Rainforests, Ruins and Reefs

Arrive Belize City – Orange Walk

After arriving in Belize City, you will meet your transfer and head to Orange Walk. This is an excellent eco-friendly destination in the heart of La Selva Maya, an area of pristine rainforest that provides a sanctuary for flora and fauna. Your lodge encapsulates the magic of the jungle, and once you have checked in, you can explore the various trails or take some of the optional tours, including walking safaris, birdwatching, night walks, canoeing, fly fishing or horse riding. This is also said to be the best area in Belize for spotting the elusive jaguar.

Overnight: Lamanai Outpost Lodge (D)

Orange Walk

Such is the natural beauty and tranquillity of this area, you will have three days to fully explore. There are around nine miles of trails which can be hiked with the aid of a guide from the lodge. You will have two included tours each day, and can choose from a dawn jungle hike, sunset cocktail cruise, sunrise canoe safari, Lamanai Maya ruins visit, nature walks and night walks, and a Maya medicine trail excursion. Those who would prefer to relax instead of searching for jaguars can enjoy the charming accommodation and extensive grounds that really make you feel at one with nature.

Overnight: Lamanai Outpost Lodge (B, L, D)

Orange Walk – Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve

This morning, head by minibus (a journey of around three hours) to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, a 106,000-acre national park. During the 1950s, 60s and 70s, many local people were employed in this area to cut timber; unfortunately, the area was afflicted by an infestation of southern pine beetles in 1999, and as a result some areas are quite barren. Nevertheless, this visit still presents a good opportunity to learn about the reforestation project that is taking place here. Settle in to your new lodge and enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Blancaneaux Lodge (B)

Caracol, Rio Frio Cave & Rio On Pools

Today you’ll enjoy a full day visiting the ruins of Caracol, as well as the Rio Frio Caves and Rio On Pools. Located deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is the largest known Maya site in Belize and one of the biggest in the Maya world. Caracol was once a population centre that covered over 55 square miles, and was home to around 180,000 people. After a picnic lunch at the ruins you will head to the Rio Frio Caves, which appear more like a naturally formed tunnel than a cave system. There are giant rocks and beautiful formations here, making it a nice walk. After a full day exploring you’ll be ready for a swim in the freshwater pools of Rio On – the perfect end to the day!

Overnight: Blancaneaux Lodge (B, L)

Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre)

Actun Tunichil Muknal, or "Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre" in the Mayan language, is one of the most impressive caves in the Maya lowland. Located in the heart of the Belizean Rainforest, this cave was a sacred place to the pre-Hispanic Maya of Belize, who first began to use the entrance during the Early Classic Period (300-600 AD). The cave system consists of a series of chambers, ending in a 300 x 50-metre "cathedral" where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. You'll have the opportunity to travel into the ancient past of the Maya and witness a living museum, where artifacts and the remains of human sacrifices can be viewed in their original context. On the tour, you will drive to the trailhead and trek for 45 minutes through dense jungle in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, wading across three streams and learning about the flora and fauna of the jungle. At the entrance of the cave you will be outfitted in the necessary equipment. Some swimming will be required, as well as climbing across uneven surfaces. This is a first-class caving and archaeological experience.

Overnight: Blancaneaux Lodge (B, L, D)

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve – Ambergris Caye

Today you will head to the airport for a short flight to Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize's stunning cayes, which serves as the gateway to the vast barrier reef and atolls that are home to an abundance of technicolour marine life. We recommend asking for a window seat on your flight to Ambergris as the bird's-eye views of the azure sea waters, coral reefs and clear lagoons can be stunning. You will spend the remainder of the day settling into your relaxing resort set in lush tropical gardens, looking out over the glittering waters.

Overnight: Victoria House (B)

Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley

Today you will discover the breathtaking marine life that flourishes in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, set amongst the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Departing from Ambergris Caye, you'll snorkel with an amazing variety of fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and coral species. Hol Chan, which means "Little Channel" in Mayan, features a lavish coral garden, including staghorn corals and sea fans. You will then move on to Shark Ray Alley, where you can watch harmless nurse sharks and graceful southern stingrays glide through the crystalline Caribbean waters. You cannot snorkel in Belize without visiting this wildlife-rich reserve! Return to shore for lunch and spend the rest of your day relaxing or exploring San Pedro.

Overnight: Victoria House (B)

Mexico Rocks

Just off the northern tip of Ambergris Caye, a visual feast of marine life awaits at Mexico Rocks. The relatively calm and shallow (12 ft) waters make Mexico Rocks an ideal spot for novice snorkellers. You will spend the morning on a guided snorkelling tour starting with the delightful collection of sponges, sea fans, and star, elkhorn and staghorn coral formations found in this superb patch of reef. Giant brain coral formations create miniature undersea habitats and islands for spiny lobsters and yellowtails. Look out for angelfish, butterflyfish, flounders, stingrays, green moray eels and nurse sharks, all of which take shelter in the corals' nooks and crannies. The rest of your day is yours to spend at leisure.

Overnight: Victoria House (B)

Ambergris Caye

With a further two days to explore and unwind in this beautiful tropical paradise, we recommend you make the most of the cayes and your luxurious hotel. Enjoy the premium personable service and indulge in some downtime by the pool. In the evening, enjoy sunset drinks on the beach before an al fresco dinner, or walk down the busy streets of San Pedro and take in some local flavour.

Overnight: Victoria House (B)

Ambergris Caye – Depart Belize City

Today you will catch your return flight to Belize City – again with incredible aerial views – where you will connect with your onward international flight.