BELIZE: Maya Ruins, Rainforests &Tropical Reefs

Transcription

1 BELIZE: Maya Ruins, Rainforests &Tropical Reefs Including an Overnight at Tikal, Guatemala With Professor Ignacio Gallup-Díaz JANUARY 2 9, 2010 Bryn Mawr Alumnae Travel

2 Bryn Mawr Alumnae Travel Dear Bryn Mawr Alumnae/i, Family, and Friends, We invite you to join Ignacio Gallup-Díaz, Associate Professor of History, on this journey to fascinating Belize. This program explores the biodiversity of the rainforest, the magnificent remains of the ancient Maya civilization and the rich marine life on the world s second largest barrier reef. We begin in the jungle-covered hills of western Belize and discover the secrets of the rainforest as we search for medicinal plants, monkeys, iguanas and exotic birds. You don t have to be a birder to be amazed at your first sight of a Keel-billed Toucan, the national bird of Belize. We also float down jungle rivers and visit the ancient Maya site of Caracol. Next, we travel into Guatemala, to the greatest of all the Maya ruins, Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Staying overnight close to the ruins, we are able to take in both the sunset and the sunrise over the massive stepped-pyramids, some towering more than two hundred feet. Then, we travel to the coast on the Hummingbird Highway and by boat to South Water Caye, a secluded island right on the Barrier Reef. We explore the reef by boat, search for wildlife in the mangrove swamps, and visit the Smithsonian Research Center on an adjacent island. Of course, we also have a chance to swim and snorkel amid an astounding array of corals and tropical fish. In addition, Professor Gallup-Díaz will speak on the long and varied history of piracy on the Belize coast. Because of the intimate lodges we use, space is strictly limited. We urge you to reserve your place today by calling the Alumnae Association at or Siemer & Hand Travel at Warm regards, Wendy M. Greenfield Executive Director Bryn Mawr Alumnae Association Ignacio Gallup-Díaz, Associate Professor and Chair of the History Department, earned his PhD from Princeton and specializes in the history of the early modern Atlantic World. His courses explore how European conquest and settlement of the Americas, coupled with the forced migration of Africans and the continued presence of Amerindian communities, led to the evolution of complex societies. He has written about the interaction between competing European colonizers and Panama's Kuna people. Gallup-Díaz is now at work on research projects that explore the development of autonomous African and indigenous communities in Panama and Suriname during the period of colonization; the intellectual underpinnings of early English expansion; and poetical depictions of the Spanish attempts to subdue eastern Panama and its peoples.

3 Maya Ruins Belize shares a rich Maya heritage with Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras, and is considered to have been the heart of Maya civilization during the Classic period of 250 AD to 900 AD, when the population is thought to have exceeded one million people. We visit Caracol, the largest known Maya center in Belize and cross into Guatemala for an overnight stay at Tikal (c. 200 BC), once the most important city in the Maya universe. MEXICO Belize City Ambergris Caye Rainforest The rainforest is home to colorful toucans, butterflies, hummingbirds, parrots, howler monkeys, jaguars and towering trees. Experienced naturalist guides take us on invigorating walks on jungle trails and along gentle rivers. Barrier Reef Described by Charles Darwin as "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies," the Belize Barrier Reef is a 186-mile stretch of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest reef on the planet. It is home to an astounding diversity of plants, coral, fish and other animals. Tikal GUATEMALA Pook s Hill lodge Caracol BELIZE Gulf of Honduras Turneffe Islands Dangriga Gloverʼs Reef South Water Caye Caribbean Sea ACCOMMODATIONS During this program we stay in unique and secluded lodges, ideally located in the rainforest, near the Maya ruins, and right on the reef. Their casual atmosphere and warm hospitality provide a relaxing environment. Pook s Hill Pelicans Pouch Lodge POOK S HILL LODGE Pook s Hill Lodge is located within a private 300-acre reserve of primary rainforest. The accommodations are in whitewashed cabanas that are spacious and cool, and form a circle around the ruins of a 1,200-year-old Maya plaza. All cabanas are built with high-thatched roofs, are fully screened, with two beds, electricity, and roomy bathrooms with hot water showers. The cool clean river flowing through the property is an ideal natural swimming pool. TIKALS JUNGLE LODGE The Hotel Jungle Lodge is located within walking distance of the Central Plaza of Tikal. Our comfortable bungalows include hot showers, two double beds, ceiling fans, and a private porch. The lodge has a swimming pool, perfect for cooling off while admiring the Keel-billed Toucans, Howler and Spider Monkeys. PELICAN S POUCH LODGE Located directly on the Belize barrier reef, South Water Caye is a private 15-acre island paradise surrounded by diverse mangrove islands, tidal seagrass flats, and pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life. Our cottages are spaced around the main lodge, within just a few feet of the water. The rooms are colorful and spacious and designed to capture the cooling trade winds. Each has a private bath and veranda with a hammock offering spectacular views of the waves breaking on the offshore reef.

4 ITINERARY USA / BELIZE CITY / POOK S HILL LODGE Saturday, January 2 Meet at the International Airport in Belize City for a late afternoon coordinated transfer to Pook s Hill Lodge. Tonight, gather for a festive family-style welcome dinner. POOK S HILL LODGE (D) CARACOL Sunday, January 3 Wake to the songs of birds in the surrounding rainforest and travel to Caracol, a spectacular Maya city still in the process of being uncovered. Lost for centuries and rediscovered in 1936, its highlight is the beautiful Caana ("Sky Place") pyramid, which rises more than 128 feet above the jungle floor. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing swim at the Rio On Pools where you can sit under a waterfall and swim in the cool natural pools. POOK S HILL LODGE (B,L,D) CHAA CREEK / MACAL RIVER Monday, January 4 This morning, we walk trails beneath giant mahogany trees and learn about the fascinating medicinal plants of the rainforest, such as vines that store drinking water, plants that help abate malaria, aid diabetics, and cleanse the blood. At the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm we marvel at the splendid iridescent wings of these magnificent butterflies. Then, board canoes and float on the Macal River as our naturalist guide points out exotic birds and animals. We stop in the charming town of San Ignacio, known locally as "Cayo," with its frontier-like wooden shops and narrow streets. POOK S HILL LODGE (B,L,D) TIKAL, GUATEMALA Tuesday, January 5 Cross the border into Guatemala, en route to Tikal National Park. Explore the jungle-clad ruins of palaces, temples, ball courts, and ceremonial platforms: the Q Complex, the Great Plaza with the Pyramid of the Grand Jaguar and Pyramid of the Masks, the Palace of the Nobles, and Pyramid IV. Our lodge adjacent to the ruins allows us to savor the dusk and dawn serenade of the rainforest that surrounds us. JUNGLE LODGE (B,L,D) TIKAL, GUATEMALA / SOUTH WATER CAYE Wednesday, January 6 Rise early to see the sunrise over the pyramids and scan the treetops for toucans and monkeys. Drive back into Belize and continue to Dangriga on the coast via the Hummingbird Highway. Board our boat for the trip to South Water Caye, an island set directly on the Barrier Reef. PELICAN S POUCH LODGE (B,L,D) SOUTH WATER CAYE Thursday, January 7 Our boat takes us to different sites in the calm, protected waters of the South Water Marine Reserve, the largest marine park in Belize. The coral is fabulous and some of the fascinating fish we are likely to see while snorkeling include rainbow parrotfish, Nassau grouper and spotted eagle ray. PELICAN S POUCH LODGE (B,L,D) SOUTH WATER CAYE Friday, January 8 By boat, we visit Man O War Caye, commonly known as Bird Island, and see Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown Boobies, and pelicans. We also cruise through mangroves (nurseries for many juvenile sea creatures) and tour the labs at the Smithsonian s marine research facility at Carrie Bow, where we meet the scientists for a briefing on the types of research projects currently underway at the station. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner. PELICAN S POUCH LODGE (B,L,D) SOUTH WATER CAYE/ BELIZE CITY / USA Saturday, January 9 After breakfast, travel by boat to Dangriga, and continue by coach to the airport for flights back home. (B)

5 LAND PROGRAM COST: Per person, double occupancy...$3,695 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Subject to availability...$ 795 GENERAL INFORMATION LAND COST EXCLUDES: Airfare; airport and departure taxes; meals not listed as included; airport transfers for those not traveling on the coordinated group transfers; charges for items of a personal nature, including laundry, beverages, and excess baggage charges; optional activities; independent travel arrangements; travel and accident insurance; and passport fees. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Refunds, less a cancellation fee of $300 per person, will be made if we are notified on or before November 2, No refunds will be granted after that date. All cancellations must be in writing. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel insurance is strongly recommended. The Bryn Mawr Alumnae Association is pleased to offer trip cancellation insurance. Contact Sarah Doody at (610) for further information. GROUP SIZE: This tour outline and pricing is based on a minimum of 15. For a group size of 14 or fewer, a small group surcharge not to exceed $325 may be imposed. HEALTH: All participants must be in good health. This program is active and involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs. All locations are not handicapped accessible. Any condition that may require special medical attention or other accommodation must be reported at the time of your reservation. DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENT: Reservations will be accepted in order of receipt if accompanied by a completed reservation form and a deposit of $500 per person. Final payment is due by November 2, 2009 and must be paid by check. If there is a significant change in the value of the dollar, a sharp rise in the cost of fuel or other unanticipated circumstance, there may be a slight increase in the cost of the program. RESPONSIBILITY: A detailed statement of limitations and exclusions of liability of Siemer & Hand Travel, Inc. and the Alumnae Association of Bryn Mawr College for property, injury, illness or death will be provided to passengers upon enrollment and is available to prospective travelers upon request. SIEMER & HAND TRAVEL, INC.: Celebrating 50 years of providing fine travel programs, founded in CST REGISTRATION FORM Please make check payable to Siemer & Hand Travel and mail to: 50 Osgood Place, Suite 230, San Francisco, CA Or, fax your reservation form to (415) Enclosed is my deposit for $ ($600 per person) to hold places(s) on Belize: Maya Ruins, Rainforests & Tropical Reefs Or, charge my deposit to: MasterCard Visa Diners Club American Express Discover Card Card Number Expiration: Signature as it appears on credit card: Name: (as it appears on passport) Bryn Mawr Affiliation Date of Birth Name: (as it appears on passport) Bryn Mawr Affiliation Date of Birth Street: City/State/ZIP: Telephone: Home: Business: ACCOMMODATIONS I wish to have single accommodations at an additional cost of $795 (subject to availability). I will share accommodations with: I am willing to share with another participant: non-smoker smoker (shares cannot be guaranteed) I/We have read the General Information section and agree to its terms. Signature(s) Date BYMBLZ10 For further information, please contact Sarah Doody at Bryn Mawr Alumnae Travel at (610) or sdoody@brynmawr.edu. Or contact Siemer & Hand Travel at or travel@siemerhand.com.

6 Highlights of This Thrilling Adventure Explore Tikal, the greatest Maya archaeological site See the sunset and sunrise over the pyramids Walk through the rainforest in search of medicinal plants and wildlife Canoe with naturalist guides on a languid jungle river Swim in natural pools of a mountain stream with cascading waterfalls Explore the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere Meet scientists at the Smithsonian Institute Research Center at Carrie Bow Caye Relax for three nights on beautiful South Water Caye All meals and excursions are included For further information, please contact Sarah Doody at Bryn Mawr Alumnae Travel at (610) or sdoody@brynmawr.edu. Or contact Siemer & Hand Travel at or travel@siemerhand.com. Cover main photo: Caracol pyramid in Belize s rainforest Bryn Mawr Alumnae Travel Bryn Mawr Alumnae Association 101 N. Merion Avenue, Wyndham Bryn Mawr, PA PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 90 Santa Clara, CA