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BELIZE 2017

Belize, A jungle nation with vast rainforests, magnificent archeological ruins and abundant wildlife. Hike to recently discovered hidden Maya ceremonial caves, with ancient Maya artifacts and skeletons still intact, and canoe down beautiful jungle rivers. Cross overland into Guatemala and explore Tikal, the greatest of the ancient Maya cities, with it's dramatic pyramids rising high above the forest canopy. The turquoise shallows and cobalt depths of the second largest barrier reef in the world hold a chain of 186 islands. Dive through an underwater paradise and sail to remote cayes.

APRIL 10: BELIZE

Arrival at Belize's airport and travel inland into the rainforest to a magnificent jungle lodge on the banks of the Macal River. This remote wildlife lodge has become well known for the wealth of animal life, especially bird life (nearly 300 species recorded). We stop at the unique Belize Zoo, an extraordinary experience of getting unusually close to most of the rainforest animals. (overnight jungle lodge) (D)

APRIL 11: CAYO, MAYA MOUNTAINS, CANOE, HORSEBACK

We begin the day by boarding canoes and glide down a beautiful jungle river in search of animal life. Negotiating swift and stretches of calm water, we scan the trees for wildlife and view small settlements along the river, until we reach our lunch stop at Clarissa Falls. After a cool swim we mount horses and spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding lush jungle trails. The area is populated with toucan, parrots, howler monkeys, coati, iguana, and nearly 300 species of birdlife. Spend the evening under the stars with it's cacophony of jungle sounds. (overnight jungle lodge) (B,L,D)

APRIL 12: ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL (STONE SEPULCHRE CAVE)

We have a truly remarkable opportunity to explore a recently discovered Maya Ceremonial Cave. Only a handful of humans have viewed the 1500 year old artifacts within, and the cave is now restricted. With permission from the Belize Archeology department, we enter Xibalba - the Maya underworld, by it's perennial stream and explore it's many corridors and passageways. In addition to numerous artifacts (approximately 110 pottery vessels, obsidian blades, stone tools and nine burials were discovered), the site also contains a carved slate tablet and two slate stelae monuments. There is evidence of Maya sacrifice as we observe numerous cultural artifacts used by the Maya in their ritual ceremonies, and view the remains of a Maya Princess as she was laid to rest centuries ago. Pristine crystal formations reflect majestically in our lamplight. (overnight jungle lodge) (B,L,D)

APRIL 13: TIKAL-THE WORLD'S GREAT MAYA ARCHEOLOGICAL WONDER

Rising early we travel deeper into the interior and cross into Guatemala, passing small villages of living Maya until we reach Tikal, one of the greatest archeological sites in the world and the most spectacular of all the ancient Mayan cities. We spend the day exploring the ancient complex and surrounding jungle, learning about Mayan culture and beliefs. We climb magnificent pyramids and view temples, ball courts, baths, multilevel palaces and catacombs. The city is vast, but only a small percentage of over a thousand structures have been excavated. The surrounding jungle is rich with wildlife: peccary, sloth, ocelot, coati, mountain lion, jaguar, spider and howler monkeys, toucans, parrots all live in abundance here. Later return to our jungle lodge in Belize. (overnight jungle lodge) (B,L,D)

APRIL 14: MAYA MOUNTAINS, MOPAN RIVER

A free day at our jungle lodge set on the banks of the Mopan River. Swim, canoe or kayak, or just spend the day lazing by the river looking for toucans or parrots. For those who wish we can explore another ceremonial cave or hike through the jungle to an unexcavated Maya temple. (overnight jungle lodge) (B,L,D)

APRIL 15: AMBERGRIS CAYE, CARIBBEAN

After breakfast we leave the jungle and board a small plane for a short flight to the Caribbean island of Ambergris. If lucky we may see manatee or manta rays in the turquoise waters below. Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world and it lies only 200 yards from our secluded beachfront hotel. You can see the reef as an unbroken chain of white surf running along the Caribbean coast and it continues south almost the whole length of the country. The fantastic diving and fishing are some of the best anywhere. Water temperature is 80-85ºF. (overnight hotel on beach)

APRIL 16: AMBERGRIS CAYE

Morning snorkeling (or scuba if certified) to different locations on the reef, Hol Chan Channel, Mexico Rocks or Shark Ray Alley. Afternoon free for other dives, fishing or just relaxing in a hammock. (overnight hotel on beach)

APRIL 17: AMBERGRIS CAYE

Morning sail to a remote area of the reef, where we snorkel or just relax on board, and enjoy a freshly caught and prepared lunch on the beach. (overnight hotel on beach)

APRIL 18: AMBERGRIS CAYE

Ambergris Caye is the largest of some 200 cayes that dot the coastline of Belize. Ambergris is 25 miles long and a little over a mile wide in some places, and is

located in the clear shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea just off the tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Her coastline is protected by the 190 miles long Barrier Reef. San Pedro Town is the only village on the island. It's atmosphere is that of a small bustling fishing community. The town is clustered with wooden houses, some with Mexican decor, others Caribbean, and some still remain in the English colonial architecture. A short walk in town will make you feel the friendliness of the people and enjoy their lifestyles as they go around doing their daily chores. Barefeet, tee-shirts, and shorts are the typical island dress code. Day free. (overnight hotel on beach)

APRIL 19: HOME CITY

Morning free for a last dive or relaxing on the beach. Afternoon flight to Belize International

airport for our flight home.

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HIDDEN ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES, COLORFUL NATIVE CULTURE, REMOTE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS, LARGEST BARRIER REEF IN WESTERN HEMISPHERE, SPECTACULAR DIVING, TIKAL-SACRED CITY OF THE MAYA, HORSEBACK & CANOE EXPLORATION, MAYAN CEREMONIAL CAVES APRIL 10-19, 2017