Belize Active Adventure

Itinerary

• Belize

  Belize (formerly British Honduras), is a country in Central America, bordered to the south and west by Guatemala, to the north by Mexico, and to the east by the Caribbean Sea.. It gained its independence from the British Empire in 1981. It is the only country in Central America where English is an official language. A combination of natural factors have made tourism a growing industry. Warm climate, excellent Mayan ruins, the Belize Barrier Reef (second longest in the world), 127 offshore Cayes (islands), excellent fishing, safe waters for boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling, numerous rivers for rafting, and kayaking, various jungle and wildlife reserves of fauna and flora, for hiking, bird watching, and helicopter touring, as well the largest cave system in Central America.

• Ambergris Caye

  Ambergris Caye, with its many beaches and the fishing village of San Pedro, is the most popular tourist destination. Along with the other Cayes, it is a paradise for divers with access to one of the most unspoilt coral reefs in the world; Hoi Chan Marine Reserve is a popular dive site where southern stingray and nurse sharks can be observed in shark ray alley. Situated 58km (36 miles) north of Belize City, it is accessible by daily scheduled air flights and boat transfers.

• Cayo District

  The Cayo District boasts several Mayan sites including El Pilar and the magnificent Xunantunich with its 1500-year-old El Castillo, the second-tallest building in Belize. The canaa of the Caracol Mayan site in Cayo is the tallest Mayan building in Belize. This site has been claimed to rival such other famous sites as Tikal in neighboring Guatemala.

• • Caracol Mayan Temple
  • Chaa Creek

  Day 1: Belize City - Cayo District

  Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

  Transfer to the Cayo District by private vehicle.

  Be sure to pre-book your local excursions through us to ensure you make the most out of your time in Belize. Optional activities include: Xunantunich & Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Tour, Crooked Tree Reserve and Baboon Sanctuary, Caracol and Rio Frio, Cave Tubing and Zip Line Adventure, Barton Creek Cave and Butterfly Farm).

  Accommodation: Chaa Creek

  Chaa Creek is situated on a large expanse of land in Belize's Mayan Rainforest, near the Macal River. The 23 cottages and rooms are individually themed, with each built according to the needs of different groups and couples. Some suites come with garden views, others with Jacuzzis. All promise tranquil, refreshing surroundings. Enjoy the lodge's produce, direct from their on-site Maya farm. Feast on Caribbean, Mexican and Belizean spices and savories. Later, walk the forest trails or go on a hike and discover the rainforest. The lodge's spa is also a point of interest for those who need a little pampering.

• • Xunantunich

  Day 2: Cayo District

  Take a tour of the famous sites of Xuanantunich-situated on the banks of the Mopan River. Xunantunich means " Stone Woman " in Mayan. Xunantunich was a thriving city near the end of the Classical Period ( 300-900 A.D.) with large plazas ringed and pyramids. The centre of the site is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. After lunch continue to the site at Cahal Pech "Place of the Ticks ", just outside the town of San Ignacio. This site center sits on the crest of a steep hill on the west bank of the Macal River and the central acropolis, approximately 900 feet above sea level. It provides a commanding view of the Maya Mountains to the south and the fertile valley of the Belize River to the northeast. This center includes pyramid temples, palaces, and a ball court as well as five stelae and an altar. The site shows a gradual architectural growth and indicates occupation likely running through the entire Classical Period. Tour includes entrance fees and lunch.

  Accommodation: Chaa Creek
• • Jaguar Paw Cave

  Day 3: Cayo District

  Jaguar Paw Cave Tubing and Zip Line. Begin a short jungle hike upriver. At the "put in point" you begin your scenic and tranquil journey down the river floating on inner tubes and enjoying the views of the surrounding rainforest. Observe cave formations as you travel down the river. In the afternoon you will take part in an exhilarating zip line adventure where you can get a bird's eye view of the lush vegetation and tropical wildlife in the area.

  Accommodation: Chaa Creek
• • Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve

  Day 4: Cayo District

  Your tour will begin when you are picked up in your private vehicle by your personal guide and driver. You will transfer to Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve which is a 106,000 acre protected national park. In the 1950's, 60's and 70's, many Belizeans were employed as timber cutters in this area and on the tour you will see that history. Later you will visit Chiquibul Forest Reserve. About a 1 hour drive from Pine Ridge you will arrive at the beautiful Maya site of Caracol (which means the Snail), named by archaeologists because they found numerous snails on site. The original name is Oxwitza which means the sky place. Caracol is the largest archaeological site in Belize, covering 30 square miles in thick, high canopy jungle, and includes five plazas, an astronomic observatory and over 35,000 buildings that have been identified. Among them is a massive pyramid (Caana) capped by three temples and rises over 140ft above the jungle floor. When the tour is complete you will return to your hotel. Tour includes a private guided tour of the site with entrances and picnic lunch. You can choose to stop and explore the Rio-on Pools and Rio Frio Caves before returning to your hotel if they wish.

  Accommodation: Chaa Creek
• • Belize Sunrise
  • Xanadu Resort, Belize

  Day 5: Cayo District - Belize City - Ambergris Caye

  Be sure to pre-book your local excursions through us to ensure you make the most out of your time in Belize. Optional activities include: Xunantunich & Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Tour, Crooked Tree Reserve and Baboon Sanctuary, Caracol and Rio Frio, Cave Tubing and Zip Line Adventure, Barton Creek Cave and Butterfly Farm).

  A direct flight from Belize City International airport will take you to San Pedro, Amergris Caye.

  Transfer from Cayo District to Belize City by private vehicle.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver.

  Accommodation: Xanadu Island Resort

  Surrounded with rich tropics and palm trees, the Xanadu Resort is seated along the Caribbean waters, near the town of San Pedro and the Barrier Reef. The 19 luxury suites offer complete kitchen facilities and all the luxuries of home, including air conditioning and the pleasure of a deck looking out on the region. One may cook from the comfort of their own kitchen, whipping up the local ingredients according to taste. There are also a number of restaurants in the area, and one may try any of them to get an idea of Caribbean culinary skills. Relax by the swimming pool, do some bird watching, or make a trip to the reef. Otherwise, tour the area on bicycle.

• • Snorkeling at Hol Chan Reserve

  Day 6: Ambergris Caye

  Hol Chan means Little Channel in Mayan and is a natural break on the barrier reef where ocean depth ranges from 3 to 30 feet. Here guests will enjoy seeing the breath taking myriad of marine life and huge coral garden, among which are flourishing stag horn corals and sea fans. Shark Ray Alley is a shallow water snorkel where guests will enjoy swimming with harmless nurse sharks and southern stingrays - this trip is a famous snorkel trip and a "must do" for Belize. Note: This is a shared tour, not private. Park fee of $10 per person not included.

  Accommodation: Xanadu Island Resort
• • Ambergris Caye

  Day 7: Ambergris Caye

  Enjoy some leisure time on the tranquil shores of Ambergris Caye. Optional activities are available at your resort (scuba diving, watersports, snorkelling, kayaking).

  Accommodation: Xanadu Island Resort

• Day 8: Ambergris Caye

  Enjoy some leisure time on the tranquil shores of Ambergris Caye. Optional activities are available at your resort (scuba diving, watersports, snorkelling, kayaking).

  Accommodation: Xanadu Island Resort

• Day 9: Ambergris Caye

  Enjoy a direct flight from Pan Pedro, Ambergris Caye to the Belize City International Airport.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver.

Accommodation

• • Chaa Creek

  Chaa Creek

  Chaa Creek is situated on a large expanse of land in Belize's Mayan Rainforest, near the Macal River. The 23 cottages and rooms are individually themed, with each built according to the needs of different groups and couples. Some suites come with garden views, others with Jacuzzis. All promise tranquil, refreshing surroundings. Enjoy the lodge's produce, direct from their on-site Maya farm. Feast on Caribbean, Mexican and Belizean spices and savories. Later, walk the forest trails or go on a hike and discover the rainforest. The lodge's spa is also a point of interest for those who need a little pampering.

  • More information
• • Xanadu Resort, Belize

  Xanadu Island Resort

  Surrounded with rich tropics and palm trees, the Xanadu Resort is seated along the Caribbean waters, near the town of San Pedro and the Barrier Reef. The 19 luxury suites offer complete kitchen facilities and all the luxuries of home, including air conditioning and the pleasure of a deck looking out on the region. One may cook from the comfort of their own kitchen, whipping up the local ingredients according to taste. There are also a number of restaurants in the area, and one may try any of them to get an idea of Caribbean culinary skills. Relax by the swimming pool, do some bird watching, or make a trip to the reef. Otherwise, tour the area on bicycle.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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