BELIZE FAMILY ADVENTURE 8 Days/7 nights Visit us at www.wildland.com
Itinerary Overview Embark on a family adventure tour of Belize, a land of discovery and adventure full of exotic wildlife and friendly people. With our Belizean guides by your side, connect with the local people of Belize and become immersed in the Creole, Maya, and Garifuna (African) cultures of this diverse and fascinating country. Glide past brilliant crystalline stalactites in the depths of the Barton Creek Cave, fly through the forest canopy on an extensive zipline network, learn through the metaphorical world of the butterflies, float on an inner tube through an incredible cave system with Mayan relics, engage with the local women s co-op, participate in a hands-on fun tamale making lesson, and imagine ancient times of the Maya exploring the ruins of Xunantunich. Then from the lush inland rainforests, you ll travel to the southern coast pristine coral reefs and white-sand beaches of the Belize Barrier Reef. From the comfort of your beach-side cabana in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, your family can snorkel safely and easily directly from shore, observing brightly colored fish and an array of other marine life in this diverse underwater ecosystem. Based from comfortable accommodations including rainforest thatched cottages and beach-front cabanas, the wild activities and welcoming people of Belize will create life-long memories for your family. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 Saturday CAYO DISTRICT Inn the Bush D Arrive and transfer to Bullet Tree village 2 Sunday CAYO DISTRICT Inn the Bush Medicine walk and Xunantunich Mayan ruins tour 3 Monday CAYO DISTRICT Inn the Bush Women s co-op group, butterfly farm and zip line canopy tour 4 Tuesday DANGRIGA Barton Creek Caves, boat transfer to South Water Caye 5 Wednesday DANGRIGA Belize barrier reef snorkeling, relaxation 6 Thursday DANGRIGA Day at Leisure 7 Friday DANGRIGA Day at Leisure 8 Saturday --- --- B AM flight to Belize International Airport -2-
Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BELIZE Arrive at the Belize International Airport and receive a warm welcome from our private local guide. Set off across the Belizean countryside, quickly leaving the city on a 2 hour drive to the rainforests of the Cayo District. Our base here is Inn the Bush, the perfect place to enjoy Belize peace and quiet and get lost in the echoes of the jungle. Overnight at Inn the Bush. [D] DAY 2: MEDICINE WALK AND XUNANTUNICH MAYAN RUINS A guided walk around the hotel trails this morning gives us the opportunity to observe a great variety of wildlife including grey fox, guatamundi, deer, squirrels and numerous colorful birds such as parrots, toucans, egrets, etc. This walk introduces us to the magical world of plants and herbs used in traditional Mayan medicine. The Mayans were masters at utilizing the jungle's natural resources for their practical and medicinal needs. Here we learn about vines that store drinking water, plants that help abate malaria, aid diabetics, cleanse the blood, plus many more. Then head off to visit the Maya ruins of Xunantunich or Maiden of the Rock. The dominant structure of this ruin rises 130 feet, providing an amazing view of the surrounding forest and ancient city below. Explore the ruins and picture ancient Mayan life while your guide gives a detailed description of the historical events surrounding this fascinating area. Return to the lodge for another savory dinner while listening to the sounds of the rainforest. Stay overnight at Inn the Bush. [] DAY 3: WOMEN S CO-OP GROUP, BUTTERFLY FARM AND ZIP LINE CANOPY TOUR This morning visit a local Mayan home for special cooking lesson on how to make delicious corn tamales and tortillas, and practice some pottery making. This is a great way to learn about traditional art, food, crafts, and farming techniques. Later head on a short guided tour to learn about the butterfly s natural history and their incredible stages of development of some of the most colorful species in the world. With over 50 to 90- different species and hundreds of flighty creatures in the butterfly conservatory at any one time, guests will be delighted by a possible butterfly kiss, or two. Heading up to Calico Jack s zipline course set into the side of the Mayan Mountains, choose from a variety of courses ranging from 4 platforms and 1,000 ft. to 15 platforms and 2,700 ft. of pure adrenaline! (activity not included and to be paid directly). Stay overnight at Inn the Bush. [] DAY 4: BARTON CREEK CAVE AND SOUTH WATER CAYE The Maya believed that caves served as a connection between the living world and underworld. Our guide takes us into the Barton Creek cave system, one of Belize s most extensive, with over 4 miles of underground tunnels. The cave was formed by the Barton Creek and so we explore by canoe equipped with high powered lights amongst giant stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive calcite crystal formations. Learn about the rituals that archaeologists believe were performed here and the cave s importance to the ancient Maya people. -3-
After lunch, we settle into the van for one of the most scenic drives in Belize as you travel along the Hummingbird Highway through the Maya Mountains to Hopkins on the Caribbean Coast. Our next stop is the tranquil South Water Caye Marine Reserve and your home for the remaining days of your Belizean vacation. Kick off your shoes, unpack and settle into your beach cabana located on South Water Caye, a private 15 acre island located right on the Belize Barrier Reef. Step outside your door to see wonderful ocean views and pristine white sands. Head out snorkeling directly from the beach, grab a fishing pole and try your hand at catching snapper, permit, or maybe a tarpon. Whichever way you choose to spend your days you can always simply relax in a hammock under the swaying palms and let your cares drift away. Overnight at South Water Caye. [] DAY 5-7: BELIZE BARRIER REEF AND FREE DAYS Check out the strange coral formations and swim amongst a variety of brilliantly colored tropical fish as you explore the marine environment on a half-day snorkeling and swimming excursion. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest unbroken barrier reef in the world. Your guide will swim along with you pointing out the dazzling array of tropical fish, hydrocorals, sea fans, feather plumes, sponges, and sea cucumbers. Return to the lodge for lunch, and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing at the beach. Don t forget the sunscreen! The remainder of your stay is at your leisure. Additional tours and activities can be worked out with the lodge manager during your stay. Overnight at South Water Caye. [] DAY 8: DEPART Enjoy one final dip in the warm Caribbean Sea and shake out the sand before packing up and returning to Dangriga to board your short flight to the Belize International airport in time for your international departure. (Local flight included.) Laugh about your good times on the way home and start planning your next family adventure! [B] END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -4-
PRICING FOR 2014 ADULT TEENS (12-17) CHILD (11 AND UNDER) $3,395 $2,575 $1,850 Note: Departs with a minimum of 4 people. Teen rates apply with teens staying in their own room (minimum 2 or 1 teen sharing the room with 2 adults). Children rates apply when sharing room with 2 parents and are valid for 2 children per room. INCLUDED SERVICES All guided tours and excursions Private Naturalist guide days 1-5 Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation Internal flight from Dangriga to Belize Intl 7 nights (Sat-Sat) hotel accommodation as indicated Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED SERVICES International flights Tips and gratuities Airport departure taxes National Park entrance fee Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation Any other items not mentioned above NOTE: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and services provided are subject to our Reservation Form Terms and Conditions. -5-
Accommodations INN THE BUSH, CAYO DISTRICT This lodge is perfectly situated in a secluded area of the rainforest with close access to many of the major activities that bring people from all over the world to this area of the Belize jungle. Each room is spacious and has two kingsized beds with the possibility of bringing in an additional twin bed for large families, private hot/cold shower and a veranda to rest your weary feet after exciting Belizean family adventures to ancient ruins, rivers, and caves. Head out with your guide on nearby nature trails with opportunities to spot exotic plants and untamed wildlife. Electricity is solar-powered and this eco-jungle lodge has set in place other sustainable practices to decrease its impact on the local environment. PELICAN BEACH RESORT, SOUTH WATER CAYE This idyllic 15 acre private island is one of the few islands that are directly connected to the Belize Barrier Reef providing the epitome of adventure and relaxation. Step right out from your beach front cabana and snorkel amongst coral and brightly colored fish or embark on a guided snorkeling trip to one of the many pristine snorkeling locations in the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. Relax and enjoy the natural beauty in this downto-earth setting, without frills but with all the amenities for your comfort. No need to wear makeup, dress up for dinner, carry around your wallet, or even remember when mealtimes are (you can eat when you re hungry!) The cottages are comfortably furnished with one queen size bed and twin bed, ceiling fan, full shower, flush toilets, and a large porch with hammocks. No electrical outlets are available in the rooms but you can charge your camera equipment in the main lobby. Kick your feet up and relax in this oh so tranquil Belizean beach paradise. -6-