undiscovered belize adventure

UNDISCOVERED BELIZE ADVENTURE
Itinerary Overview
Venture off the beaten path and experience the fascinating natural history, rich cultural heritage and a
host of active adventures in southern Belize. Travel offshore to the beautiful white sand beaches of the
Turneffe Atoll offering immediate access to the Belize Barrier Reef and the famous Great Blue Hole.
Enjoy quality beach time soaking in tropical sea breezes and participate in daily snorkeling trips to
discover the dazzling array of marine life easily accessed from this remote outpost. Continue on to the
Southern reaches of Belize to investigate the Lubanntun Maya ruins with an expert local guide, visit the
home and workshop of a Maya harp player, and explore the dramatic Blue Creek Cave system. Check out
the amazing array of endemic bird species with early morning birding walk and investigate a local
organic cacao plantation to learn about their farming methods and Fair-trade product. Celebrate the
Garifuna culture with an East Indian dinner and drumming performance. This journey is perfect for
adventurous souls who want to combine a visit to an unspoiled part of Belize not frequented by the
average traveler with time spent exploring one of the world’s premier barrier reefs.
DAY
DATE
OVERNIGHT
HOTEL
MEALS
HIGHLIGHTS
Arrive and transfer to
Blackbird Caye
1
TURNEFFE ATOLL
Turneffe Island
Resort
D
2
TURNEFFE ATOLL
Turneffe Island
Resort
BLD
Snorkeling tours
3
TURNEFFE ATOLL
Turneffe Island
Resort
BLD
Snorkeling tours
4
TURNEFFE ATOLL
Turneffe Island
Resort
BLD
5
PUNTA GORDA
The Lodge at
Big Falls
BLD
6
PUNTA GORDA
The Lodge at
Big Falls
BLD
7
PUNTA GORDA
The Lodge at
Big Falls
BLD
8
PUNTA GORDA
The Lodge at
Big Falls
BLD
9
B
Great Blue Hole and Halfmoon Caye.
Tropic Air flight transfer down
to Punta Gorda
Birding Walk
Lubaantun ruins and Maya
harpist visit
Blue Creek Cave
Kayaking
Organic Cacao Plantation
AM flight to Belize
International Airport
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Itinerary in Detail
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BELIZE
Upon landing you'll be met by our representative and transferred to the boat dock at the Belize Tourism
Village where you'll board a water taxi for the exhilarating 90 minute trip to the Turneffe Atoll. Boat over
azure waters speckled with mangroves and coconut tree covered islands past the Belize Barrier Reef and
to the western side of Turneffe Atoll. Check into your beach front room and take a refreshing swim in the
tranquil waters of the Caribbean. Beachfront cabanas with Caribbean views offer immediate access to
world class snorkeling and SCUBA diving for undersea enthusiasts. The cabanas have private porches
with chairs, hammock, one king or two twin beds and a private bathroom with hot water showers. Meals
are served family style prepared with a variety of fresh fish, meats, salads, fruits, vegetables, deserts, and
other local specialties. Overnight at Turneffe Island Resort or similar. [D]
Note: You must arrive by 2 pm to Belize City on your arrival day to make the transfer to the island.
Other Caribbean beach-front accommodations may be confirmed for holiday departures.
DAYS 2-3: BELIZE BARRIER REEF
Spend your days snorkeling on one of the premier barrier reefs in the world. Snorkel from the beach in
front of your cabana or join two guided excursions each day. A variety of excellent snorkel and dive sites
offer the opportunity to view colorful fish, beautiful coral, stingrays, eagle rays, barracuda, nurse sharks
and much more. When not in the water, enjoy activities for everyone including kayaks, hobie kats, and
short bird watching walks. Hire a fishing guide and try your luck fly fishing for bones, snook, or permit.
Keep as busy as you wish, or slow down and relax in a hammock on the beautiful white sand beaches
surrounding this primer Belize vacation resort. All snorkel activities are included, while dives can be
purchased on site or in advance at an extra cost.
All meals and overnights at Turneffe Island Resort or similar. [BLD]
Note: Snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkel) are available at the resort for $9 per day and wet suits for
$14 per day.
DAY 4: GREAT BLUE HOLE AND HALF MOON CAYE
An all day excursion by boat takes us to some of the most premier dive spots and barrier reef
environments in all of Belize. Our first stop this morning is the Great Blue Hole, one of the most
astounding dive sites to be found anywhere on earth. In the center of the Lighthouse Reef atoll, this large,
circular sinkhole hole is approximately mile across and 480 ft deep creating the dark blue color.
Experienced scuba divers descend into its depths to ancient caves among giant stalactites and stalagmites
formed 15,000 years ago. The most lush and abundant marine life is found in the shallow waters
surrounding the outer rim and among the many coral heads of the reef. Snorkeling is exceptional here
with angelfish, butterfly fish, groupers and other fishes swimming among elkhorn, staghorn, and finger
coral formations. We anchor-up to enjoy a Belizean style BBQ on the sandy shores of Half Moon Caye
and visit the bird sanctuary to see Red-footed boobies and frigate birds, and land iguanas. En route back
to the lodge we stop at another special snorkeling or dive location to see the frenzied feeding of yellow
snapper and the impressive barrel sponges. Overnight at Turneffe Island Resort or similar. [BLD]
DAY 5: PUNTA GORDA
Transfer from the Turneffe Atoll to the Belize Municipal Airport and board your short flight to Punta
Gorda, Belize's southern most town located on the Caribbean Coast. In Punta Gorda, receive a warm
welcome and introduction to one of the centers of Maya culture, the undiscovered Toledo District. Drive
30 minutes inland to The Lodge at Big Falls, your home for the next four nights, which is situated on a
meander of the Rio Grande. Arriving in time for a refreshing swim in the pool, enjoy a drink and brief
orientation of the lodge before dinner is served in the softly lit thatched-roof restaurant. Overnight at
The Lodge at Big Falls. [BLD]
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DAY 6: LUBAANTUN RUINS AND RIO BLANCO NATIONAL PARK
Join your local Mayan guide, Steven Choco, for an early morning birding walk (6:30am). This is when the
birds are most active and we’ll investigate a variety of bird habitats, including riverside, orchard, meadow
and forest. Species regularly seen include both keel billed and aracari toucans, blue crowned motmots,
black & white owls, striped cuckoos, many tanagers (crimson collared, scarlet rumped, blue-grey, etc) to
name a few. After breakfast investigate the Lubaantun Maya ruins with the warden, Santiago Coc, who
has more than 20 years experience at the site and has been involved in numerous excavations. Mr. Coc
enjoys bringing the ancient temples, plazas and ball courts to life and relaying the story of the 1926
discovery of the Crystal Skull. Savor a picnic lunch in Rio Blanco National Park and a swim beneath the
waterfall before exploring the natural history of the riverside with a local Maya guide. Visit the home of
Florencio Mes, a Maya harp player who not only makes his own instruments from tropical cedar wood
but has represented Belize at music festivals throughout the world. Overnight at The Lodge at Big
Falls. [BLD]
Note: Bring your binoculars and close toed walking shoes for this morning’s birding tour.
DAY 7: BLUE CREEK CAVE
Grab your hiking shoes and bathing suit for an exploratory day investigating the Blue Creek Cave system.
Swim upstream into the cave to a point where the river emerges as a waterfall from the cavern wall.
Check out the interesting formations as you hike through a dry cave. Feeling really energetic? Climb 1,375
feet up the valley side to a peak and be rewarded with magnificent views over the rainforest to the sea.
Another option includes learning about medicinal plants found in the rainforest and the cave system and
a visit to your Mayan guide’s home. With the aid of your guide choose among the variety of activities in
the Blue Creek area. Level of fitness, desire for adventure and season of the year influences the day's
activities. At the end of the day return to the lodge to relax in a hammock, take a dip in the pool or play a
game of ping pong. Overnight at The Lodge at Big Falls. [BLD]
Note: This excursion requires ambling over slippery, wet rocks.
DAY 8: PUNTA GORDA
Hop in a kayak and travel downstream on the Rio Grande from San Miguel village. Watch for iguanas
falling into the river from the overhanging branches and kingfishers, herons, cormorants, sungrebes and
other riparian bird species. Keep on the lookout for river otters and turtles before paddling back to the
lodge for lunch. Relax on the lodge grounds before driving to Silver Creek Village, to meet Miguel Choco
who manages his own organic cacao plantation. It is a fifteen minute walk from the road through an area
of steep hills, gullies and small creeks to get to the Choco’s small farm. On entering Miguel’s plantation
and climbing through his cacao grove you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the Port Honduras Marine
Reserve. Learn about Miguel's organic farming methods, drying and fermenting techniques and how his
beans are used to produce the signature Mayan Gold chocolate bars, the first Fair-trade product. See
another side of Belize as you experience the Garifuna (Afro-Indian) culture with a special dinner in Punta
Gorda. Feast on typical East Indian dishes while being entertained by a group of Garifuna drummers.
Overnight at The Lodge at Big Falls. [BLD]
Note: There must be a minimum of 6 travelers to confirm the Garifuna drummers.
DAY 9: DEPART
Linger over breakfast, before your flight transfer from Punta Gorda back to the Belize International
Airport. Board your international flight home with wonderful memories of relaxing beach time,
invigorating adventures and fascinating cultural experiences. [B]
END OF SERVICES
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Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change
accommodations to similar quality alternatives.
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PRICING
PER PERSON
$3095
TEENS
(12-17)
$2495
CHILD
(UNDER 11)
$2195
Child/teen pricing is based on sharing accommodations with two adults limited to one child or teen per
room.
INCLUDED SERVICES
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All guided tours and excursions
Naturalist guides for the tours included
Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation
8 nights hotel accommodation as indicated
Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]
Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services
NOT INCLUDED SERVICES
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International airfare
Tips and gratuities
Snorkeling equipment
Airport departure taxes
National Park entrance fee
Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above
Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons
beyond our control
Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation
Any other items not mentioned above
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Accommodations
TURNEFFE ISLAND RESORT
Perched atop the Turneffe Atoll off the coast of Belize, the
luxurious Turneffe Island Resort offers its guests the ultimate
luxury vacation. Retaining an ancient history with archaeological
evidence of Mayan presence and fishing operations in the colonial
period, the cultural and ecological beauty of the resort is a sight to
behold. The owners have preserved the “Hemmingway feel” in
each of the 20 guestrooms while providing modern amenities such
as water purification and solar power. The elegant woodwork in
each of the rooms and the air conditioning gives a comforting
atmosphere to enhance your luxury Belize vacation. Meals are served family style with a menu of
delicious local foods and the Friday night experience of a traditional waterfront Belizian barbecue. An
afternoon on the sandy beach of Half Moon Caye and a visit to the Red Footed Booby Sanctuary are
favorite Belize adventures for the guests of Turneffe Island Resort.
THE LODGE AT BIG FALLS
Located in the southern Toledo District, The Lodge at Big Falls
gives you the opportunity to see a remote area of Belize in the
comfort of an excellent ecolodge. Individual cabanas have private
bath with hot water, ceiling fans, and are decorated with
beautifully tiled floors and local and regional furniture. Belizean
and international dishes are offered in the open air dining room,
lighted at night with hurricane lamps which create a romantic
glow. Explore the surrounding Mayan communities, rain forest,
and ancient Mayan cities with local guides from the lodge.
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Booking your Wildland Adventure
HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP
You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling one of our destination-expert Program
Directors at 1-800-345-4453. Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form
and the initial trip deposit.
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North America.
• 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable.
*Additional deposits may be required for some trips. It may be necessary to adjust prices up or down 30 days before departure to
allow for changes in group size, rooming status or currency fluctuations. Full payment of the remaining trip balance is due 90
days prior to departure. Prior to departure, all travelers are required to sign a Release of Liability
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc.
plus any additional nonrefundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels
and local operators:
Days Prior to Departure: Fee* per person
91 or more: $100 (plus initial deposit for Africa trips)
61-90 days: Initial deposit amount
31-60 days:
50% of land cost
30 or less:
100% of land cost
*Note: Cancellation may result in additional penalties charged by local hotels, operators and airlines, occasionally as much as
100% of the cost.
PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES
Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains our exclusive Wildland Adventures Destination Handbooks, country
map, immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a trip insurance policy, checklist, reading
list, travel gear catalog, cross-cultural information and optional trip extensions. You will receive a final
trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior
to departure.
REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS
We think our trips are the best in the business. But don’t take just our word for it. We’re happy to provide
you with references from other Wild travelers. Have more questions or concerns? Call us a 1-800-3454453. We’re here to help.
CUSTOM TRAVEL
This trip isn’t exactly what you’re looking for? We are happy to customize an itinerary to accommodate
your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at 1-800-345-4453 or use the Contact a
Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local in-country ground operators
who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to
conduct this trip as described in the itinerary. It is however possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and
unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether
identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for
reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler’s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage,
accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt
will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality. (If upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply.) All information and
services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions
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