Welcome to Belize! Upon arrival at the Belize International Airport, you will be greeted in the arrivals area by a local representative who will be holding a sign with your name on it, for easy identification. They will transfer you directly to your hotel in the Orange Walk, for a smooth and relaxed start to your exotic getaway!

Orange Walk District

Orange Walk District containing Lamanai and Chan Chich, is home to steamy jungle rivers, untamed wilderness, exotic wildlife, farmland, and some of Belize’s most famous Maya ruins. Factor in a handful of excellent jungle lodges and infrequent visits by tourists, and you’ve found the perfect off-the-beaten-path spot for your jungle adventures. By day, you can play the intrepid jungle explorer! At night, you can return to a thatched-roof villa and kick back with a glass of wine in distinctive eco-lodges. Orange Walk is home to the biologically rich Maya Forest, the largest contiguous forest north of the Amazon basin, which stretches from Belize through northern Guatemala and into Mexico. Within this expansive region—encompassing jungle, savannah, and wetlands—you’ll find Belize’s most significant private reserve, Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, extending 934 sq. km/360 sqm. You’ll also find the birders’ mecca, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, where endangered species such as the Mexican black howler monkey, Central American river turtle, and yellow-headed parrot find protection on more than 16,400 acres of wetlands and terrestrial habitats. Along the winding New River, which empties in eastern Orange Walk, you’ll discover the archaeological site of one of the largest and longest-inhabited Maya ceremonial centers in Belize, Lamanai. Here you can surround yourself in the mysteries of the ancient ruins in the heart of the jungle. Further up the river, Orange Walk Town is known as “Sugar City,” reflecting this farming region’s robust sugar cane industry.

Lodge Activities

Spend the next few days enjoying everything that Lamanai Outpost Lodge has to offer! The possibilities are endless; you can embark on a night crocodile-encounter aboard a Florida style airboat. Experience a tropical breakfast on a jungle river; explore a long-abandoned Maya city or simply relax in a hammock overlooking a spring-fed lagoon - all within walking distance of your cabaña.

As dawn breaks and the mist rises through the canopy, explore the jungle as it awakens. In the company of a naturalist guide, you’ll learn about the intricacies of a habitat that is home to creatures as diverse as the jaguar, the impressive Black Howler monkey, the Jaguarundi, and the vividly-colored Keel-Billed toucan. Strikeout across the lagoon in an exploration of Dawson’s Creek and its surrounding tributaries. Keep an eye out for manatees, otters, crocodiles, and endemic parrots.

In the company of an expert guide, explore the mysterious jungle-shrouded temples of this once powerful 3000-year-old civilization where nature and ancient history coexist. The ruins of Lamanai encompass over 700 structures, a visitor’s center, and a museum. As the only resource for medicinal aid, indigenous people have long used a wide variety of local plants for their powerful and effective medicinal properties. Unlock the secrets and learn first hand how essential potions and salves are prepared and used to this day in Belize’s jungle villages.

There can be no finer way to end the day than on the New River Lagoon surrounded by tropical forest and wildlife with a well-stocked cooler, snacks, and your bartender as you watch the sun disappear below the treetops from a 30-foot pontoon boat. Drinks not included. After dinner, climb aboard one of our comfortable custom-built river safari boats and head out into the night. This exciting adventure allows you to encounter anything from the Morelet’s crocodile to the elusive and endangered jaguar. All this plus close up views of some of Belize’s fascinating river birds as they roost on the water’s edge make this a not-to-miss adventure!

Experience the jungle under the evening stars or by the light of the moon. Listen as the owls and bats come out to hunt and gather, and the troupes of Howler monkeys speak to each other across the canopy. Sounds come from everywhere as many species, such as frogs and tarantulas, other mammals, and species of birds thrive in the late hour of the evening.

Enjoy the morning free at your leisure discovering the wonderful Orange Walk District.

After checking out of your hotel in Orange Walk, you will be transferred to your accommodations at the beautiful Cayo District. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure before savoring a delicious dinner at your lodge.

Cayo District

Leaving the beautiful beaches behind, the Cayo District introduces a whole new world. Among many other things, it's Belize's Wild West, it's the Central American jungle, it's a major adventure hub and it's the home of the ancient Maya culture. It truly is a blessing that Belize is such a small country, it offers you the opportunity to explore it within a relatively short amount of time. You may be climbing up a pyramid in the morning, heading off to river raft in the afternoon, and indulging in a world-class dinner by the evening.

Guided Tour to Xunantunich & Barton Creek

This morning, after breakfast you will meet with your private guide, you will explore the Cayo area and transfer to the impressive Mayan ruins of Xunantunich where you will have a private guided tour of the site (driving time: 45 minutes). Xunantunich is located across from San Jose Succotz, a few miles from Belize's western border. The largest pyramid, El Castillo, rises 130 feet above the main plaza and offers an impressive Panoramic View of Belize's Cayo District and nearby Guatemala.

After you tour the ruins, you'll visit Barton Creek. Arrive at Barton Creek Cave after an enjoyable drive across rivers, jungle trails, orange orchards, and along the Chiquibul Road through the Mennonite Community of Barton. Hidden here are the remnants of an ancient Maya civilization waiting to be explored in the watery underground caverns of Barton Creek Cave, which was a center for ancient rituals. Stretching one to two miles underground, this ancient wonder can be explored only by canoe. Drift along and marvel at the glittering stalactites and stalagmites, some 50 feet (15 m) in length. The Cave is littered with the eerie remains of human bones, centuries-old clay pots, some in perfect form, and tiny remnants of cultural Maya artifacts.

After you explore Barton Creek with your guide, you will transfer back to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Caracol, Rio Frio Cave & Pools Full Day Tour

Today's full day excursion will lead you on a journey through mountains, pine forest, across the Guacamallo River and into the dense jungle, for an expedition that is sure to be memorable!

Caracol is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize and is believed to even be one of the largest in all of Central America. Discovered in the 1930’s by a log hunter, it was not truly explored until the 1950’s, when Linton Satherwaite of the University of Pennsylvania began to uncover its splendor. Due to its difficult accessibility, excavations were delayed until 1985, when Dr.'s Arlen and Diane Chase of Central Florida University took on the challenging task. Standing tall at over 145 feet high, Caana (which translates to sky palace) towers above the rich green rainforest. Caracol is famous for conquering the megalopolis Tikal, when Tikal was at its peak.

Before your tour is over, your private guide will also take you to see the Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On Pools, so bring your bathing suit along for the ride! After your exploration of the ruins, this refreshing dip in the cool rushing waters is going to feel amazing! Also included during your excursion will be a tasty picnic lunch to enjoy with a spectacular view. At the end of this eventful day, you will be returned to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Jaguar Paw Cavetubing & Zip Line en route to Placencia

After a hearty breakfast, you will meet up with your guide at 9:00 AM with a 1.5-hour drive to the Jaguar Paw Caves. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Get your tube and embark on a 45 minutes hike across the clear blue Caves Branch River. You will go along a trail heading upstream alongside the river. Your guide will point out interesting aspects of the local flora & fauna. The beautiful scenery makes for the perfect photos!

Upon arrival at the designated starting point, your guide will brief you on the proper safety techniques for boarding & floating on your tube. If you’re adventurous, you’ll want to dive or splash into the water from a rock at the starting point. You’ll set yourself afloat through a series of cavers that periodically open up to the sunshine & jungle. Your guide will occasionally point out various Maya artifacts with a chance to get up close.

After your tubing adventure, your zip line activity will be waiting! Ziplining is an exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping activity that is safe for the entire family. Located along the banks of the Caves Branch River, Jaguar Paw provides the best Zip Line in Eastern Belize. Enjoy a birds-eye view while “flying” over the river and trees. Jaguar Paw Belize offers expert guides to secure your gears and ensure a safe adventure. After a 10-minute nature walk to the main platform, your guides will fit you in a harness and secure you to the main cable. You will also wear a helmet and gloves for extra safety and comfort. A guide will be waiting at every station to assist in landing and taking off. Belize Zip Line also includes a short trail to higher stations hiking under towering cohune trees. Some lines are longer than others- leading up to 700 feet across the jungle. The entire tour takes about 45-60 minutes.

When your adventure is over, you will be transferred to your accommodations in Placencia! The rest of the afternoon will be free at your leisure.

Make sure to dress comfortably in hiking shoes, water shoes, shorts, a lightweight T-shirt, a change of clothes, towels, sunscreen, hats, water, insect repellant, and a camera. Lunch will be included on tour. (This service is on a private basis.)

Placencia

Placencia is the name of both a slender, 25-kilometer (16-mile) peninsula that runs parallel to the Belizean mainland and the village at its southernmost tip. Home to some of the country's most spectacular beaches, this long ribbon of land is flanked to the west by a lagoon and views of the distant Maya Mountains and to the east by mangroves and the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Placencia Village draws the majority of the peninsula's visitors and is a relaxed, somewhat ramshackle spot with dive shops, restaurants, bars, and a colorful mix of expat and Creole locals. Just off Placencia's shores, you'll find diving, snorkeling, and sailing; visitors can also explore nearby mangroves and deserted cayes by kayak or fish for tarpon, tuna, or mackerel.

Free Day

Enjoy the next couple of days free at your leisure! Relax under the sun on the sandy beach as you recharge. You might want to discover Placencia on your own or even do some water activities.

Placencia is an ideal location to enjoy Belize adventure tours at their best. From exploring ancient archaeological sites, trekking & swimming through caves, hiking through the lush jungle, and scuba diving or snorkeling the second largest barrier reef in the world, it is easy to experience both jungle and beach adventures when vacationing in Belize. You can go on many of the self-paid tours and activities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, Mayan ruins, caving & ziplining, discovering the nature & jungle, and tours around Placencia.

The possibilities are endless!

Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences, and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. Once you have checked out of your hotel in Placencia, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the Placencia Airstrip in good time to board your domestic flight to Belize and connecting international departure flight.

We wish you safe and happy travels home! (This service is on a private basis.)