Immerse yourself in Mayan history and culture on our Belize and Guatemala Explorer tour. Enjoy a relaxing canoe tour through Barton Creek Cave followed by a visit to Xunantunich, one of Belize's most important Mayan ruins, or for a more adventurous cave exploration, hike through the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and explore Actun Tunichil Muknal, the Cave of the Stone Sepulchre, featured in the National Geographic Explorer film Journey Through the Underworld (1993). Here, among beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, see numerous cultural artifacts used by the Maya in their ritual ceremonies, and view the remains of a Maya princess as she was laid to rest centuries ago.
Finish up your time in the jungle with a day trip to Tikal, the greatest of all Classic Maya cities in Guatemala. End your trip on Ambergris Caye, a laid-back island protected by the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world. Snorkel in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve among nurse sharks and stingrays and spend an idyllic afternoon on Caye Caulker. This trip is a wonderful vacation packed with jungle adventure, ruins, and beach relaxation—a tantalizing taste of what Belize has to offer along with the spectacular ruins of Tikal in Guatemala.
March 20: Arrive in Belize City
Arrive at Belize International Airport (BZE). Meet your driver just outside the baggage collection area and drive approximately 2.5 hours to your jungle lodge. Spend the remainder of the afternoon settling into the lodge and begin to soak in the relaxed Belizean lifestyle. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at the jungle lodge.
March 21: Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulchre) or Barton Creek Cave and Xunantunich
Today you have the choice of exploring one of two different caves.
- If you relish adventure, Actun Tunichil Muknal, the Cave of the Stone Sepulchre, is for you. Located near Teakettle Village in the Cayo District, the cave is 1.5 hours from our lodge and requires a 45-minute nature hike to reach the entrance. The hike includes three stream crossings and passes through the 6,700-acre Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Witness the Maya Mountains and watch for tapirs, jaguars, and howler monkeys while trekking along remote jungle trails.
At the cave's entrance gear up with helmets and waterproof headlamps before swimming through the emerald-colored water flowing from the cave's gaping mouth. See burial chambers with calcified remains, ceremonial vessels, and much more. Observe numerous cultural artifacts used by the Maya in their ritual ceremonies, and see the remains of a Maya princess as she was laid to rest centuries ago. The caves are full of beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Because artifacts are often looted from caves following their discovery, only a few select guides have permission from the Belize Department of Archaeology to take visitors into this special cave. To this day the cave has not been looted, and nearly all of the cultural artifacts have remained as they were found in 1989. This tour is physically demanding and requires climbing over rocks, squeezing through small spaces, swimming short distances, walking through chest-deep water, and climbing over ledges. It is not a tour for anyone with a fear of heights or tight spaces.
- If you would prefer an easier and more relaxing cave tour, the Barton Creek Cave is a better option. The trip starts with a drive toward the Mountain Pine Ridge along the Chiquibul Road and through a picturesque Dutch Mennonite farm community. Along the way, stop at the Belize Butterfly Farm. A guide from the garden will explain the life cycle of these fascinating creatures and talk about the work being done to preserve Belize's many butterfly varieties.
Once you arrive at the cave, sit back, relax, and glide through a remote underground water cave system in a canoe equipped with powerful spotlights. Marvel at the amazing formations inside the huge cave believed by the Maya to be the Underworld, "Xibalba" (pronounced SheeBALba), the kingdom of their gods. Float under stalactites, see ancient skeletons and pottery, and prepare to be awestruck by cathedral-like caverns. It is believed that the Maya once used this cave for ritual burials. Marvel at the five-million-year-old speleothems over 50 feet high as your knowledgeable guide explains the Maya's beliefs about the underworld. You also will have a chance to swim by a small waterfall at the mouth of the cave. In the afternoon visit Xunantunich, one of Belize's most important Mayan ruins.
March 22: Tikal Ruins of Guatemala
After an early morning breakfast, depart for a full-day trip to Tikal, Guatemala, the greatest of all Classic Maya cities, located about 50 miles from the Belize border. Set in the jungle canopy, the site consists of more than 3,000 buildings, including a handful of impressively tall temples that tower above the forest. The ancient Maya began building Tikal around 600 B.C., and at one point an estimated 100,000 Maya thrived in this ancient city. Sprawling over 46 square miles, Tikal was one of the greatest centers of Maya culture and an important religious, scientific, and political center. Pyramids to honor dead kings were built, administrative buildings rose, storage houses appeared, and houses for royalty were carved out of the jungle.
The site of Tikal is a national park. In addition to its numerous well-excavated temples and pyramids, Tikal presents an excellent opportunity for animal and bird watching. The pristine forest engulfing the ruined city is home to howler and spider monkeys, white-lipped peccary, brocket deer, gray foxes, coatimundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots, red coatis, and the seldom seen jaguar. The UNESCO World Heritage group declared Tikal both a Natural and Cultural Heritage Site for Humanity.
March 23: Belize Zoo, Transfer to Ambergris Caye, Beach Relaxation
After breakfast, visit the Belize Zoo, home to more than 125 animals native to Belize. Many of the animals were orphaned or rescued, and the zoo's mission is to educate people about the importance of protecting the natural habitats that sustain these animals in the wild.
Drive to the Belize City Municipal Airport and take a 15-minute flight over the crystal Caribbean waters to Ambergris Caye. Transfer to an idyllic beach resort and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, relaxing on the beautiful white-sand beach or exploring the laid-back town of San Pedro.
March 24: Ambergris Caye in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Caye Caulker
After breakfast, snorkel at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, known to have the most prolific fish life on the reef. The underwater world includes sea turtles, eagle rays, nurse sharks, and hundreds of species of fish, coral, and sponges that make up one of the world's most diverse underwater ecosystems. Continue on to Caye Caulker for lunch on your own and free time to relax on the beach or stroll through the lobster-fishing village. Return to Ambergris Caye in the mid-afternoon, stopping to snorkel on the way. Enjoy a farewell drink and dinner with the group.
March 25: Return Home
Enjoy a relaxing morning on Ambergris Caye before departing for the San Pedro Airport for your flight to the Belize International Airport to connect to international flights home.
Prices start at $2,590.
The trip will be accompanied by faculty member from Colby, Colgate University, or Hamilton College.
|
 
| |
