Belize and Tikal

Our active journey in beautiful Belize showcases a bounty of natural history adventures: we snorkel the azure seas of the Caribbean and explore lush rainforests at Punta Gorda; hike, wade, and climb through an ancient ceremonial cave in the Maya Mountains; and experience the wonder of spectacular Tikal, where giant pyramids soar out of a vast jungle reserve alive with the calls of birds and monkeys. Hand-selected lodges place us in incredible settings deep in the midst of an utter abundance of rare birds and tropical wildlife. Our pre- and post-trip extensions include the chance to experience even more magnificent snorkeling from a beautiful atoll on Belize’s famed barrier reef and explorations in the Guatemala Highlands, including the lovely colonial town of Antigua and the fantastic K’iche’ Maya culture of Chichicastenango.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Belize City / Punta Gorda

Arrive in Belize City, and fly to the seaside town of Punta Gorda. From our comfortable jungle lodge nestled between the rainforest and the banks of the Moho River, we head out for birding walks, rainforest hikes, and kayaking on the tranquil river. We also enjoy snorkeling the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean at Snake Cayes in the Port of Honduras Marine Reserve. The shallow waters surrounding these small islands swirl with colorful fish, turtles, conches, and corals.

Days 4-5
Maya Mountains / Actun Tunichil Muknal

We head to our lodge in the subtropical forests of the Maya Mountains for nature walks, swimming, and tubing on the Roaring River. At nearby Actun Tunichil Muknal, we hike, swim, and wade as we follow a clear turquoise stream deep into a mystical cavern with walls of river-sculpted rock that were once spiritual centers of the ancient Maya.

Days 6-8
Xunantunich / Tikal

En route to Tikal, we stop at Xunantunich, a Classic Period ceremonial center perched on a ridge overlooking the Mopan River. The next day we explore Tikal, whose sheer scale is extraordinary, with steep-sided pyramids towering 20 stories above a vast jungle reserve. We climb the central stairways of the pyramids, explore the ball courts and great plazas, and search for toucans and monkeys in the treetops. Our lagoon-side lodge is in a serene setting in a private nature reserve. Depart on Day 8 via Guatemala City, or join one of our extensions.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 2+, easy to moderate, according to our trip grading system, but for your own enjoyment of the trip, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. We enjoy moderate nature hikes of two to three hours on several days (the exploration of Actun Tunichil Muknal on Day 5 is more challenging). There is easy snorkeling on Day 3, and on the Barrier Reef extension, both novice and experienced snorkelers will enjoy the snorkeling excursions. There is plenty of time for swimming and relaxing on both snorkeling options.

Explanation of Trip Levels