Belize
Archaeology, Natural History and Marine Biology
8 Days / 7 Nights
The
Lamanai Archaeological Project's field director leads this Belize
Archaeology and Natural History program along with a licensed Belizean
naturalist. This is a quality program that offers Belize's premier
Maya sites, Tikal, canoeing, bird watching, night spotlight safari,
1,000 Foot Falls, and a meaningful community enhancement project.
Day
1 - Belize Welcome, Altun Ha Archaeological Site, & New River Safari
/ Transfer
Smooth & easy flight south into Belize. En route to Lamanai
we'll visit Altun Ha, arguably one of the richest Classic Period
Maya sites. Our New River excursion to Lamanai will introduce us
to the unmatched habitat and cultural diversity of the area. The
evening will consist of our welcome dinner and orientation. (Overnight
Lamanai South Lodge - D)
Day 2 -
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve & New River Spotlight Safari
We'll
begin with an on-site lecture on the ancient Maya followed by exploration
of the ancient metropolis of Lamanai that once supported up to 50,000
Maya for over 3,000 years of unbroken occupation. Our afternoon
will consist of an introduction to field research and a hands-on
visit to Indian Church Village Artisan's Center where you will see
some of your program dollars at work! After dinner we'll load our
vessel to explore the New River Lagoon on our spotlight safari!
(Overnight Lamanai South Lodge - B,L,D)
Day 3 -
Reserve Birding, New River Lagoon Sunset Cruise, & Maya Folklore
An early morning start will take us birding in search of rainforest
specialties such as toucans, jacamars, puffbirds, and even black
howler monkeys! We'll enjoy a plentiful breakfast on-site and afterward
visit Lamanai's Pre-Columbian collection. In the after-noon we'll
take to the boat to explore the extensive marsh system and some
of the forested channels of the largest body of freshwater in Belize.
As if this was not enough, following dinner we'll gather near the
lagoon edge for the telling of Maya Folklore stories, many having
originated in ancient times. (Overnight Lamanai South Lodge - B,L,D)
Day 4 -
Forest Reserve, Roaring Creek Tubing, & 1,000 Foot Falls
Our group will transfer to and have lunch at Pook's Hill Lodge
which is surrounded by an immense forest in a private reserve. Our
afternoon will consist of visiting Belize's largest waterfall -
1,000 Foot Falls - where we'll hope to see the illusive Orange-breasted
Falcon. (Overnight Pook's Hill - B,L,D,)
Day 5 - Caracol
Natural Monument & Rio Frio Cave
This day will take us to Caracol, Belize's largest Classic Period
Maya site. The primary forest extends as far as the eye can see
and the somewhat bumpy journey is well worth it. Upon our return
to Pook's Hill we'll explore the massive Rio Frio Cave, believed
to be a portal to the underworld for the ancient Maya. Bring your
flashlights! (Overnight Pook's Hill - B,L,D).
Day 6 - Xunantunich
Maya Site & Tikal Main Plaza sunset
Our group will transport to Tikal where our accommodations will
actually be in the reserve itself. En route to what is referred
to as the "Mother of all Maya Sites" we'll visit a lesser known
but just as fascinating ancient city known as Xunantunich. Our first
experience at Tikal will be a magnificent sunset in the main plaza
of Temple I & II. In the evening we'll be treated to a lecture on
the Maya Calendar, one of the hallmarks of the civilization. (Overnight
Tikal Inn - B,L,D)
Day 7 -
Tikal National Park & Pre-Columbian Maya Collection
This day will consist of investigating Tikal National Park and the
Museum of Tikal. For those who wish we'll venture into the jungle
for a guided night walk. (Overnight Tikal Inn - B,L,D)
Day 8 - Tikal
Sunrise Temple IV & Departure
An extra early start walking through the lush habitat surrounding
Tikal and our ascent of Temple IV will provide us with our first
sunrise in a truly special location. The remainder of the day our
group will say their good-byes and prepare for our international
flights home. (B).
***
End Of Our Services ***
Hotels
to use:
- Lamanai South Lodge
First-class lodge in a beautiful setting on the west bank of
the New River Lagoon
- Pook's Hill Lodge
Premier accommodations in the foothills of the Belize Mountains
on a private reserve
- Tikal Inn
Located in Tikal National Park and surrounded by 20 sq. miles
of primary forest
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All our tour
packages include: Please
click here
CODE:
BEYTOU
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