Belize & Tikal

Our active journey in beautiful Belize brings us a bounty of natural history adventures: we explore the rainforests of legendary Chan Chich, haunt of the elusive jaguar, then hike, wade, and climb through an ancient ceremonial cave in the Maya Mountains, and savor a final overnight at spectacular Tikal, where giant pyramids soar out of a vast jungle reserve alive with the calls of birds and monkeys. All three of our hand-selected lodges put us in incredible settings within walking distance of Mayan ruins and surround us with an utter abundance of rare avifauna and tropical wildlife. Our post-trip extension brings us out to an idyllic atoll on Belize’s famous barrier reef, the longest in our hemisphere, for unbelievably rich snorkeling in a wondrous underwater universe.

Days 1-2
Lamanai / Chan Chich

After an overnight in Belize City, we head to Orange Walk for a launch ride on the New River to Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, with its “lost city” atmosphere. Lush vegetation crowds the riverbanks on this snaking river, and we look for herons, iguanas, and perhaps a crocodile or two along the way. In the afternoon, we head to Chan Chich, one of the most delightful rainforest retreats in the world, encircled by 130,000 private acres of prime forest in remote northwest Belize.

Days 3-4
Chan Chich

Chan Chich is a famed birding location, with an avian list that tops 350 species. All five species of jungle cat—jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi—are here, with jaguars seen at the rate of about one per week, a record unmatched anywhere else. We explore on foot and by 4WD, with evening walks to look for nocturnal animals. The lodge features 12 thatched-roof cabanas beautifully finished with local exotic hardwoods.

Days 5-6
Maya Mountains / Actun Tunichil Muknal

We head up to the subtropical forests of the Maya Mountains. Right from our lodge, Pook’s Hill, set on the edge of a 9th century Mayan complex, we hike trails beneath giant mahogany trees and learn about the fascinating medicinal plants of the rainforest. On our full-day adventure at nearby Actun Tunichil Muknal, we hike, swim, and wade as we follow a clear turquoise stream deep into a mystical cavern used for centuries by the Maya for ceremonies. Pook’s Hill Lodge is located within a private 300-acre reserve of primary rainforest.

Days 7-8
Tikal

The sheer scale of Tikal is impressive, its steep-sided pyramids towering 12 stories above a vast jungle reserve. We climb the pyramids, explore the ballcourts, and look for toucans and monkeys in the treetops. Our bungalows adjacent to the ruins allow us to savor the dusk and dawn serenade of the Petén rainforest that surrounds us. Depart on Day 8 via Belize City, or join our Turneffe Island Extension.

Turneffe Island Extension
Days 8-12

Thirty miles offshore on a beautiful coral atoll, Turneffe Island lodge offers easy access to dazzling snorkel sites just a 5- to 10-minute boat ride from the lodge, plus the legendary Blue Hole. The ocean floor plunges over a thousand feet here in a meeting of sheltered lagoon and open ocean, resulting in an incredibly diverse marine ecosystem.

Please call us or download the Full Trip Brochure for more information about our extensions