Belizean
Explorer
8 Days
/ 7 Nights
Xunantunich, Tikal, Chumpiate Caves, and Ambergris Caye
Day
1
Arrival in Belize City.
Upon arrival depart to San Ignacio & Cayo district,
visiting en route the Belize Zoo and the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
(In the event that your flight arrives after 2:00 PM the visit
to Xunantunich excursion will be provided on the return from San
Ignacio to Belize City). See table below for hotel options.
Belize Zoo Visit - A stop at this zoo, located approximately 30
miles west of Belize City, allows you the opportunity to see a
variety of species of birds and native animals, such as the tapir,
black howler monkey, scarlet macaw, and jaguar in their natural
habitat.
Ruins of Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock) - Located some 80 miles
from Belize City, these partially excavated and restored Mayan
ruins are accessible only via a unique hand-cranked ferry across
the Mopan River. The most prominent structure at this major ceremonial
center is a pyramid rising over 130 feet at the south end of the
main complex. You can climb on a trail to admire spectacular panoramic
views of Belize and distant Guatemala. Most of the architecture
is from the Late Classic Period, from the 7th to the 10th centuries
AD, but the Maya built new stone structures over old ones, so
the inner layers at Xunantunich include structures from at least
300 BC.
Diner is included.
Day 2
Full Day Tikal National Park Tour - History buffs and
naturalists alike will be enchanted by this 222 square-mile national
park located in the tropical jungle of the El Petén province,
in neighboring Guatemala. Since it was mysteriously abandoned
by the Mayas, the area has been a haven for a variety of wildlife
such as monkeys, jaguars, and brilliantly plumed tropical birds.
But, of foremost interest for most visitors are the magnificent
Mayan ruins of the city of Tikal with its towering temples and
grand plazas. From the top of Temple IV, the highest known structure
in the Mayan world, one has a spectacular view of the surrounding
jungles and this great city which flourished between 300 and 900
AD.
Breakfast, lunch, and diner are included.
Day 3
Full Day Vaca Falls - Chech Chem Ha Cave Excursion -
Located upstream on the Macal Plateau, the Morales family have
made their home many years ago. The small farm is not only the
means that small local farmers like the Morales family make a
living but it is also beautiful jungle high on the bluffs overlooking
the river. A small stream "Chech Chem Ha" or "Poison
Wood Creek" flows through the middle of their farm and then
plummets 1000 ft. down only to continue on for a short distance
and join the Macal. If the pristine jungle and breathtaking scenery
doesn't catch one's eyes then a short guided hike to Chumpiate
(corn wine) Cave definite will. The cave was found only 5 years
ago and through the auspice of the Department of Archaeology,
the Morales family are the caretakers for an abundance of Mayan
Artifacts dating back some 2000 years. The cave is shaped like
a corridor whereas everyone can stand up and walk around and view
the pottery. A few hundred meters in, you find a small round room
with signs of ceremonial use.
Breakfast, lunch, and diner are included.
Day 4
Breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, nature walk
on Panti Trail followed by a canoe ride down Macal River. Return
to Belize City for your flight to San Pedro in Ambergris Caye.
See table below for hotel options.
Day 5
At the beach
Day 6
At the beach
Day 7
At the beach
Day 8
Flight to Belize International Airport for your international
flight.
***
End Of Our Services ***
Prices
available upon request.
Hotel
Mata Chica has been published in the September 98 issue of Conde'
Nast Traveler UK edition and the August edition of the Italian
Magazine Gente. Furthermore, Land Rover has chosen Belize for
their special year 2,000 catalog. Besides their 18 days of mainland
shooting, Mata Chica was chosen as their only beach resort location
for their final 6 days. As they strive for perfection, Mambo Cuisine
(at the Mambo restaurant) has recently been awarded the best restaurant
in Belize. This resort caters to upscale clientele.
Price includes:
Hotel accommodation at listed hotels.
All excursions listed.
Daily breakfast.
Hotel tax and service charge.
All our tour packages include: Please
click here