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Day 1 Arrive Belize City (D)

Day 2 Maya Underworld (B,L,D)

We rise early to start today's extraordinary journey, which takes us deep into the Maya underworld known as Xilbalba (shil-balba), a mythical realm inhabited by spirits and powerful gods, an underworld of untold fears and dreams where Maya shaman, in supposition to the gods, ventured into darkness to conduct their secretive rituals. As we venture underground into the caves, we learn from our guides how the caves played an important role in the ancient Maya civilization and about ongoing archaeological research taking place underground in Belize. After our cave visit, we travel the Hummingbird Route to meet up with our motor charter, on the coast by the town of Dangriga. We head out to the southern Barrier Reef and arrive at our camp in time to settle in, have dinner and plan our next two days on the barrier reef.

Day 3 Kayaking Instruction (B,L,D)

We rise early for a breakfast on the beach. We then focus on our introduction to sea kayaking and get comfortable with the gear. We start by teaching and reviewing the fundamentals of sea kayaking and introduce everyone to ocean touring techniques. We test our new found skills with a paddle out to the main reef to snorkel along the inner reef wall or patch reefs. Depending on sea conditions, a snorkel along the outside reef edge may be possible. Our paddle back to our camp takes us past mangrove ranges and protected lagoons. Out on the reef, our guides share their knowledge of Belize, the marine environments and local culture.

Day 4 Exploring the Reefs (B,L,D)

Days 5-6 Glovers Reef Atoll (B,L,D)

Glover's is one of only four atolls in the Caribbean Sea and is truly one of the most spectacular marine environments in Belize. Due to its isolation from the mainland the waters are exceptionally clear with an incredibly rich reef system that offers some of the best kayaking, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. Our days are flexible in order to respond to both group and individual desires and abilities. Activities include: sea kayaking, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, kayak sailing and windsurfing. For those who are certified divers, we can also arrange dives on the outer walls. If all this sounds a little busy, you always have the choice of just kicking back in a hammock and relaxing on your Belize vacation with a good book and a cold drink. On the afternoon of Day 6, we transfer back to the mainland and continue south to our jungle lodge in the Toledo district of Belize to begin the next leg of our journey.

Days 7,8,9 Into the Jungle (B,L,D)

The Lodge at Big Falls is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande river in Belize's southern Toledo District, a region of isolated villages lying amongst an unspoiled tropical wilderness. Our location is superb. The lodge property is located on a meander of the river with almost a mile of river frontage. There are views towards the Maya Mountains to the north west while the south eastern bank faces the small village of Big Falls. In the afternoon, we drive further south from Big Falls to our put-in point on the Moho river, stopping for lunch along the way at the traditional Maya village of Santa Theresa. Once on the river, our guides provide a brief boat and river orientation and we take as much time as we need to learn and practice our new boat-handling skills, enabling us to safely navigate the rapids and pour-overs. We then begin our journey along one of Belize’s most beautiful rivers through some pristine rainforest to our first river camp. For these next days we break contact completely with the outside world and become a part of the mist-shrouded rainforest as we follow the Moho River through canyons and lush rainforest. Each bend reveals the dynamic nature of the river-from calm, meandering water that reflects the intense green of the jungle to stretches of rapids, pour-overs and spectacular waterfalls as the river descends from the Maya Mountains to the sea. Depending on water levels, some days we may reach our bush-camp by mid-afternoon and switch to land-based activities. Hiking through the forest, birding, plant and animal identification, and photography are some of the many activities we engage in. During the trip with our Maya guides and North American leaders, we emphasize understanding the ecology of the rainforest, learning about the habits of the wildlife and gaining an appreciation for the rich Maya folklore which adds so much to our experience in the jungle.

Day 10 Return Belize City (B,L)

Day 11 Return Home

US$ 2269
11 days starting and ending in Belize City, Belize. Thu-Sun
Tour Code: UA11
Single Supplement: US$100
Single tents available upon request

Accommodations: 2 nights rustic lodge, 5 nights camping, 2 nights tent-walled cabanas, 1 night hotel or lodge

Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.

Transportation: Private van or bus, charter boat, sea kayaks, inflatable river kayaks, local flight, your own two feet!

Note: Because this trip is run in conjunction with another tour operator, we cannot offer our standard 5% early registration discount.

Group & Staff: Min 6, Max 14; 2-3 North American and Belizean leaders

Personal Budgeting: Allow US$35 international departure tax, US$50 optional excursions, $40 meals/snacks not included and money for souvenirs.

Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Share US$55, Single US$110

Is it for Me? This is one of our most adventurous trips. Participants need to be in good physical condition and able to paddle up to 10 miles at a time or hike 3-4 hours. Due to the remote location, travelers need to be able to handle the unexpected.

Arrival / Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each
2 or more people US$25 /person

Prices are based on a 3% cash discount