DAY 1 - WONDERS OF THE RAINFOREST - (D)
On arrival at Belize International connect with a domestic flight to Punta Gorda in the far south of the country. From Punta Gorda it is a 20 minute drive to Big Falls where you will spend the next three nights at the beautiful Lodge at Big Falls.
Depending on your time of arrival, and after settling into your cabana, you will enjoy a late afternoon dory trip upstream from the lodge with the on-site guide. Observe the bird and animal life as the sun sets and the shadows fall across the river. Return to the Lodge for a delicious dinner. |
|
DAY 2 - MAYAN MYSTERIES - (B,L,D)
Keen bird watchers can join an early morning guided bird walk. The lodge’s property offers a range of bird habitats from forest to riverside to orchard and therefore attracts a wide variety of species. Many nesting birds can be observed during the spring. After a healthy breakfast your guide will collect you for a visit to the fascinating Late Classic Mayan site of Lubaantun ("Place of Fallen Stones"). Lubaantun is situated on a tall ridge above a valley cut by the Columbia River and is the largest Maya site in Southern Belize. This ancient city is unique within the Mayan World in that the temples were built with no mortar binding together the thousands of masterfully hand-cut, carved and fitted limestone block. stones. Eleven large structures tower above five main plazas and three ball courts. A few burial tombs are also present.
The famous yet controversial crystal skull was supposedly discovered on New Year's Eve 1926 by Anna Mitchell-Hedges, adopted daughter of archaeologist, F. Mitchell-Hedges. It was her seventeenth birthday and they were on an expedition to Belize (then British Honduras) seeking the lost City of Atlantis. This perfectly shaped human skull carved from an 8 inch block of solid pure rock crystal is still possessed by Anna who lives in Canada. The origin of the crystal skull remains a mystery. It is estimated the skull may be up to 12,000 years old.
It is believed that the skull was shaped by a succession of Mayan priests. It is thought it may have taken over 150 years of man hours to complete the skull and it is said to bring a curse on those who mock it. Observers have reported sounds, odours and amazing light effects. Recent laboratory tests that were carried out by Hewlett-Packard Company, Santa Clara, California reveal the skull has optical properties which would be virtually impossible to duplicate with modern day equipment so the mystery lives on.....
Continue by travelling through several Mayan villages heading for a picnic lunch spot at a natural swimming pool and waterfalls in beautiful jungle surroundings. Over thirty Mopan and Kekchi Maya villages are scattered throughout Southern Belize. They lie along riverbanks and creeks and are surrounded by beautiful mountains and rainforests. Most Mayas use the land for subsistence farming and their way of living is primitive compared to western standards. They bathe and do their washing in rivers and their lives revolve around the daylight hours rather than any modern alarm clocks. |
| DAY 3 - JUNGLE RIVER ADVENTURE - (B,L,D) |
|
DAY 4 - SOUTHERN BARRIER REEF BLISS - (B,L,D)
Depart the Lodge after breakfast transfer to the Punta Gorda airstrip for the short flight to Dangriga. You will be met at the airstrip and taken to the dock where the boat will be waiting to whisk you off to the lovely tropical island of Coco Plum Caye where we will spend three blissful nights at Coco Plum Resort. |
| Coco Plum Caye is a privately owned island located only eight miles off the coast of southern Belize and only minutes from the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere, home to some of the best diving in the world. Crystal clear waters in shades of turquoise, sea blue, teal, and emerald green surround the island. The shallow waters here are perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, fly-fishing, and swimming. |
DAY 5 - MESSING ABOUT ON THE WATER - (B,L,D)
Today there is a half day snorkel tour which provides the opportunity to see a multitude of coral formations and swim amongst a wide variety of
brilliantly colored tropical fish. The journey begins at Coco Plum Caye and proceeds through the cayes to the barrier reef.
The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest unbroken barrier reef in the world, stretching some 200 miles, spanning the entire length of Belize.
The guide will point out the many sea creatures that inhabit this massive reef system including Lobsters, Nurse Sharks and several varieties of Rays.
The afternoon can be spent relaxing on the caye, or why not take advantage of the complimentary kayaks and snorkel gear to
explore the waters around the island. |
|
DAY 6 - COCKSCOMB JAGUAR RESERVE - (B,L,D)
After breakfast you will take the short boat ride back to the mainland where a driver will be waiting to take you on a fascinating tour to Maya Center and the entrance to the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve. A brief stop will be made to sign in and to view the beautiful hand-carved slate plaques, baskets, clothing and jewelry made in the Village by the local Mayan Indians. Continue into the dense tropical rainforest of the Cockscomb Basin, which has a total protected area of over 100,000 acres.
The Education Center details the topography, geology, plant and animal life that make up this incredible rainforest.
Our guide will take us on an established trail and interpret the flora and fauna that makes this park such an amazing place.
The reserve has the world's highest density of Jaguar as well as several other cat species. Although Cockscomb is famous for its cat species, it is also a good place to see other mammals. Black howler monkeys have recently been reintroduced to the preserve and are sighted regularly along the forest trails. |
DAY 7 - LA ISLA BONITA - (B)
After breakfast head back to the mainland for the road transfer up the beautiful Hummingbird Highway past the citrus plantations and through breathtaking jungle scenery to Belize City. A stop will be made en route at the small and informal Belize Zoo before being dropped off at the Municipal Airport for the short commuter flight to the idyllic island of Ambergris Caye. Enjoy spectacular aerial
views as you get your first glimpse of the amazing Belize Barrier Reef.
Your destination is San Pedro - made famous by Madonna in her song "La Isla Bonita" ("The Beautiful Island") and the setting for Fox T.V.s "Temptation Island". The next couple of days are for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, windsurfing or just lazing in a hammock with a Rum & Coke!. Your own choice of hotel:
|
| MEALS: Meals are not included in San Pedro so that you have the freedom to eat out at the many excellent island restaurants. Enjoy a Belikin Beer in any number of beachfront hang-outs and thatched roof bars or a gourmet dinner in a first class restaurant. within easy walking distance. |
Swim, sunbathe, shop, or read a good book in a hammock! You can make your own
independent arrangements on arrival if you want to go scuba diving or snorkelling.
Do it all or do nothing at all on this sun-drenched island where even the palm trees sway to the beat of Punta Rock and Reggae music! |
|
DAY 8 - REST & RELAX - (RO)
Day free to relax on your own. |
|
DAY 9 - DEPARTURE - (RO)
Unfortunately it is time to go home. Flights from San Pedro to the Belize International will be at the most convenient time for your own departure flights from Belize. If you have a little more time to spare, extra nights in San Pedro can easily be added. |
An Escape You Will Always Remember... To a Place You Will Never Forget.
A
Place of Yesteryear's History, Today's Hospitality and Tomorrow's Hope.
Tropical Highlights of Belize - 2005 and 2006
Rates TOUR Double / Twin
Rooms Single Rooms
8 nights / 9 days
Per Person1,785
2,650
NOTE:
INCLUDES:
L= Lunch, D = Dinner and RO = Room Only.
NOT INCLUDED:
| Global Travel Club | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tel: +44 (0)1268 541732 | Fax: +44 (0)1268 541363 | ||
| E-mail: info@global-travel.co.uk | http://www.global-travel.co.uk | ||
![]() Discount Flights |
![]() How to Book |
![]() Tours List |
![]() Belize Info | ![]() Book Shop |
Home Page |
|---|
| Copyright © 2004 - 2006 Global Travel Club (BELIZE). All Rights Reserved. |
|---|