Day 01: Belize City - Cayo District
Arrive Belize International Airport. You are met outside baggage claim and transferred (2 hrs) to the Cayo District. Check in to your hotel and overnight. Overnight Cayo DistrictDay 02: Carocal Ruins & Mountain Pine Ridge
Full-day tour to the Caracol Ruins and Mountain Pine Ridge area. Travel through the scenic Mountain Pine Ridge National Park on your way to the Mayan ruins at Caracol. Enjoy a privately guided tour of this impressive site, the largest Maya site in Belize. Located on the Vaca Plateau and right in the heart of the Chiquibul Reseve, Caracol is a Classic Period complex which covers 30-square miles of thick, high-canopy jungle, and includes five plazas, an astronomic observatory and over 35,000 buildings that have been identified. The loftiest among them, a massive pyramid (Caana) capped by three temples that rises over 140 feet above the jungle floor.
This afternoon visit the Rio Frio caves and pools. Rio Pools a continuous series of pools formed by large granite boulders. The smooth surface of the boulders make natural water slides and a great place for a swim or a hike. Stepping-stones lead inside the most easily accessible of Belize's river caves. The two 65-foot arched entryways leave you in awe. Huge stalactites hang from the massive cathedral-like vault, which is part of a cave system the Maya used to bury their dead. Openings at both ends make flashlights unnecessary for viewing the cave's formations during daylight hours. Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight Cayo District (Breakfast, Lunch)Day 03: San Ignacio
Enjoy a full day private tour. Choose from either Actun Tunichil Muknal or Xunantunich.
Option #1: One of the most impressive caves in the Maya lowland, Actun Tunichil Muknal is a real adventure and requires a certain level of physical fitness. You will first trek through the rainforest (45 minutes) to the mouth of the cave, and from here are outfitted in the necessary equipment. Afterwards, swim and wade certain sections before climbing up onto the higher platforms to view the ancient Maya ritual sites where both pottery and human remains can be seen.
Option #2: Xunantunich means “stone woman” The partially-excavated and largest pyramid, El Castillo, rises 130 feet above the main plaza and offers an impressive panoramic view of the Belize's Cayo District and nearby Guatemala. El Castillo is known for its frieze, a banded stucco decoration which at one time extended around the entire pyramid. After the tour, transfer to San Ignacio for lunch. Continue to Cahal Pech “Place of the Ticks”. This ceremonial center includes pyramid temples, palaces, and a ball court as well as five stelae and an altar. Overnight Cayo District (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 04: Cayo District - Belize City - Ambergris Caye
This morning transfer to Belize City. En route stop at the famous Jaguar Paw River Cave for a tubing experience. Take a short walk along a jungle path to the cave entrance, then put on your head lamp and float your way through the cave system on individual inner tubes. Transfer to the airport for your quick flight to Ambergris Caye. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to relax on the beach or explore San Pedro. Overnight San Pedro (Breakfast)
Day 05: Ambergris Caye
Today, you will enjoy a half day non-exclusive tour off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, Belize's oldest marine reserve: Hol Chan Marine Reserve, locally known as the 'little channel." The entire reserve focuses on a cut through the reef (called a quebrada) which is little more than 25 yards wide and 30 feet deep about 4 miles southeast of San Pedro. Visit Shark Ray Alley, located to the south and to the inside of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, this site is becoming one of the hottest marine attractions in the Caribbean. Here, snorkelers can witness dozens of Southern Stingrays and Nurse Sharks swirl and dance gracefully while being orchestrated by your local guide. While resting on a sandy bottom in about ten-feet of water, snorkelers can take advantage of this unique opportunity to watch and photograph an awesome display of grace and beauty as only Mother Nature can provide. Return to the main island and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight San Pedro (Breakfast)
Day 06: Ambergris Caye
Enjoy the day at leisure. Laze on the beach or plan a local sightseeing excursion. Some ideas include: kayaking out to the reef, snorkeling, sport fishing, sailing, or dive Jacques Cousteau’s legendary Blue Hole! Overnight San Pedro (Breakfast)
Day 07: San Pedro - Belize City - Departure
Transfer to the San Pedro airport for your domestic return flight to Belize International Airport. (Breakfast)
