Natural Wonders of Belize

Belize is an eco-paradise and a delight for nature lovers. From refreshing swimming holes deep in the jungle, to protected reserves covering 20% of the land area of the country, teeming with birds and animals, it's little wonder that the country is one of the most fascinating and diverse regions in the Americas for getting intimate with nature. Belize is also home to the 185-mile long Mesoamerican reef, the second longest barrier reef on Earth after Australia's. The underwater scenery here is absolutely spectacular and a delight for snorkelers and SCUBA divers alike. This itinerary has been carefully crafted to showcase the most spectacular natural wonders of the area, at an easy-going pace, while simultaneously enjoying some of the region's fascinating culture and history.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Belize (-)

Upon arrival at Belize City’s International Airport you will be warmly welcomed by one of our representatives and escorted to your luxurious jungle lodge, approximately one and a half to two hours drive away, depending on the particular lodge. Enjoy your first evening in Belize with a refreshing drink while listening to the sounds of the tropical forest around you.

Day 2 - Jungle trail, Butterfly Farm (B)

This morning you will awaken to the sounds of the tropical jungle surrounding your cabana, a far cry from where you were this time yesterday. The grounds of the hotel are a natural paradise and will give you a taste of the jungle you will visit over the next few days. After breakfast enjoy a short hike along well-maintained trails following the Macal River upstream through the lush jungle looking out for Howler Monkeys and other forest fauna. Hike back or float downstream to the hotel in an inner tube or a canoe. After lunch you will visit the wonderful Green Hills Butterfly Farm where around 30 species of butterfly are raised in a 3,000 square foot butterfly house. There is also a lovely hummingbird garden here, as well as an impressive mahogany reforestation project and an interesting tropical garden.

Day 3 - A.T.M. Cave (B)

After enjoying a delicious al-fresco breakfast, you will be met by your guide and driven the short distance to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (A.T.M.) Cave. Also known as the ‘Cave of the Crystal Maiden’, this is one of the most spectacular natural and archaeological attractions in Central America. This trip is for people who don’t mind a little rough going for a great reward. Following a short hike to the cave entrance and a swim into the interior of the cave, you will be able to see ancient Maya pottery as well as the crystallized remains of 14 ancient humans. Amazingly, there are no cordoned-off areas, no pathways, fences or partitions and it’s amazing that people are allowed to visit here at all. This is a real highlight of the jungle region of Belize and a fine introduction to this fascinating country.

Day 4 - Blue Hole, Guanacaste National Park (B)

This morning you will visit the Blue Hole National Park. Covering 575 acres of jungle and rich with wildlife including jaguar, toucan, tapir, peccary, ocelot and hundreds of bird species, it’s a fascinating place to spend a few hours while you enjoy a refreshing swim in the Blue Hole - a 300 foot wide collapsed Karst sinkhole filled with beautiful blue water. This afternoon you will enjoy a visit to the lovely Guanacaste National Park, one of the most overlooked but most enjoyable destinations in the country. Managed by the Belize Audubon Society, this small park is filled with a great variety of tropical wildlife and vegetation and contains three easy jungle trails leading to a swimming deck on a tributary of the Belize River as well as a raised birding deck.

Day 5 - Drive to Placencia (B)

This morning you say goodbye to the jungle and head for the coast for a complete change of scenery. After a leisurely breakfast you will check out of your hotel and drive to the delightful, unique Belize Zoo, known for its natural environment with thick native vegetation and wild, spacious animal compounds housing over 125 animals native to Belize. An easy two and a half hour drive from here in your private vehicle is the laid-back fishing village of Placencia on the Caribbean coast. There’s a small but growing international presence here, which has created some great dining options and some excellent boutique hotels. The town’s palm-lined beach is fine for swimming, as is your luxury hotel’s pool. This afternoon, explore the small town at your leisure, perhaps sampling some of the town’s local restaurants ranging from simple Belizean cuisine to fine dining.

Day 6 -Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary (B)

This is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Belize. The sanctuary is full of tropical flora and fauna including ocelot, iguana, puma, tapir, armadillo, kinkajou and over two hundred bird species. There are over 20 miles of well maintained hiking trails, from an easy one hour long stroll along a jungle river, to much more challenging hikes. There are cool natural waterfalls and pools that make for a delightful afternoon swim, and the opportunity to float down South Stann Creek surrounded by the beauty of the forest should not be missed. On the way back to Placencia, you will stop in the small village of Maya Centre, home to 400 or so Mopan Maya where you will learn about the lives of the modern day Maya, as well as visiting the interesting local butterfly farm. You will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy Placencia at your leisure.

Day 7 - Monkey River (B)

After a leisurely breakfast this rivermorning, you will take an easy 35-minute private boat ride to the mouth of the Monkey River and the sleepy village of the same name. Your boat will travel through a maze of mangrove channels and tunnels, before heading upstream to spot howler monkeys and possibly even crocodiles along the river shore from the safety of your boat. After a quick visit to the protected area of Payne’s Creek National Park, you will turn around, heading back downstream for lunch in the village before returning to Placencia to enjoy the rest of the day as you please.

Day 8 - Barrier Reef (B)

This morning after breakfast, youBarrier Reef will be taken by private boat to the nearby Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s. Snorkeling here is an amazing experience, as you float among the many varieties of tropical fish in the warm Caribbean waters, including trumpet fish, angelfish, damselfish, rays and beautiful parrotfish. Watch them dart in and out of the abundant and colorful coral reefs. For certified SCUBA divers, the area affords some spectacular dives to vibrant and stunning coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and coral in one of the most biologically diverse underwater habitats on earth. Returning to Placencia, you will be able to enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 9 - Farewell to Belize (B)

After enjoying a final leisurely breakfast in your hotel, you will transfer by private car to Placencia’s airstrip for your short, scenic flight to Belize City, connecting to your international flight home.

Jungle Lodge - Luxury - Mystic River

On a steep bank of the beautiful Macal River, eco-friendly Mystic River Resort Jungle Lodge offers the best of all worlds to those who travel to Belize. In this oasis of privacy, serenity and rejuvenation, there are no crowds, just the soothing sound of birds, rustling trees and soft breezes. Beautifully furnished by some of the finest local carpenters, all eight luxurious suites feature private patios overlooking the beautiful Macal River, and are some of the most stylish accommodations to be found in Belize’s jungle region.

Jungle Lodge - Deluxe - Dream Valley

Newly opened in February of 2012, this luxury designer resort offers opulence, comfort and a perfect equilibrium between nature and luxury, which makes it one the best jungle lodges in the country. Dream Valley is beautifully located in the forests of western Belize and elegantly sits on the bank of the majestic Belize River under the canopy of the lush tropical jungles. The remote jungle setting of Dream Valley makes it a perfect place to relax. Chalets elegantly sit along raised platforms emphasizing the panoramic view of the silent Belize River and rich jungle in a truly breathtaking setting.

Placencia - Luxury - Robert's Grove Beach Resort

Robert’s Grove is a beautifully appointed Hacienda-style Belize beach resort nestled on 22 acres of the finest white sand beach in Placencia. Its ideal location allows guests to be close to the Barrier Reef. Luxurious air-conditioned guest rooms and villas, amongst the finest and most diverse in Belize all feature spacious interiors and huge terraces, each of which is only steps from the two infinity pools and the beach and provide all the comforts and amenities you would expect from a top Caribbean resort. This great beach resort also makes the perfect setting for a memorable Belize wedding or for a romantic honeymoon vacation.

Placencia - Deluxe - Chabil Mar

Just twenty luxury villas and suites grace this beautiful beachfront property, assuring a superior level of privacy, intimacy and personal attention. This luxury boutique resort appeals to the discerning traveler looking to combine adventure and cultural experience with stylish, upscale and exclusive accommodations close to the cultural attractions of Placencia village. The hotel has won Trip Advisor awards for the past seven consecutive years for Best Family, Luxury, Romance and Service categories and is one of the finest beach properties in the entire country.

Pricing

From $3395 per person (Luxury Hotels) or $4095 per person (Deluxe Hotels), for a private tour based on two people traveling in low season sharing a room.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of Blue World Journeys’s representatives while in Belize
All transportation as described in the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver / guide
Private sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary
Bottled water in the vehicle during all transfers 

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.).