Natural History Trail

Belize

Belize is a country of incredible natural wealth. The descriptions one hears from visitors to Belize, attest to a nation endowed with a great diversity and abundance of natural beauty. Well aware of these precious natural gifts, Belize has embarked on a course of preserving these natural wonders. From the second largest barrier reef in the world to an untouched expanse of tropical forest, Belize has a great variety of National Parks and protected areas, such as the famous Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Jaguar Preserve with the highest density of Jaguars recorded anywhere and the largest barrier reef of the Northern Hemisphere.

The Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrival, meet and greet services and transfer to Belize City hotel.

Day 2:
A full day tour of the minor Maya ceremonial center of Xunantunich, spectacularly perched on a hill over-looking the Belize River. Xunantunich, meaning "stone woman" in Mayan, has a commanding view of the entire upper Belize River valley. The largest pyramid, El Castillo, rises a towering 130 feet above the main plaza, and more than 250 feet above the river valley below. This main temple is visible from all parts of the valley. We end the day with a visit to Belize Zoo, originally founded as a retirement home for old natural history "movie stars", now a refuge and rehabilitation center for injured wildlife, as well as a home for abused and abandoned "pets" and providing an excellent opportunity to learn what the indigenous birds and animals of Belize look like, and how to spot them in their natural habitat. Overnight at Cayo area hotel (L D)

Day 3:
After breakfast, we head to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, home to the home to the Hidden Valley Falls (1,000 Foot-Falls), the Rio On River, the Rio Pools, and the Rio Frio Cave and Nature Trail, as well as numerous small streams and waterfalls. Besides offering magnificent vistas, the cooler temperatures, along with a refreshing swim, can provide a welcome respite to the travel weary tourist. Overnight at Cayo area hotel (B L D).

Day 4:
After breakfast, we tour the Panti Medicinal Trail. The Maya were masters at utilizing the jungle's natural resources for their practical and medicinal needs. Here you will see and learn about vines that store drinking water, plants that helps abate malaria, aid diabetics, cleanse the blood, plus many more. The trails most remarkable feature is that all the plants and trees were already there. The fact that none were planted is a testament to the natural diversity found in the rainforest. Later we continue to the Macal River and Cahal Pech, a major Mayan ceremonial center located on a tall hill overlooking the town of San Ignacio. The name derives from a combination of Yucatec and Mopan Maya and means "Place of Ticks". Return to Belize City hotel (B L).

Day 5:
Early flight to Dangriga for a full day tour of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Jaguar Reserve, situated within the shadows of the Maya Mountains. Originally established in 1984 as a reserve to protect a large jaguar population, as well as other resident wildlife, the sanctuary is also known as " The Jaguar Preserve". Since, the sanctuary is home to numerous members of the cat family, there is also a large population of mammals and birds to support the food chain. Therefore, even though you may not see a jaguar or another carnivore during your visit, the opportunity to see herbivorous animals, a multitude of birds, and beautiful flora is always present. We also visit the Garifuna village of Hopkins, the sugar mill at Sittee River and the May Center. Overnight at Dangriga hotel (L D)

Day 6:
Today, we travel to South Water Caye for snorkelling and visit Frigate Bird Sanctuary at Man-O-War Caye before returning to Dangriga for the night. South Water Caye is a 15 acre heavenly coral island resting right atop the barrier reef while Man-O-War is literally or birds, plenty of them, including pelicans, frigate birds (also known as Man-O-War birds) and brown boobies. (B L D).

Day 7:
Morning at leisure to stroll into Dangriga and visit the local craft shops and a small Garifuna museum. Transfer to Gales Point Manatee for the river journey through the inland waterways back to Belize City hotel. The Manatee Lagoons are known for the rich fauna. Jabiru Storks frequent the shallow shorelines to feed. The Central American River Otter frolics up and down the rivers and through the entire lagoon complex. Very healthy populations of Morelet's and American Crocodile live throughout the area, from the highest reaches of the rivers to the coastline. This area is an important breeding ground for waterfowl. Many of the surrounding shorelines are feeding grounds for ibis, egrets and herons. In Northern Lagoon lie two islands protected as crown reserves for nesting waterfowl. Ibis nest in large numbers here. Smaller numbers of egrets and herons also nest here.

Day 8:
Full day of the Barrier Islands for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing on its beautiful beaches. Overnight in Belize City (L)

Day 9:
Transfer to Belize International Airport or Continuation of your journey.

General Information

Rated: Easy

Included:
Private transport, meals mentioned in itinerary, accommodation with private facilities, bi-lingual guiding service, transfers and excursions according to itinerary, all entrance fees and local guide.

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

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