Belize off the Beaten Path

TOLEDO - PUNTA GORDA - GARIFUNA - RIVER CANOE - JUNGLE HIKING - REEF SNORKEL - MAYA SITES - BEACH RELAXATION

Belize

A great combination of activities and relaxation from the more off the beaten track, southern area of Belize known as the Toledo District to the beach at Placencia.

Southern Belize - Nearly 1700 square miles of prime opportunity for the adventure minded and the adrenaline addicted is the Toledo district of Belize. A cultural lean towards the Mopan and Kekchi Maya is evident and homestays will give you an inside look at how the Maya have balanced tradition with the demands of a modern world. The ancient Maya cities, intricate cave systems and pristine rainforests headline a long list of attractions accessible from the coastal city of Punta Gorda, including lagoons, rivers, creeks and cayes. Wildlife, birds, trees and plants in astounding variety make Toledo a nature lover's paradise.

Placencia - White sand beaches, brilliant blue waters and a hundred ways to enjoy the coastal treasures of Belize await you at Placencia. Spend your days in the water diving, fishing, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach, and your nights at the many interesting restaurants and watering holes that feature local food, culture and live music. acquainted with Belizean bird life.

The Itinerary

Day 1: Toledo District - Canoe and Hike
You fly down from Belize City to the more off the beaten track, southern area of Belize known as the Toledo District. Once at our lodge you enjoy a canoe trip down the Rio Grande river and a jungle hike back to the lodge to enjoy some dusk wildlife spotting (B L).

Day 2: Garifuna Day
You start the day with a hike on Cerro Hill to visit local farms and enjoy a traditional Garifuna meal. Then in the afternoon you go on a bike tour of Punta Gorda town to learn about its history & explore the local sites (B L).

Day 3: Port of Honduras Marine Reserve
You boat down the Rio Grande to the ocean and into the Port of Honduras protected area on the Caribbean coastline. Once out at sea you transfer to the reef and along the way you will see Caribbean marine life, inner coastal coral formations, possibly turtles and manatee. Here with your guide you will enjoy snorkeling a picnic lunch on a small caye (island) and the opportunity to spot manatee in this beautiful marine reserve. All day you will be able to spot different species of rare birds and other animals both on land and amongst the coral reefs of the largest reef in the western hemisphere. When ready you make your way back the same way to the lodge (B L).

Day 4: Lubaantun Site, Jungle Hike & Maya Village
You transfer a short distance to where you begin a walk on grassy trails through the local countryside for about 1hr until you arrive at the Maya site of Lubaantun. Here you take a tour of the small yet fascinating Lubaantun Archaeological Park. Lubaantun was built and occupied during the late Classic Period (a.d. 730 - 890). It is believed that as many as 20.000 people lived in this trading centre. After the site visit you set off to the Rio Blanco Falls National park and Santa Cruz Maya Village for jungle hike and swim in the cascading pools and off the side of the water fall. You meet the locals and have lunch at a local family's house. After lunch you transfer back to the lodge. (B L)

Day 5: Transfer to Placencia Beach Area
Today you transfer out to Punta Gorda airport for a flight to Placencia and transfer to your beach hotel. Rest of the afternoon free (B).

Day 6: Snorkel Tour
You can enjoy a half day snorkel trip today and the rest of the day to relax on the beach. (B).

Day 7: Free Day at the Beach
Today you can enjoy a free day relaxing or we can pre-book another adventure. (B).

Day 8: Transfer Out
Fly back to Belize International Airport for your flight back or continuation of your holiday in Belize.(B).

General Information

Rated: Easy

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	1	2	3	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 2428	$ 1587	$ 1406	$ 371
EUR	€ 2015	€ 1317	€ 1167	€ 307
GBP	£ 1360	£ 888	£ 787	£ 207

(*) Price last updated on 13 December 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .
Above prices are for economy class hotels. Please enquire for standard and superior class accommodations

Hotels:
SUPERIOR: El Pescador, Turtle Inn
STANDARD: El Pescador, Roberts Grove
ECONOMY: Lodge at Big Falls, Nautical Inn

Included:
All transport, meals mentioned in itinerary, accommodation with private facilities, transfers and excursions according to itinerary, all entrance fees.

Not included:
Meals not mentioned, personal expenses, tips, beverages, international departure taxes.

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