Christa's
Exotic Belize Adventure Holiday TripBelize
Holiday Adventure Itinerary January 28 - February 6, 2005Day
1: Arrival / Belize City Meet and
Greet on arrival at Belize International Airport. Ground transfer to Belize
City and the Princess Hotel & Casino. Hotel check-in. Overnight. Day
2: Lamanai Mayan Ruins & The New River This
is one of the most interesting tours in Belize. A 45-minute drive up the
Northern Highway, passing through rural villages and lowlands with many bird
species, brings you to Tower Hill where you board a riverboat and head up
the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is
easy to encounter many species of birds including hawks, kites and falcons.
Dainty Jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while the elusive crocodiles
bask in the morning sunlight. The river is lined with hardwood trees with
lots of orchids and bromeliads. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon,
the ruins of Lamanai (Mayan for Submerged Crocodile) rise into view.
Once at the site you tour the small museum that features many ancient relics
found at Lamanai. You then embark on a 1.5 mile jungle hike to visit the
"Temples of the Mask", one of the tallest Mayan pyramids; the stucco
mask of the Sun God "Kinich Ahau"; an elaborate carved stellae;
and the "Temple of the Jaguar Masks" which all seem to materialize
out of the rainforest amid the chatter of bird life and the haunting call
of the howler monkeys. Your guide will point out the Copal and Ramon trees,
which were of great importance in ancient times. For the jungle hike you
will need insect repellant and sturdy walking shoes. At the end of the tour
you will have lunch under thatched palapas near the Lagoon's edge. After
lunch, time is available for more sightseeing in the rainforest. You then
return to the river boat for cruise back to Tower Hill and continuation tour
bus drive to Belize City. Overnight at the Princess Hotel & Casino.
(Buffet Breakfast, Packed Lunch) Day
3: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Early
morning departure for half-day of bird-watching. Located only 30 miles up
the Northern Highway is a Mecca for nature enthusiasts, especially bird lovers.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary provides a habitat for over 360 species of
birds. The majestic Jabiru Stork, largest bird in the western hemisphere
with a wingspan of over 8 feet, can be found nesting in these wetlands. Once
you have crossed the causeway that divides the large lagoon, your guide will
take you through the rustic village of Crooked Tree, famous for it's abundance
of "cashew nut" fruit trees. Local legend has it that the cashew
was the only fruit created by the devil. Return drive to Belize City with
arrival by mid-day. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the Princess
Hotel & Casino. (Buffet Breakfast) Day
4: Cave Tubing / Western Highlands of Belize Departure
from Belize City to the Western Highlands of Belize (San Ignacio, Cayo -
pronounced Ky-o - District). A 1.25 hour transfer from Belize City on the
Western Highway brings you to the Caves Branch River and its winding path
through the Maya Mountains and numerous ancient caves once inhabited by the
Maya. On arriving at Jaguar Paw Resort, be prepared for a 45-minute jungle
trail hike. Your guide will point out various plants, roots and herbs once
used by the ancient Maya. The entrance tunnel that heads into the underground
cave system is the start of an "eye opening" adventure. Your guide
hands out flashlights, and you are ready to float in inflated inner tubes
assisted by gentle currents taking you through the cave system. Intricate
crystalline formations line the caves and stalagmites and stalactites add
to the serene opulence of nature. After lunch you will have an opportunity
for swimming and relaxing before boarding the tour bus for continuation drive
to San Ignacio Town. Hotel check-in. Overnight at San Ignacio Hotel. (Buffet
Breakfast, Lunch) Day
5: Caracol / Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve The
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is teaming with hills and valleys, rivers
and waterfalls and swimming holes and caves all surrounded by the majestic
beauty of the tropical pine forest. We will first visit the Caracol Mayan
Ruins located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol (The Snail) is considered
one of Belize's flagship Mayan sites and its history actually tells of a
military victory over Tikal. The largest pyramid found here is Caana (Mayan
for Sky Place) which rises 140 feet of the forest floor. After lunch
we will visit Rio Frio Caves and the Rio On Rapids and Pools. Bring along
your binoculars, as there is much exotic flora and fauna to see that are
endemic to this extremely rough, but beautiful part of the country. Late
afternoon return drive to your hotel. Overnight at San Ignacio Hotel. (Breakfast,
Lunch) Day 6: Panti
Medicinal Trails & The Macal River A
short drive from your hotel brings you to the Panti Maya Medicinal Trail.
Your guide will point out plants and herbs still used by Belizeans for medicinal
purposes. In the afternoon you will board self-paddled canoes and travel
along the high limestone cliffs of the Macal Branch of the Belize River.
Look for parrots, toucans and iguanas, as they perch from trees along the
river banks. Return drive to your hotel. Overnight at San Ignacio Hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch) Day
7: Xunantunich / Belize City / Ambergris Caye
Departure from your hotel for 15 minute drive via the Western Highway to
the impressive Maya site of Xunantunich. Before reaching the entrance of
this ancient city, you are taken across the Mopan River by a 19th century
ferry. "El Castillo" (The Castle), is the largest temple at Xunantunich
and shows it's dominance by its towering height. From the top of "El
Castillo" view the panoramic vistas of the surrounding rain forests
in the Cayo District as well as the bordering towns between Belize and Guatemala.
This segment of the tour is followed by lunch. En route to Belize City you
will make a stop at the Wildlife Habitat known as The Belize Zoo created
as a sanctuary for the country's indigenous species. The Belize Zoo was
first intended for animals which were injured or donated to the facility
and could not be returned to the wild. This is home for an impressive array
of Large cats, Primates, reptiles and birds, which gives you the opportunity
of viewing Belize's prolific wildlife in one location. On arrival in Belize
City the group will be taken to the Municipal Airport for 15-minute air transfer
on commuter aircraft to Ambergris Caye. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight
at SunBreeze Beach Hotel or Tropica Beach Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day
8 - 9: Free days or Options listed below (Some exciting sample options are
listed below - Subject to availability.) Day
free or optional activity available. Overnights at SunBreeze Beach Hotel or
Tropica Beach Resort (Breakfast daily) 1.
SNORKEL AT HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE & SHARK RAY ALLEY
Your choice of morning or afternoon departure for half day snorkel tour at
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. You will snorkel in incredibly
clear waters and have a personal encounter with nurse sharks and graceful
stingrays. Snorkeler - Optional : $40.00
US per person (includes entry fees and snorkel equipment) (Option will be
offered by local guide - price subject to change.) 2.
BACALAR CHICO MARINE & WILDLIFE RESERVE, DAY TRIP: Over
60 square kilometers, and accessible only by sea, Bacalar Chico one of Belize's
newest reserves is located on the northern tip of Ambergris Caye and overlooking
the Bay of Chetumal, Mexico. Bacalar Chico is vastly inhabited by birds, crocodiles
and marine life. Of special note is the nesting of Green and Loggerhead Turtles
in the area. During a recent study in the area, within an hours count, 1400
birds of 10 different species were identified. Your adventure starts at
9am and includes a scrumptious Belizean picnic lunch, plenty water and drinks,
2 snorkel stops and 2 extraordinary dives and superb site seeing! Bacalar
Chico offers an incredible wall dive and an uncommon dive through 'braided'
canyons, particular only in this area. As we wrap around the island you encounter
crocodiles basking along the mangroves, manatees gently swimming by and scenery
fit for day dreams! Snorkler : Optional - $85.00
US per person Diver: Optional - $125.00 US per person (Option will be
offered by local guide - price subject to change.) 3.
AMBERGRIS CAYE REEF DIVING: Ambergris Caye lies
1/2 miles off the 2nd largest Barrier Reef, the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
Our people proudly preserving the underwater world have assured the abundant
myriad of marine life. Ambergris Caye Reef Diving sites are 10-15 minute boat
rides from our dock. And the dives are absolutely spectacular, as you glide
through tunnels, spur and grove canyons and wrecks boasting encounters with
turtles, eagle rays, groupers, sharks and elusive Caribbean fishes. The backdrop
of land below colorfully dotted by coral, sponges, sea fans... of textures
and shades unlike any other. 2-tank dive: Optional
: $60.00 US per person (tanks, weights, belts, drinking water, sodas and fresh
fruit included) (Option will be offered by local guide - price subject to
change.) Day 10: Transfer out Transfer
from your hotel to the San Pedro Airport. Air transfer on commuter aircraft
to the Belize International Airport. (Breakfast) End
of a Great Trip! SERVICES END.
SUGGESTED HOTELS:
Princess Hotel & Casino
(Belize City) or similar: Location: Situated on Newtown Barracks near the
business district on eight private acres overlooking the Caribbean Sea (NO
BEACH). Twenty minutes from the International Airport. Facilities &
Amenities: Casino, Restaurants, Bar & Grill, Beauty Parlor, Lounge, Out-door
Swimming Pool, 2 Movie Theaters, Bowling Alley, Gift Shop, Fitness Room,
Full Service Marina, Guest Service Desk, Discovery Expeditions Tour Desk,
Business Center and 2 Conference Rooms. Rooms: 180 ocean view rooms with
private bath, AC, fans, telephone, cable TV, radio and safety deposit box.
43 standard (1st & 2nd floors); 66 deluxe (3rd & 4th floors); 66
superior (5th & 6th floors); 4 junior suites (2nd & 3rd floors) and
1 presidential suite (4th floor). San Ignacio
Hotel (San Ignacio Town, Cayo District) or similar: Location: Just 72 miles
west of Belize City, this resort is nestled on a hill along the Macal River
in San Ignacio Town offering "The only jungle in town". Facilities
& Amenities: Tour desk, conference room, restaurant, lounge, bar, dinning
room, bar, swimming pool, ping pong, Green Iguana hatchery, and gift shop,
and casino. Rooms: 20 individual rooms with AC, cable TV, private bath, fans
and telephone (and some with balconies and some overlooking jungle gardens).
Tropica Beach Resort or SunBreeze Beach Hotel (Ambergris Caye) or similar:
Tropica
Beach Resort: Location: Just over a mile south of San Pedro town. Facilities
& Amenities: Restaurant and bar, swimming pool and pier. Rooms: 16 oceanfront
& 16 oceanview rooms with AC, fans, private bath and verandah. SunBreeze
Beach Hotel: Location: Just across the street from the San Pedro Airport in
San Pedro Town. Facilities & Amenities: Swimming pool, gift shop, dive
shop, pier, and massage studio. Rooms: 39 A/C rooms (ocean and garden
views), 2 double beds, ceiling fans, phone, cable TV, private bath.
Includes: * Meet and Greet upon arrival * All domestic ground and air
transportation as outlined *Hotel accommodation as listed or similar *
All tour activity as outlined with local tour guide/escort throughout * Entrance
fees to sites visited * Equipment on Cave Tubing and snorkel tour * Nine
nights hotel accommodations (3 Belize City + 3 Cayo District + 3 Ambergris
Caye) * Hotel taxes * Daily Breakfast (9 total) * Lunch on tours (5
total)
Does not include: *Incidentals
*International airfare * Tips or gratuities to local guides and in restaurants
*Beverages *Any meals not mentioned above * Departure tax of $35.00 US
per person(recently revised) *Travel or Medical Insurance **Please
note that the above is a proposal only.....no space is currently being held. Booking:
Note Christa's Trip in the Memo area
of your cheque. Make sure your "passport name" appears on your cheque.
Please confirm your intentions for booking. Once
confirmed by you in writing, we will hold space for your group until 60 days prior
to the departure. Each passenger must fill out a booking form, with a non-refundable
deposit of $200 to confirm their spot. Full non-refundable payment will then be
due 60 days prior to departure. Please also note that any additional bookings
made within 60 days of departure are subject to availability at hotels.
Please indicate if you require Travel Insurance. FILL
IN YOUR LAND & AIR BOOKING FORMS TODAY. SAVE
$100 on Belize! We'll each get $248 off with 16! Members SAVE a total of $298
with 16!!! Get your
$40 Annual Membership Card and get 3 FREE consecutive Park walks or 3
FREE RSVP tokens. Save an extra $50 on our Belize Trip. Bring everyone you
know! Non Members are always welcome to join us. -- I
Hope you will join us! 3 EASY STEPS TO JOIN. Call
me, Christa, if you have any questions at : 416-484-9255 or email me at christa@astrollinthepark.com
or talk to me at our next walk or RSVP event. I
am acting as our collective voice. Our Belize
Trip, (LAND), contact is: Jackie Garrity Groups
and Tailor Made Adventures G.A.P Adventures | 355 Eglinton Ave. East,
Toronto, ON, Canada M4P 1M5 Our Belize Trip, (AIR),
contact is: Jerry Da Costa Global Connections G.A.P AIR | 355
Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON, Canada M4P 1M5 Jump
to the Belize Tourism Board Web site Jump to the Travel Report for Belize from Foreign Affairs
Canada |