Overview
With remarkable marine life, Maya ruins and wildlife-packed jungles, Belize is the ultimate family travel destination—and this 8-day trip will have you immersed in the people, places and customs of this stunning country. Float on tubes through breathtaking cave systems, keep an eye out for local wildlife at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, discover the ancient Maya way of life and snorkel along vibrant coral reefs as you explore the heart and soul of Belize.
Itinerary
Day 1
Belize City Arrival/ Caves Branch
- Welcome to Belize City and transfer to the hotel
- Check in and rest.
- Dinner and overnight in Belize City.
Day 2
Caves Branch - Nohoch Che’en National Park
- Begin with a drive to Nohoch Che’en National Park and hike to the starting point of the cave system.
- As you walk, listen to your guide talk about the plants, trees and wildlife of the surrounding area.
- At the starting point, take turns jumping from rocks into the water.
- Then, you will board inner tubes and enter the first part of the cave via small rapids.
- Once inside, you’ll switch between tubing and swimming underground.
- During the expedition, learn about ancient Maya ceremonial centers dating back to AD 400.
While you float through this underground cathedral, turn your headlamp lights off and listen as your guide narrates the history of the caves and their importance in the Maya world. - After exiting the caves, enjoy a riverside picnic for lunch as you soak up the joy of being back in the sun.
- The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure.
- You can swim in the pool or sit in the hot tub before dinner.
Day 3
Caves Branch - Xunantunich
- This morning, set out on a full-day excursion to tour the stunning Maya ruins of Xunantunich, which were built over 1,000 years ago on a hilltop above the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighboring Guatemalan countryside.
- Along with a local guide, you’ll climb the steps of El Castillo and marvel at the panoramic views of the jungle from the site’s tallest structure.
- Wander amid well-preserved temples, palaces and intricately carved stelae.
- In the afternoon, travel to the village of San Antonio to visit the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative, which was founded as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills and share centuries-old Maya techniques and knowledge.
- Get your hands dirty as you visit the cooperative’s pottery workshop, where you’ll attempt to throw clay utilizing traditional methods of making pots.
- Then, learn how to prepare corn tortillas using ancient Maya practices and enjoy the results of the your efforts with a cup of atole, a local corn drink.
- Afterwards, sit down with these inspiring women for a sampling of traditional foods of the Cayo region.
- Travel back to the lodge and enjoy dinner and an evening exploring the grounds on your own.
Day 4
Caves Branch - Relaxing day on your own
- Enjoy a day on your own, taking advantage of optional activities in the area or relaxing by the pool at the lodge.
- You can opt to visit the Baboon Sanctuary, cofounded by National Geographic Grantee Dr. Robert Horwich, where you’ll learn about their aim to preserve the thick forested habitat for a large population of howler monkeys.
- Lunch and dinner will be served back at the lodge.
- After dark, set out on a jungle safari walk with local bushmen as your guides. Creep through the darkness and try to spot elusive nocturnal animals, including howler monkeys, wild boars and even big cats! You’ll also learn about interesting plants that grow in the surrounding jungle.
Day 5
Caves Branch - Placencia
- Depart Caves Branch area and travel to Placencia.
- Along the way, enjoy a visit to Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in southern Belize, this unique sanctuary covers an area of 150 square miles (241 km) of tropical rainforest and is the world’s only jaguar preserve.
- Explore the trails of tropical, moist rainforest lying in the shadows of the Maya Mountains.
- Keep your eyes open for birds, amphibians, crocodiles—and maybe you’ll even spot a jaguar!
- Arrive at Placencia in the afternoon and enjoy time to relax by the hotel pool or walk along the beach.
- Dinner this evening will be on your own.
- You can pick one of the many restaurants nearby or ask your guides for a recommendation for some delicious food to enjoy in the soothing coastal atmosphere.
Day 6
Placencia - life under the sea
- See what life is all about under the sea on a full-day boat and snorkeling excursion.
- Make multiple stops to swim in the tranquil, tropical waters and come face-to-face with sea turtles, manta rays, parrotfish and nurse sharks—to name a few of the fascinating creatures that call this area home. Perhaps spot a manatee or 2 among the vibrant coral formations.
- Lunch will be served, then you’ll have time to relax or explore the island before a second snorkel session to look around the coral reef.
- After spending the day under the sea, you’ll catch a boat back to shore. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be yours to do with as you please.
- Choose to swim in the hotel’s pool or search for seashells on a walk along the beach.
Day 7
Placencia - beaches
- Following breakfast, head to the beach and get ready for a sandcastle building experience.
- Pair off into teams and build the best sand creation you can imagine using sand, rocks, shells and fallen leaves from the trees by the water.
- Design moats, tunnels and bridges as you work against the tide to finish your sand masterpiece.
- After the judging of the castles—even though it’s not a competition—you will have the afternoon to yourself to enjoy the resort grounds.
- Go for a walk in the nearby jungle, swim in the ocean or make a splash in the pool.
- This evening, dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8
Placencia - Belize City
Depart for Belize City and transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
Included service
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
Excluded service
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Children Policy
- Infant below 2 years old sharing same room with parents is charged for 30%.
- Child from 2 to under 12 years old sharing same room with parents is charged for 75%.
- Child from 12 years old is charged for 100%.
Notes
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see’s to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you’re celebrating one of life’s big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we’re creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
Policies
Confirmation
– Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a receipt of booking by email. Within 36 hours of submitting your reservation you will receive a confirmation email confirming the booking status. Please do not book any airline tickets until you receive the status of your booking.
Redemption
– You will receive an confirmation email (e-ticket) after your order was received. Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Email (e-ticket). When you reserve your attractions and services you will be asked to print e-tickets to present when you arrive at your destination. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
Terms & Condition
– All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking, please do not book the airline tickets until your received the confirmation.
– Cancellation and Refund policy (Notification day and departure day are not counted):
+ All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within one business day after purchase, customers will be fully refunded if the orders cannot be confirmed.
+ Cancellations received 14 or more days prior to departure – 50% of total purchase amount.
+ Cancellations received within 14 days of departure will incur a penalty of 100% per person.
– Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
– The refund amount will be credited directly to your AHL Tours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
– Prices may vary subject to availability/season/weekend/holiday.
– We reserve right to cancel a schedule to fully refund affected customers although we will make every effort to maintain the regular operation.
– We reserve the right to modify the tour arrangements for smooth operation of the tour.
