Highlights
- Hike through the rainforest to explore the underground Che Chem Ha Cave
- Navigate by sea kayak to Middle Caye
- Snorkel the lively western wall of Glover's Reef Atoll
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Belize | San Ignacio |
| Day 2 | Xunantunich & Che Chem Ha Maya Cave Tours | San Ignacio |
| Days 3-6 | Explore Glover's Reef Base Camp on Southwest Caye | Middle Caye |
| Day 7 | Depart from Belize |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Belize
When you arrive at the Belize International Airport, you'll be met by a travel representative and transferred to Cahal Pech Village Resort—a picturesque lodge with a view overlooking the town of San Ignacio and the rolling hills of the Cayo District in Western Belize. This is an ideal starting point for your adventure.
Today, get in tune with the rhythm of Belize and acclimate to your new tropical environment. Once you arrive at your accommodations, take some time to explore and unwind until dinnertime at the hotel.
Day 2: Che Chem Ha Maya Cave & Jungle Excursion, Ancient Ruins of Xunantunich Tour
Today includes a full day of adventure and discovery. Your first mission is to venture into the jungle to explore the underground archaeological site of the Che Chem Ha Cave system. You'll hike 30 minutes through the rainforest and up into a multi-chambered series of caves, rich with geological formations, ancient ceremonial altars, Maya artifacts, and relics. After 1.5 hours in the cave, you'll hike farther downhill to lunch, which your hosts will serve in a setting overlooking the Macal River valley.
The next adventure is the ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich. It's a short drive, and then you'll cross the Mopan River on a ferry. Situated on the banks of the river, you'll travel centuries back in time to the world of early kings, temples, plazas, and the renowned ball courts of this ancient city.
In the evening, you can stroll into San Ignacio, meet the local people, and enjoy dinner on your own.
Days 3-6: Explore Glover's Reef Basecamp on Southwest Caye
You'll depart early in the morning and ride along the scenic Hummingbird Highway, through the rainforest, and to the coastal town of Dangriga. Here, you'll board a charter boat to a remote base camp on Southwest Caye, which is located in the Glover's Reef Marine Reserve. Upon arrival, you'll receive an introduction to your new environment before settling into your tented, ocean-view cabana. Then, your guides will provide professional instruction to teach you the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling, and tropical water safety.
After training, enjoy a paddle to a nearby patch reef, and start exploring some of the 700 snorkel sites Glover's Reef Atoll has to offer. Glover's Reef is one of the most spectacular marine environments in Belize and has some of the best kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the Caribbean. Due to its isolation from the mainland, the waters are exceptionally clear, with a rich reef ecosystem. Glover's Reef is part of the world-famous Great Belize Barrier Reef, a protected marine park and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site 36 miles (93 km) off the shore of mainland Belize. It's the second-largest in the world—second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Your itinerary is flexible in order to accommodate both individual and group preferences. Activities include paddling, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, standup paddleboarding, and learning to sail a kayak. In the mornings and evenings, you can attend informative sessions on a range of topics. This allows your guides to share their vast knowledge of Belize, its unique marine environments, and the local culture with you. Guests who prefer a more leisurely pace can always take time to kick back in a hammock and relax with a good book.
Day 7: Depart from Belize
Wake up early on this final morning, and enjoy coffee on the dock one last time. Watch the sunrise over the atoll before enjoying a hearty breakfast. Your boat charter typically departs around midmorning to take you back to the mainland, arriving at approximately noon. Your trip finishes in the Garifuna town of Dangriga, and you'll have access to guides who will assist you with connecting to the next leg of your journey.
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