Discover Belize and Guatemala

After a tropical breakfast, transfer to boat landing in Tower Hill. Boat tour on New River through wildlife reserve to the Lamanai lagoon. Visit to Mayan Site Lamanai (= “submerged crocodile” in Yucatec Maya) is a Mesoamerican archaeological site, and was once a considerably sized city of the Maya civilization, he vast majority of the site remained unexcavated until the mid-1970s. Archaeological work has concentrated on the investigation and restoration of the larger structures, most notably the Mask Temple and High Temple. Return transfer to Belize City. Belize City is the largest city in the Central American region of Belize and was once the capital of the former British Honduras. The city was almost entirely destroyed in 1961 when Hurricane Hattie swept ashore on 31 October. It was the capital of British Honduras (as Belize was then named) until the government was moved to the new capital of Belmopan in 1970. Fort George is perhaps the most colonial area in the City and contains Memorial Park, the Baron Bliss Grave and Baron Bliss Lighthouse and the Museum of Belize. Overnight in Belize City Overnight: Hotel Biltmore Plaza

Transfer to the Jaguar Paw Adventure Cave Tubing, a hidden place in the tropical rainforest canopy. To begin your cave tubing adventure, your guide will lead you through a short jungle trek delighting you with fun facts of Belizes rich forest ecosystem, wildlife and natural medicinal plants. Once you arrive at the entrance of the caves, it is time to delve into the Maya underground. A shivery jump in your tube will awaken your sense of excitement. Float through mysterious limestone archways beckoning you into the mouths of centuries-old caves, holding untold stories of Maya rituals. Explore the many breathtaking formations designed by nature and learn about the ancient rituals and ceremonies that are a part of their mystique and magic. Continue to Cayo district to Mayan Site Xunantunich. It´s name means “Stone Woman” in the Maya language and, like many names given to Maya archaeological sites, is a modern name; the ancient name is currently unknown. Most of the structures date from the Maya Classic Era, about 200 to 900 AD. One of the best preserved ancient stele is housed in a small weatherproofed building for conservation purposes. Transfer to San Ignacio where we overnight. Overnight: Cahal Pech Village

Day excursion to world famous Tikal National Park in Guatemala. Located in the national park with the same name, a 576 km²-jungle reserve rich in wildlife, Tikal was declared by UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is famous for its temple pyramids that tower above the forest canopy. The sheer size of the majestic city of Tikal is the culmination of almost 2,000 years of occupation (800 B.C. 900 A.D.). At the height of its glory Tikal stretched over 123 km² and is thought to have had a population of 100,000 inhabitants. Nowadays only a few of the 4,000 buildings that dot the 16 km² city core have been excavated. Start of a guided tour through Complex Q, North- and Central Acropolis, Main Square, Temple IV and Mundo Perdido. In the afternoon visit the Sylvannus Morley Museum with a collection of local findings of jade and ceramics. Return to Belize. Overnight in San Ignacio Overnight: Cahal Pech Village

Hidden deep into the Mountain Pine Ridge, today we visit Belize biggest archaeological site Caracol. Caracol is the name given to a large ancient Maya archaeological site. It is situated approximately 25 miles south of the town of San Ignacio Cayo, at an elevation of 460 m above sea-level, in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The site was the most important political centre of Lowland Maya during the Classic Period within Belize. In AD 650, the urban area of Caracol had a radius of approximately 10 kilometers around the site’s epicenter. It covered an area much larger than present day Belize City and supported more than twice the modern city’s population. Caana (“sky-palace”) is the largest building at Caracol. It remains one of the largest man-made structures in Belize. On way back, we visit the impressive Rio Frio Cave and stop at the lovely Rock On Pools for a refreshing swim. Overnight in San Ignacio Overnight: Cahal Pech Village

Early departure heading south on idyllic Hummingbird Highways to Garifuna settlement in Hopkins. Here we take a boat ride to paradise island South Water Caye located in South Water Caye Marine Reserve which is the largest marine reserve in the Stann Creek district of Belize. It was established in 1996 and covers 47,702 hectares (117,870 acres) of mangrove and coastal ecosystems. Take an adventurous snorkel trip to the reef to discover colorful tropical fishes, corals and sea turtles. Relax in hamock dream away the day..Return boat transfer to Hopkins and road transfer to Belizes southern most district Toledo where we overnight today in Cotton Tree Lodge. Overnight Hotel Cotton Tree Lodge

Situated above a tributary to the Columbia River, Lubaantun is located near the village of San Pedro Columbia. Lubbantun is the largest Mayan ceremonial center in Southern Belize, built in the Late Classic Period around 700-900 AD, and is well known for its unusual style of construction. It consists of 11 structures, grouped around five main plazas, all built with limestone blocks and no visible mortar binding them together! Youll learn about the famous Crystal Skull which was discovered at the site. Continue to the Cacao Trail which takes you in to Toledos heartland with its lush green interior blanketing the foothills of the Maya Mountains. In this eco tour you will visit the organic cacao orchards where cacao is grown under the shade of indigenous trees. You will learn how the pods grow and are harvested, the fermentation process which results in the famous Maya God chocolate drink. Overnight Cotton Tree Lodge

Return transfer to Belize City. En route we stop at St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, a national park located just off the Hummingbird Highway. It is over 2 km² in area, and contains two cave systems (St. Hermans and Crystal), various natural trails, and the cool jungle pool from which the park gets its name. Have a refreshing swim in the deep blue cenote. Continue to popular Belize Zoo. It is home to more than 125 animals of about 48 species, all native to Belize. The natural environment of Belize is left entirely intact within the zoo. The dense, natural vegetation is separated only by gravel trails through the forest. Keeping to its goal of bringing visitors closer to Belize’s natural heritage, the zoo only houses native animals. Afternoon arrival in Belize City where you have the choice for a beach extension on Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. End of services.