Belize & Tikal – Archaeology & Natural History Program
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The Lamanai Archaeological Project’s field director leads this Belize
Archaeology and Natural History program along with a licensed Belizean
naturalist. This is a quality program that offers Belize’s
premier Maya sites, Tikal, canoeing, bird watching, night spotlight
safari, 1,000 Foot Falls, and a meaningful community enhancement
project.
Tour's Schedule
Belize Welcome, Altun Ha Archaeological Site, & New River Safari/Transfer
DAY 1 - Smooth & easy flight south (no jet leg) into
Belize. En route to Lamanai we’ll visit Altun Ha, arguably one of
the richest Classic Period Maya sites. Our New River excursion to
Lamanai will introduce us to the unmatched habitat and cultural
diversity of the area. The evening will consist of our welcome dinner
and orientation. (D)
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve & New River Spotlight Safari
DAY 2 We’ll begin with an on-site lecture on the ancient
Maya followed by exploration of the ancient metropolis of Lamanai that
once supported up to 50,000 Maya for over 3,000 years of unbroken
occupation. Our afternoon will consist of an introduction to
field research and a hands-on visit to Indian Church Village Artisan’s
Center where you will see some of your program dollars at work!
After dinner we’ll load our vessel to explore the New River Lagoon on
our spotlight safari! (B,L,D)
Reserve Birding, New River Lagoon Sunset Cruise, & Maya Folklore
DAY 3 An early morning start will take us birding in search
of rainforest specialties such as toucans, jacamars, puffbirds, and
even black howler monkeys! We’ll enjoy a plentiful breakfast on-site
and afterward visit Lamanai’s Pre-Columbian collection. In the
after-noon we’ll take to the boat to explore the extensive marsh system
and some of the forested channels of the largest body of freshwater in
Belize. As if this was not enough, following dinner we’ll gather
near the lagoon edge for the telling of Maya Folklore stories, many
having originated in ancient times. (B,L,D)
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve & 1,000 Foot Falls
DAY 4 Our group will transfer to and have lunch at
the exclusive Hidden Valley Inn located in the Pine Ridge. Our
afternoon will consist of visiting Belize’s largest waterfall - 1,000
Foot Falls - where we’ll hope to see the illusive Orange-breasted
Falcon. (B,L,D,)
Caracol Natural Monument & Rio Frio Cave
DAY 5 This day will take us to Caracol, Belize’s largest
Classic Period Maya site. The primary forest extends as far as
the eye can see and the somewhat bumpy journey is well worth it.
Upon our return to Hidden Valley we’ll explore the massive Rio Frio
Cave, believed to be a portal to the underworld for the ancient
Maya. Bring your flashlights! (B,L,D)
Xunantunich Maya Site & Tikal Main Plaza sunset
DAY 6 Our group will transport to Tikal where our accommodations will actually be in the reserve
itself. En route to what is referred to as the “Mother of all
Maya Sites” we’ll visit a lesser known but just as fascinating ancient
city known as Xunantunich. Our first experience at Tikal will be
a magnificent sunset in the main plaza of Temple I & II. In
the evening we’ll be treated to a lecture on the Maya Calendar, one of
the hallmarks of the civilization. (B,L,D)
Tikal National Park & Pre-Columbian Maya Collection
DAY 7 This day will consist of investigating Tikal
National Park and the Museum of Tikal. For those who wish we’ll
venture into the jungle for a guided night walk. (B,L,D)
Tikal Sunrise Temple IV & Departure
DAY 8 An early start walking through the lush habitat
surrounding Tikal and our ascent of Temple IV will provide us with our
first sunrise in a truly special location. The remainder of the day our
group will say their good-byes and prepare for our international
flights home. (B)
This Tour Includes:
Services of qualified archaeologist and Belizean naturalist
Meet/Greet: P/U & D/O Belize Airport
All rooms with taxes
All meals for clients, guide, & driver
All driver fees
All entrance fees
All activity fees
All border fees
Private new air-conditioned vehicle with phone and same experienced driver throughout trip
2 motorized boat excursions
2 regularly scheduled commuter flights
Community Enhancement Project
Does Not Include:
Laundry, telephone calls
*Any other service not mentioned in the itinerary
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Tour Prices
$2.100.00* per person double occupancy
* single supplement available upon request
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3 N – Lamanai Outpost Lodge & Research Center, Northern Belize
2 N – Pook’s Hill, Western Belize
2 N – Tikal Inn in Tikal National Park, Northern Guatemala
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