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central america: belize

Temples, Jungle and Reef

Experience the best of Belize in style exploring world class rain forest, Maya ruins and spectacular barrier reef. Explore ancient Maya cities such as Tikal, canoe the Macal River, horseback ride or mountain bike rural jungle paths and farm roads, search for wildlife among pristine rain forest and enjoy the solitude of a jungle riverside landscape. Isolated islands provide access to a world class barrier reef with numerous opportunities to kayak, snorkel, swim or relax in tropical serenity. SCUBA diving or fishing is also available at additional cost. This independent adventure combines two of our favorite wilderness lodges: Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge in Belize's Cayo district and Turneffe Flats located on an isolated Caribbean island.

Day 1 - Arrive Belize

Upon arrival you are greeted at the Belize City international airport by our local representative and transferred in an air conditioned vehicle to Belize's Cayo district. If time allows (flights arriving by noon) the perfect introduction to Belize is to visit the Belize Zoo and the Maya ruins at Xunantunich on your way to Cayo (at extra cost). Your base of exploration is Chaa Creek, a 330 acre private rain forest reserve and jungle lodge on the banks of the Macal River in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. The lodge provides a unique rain forest experience while maintaining an unspoiled ambiance and is comprised of comfortable palm-thatched cottage rooms and suites nestled along the riverside in a setting of unmatched beauty and tranquility. Guests can interact with nature by exploring the river and miles of well-maintained trails, Mayan temple sites, and through a myriad of adventure activities. Wildlife abounds, and some 250 species of birds have been sighted within the reserve.

Accommodations: The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Barton Creek Exploration

Glide through a remote underground water cave system in a canoe equipped with powerful spotlights. It is believed that the Maya once used this cave for ritual burials. Access to this cave is through a picturesque Mennonite farm community. While canoeing through the cave see large and colorful formations, skeletal remains and other cultural artifacts left behind by the Maya centuries ago. Swim in its cool waters by a small waterfall inside the cave. From the cave's entrance it's about a mile through the cave to the stopping point.

Accommodations: The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Tikal National Park

Depart early for the drive from Belize, across the border into Guatemala. Explore the ancient Maya city of Tikal, located deep in the rain forest of El Peten. This magnificent city was once home to over 100,000 people and a center to arts, culture and politics long before the arrival of the Spanish. Temples rise 200 feet above the forest floor and there are innumerable ceremonial sites, terraced palaces, ball courts, stelea, plazas and living quarters to explore. Your local Maya guide illuminates the lifestyle and culture of this once powerful empire while keeping an eye out for the area's abundant wildlife. The primary rain forests of Tikal National Park are home to abundant birds and small mammals that are easily observed as you amble among the ruins. Over 285 species of birds have been identified including toucans, hawks, motmots and parrots. Frequently seen are howler and spider monkeys, coatamundi and peccary. Elusive predators such as the jaguar and ocelot also exist in this pristine tropical habitat. After exploring the ruins relax by the pool at your hotel only a short walk from Tikal's central plaza within the National Park.

Accommodations: Tikal Jungle Lodge
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 4 - Tikal and Cayo Adventure

This morning is free to explore Tikal National Park on your own. We suggest rising early witnessing sunrise from the top of a temple. This is an excellent time to listen to the cacophony of the rain forest as birds and wildlife come to life. Return early this afternoon to Chaa Creek for a nature hike on the surrounding trails, a swim in the Macal River or a visit to the Natural History Center and Butterfly Farm. Of course you may relax in a hammock on the deck of your cabana or pamper yourself at Chaa Creek's full service spa (at additional cost).

Accommodations: The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 5 - Rain forest to Reef

Enjoy a scenic canoe trip down the Macal River to the charming town of San Ignacio. Pass through jungle and farmland stopping for a refreshing swim and scanning the shoreline for tropical birds. Upon arrival you will be met at the historic Hawkesworth Bridge and transferred to Belize City Marina arriving no later than 2:30pm. Here you will board a boat for the approximately ninety minute trip to Turneffe Flats. Travel 32 miles through several offshore cayes, the Barrier Reef, and then among the Turneffe Island Atoll to the Turneffe Flats . Arrive in time for dinner. Meals are a tasty combination of Belizean and American dishes served family-style. Fresh fruit, fresh seafood and fresh baked pastries are standard fare. Overnight in a beach front cabana overlooking the Caribbean at Turneffe Flats.

Accommodations: Turneffe Flats
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Days 6-7 Caribbean Beach and Barrier Reef

Spend two full days exploring the rich island, mangrove and reef ecosystems of the Turneffe Atoll by foot, boat, kayak and snorkel. A flexible schedule allows you to choose from a number of fully guided activities or just relax on the white sand beach in front of your cabana. While snorkeling your guide will point out a wide variety of tropical reef fishes, rays, sea turtles, lobsters, dolphins and possibly even a manatee. Take a boat ride around the Atoll in search of Bottlenose & possibly Spotted Dolphins. Before or after your guided activities explore by sea kayak, paddling along the shore or exploring off shore to the reef surrounding the island cave. Bring snorkeling gear along for a dip to cool off or take a closer look at marine life. Of course there is ample time to relax on the sand outside your beachfront Caribbean Cabana. Meals and overnights at Turneffe Flats.

Accommodations: Turneffe Flats
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Depart

After a delicious breakfast depart Turneffe Flats at 8:00am returning to Belize City by boat. Transfer to the Belize International Airport for your trip home or begin your trip extension. If your flight departs in the afternoon take time to explore Belize City's waterfront or hire a taxi to take you to the nearby Maya ruins of Altun Ha before your departure.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Land Cost Includes: Your accommodations, meals as mentioned, naturalist guided activities, park entrance fees and transfers from and to airport on arrivals and departures.

Not Included: Airfare to Belize, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and Hotel Staff, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival/Departure: The Temples, Jungles & Reefs adventure begins and ends in Belize City. Plan early arrival flights, preferably before noon on day 1 of the itinerary to maximize your experience. Departing flights should be arranged to depart no earlier than 11:20am on day 8 from Belize City International Airport.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.

To Extend Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about options for extending your trip. We also specialize in custom vacations.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com