DAY 2 - THE MAYAN EXPERIENCE - (B,L,D)
See and experience the private side of Belize when you spend part of a day living as the Maya
live here and now. A house full of people from many generations is common in
Belize and you will become one of the family, cooking, listening to legends and living
in the ways learned from the ancestors.
Also included is a visit to a
Mayan bush doctor and his herbal garden to discover nature's way of healing and
staying healthy.
DAY 3 - MEXICAN MAGIC! - (B,L,D)
After breakfast cross over the border to the bustling Mexican City of
Chetumal, home to the wonderful hands-on Museum of Maya Culture. Walk
through the local market and experience the sights, smells and sounds and
prepare yourself for a real Mexican meal. There will be time for shopping
before returning to Corozal.
DAY 4 - MAYAN TEMPLES - (B,L,D)
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Whilst Europe was deep in the "Dark Ages", the inhospitable and hostile jungles of Central America were being transformed into the home of one of the World's great civilisations.
Temples, Pyramids and Palaces were built by peasant farmers and slaves without the benefit of beasts of burden or even the wheel. These were painted in the sacred colours of the Maya; red, blue, yellow and green and were ruled over by immensely powerful Kings who were regarded as living Gods by their subjects.
Today we will explore the realms of the mysterious Maya people as we visit Xunantunich which is reached by crossing the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry. There are spectacular views from the top of the temples offering great photo opportunities.
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After breakfast we will be transported to Black Rock Canyon. Here we will be led by an experienced native guide to Che Chem Ha Cave "Cave of the Poisonwood Water" which was discovered by a hunter looking for his dog. First explored by the Belize Department of Archaeology in 1989, it contains a number of pottery vessels, one containing preserved anato seeds, another corn cobs. The cave is one of two in the region that were used for various ritual activities and elite ceremonies.
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After a strenuous 30 minutes uphill hike we reach the unassuming entrance which opens into a vast array of winding limestone
passageways and tall, narrow rooms filled with ancient Maya pottery dating back 1500-2000 years.
Exploring the cave is a spellbinding experience.
A ladder allows access to the upper areas of the cave and in some cases ropes are used for narrow passages. At the end of the cave is a large room believed to have
been used for sacrificial ceremonies.
Evidence of a sacrificial altar is still evident. We will have lunch and explore the surrounding rainforest before returning to the hotel.
A cooling dip in the swimming pool will ease those aching muscles.
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DAY 5 - MYSTERIES OF THE MAYAN UNDERWORLD..... - (B,L,D)
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This is one of the most adventurous days we will have on this trip: a visit to Actun Tunichil Muknal "Cave of the crystal sepulchre". A very early morning
departure is required as this tour is a long and challenging adventure- a good level of physical fitness is required and the ability to swim is a plus.
We suggest you wear shorts and tee shirt with tennis shoes or hiking boots. You will also want to bring a change of dry clothes as you will surely get wet and need dry
clothes for the trip back to the resort.
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The adventure starts with an hour long drive towards the Tapir Mountain Reserve.
At the bush it is time to leave the vehicle and hike for about 45 minute throught the subtropical forest of the reserve.
In the reserve (6741 acres) you may see some of Belize's amazing wildlife, as this area is home to the Tapir, Jaguar, Howler Monkey, Silky Anteater, White Tail Deer to name
a few.
Arriving at base camp, which is used by the BVAR Archeology group, there will be a hearty and healthy lunch followed by an introduction to the cave and the Maya.
After gearing up with professional cave helmets, lights and waterproof bags, we venture to explore the underworld of the Maya.
At the cave entrance there is a short swim through crystal cave water, into passages filled with cave formations. Through the passages your guide will explain about cave geology
as you encounter stalactites and stalagmites, following the flowstone that leads into a hidden dry chamber.
Here you will learn about the Maya rituals and ceremonies whilst exploreing the remnants left by and the evidence of their activities.
Your headlights help reveal hundreds of ancient Maya artifacts that were used in various ceremonies.
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There is a breathtaking scene at the end of the cave. Burial chambers with intact calcified remains, Mayan artifacts and two slate stelae in front of which
Maya elites cut themselves with obsidian blades to collect blood and offer it to the gods. Fourteen burials have been discovered so far.
Return to the resort after dark with stories to tell and memories to last a lifetime.
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DAY 6 - LAKE PETEN ITZA, FLORES, GUATEMALA - (B,L,D)
Today you will cross over the border into Guatemala for another highlight of this exciting tour, a two day trip to the Peten region.
On arrive, check into the colonial-style La Casona de la Isla Hotel, located right on the on the waterfront of Lake Peten Itza.
This comfortabble little hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool. It is located quite close to the main markets in Flores so it is ideally placed for exploring the island on foot. .
After lunch on the shores of the lagoon you will enjoy a relaxing, late afternoon boat trip on the lake in a typical "lancha" (a wooden motorboat).
A stop will be made at a small island
to visit the Petencita Zoo.
Besides the indigenous wildlife, some of which roam freely on the island, there is a good size "Wet & Wild" type water-slide, which is a great way to cool off in the heat of the day.
Another stop is the Itza Mayan city of Tayasal which was not taken by the Spanish
until 1697. Cortez had passed through here in 1525. All traces of Tayasal were destroyed by the Spanish.
Return to the hotel. In the evening It is fun to explore the cobbled streets lined with handicraft stores, shopping for Guatemalan goodies. The shops stay open into the evening and you can purchase wonderful
garments made of fabulous woven fabrics.
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The adventurous can get up before dawn to watch the sun rise from the top of Temple IV.
