Itinerary

Day 1: USA / BELIZE CITY / POOK’S HILL LODGE

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Meet at the International Airport in Belize City for a late afternoon coordinated transfer to Pook’s Hill Lodge. Tonight, gather for a festive family-style welcome dinner. (D)

Accommodation: POOK’S HILL LODGE (view website)

Day 2: CARACOL

Sunday, January 03, 2010

Wake to the songs of birds in the surrounding rainforest and travel to Caracol, a spectacular Maya city still in the process of being uncovered. Lost for centuries and rediscovered in 1936, its highlight is the beautiful Caana ("Sky Place") pyramid, which rises more than 128 feet above the jungle floor. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing swim at the Rio On pools where you can sit under a waterfall and swim in the cool natural pools.(B,L,D)

Accommodation: POOK’S HILL LODGE

Day 3: CHAA CREEK / MACAL RIVER

Monday, January 04, 2010

This morning, we walk trails beneath giant mahogany trees and learn about the fascinating medicinal plants of the rainforest, such as vines that store drinking water, plants that help abate malaria, aid diabetics,and cleanse the blood. At the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm we marvel at the splendid iridescent wings of these magnificent butterflies. Then, board canoes and float on the Macal River as our naturalist guide points out exotic birds and animals. We stop in the charming town of San Ignacio, known locally as "Cayo," with its frontier-like wooden shops and narrow streets. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: POOK’S HILL LODGE

Day 4: TIKAL, GUATEMALA

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Cross the border into Guatemala, en route to Tikal National Park. Explore the jungle-clad ruins of palaces, temples, ball courts, and ceremonial platforms: the “Q” Complex, the Great Plaza with the Pyramid of the Grand Jaguar and Pyramid of the Masks, the Palace of the Nobles, and Pyramid IV. Our lodge adjacent to the ruins allows us to savor the dusk and dawn serenade of the rainforest that surrounds us. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: JUNGLE LODGE (view website)

Day 5: TIKAL, GUATEMALA / SOUTH WATER CAYE

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Rise early to see the sunrise over the pyramids and scan the treetops for toucans and monkeys. Drive back into Belize and continue to Dangriga on the coast via the Hummingbird Highway. Board our boat for the trip to South Water Caye, an island set directly on the Barrier Reef. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: PELICAN’S POUCH LODGE (view website)

Day 6: SOUTH WATER CAYE

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Our boat takes us to different sites in the calm, protected waters of the South Water Marine Reserve, the largest marine park in Belize. The coral is fabulous and some of the fascinating fish we are likely to see while snorkeling include rainbow parrotfish, Nassau grouper and spotted eagle ray. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: PELICAN’S POUCH LODGE

Day 7: SOUTH WATER CAYE

Friday, January 08, 2010

By boat, we visit Man O’War Caye, commonly known as Bird Island, and see Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown Boobies, and pelicans. We also cruise through mangroves (nurseries for many juvenile sea creatures)and tour the labs at the Smithsonian’s marine research facility at Carrie Bow, where we meet the scientists for a briefing on the types of research projects currently underway at the station. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

Accommodation: PELICAN’S POUCH LODGE

Day 8: SOUTH WATER CAYE/ BELIZE CITY / USA

Saturday, January 09, 2010

After breakfast, travel by boat to Dangriga, and continue by coach to the airport for flights back home. (B)