day sailing and snorkeling 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, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.
Breakfast, Dinner
La Isla Resort
Belize, Belize
Depart at any time. This trip finishes on Caye Caulker, which is located one hour by water taxi from Belize City (an additional 30 minutes by taxi to the airport). There are frequent ferry departures between 7:30am and 5:00pm. You can purchase your return ferry ticket easily once you get to Caye Caulker.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.
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