Tentative Schedule For Belize Trip

January 7th, 2010

The group will fly into Belize, arriving in the early afternoon. After retrieving your bags and clearing customs you will be met by an IZE representative and board a chartered bus for the ride to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.  Dinner and Lodging at Cockscomb.

January 8th, 9th & 10th , 2010

While here, you will have an opportunity to hike the areas many trails and view its abundant wildlife. There will be two guided tours each day while at Cockscomb.  Three meals and lodging at Cockscomb included.

January 11th   -

We will board a chartered bus for the ride to Blue Creek Rainforest Station. On the way, a stop will be made at a site where we should be able to see Scarlet McCaws. We will also tour the Mayan ruins of Lubaantun and have a boxed lunch. We will arrive at Blue Creek Village to begin the 1/3 mile trek along the Blue Creek River to the Station. You may choose to use Mayan villagers as porters to carry your bags to the station for a fee ($5.00 - $10.00US per bag). Upon arriving at the station you will be given an orientation to the facilities.  Breakfast and boxed lunch included.  Dinner and night spent at Blue Creek.

January 12th - 16th, 2010

Blue Creek Station is located in the remote, largely unexplored mountains of southern Belize. The site is situated on the banks of a clear, wild, tropical river, densely populated by many species of freshwater fish. Several trails are accessible from Blue Creek and allow for observation of hundreds of species of exotic birds and plants, and dozens of species of reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Large, spectacular limestone caves, some with Mayan hieroglyphics, are scattered throughout this area. We will be given a choice of activities to do during the day. Included in the options will be:

1) An ethno-botany walk- A centuries old history of medicinal and other useful plants of the rainforest will be presented on this walk.

2) Short cave hike-Plan to spend up to 1 ˆ hours in one of the most spectacular limestone caves in Belize.  Stalactites hang from the ceiling, and colonies of bats dwell in the darkest crevices.  Be sure to take along your camera and flashlight.

3) Iguana hike-Swim and hike along the river as your guides look for iguanas in the overhanging trees, and then give you the opportunity to catch and view them first hand.  

4) Jungle climb-Try a rugged jungle hike! Take along your water Bottle and insect repellent as up to 6 persons enjoy this 4 hour expedition.

5) Monkey hike-The howlers, known locally as baboon, are out there, but they may be a 3 or 4 hour hike away from the lodge!  Insect spray, water bottle, and camera a must.

6) Bird Walk-Wake to the melodic sounds of the nightingale wren at 5:30AM, and then head out at 6:00 to enjoy a dynamic diversity of birds with a local guide.  Bring along your binoculars!

You will have an opportunity to learn about the Mayan culture by experiencing Blue Creek Village and its residents.

Students can snorkel in the river to observe many species of fresh water fish, crabs and shrimp.

Some evenings will be spent on night walks to look for nocturnal animals.

Lodging and three meals each day while at Blue Creek.

January 17th

After breakfast, the group will board a chartered bus for the ride to  Dangriga. You will be taken for a Creole Cultural lunch offered by Hawthornes at the New Site ($7US per person). A boat captain will pick us up at IZE's Sophie's Dock and you will board a boat for the 45-minute trip to South Water Caye. The island is located just 14 miles off the coast of Dangriga and sits directly on the barrier reef. It is small, covered with coconut palms, tropical flowers, and white sand and is completely private. There is fantastic snorkeling and scuba in crystal clear 86-degree waters with an abundance of fish and coral like nowhere in the world. The island has been named by U.N.E.S.C.O. as a "World Heritage Site" and the Government of Belize has made South Water Caye a "National Park". Your group will be staying in one of our dorm facilities.  The site also has a marine research lab, library and a dining hall / lecture room. We will receive an orientation to the island and have a chance to get settled.  Breakfast and dinner are included but the group will need to purchase lunch in Dangrgia.

Lodging on South Water Caye.

January 18th - 24th, 2010

Activities on South Water Caye.

3 meals each day included.

January 25th , 2010

The group will board the boat after breakfast for the ride back to Dangriga. Once there, you will board a chartered bus for the ride to the Tropical Education Center. We will have dinner and then have a night tour of the Zoo.

January 26th, 2010

We will take a bus back to Belize International Airport and your flight home.  Breakfast included.