Belize: Trip Overview

Sample Itinerary

Read this sample itinerary of the many places to explore in this Western Caribbean paradise!

Saturday, MAYA MOUNTAIN LODGE
(D) After flying into the newly built Belize International Airport, we are whisked away to the lush interior and our home for the next four (4) nights, the Maya Mountain Lodge (MML). This retreat is nestled in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, a short distance from the town of San Ignacio. The thatched-roof cottages and rooms are situated in a tropical setting surrounded by many exotic plants and birds.Each cottage is individually designed to provide a rustic but comfortable stay. After getting situated in our new home, we wander down to the restaurant and our hearty home cooked family-style dinner, complete with tropical desserts and fresh fruits.

Sunday, MAYA MOUNTAIN LODGE (B, L, D)
Following breakfast we travel to the Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock) Mayan Ruin, accessible by ferry. El Castillo pyramid is the most prominent structure, rising over 130 feet. It is the second-highest structure in the country and a climb to the top affords us a beautiful panorama of the Belize and Guatemala countryside. Our knowledgeable guide helps us unravel the ancient Mayan culture. The afternoon finds us exploring the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Within the cool forest and lush river valleys, we enter the Rio Frio Cave, view the 1000-foot Hidden Valley Falls, swim in secluded river pools and visit a Mayan Craft Center.

Monday (Day 3) MAYA MOUNTAIN LODGE (B, L, D)
Morning finds us on a jungle river cruise. Traveling in our dugout canoe, our guide acquaints us with passing vegetation and wildlife before we arrive at our upriver destination, the Panti Trail of Mayan Medicine. In this outpost complex, plants that grow in the rainforest are collected and analyzed for their potential medicinal value. We leave having a better understanding of nature's role in our delicate world. Following lunch, we have time at our disposal to pursue some optional activities. Options available include a horseback jungle trail ride with guide, canoe rental, mountain bike trip, shopping in San Ignacio, or relaxing in a hammock at the Lodge ( option costs vary).

Tuesday (Day 4) MAYA MOUNTAIN LODGE (B, L, D)
 For our full day today, we travel to Tikal, the lost capital of the ancient Maya Indian world buried deep in the Peten Jungle of Guatemala. Possibly the most important archaeological discovery of this century, this complex of about 3000 palaces and temples dates back to about 4000 B.C. It is estimated it took 1000 years to build this city and the last 40 years have been spent reconstructing various parts of these extensive ruins, a joint effort between the Guatemalan government and the University of Pennsylvania. We will have a little time to shop in Guatemala before returning to MML for the evening.

Wednesday (Day 5) RAMON'S VILLAGE (B, L)
After breakfast and check-out from MML, we stop at Guanacaste Park, a parcel of tropical forest situated near the capital city of Belmopan. The giant Guanacaste tree is one of the largest trees in Central America, reaching 130 feet in height and over 6 feet in diameter. Many other species of trees grow in the park and an abundance of wildlife and over 100 species of birds call this park home. A visit to the Belize Zoo offers us a close-up look at over 100 native Belizian animals. By early afternoon we arrive in Belize City for our short flight to the northern island of Ambergris Caye and the sleepy little fishing village of San Pedro. A short distance from the airstrip is Ramon's Village, a waterfront resort ideally located at the south end of town.Following check-in, we have ample time to familiarize ourselves with our new surroundings.

Thursday-Saturday (Days 6-8) RAMON'S VILLAGE
All the joys of the ocean are to be found here and we are assured of 3 incredible days, whether we choose continual activity or a quiet retreat from the world. There is no better scuba diving or snorkeling anywhere else on earth. A tremendous variety of underwater wonders are waiting to reveal themselves to both the beginner and the most advanced. The Blue Hole is one of the most outstanding dive sites available, measuring 1000 feet in diameter and 480 feet deep. Hol Chan Marine Preserve has been established on a portion of the 180 mile long reef to preserve the area and its inhabitants for generations to come and snorkeling here is at its best. A glass bottom boat trip offers the viewer abundant sealife from above.

Just about any kind of fishing imaginable can be experienced --deep sea fishing, bone fishing and reef fishing. Any fisherman who has experienced Belize will attest to the abundance and variety of fish available. Many uninhabited cayes (pronounced keys, meaning islands) lie waiting for our personal discovery and shelling along the beaches is a favorite pastime.

Ramon's presents us with an assortment of options for our consideration. Water toys Get skis, wind surfers and boats) can be rented. Motor scooters, golf carts and bicycles also serve as means of transportation around our island. Ramon's beach is groomed several times a day and swimming in the ocean or the salt water swimming pool is always fun. Or just relaxing with a good book under the palm trees or sun bathing in the warm sun is certainly an enjoyable pastime.

A short 5-minute walk brings us to San Pedro village where a variety of shops and restaurants are found, as well as the interesting people who live and work here. It is easy to see we are only at the mercy of our own activity choices. Because of individual schedules, the one meal included in this portion of the trip is our Farewell Dinner on Saturday evening. With the many eating facilities and the abundance of excellent food, sampling other restaurants for our dining needs offers its own reward.

Sunday (Day 9) DEPARTURE
Time passes much too quickly. Checking out of our rooms mid-morning, we take our air hop back to Belize International Airport for our connecting flights back to the States, arriving later this evening. It's great to visit a country that places the ecology and conservation as a national priority. And perhaps a return visit is mandatory. The incredible memories and invaluable friendships we have established are ours for a lifetime.