Itinerary Highlights
- Mayan ruins & wildlife at Lamanai
- Garifuna culture in the Toledo District
- Exceptional bird watching opportunities
- Crystal clear Caribbean waters
- Mayan mountains & subtropical forests of the Cayo District
- World's 2nd largest barrier reef
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
14 nights from £5,570 per person
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
This comprehensive tour delves deep into the heart of Belize's historic and natural wonders; combining mysterious Mayan sites shrouded by dense jungles, river trips, wildlife spotting and enjoying the turquoise Caribbean waters off the coast of this small but fascinating country.
The adventure starts in the remote Orange Walk District. Amid the remnant of one of Belize's major Mayan cities, Lamanai Outpost Lodge sits on the banks of a lagoon surrounded by wildlife. Explore the jungle clad ruins, go on boat trips to spot many resident species of mammals and birds and discover this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Continue to the Cayo District to explore this lush rainforest area. While away your days tubing down the river, hiking and/or biking through nature trails, exploring some of the country’s best-known Mayan sites such as Caracol and Xunantunich or delving deep into the regions vast network of caves.
Belize's Toledo district, close to Punta Gorda is the next stop. Boasting the country’s highest concentration of traditional Mayan villages, visitors will notice an intriguing mixture of Mayan, Garifuna and Mennonite communities. Spend your days exploring waterfalls, ruins and scenic islands just offshore before finishing at a beautiful beach retreat close to Placencia.
Itinerary
Day 1 UK - Miami
Take the daytime flight from London to Miami arriving late afternoon. Overnight at an airport hotel such as the DoubleTree by Hilton or take a short taxi ride to trendy South Beach and enjoy the city buzz for the evening.
Day 2 Miami - Belize City - Lamanai
This morning, take a short flight from Miami to Belize City. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred North to the Orange Walk District (approximately 3 hours). This area comprises of steamy jungle rivers, wilderness and wildlife, and some of the country's most important Mayan ruins. Factor in a handful of first-rate jungle lodges and the fact that visitors are few and far between, and you've got a near-perfect scenario: by day, you can play the intrepid jungle explorer, by night, you can return to a thatch-roof villa and a bottle of red. Spend the next 3 nights at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge, located on the banks of Lamanai Lagoon and just yards from one of Belize's most fascinating archaeological site of Lamanai, this is the perfect place to start your Belizean adventure! Arrive to the lodge aboard a tranquil river boat, spotting wildlife as you go. Your stay here is all inclusive with many excursions to choose from each day.
Day 3 Lamanai
Staying just yards from the Lamanai archaeological site means accessing these incredible ruins before many other visitors arrive. Known for their impressive architecture and jungle setting, the ruins are surrounded by dense rainforest overlooking the New River Lagoon. As you wander, listen out for the howler monkeys high up in the trees, spot lizards and colourful birds and butterflies. The name Lamanai means "submerged crocodile" in Maya, so you don't need two guesses at which animal may lurk in the waters of the nearby lagoon! Although not as big as some other Mayan sites, this was once a thriving city, home to 20,000 people for over 3000 years. Visit three temples, a ball court and several other small building. The highest temple rises an imperious 33m above the jungle canopy providing excellent views over the river and the surrounding countryside.
Staying at
Lamanai Outpost Lodge
Day 4 Lamanai
During your stay at Lamanai Outpost Lodge, choose from a variety of excursions from jungle walks at dawn, night walks, canoe expeditions, learning about traditional Mayan medicine (as the only resource for medicinal aid, indigenous people have long used a wide variety of local plants for their powerful and effective medicinal properties), boat trips along the river including a sunset cocktail cruise. All are accompanied by a naturalist guide who will teach you the intricacies of this region and point out the abundant wildlife along the way. Your stay includes two excursions per night's stay. Being surrounded by an incredible variety of habitats that facilitate unsurpassed nature based and soft-adventure activities, depart right from your cabaña without any need for day-trips. Some of the wildlife in the area include that of the jaguar, the impressive black howler monkey, the jaguarundi and the vividly-colored Keel-Billed toucan.
Staying at
Lamanai Outpost Lodge
Day 5 Lamanai - Cayo District
Today you are taken to the Cayo District, located in the western section of the country and bordering Guatemala's El Petén region. The Cayo District is a vast highland stretch of rainforests, ranches, and some of the country's most remote and rugged terrain. The area has a range of Mayan ruins, extensive cave systems, and the chance to explore the surroundings on foot, by horse, or in a kayak, raft, or canoe along the river systems. Spend the next 3 nights at Black Rock Lodge, and this evening you may wish to head out with an experienced guide to explore the rainforest under the cover of darkness. Spot a variety of nocturnal creatures such as the red eye tree frog, tarantulas, snakes, and many other incredible species.
Day 6 Cayo District
Today is at leisure. Explore one of the world's most pristine ecosystems surrounding your Lodge, choose from a number of nature trails and spot birds, butterflies and flora along the way. Relax by the pool or alternatively Rainbow Tours can organise a variety of excursions in the local area to waterfalls, caves, the botanical gardens and enigmatic Mayan archaeological sites.
Staying at
Black Rock Lodge
Day 7 Cayo District
Day at leisure. Rainbow Tours highly recommends visiting Caracol, the largest Mayan archaeological site in Belize, with its towering pyramid (Caana) rising over 140 feet above the jungle floor, from where there are impressive views of the jungle. After a stop off for a cooling dip in its nearby fresh water pools. Why not kayak through the mysterious Barton Creek Cave system? Gently paddle your canoe along the scenic creek and, with lights shining, venture into the dark, winding cave system known as a Mayan underworld. Stalactites hang high overhead as you float past impressive calcite crystal formations in cathedral-like chambers.
Staying at
Black Rock Lodge
Day 8 Cayo District - Punta Gorda
Depart the Cayo District in time for a short scheduled flight down to the southern coastal town of Punta Gorda in Toledo district. Often referred to as Belize's Forgotten District, this region is home to unspoilt nature beauty, a melting pot of cultures, astonishing diversity from the cacophonous wildlife of the jungle, the nearby reefs and the small Mayan villages dotting the countryside. Transfer from the airstrip to your eco-lodge, surrounded by a nature reserve that encompasses some pristine rainforest. Listen out for the cries of the howler monkeys and spot toucans hoping among the branches in the lodge grounds.
Day 9 Punta Gorda
The next two days are at leisure to relax or arrange excursions locally through your lodge. Explore the tropical environment along the river or take a guided hike through the lush surrounding forest. Keep an eye out for iguanas, birds, monkeys and other jungle dwellers. Spot rare and common birds species accompanied by an expert guide at dawn or dusk or why not head out on a bike to hit the narrow lanes of nearby Punta Gorda.
Day 10 Toledo District
Another day for further exploration of the Toledo District. There are many excursions (payable locally) guests can choose from, from visiting the nearby ruins of Lubaantun, horse riding, a culinary tour, a cocktail mixology class, jungle foraging tours, farm tours, sunset river cruises and visits to nearby waterfalls (to name a few!). Alternatively, relax by its inviting swimming pool and perhaps treat yourself to a luxurious spa session. Throughout your stay, indulge in exceptional cuisine at the Jungle Farm restaurant and sample local drinks at the "Rum Bar".
Day 11 Punta Gorda - Placencia
Travel by short flight to the Placencia peninsula and your peaceful beachfront hotel, where you are at leisure for the next days on the Caribbean Coast.
Day 12 Placencia
Two full days to explore this region or simply relax by the beach and the warm Caribbean sea. Optional excursions include a snorkelling trip from the local dock to the nearby coral reef. Spot a variety of colourful tropical fish and coral formations. Perhaps take a guided tour of the Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve, the world's only jaguar preserve, which includes some hiking in this beautiful tropical surrounds.
Day 14 Placencia - Belize City - UK
Take the short flight to Belize City and connect with your international departure to the UK.
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
14 nights from £5,570 per person
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Pricing Notes
Price includes all accommodation, breakfast (all meals and most drinks at Lamanai), excursions as shown and transfers are included.International and internal flights are included in economy class.
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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