Belize Tour BE1 Itinerary - Adventure Tours

Tour Code:	BE1	Begins in:	Belize City
Tour:	Belize	Ends in:	Belize City
Length:	8 days	Check Price	Click here!

Day 1 of Belize Tour
Arrive in Belize City

Today we arrive to Belize City, an interesting mix of British colonial architecture and small-town ambience. Belmopan may be the de facto capital but Belize City is the cultural and commercial centre.

Overnight in Belize City.

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Day 2 of Belize Tour
Belize City - Crooked Tree - Altun Ha - Orange Walk

Today we travel to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, this is an exciting bird watching habitat for novice and avid birdwatchers alike. On our boat trip, we have a chance to witness some of the tens of thousands of migrating birds that gather here for the winter, joining numerous resident tropical species including jabiru storks, snowy egrets, boat-billed herons, ibis, and kingfishers. Howler monkeys, crocodiles, and other wildlife are also spotted. The sanctuary is a large reserve covering inland waterways, logwood swamps, and lagoons.

We also visit Altun Ha, an important ancient trading centre as well as a religious ceremonial centre. We see a concentration of structures including plazas surrounded by palaces and temples. Over 300 jade pieces have been discovered including the largest Mayan jade carving, Kinich Ahau, the sun god, found in the Temple of the Green Tomb.

Overnight in Orange Walk.

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Day 3 of Belize Tour
Orange Walk - Lamanai Archaeological Reserve - Belize City

Today we explore one of the many temples or palaces of Lamanai.

Travelling via the Northern Highway, we pass through rural villages and lowlands to Tower Hill, where we board a riverboat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter birdlife 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 we tour the small museum which features many ancient relics found at Lamanai.
This ancient archaeological site reveals a civilization that is known to have occupied Belize as far back as 1500 BC. Among the most spectacular of these archeological wonders is the ruins of one of the Maya's largest ceremonial centers and home to several large temples located on the banks of the New River Lagoon. The Lamanai Archeological Reserve also contains a museum, the remnants of two 16th century Spanish churches and a colonial sugar mill from 1860.

We then return to the river boat for cruise back to Tower Hill and continuation tour bus drive to Belize City.

Overnight in Belize City.

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Day 4 of Belize Tour
Belize City - Belize Zoo - San Ignacio

Early this morning we we visit the world famous Belize Zoo. A highlight of any visit to this little country, the zoo allows us not only to see some of the rare creatures of Central America but the zoo is actively involved in conserving habitat for these species and part of our entrance fees go towards ensuring that the wild relatives of these now caged animals can live free.

We move on to San Ignacio, via Guanacaste Park, to take a pleasant nature walk through the forest. We continue to San Ignacio via a drive through Belmopan, Belize's diminutive captial. San Ignacio is an agricultural area nestled in rolling hills of forest and valleys with clusters of houses scattered throughout.

After arrival at our hotel, we will spend several hours at the recently excavated site of Cahal Pech. Located just a short walk from our hotel, this remarkably well preserved site has a small but very informative museum where we will watch a video outlining the complexity of Mayan civilization in the lands that are today part of Belize (NOTE: We may visit Cahel Pech tomorrow if timing does not allow today.)

Overnight in San Ignacio.

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Day 5 of Belize Tour
San Ignacio - Caracol - San Ignacio

We have a full day excursion to Caracol, the largest site in Belize and once the most densely populated site in Mesoamerica. This is the largest site in Belize and once home to over 150,000 Mayans. This extensive site is one of the most interesing to visit in Central America; after all, Caracol once ruled over the mighty city of Tikal. The number of Mayan houses found in the countryside around Caracol is greater than the number of modern houses standing today in all
of Belize.

Overnight in San Ignacio.

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Day 6 of Belize Tour
San Ignacio - Xunantunich - Belize City - Cay Caulker

This morning we visit Xunantunich, a Classic-period ceremonial centre. Its name means "stone maiden." Perhaps the best part of a visit to Xunantunich is the spectacular view of the surrounding forest from the top of El Castillo, the largest structure in the complex and the second tallest human-made building in Belize at 40 m/132 ft. The frieze on the side of El Castillo is a recreation in stucco. Not much is known about the history of Xunantunich except that it was abandoned after being hit by a massive earthquake around AD 900. As with most Mayan buildings, the architecture here is layered, with new buildings erected on top of old ones.

We continue to Belize City to connect with our 45 min water taxi or short flight to Cay Caulker.
Overnight in Cay Caulker.

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Day 7 of Belize Tour
Cay Caulker

On early British maps the island's name is spelled "Cay Corker." Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada, one theory holds that this island was a favourite stop for sailors to replenish and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means "the island of the cocoplum." "Caye Caulker" could be an anglicized pronunciation of Cayo Hicaco. Another theory is that boats were caulked in the protected bay, La Ensenada, on the western side of the island leading to the "Caulker" name.

Despite the growth of tourism, Caye Caulker remains a small village with a distinct cultural flavour not necessarily found in large-scale tourist development. Almost all the businesses are locally owned, vehicles larger than golf carts almost never roam the streets, and lodging is small scale compared to many other tourist destinations, including neighbouring Ambergris Cay.

Today is at leisure to enjoy the barrier reef, located just off shore, or to just sit and relax in the tiny island's legendary tropical atmosphere and friendliness. Your Tour Leader can you help you plan your day.

Overnight on Cay Caulker.

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Day 8 of Belize Tour
Cay Caulker - Belize City - Departure

Today we fly to Belize City to connect with our onward flights. Departure from Belize City.

LAND ONLY CLIENTS: Your flight out of Belize City, the tour end point, should take into account the trip from Cay Caulker. Those with morning flights may have to overnight in Belize City at an extra cost.

BON VOYAGE!!

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