Luxury Belize: Nature, wildlife and Caribbean cayes

Day 1

Arrive in Belize City. Transfer to the Lodge.

After your arrival, you will be transported to the Jungle lodge. set within a large private area of lush lowland rainforest at San Ignacio, close to the picturesque Macal river and just outside Mountain Pine Ridge Forest reserve.

Stay at - The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Day 2

At leisure.

Day at leisure. Optional excursions on offer via Chaa Creek’s concierge include horse riding and mountain biking through the pine forest. You can rent a canoe for a paddle or go tubing on the serene Macal river – a terrific experience and a good opportunity to spot wildlife. Another adventurous activity would be to ride a canopy zipline to get an exhilarating tree-top view of the forest and its inhabitants – birds and butterflies are particularly abundant. You might elect to take a jeep safari through the rainforest, or visit one of many cave systems in the vicinity. The local market at San Ignacio, bulging with fruit and vegetables, is well worth a visit too if you are there on the right day.

Stay at - The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Day 3

Excursion to Caracol

Guided excursion to Caracol.  Situated high on the Vaca Plateau, in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, Caracol is the most extensive Mayan site in Belize and was only discovered in the modern age in 1936. The site is peppered with 30,000 structures: in its ascendancy the city supported a population of over 150,000. Squatting at an altitude of over 500m above sea level with no natural water body close by it remains a mystery how and why such a huge population centre like Caracol survived and evolved.

However, the close proximity to both extremely hard stone and copal, two commodities highly prized by the Maya, may help explain this enigma. At the heart of the site lies the massive pyramid of Caana (Sky Palace) which is now almost fully restored and reaches a height of over 35m. From the top you can enjoy panoramic views over the mountains. The drive to the site in the early morning occasionally allows you to glimpse tapir, jaguar or ocelot as they break their forest cover to cross the road.

Stay at - The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Day 4

Light aircraft flight to Gallon Jug, continue by road to Chan Chich.

A real adventure today: you embark a light aircraft for the short flight from the airstrip at Mountain Pine Ridge to the evocatively named Gallon Jug. From there, you catch your breath and continue by road to your lodge in the Orange Walk District, which has thrived on the plantation cultivation of citrus fruit, and sugar.

A rich diversity of flora and fauna, including howler and spider monkeys, jaguars, ocelots and a myriad of bird species is found here.

Stay at - Chan Chich Lodge

Days 5 and 6

At leisure at Chan Chich with optional onsite activities

Chan Chich Lodge is built within the lower plaza of one of many unexcavated Mayan ruins scattered throughout the area, and offers a genuine escape into nature, with little compromise on comfort. The area is rich in flora and fauna, including howler and spider monkey, ocelot, and an abundance of birdlife (birding check lists are available). Even sightings of jaguar and ocelot occur from time to time.

Relax and soak up this magical setting spotting toucans and other tropical birds from your veranda, cooling off i the pool. There are self-guided jungle trails and guests have complimentary use of bicycles. You can also sign up for other onsite activities according to your interests as well as trips further afield. These are all at additional cost, payable locally. Options may include guided walks which introduce guests to the wildlife, birds and archaeology of the area, visits to other Mayan ruins, night drives, jungle canoeing and horse riding.

Stay at - Chan Chich Lodge

Day 7

Light aircraft flight from Gallon Jug to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Transfer to Victoria House.

It’s another light aircraft flight from Gallon Jug to Ambergris Caye, the most northerly and largest island in Belize, 46km long. The island offers a splendid vantage point from which to enjoy the Belize Barrier Reef less than a kilometre from the shore. The relaxed main town San Pedro has a wide choice of restaurants and bars. The island’s main attractions are sea-orientated: first class diving, snorkelling and fishing.

Stay at - Victoria House Resort and Spa

Days 8-10

At leisure on Ambergris Caye.

At leisure on Ambergris Caye. Your hotel is a short drive from the the resort of San Pedro which buzzes with waterside bars and restaurants. Or simply opt for the peace and quiet of the hotel, with its neatly-tended lawns grounds, inviting pool and superb restaurant.

Snorkelling and diving on the Belize barrier reef is outstanding. You’ll need to book on to a boat trip, easily arranged and paid for locally through the Victoria House dive shop. The variety of underwater colour is astonishing with tropical fish, rays and even nurse sharks. If you have your driving licence, golf buggies can be hired to get around the island.

Stay at - Victoria House Resort and Spa

Day 11

Transfer to San Pedro airstrip and fly to Belize City.