Highlands, Islands and Tikal

Day 1: Arrive in Belize
On your arrival, you will be met at the Belize international airport and transferred to your Cayo area hotel for check-in.   

Day 2: Xunantunich & Rainforest Medicine Trails
the adventure begins with a short drive to Xunantunich (Maya for “Maiden of the Rock”) which sits just inside the Western border of Belize.  Before reaching the entrance of  this ancient city, your party will board a 19th century hand-cranked ferry which takes you across the Mopan River. The ruins are actually located on one of the highest plateaus in the area and it is possible to climb to the top of “El Castillo”, the largest of the temples at this site. 

From this vantage point, one gains a panoramic view of the Cayo District and nearby Guatemala.Next, take a short drive to the Rainforest Medicine Trails. As you walk along well defined trails, your guide will point out plants and herbs once used by the Maya and still used by Belizeans today for medicinal purposes.  Samples from many of these plants and trees have been sent worldwide in the search ofcures for diseases such as cancer. (Breakfast/Lunch)

Day 3: Caracol & Mountain Pine Ridge (B/L):
Depart from your hotel and head southwest to the Chiquibul Forest Reserve for a visit to the famous Maya site of Caracol (Maya for Snail), the largest Maya city in Belize.  This site in size rivals that of neighboring Tikal.  “Canaa”, the largest and most impressive temple at this site is still the highest structure in the country.  From here one has a panoramic view of a vast empire that once was.  The lush primary rainforest vista gives one the sense of peaceful silence interrupted only by a startled bird call or howl of a monkey.   Picnic lunch while at Caracol.  In the afternoon you will continue your exploration in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, with stops made at Rio Frio Caves and time for a quick swim at the Rio On bathing pools. Breakfast/Lunch.

Day 4: Tikal National Park - Flores - Guatemala
Enjoy a full day tour of majestic Tikal (Mayan for `places of voices´nestled in the dense jungles of Peten.  This site has been extensively excavated and restored, and is the most recognized of all Maya Ruins. Picnic lunch is served.  Return to your hotel early evening. Overnight at a hotel around Flores. (breakfast/Lunch)

Day 5: Flores, Peten to  San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Morning transfer to Flores International airport to connect with your outbound flight to Belize International Airport, and then take a short connection flight to the quaint, charming seaside town of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.  You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Day at leisure to enjoy optional watersports or just bask in the sun. Overnight at Ambergris Caye. Breakfast.

Day 6: San Pedro - Ambergris caye
Morning snorkel tour to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, the boat ride takes about 15 minutes, the whole tour is approximately 3 hours including transfer times). You will snorkel in incredibly clear waters and have a personal encounter with nurse sharks and graceful stingrays. (Includes entry fee to site and snorkel gear.) Afternoon at leisure or optional tours available. Breakfast.

Day 7: San Pedro - Ambergris caye
Day at leisure for optional activities. Overnight in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye).Breakfast.

Day 8: San Pedro - Ambergris caye - Fly out from Belize international
Assistance on morning transfer to the San Pedro Airstrip for your flight to Belize International Airport in time to connect with your international flight.