Walking Holidays, Guided and Self-Guided Walks Abroad, from Walks Worldwide Walking and Hiking Holidays in Europe and Worldwide

Belize - Rainforests and Reef

11 days, Guided for 2 people or more, Daily Departures

Combining the delights of the Caribbean and Central America, Belize is an amazing mix of unexplored Mayan ruins, mountains, swamps, coral reefs, sandy beaches and rainforest. Abundant in natural delights, with 250 varieties of wild orchid and 500 varieties of birds, cats and other wildlife, this small but exciting country offers walking, ecology, archaeology and relaxation.
This trip takes you from the Rio Bravo Conservation Area, bringing archaeology, wildlife and natural history together, to the mysterious Mayan ruins of Lamanai, and the Community Baboon Centre.
At Chaa Creek the emphasis is on walking through the rainforest to the waterfalls, pools and caves of the area, as well as canoeing, bird- watching and following the Rainforest Medicinal Trail. There is also the opportunity to try canoeing on the Macal River and biking or riding along miles of private reserve trails.

Finishing off at the fabulous coastal area of Placencia where your idyllic hideaway inn is the perfect base to enjoy the turquoise seas, snorkelling and barrier reef trips as well as a day visit to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve with its abundance of birds and animals. Hang your boots up and soak up the diversity of this fascinating country on some of the world's finest sandy beaches.
Days 1 and 2. Outbound
Fly UK to Belize, with an overnight stop in Miami, and transfer to the Rio Bravo Field Station. There will be time for a walk in the afternoon.
Day 3. Rio Bravo Field Station
A full day's walking along the Mahogany Trail in this conservation area, which is a special 105,000 hectare ecotourism scheme supporting a rich and exotic assemblage of biodiversity, including 392 species of birds, 200 species of trees, 70 species of mammals, 12 endangered animal species and La Milpa archaeological site. It should certainly make the walking interesting!
Day 4. Lamanai Ruins
Visit the fascinating Mayan ruins at Lamanai and the Community Baboon Centre where the 'baboons' are the black howler monkeys only found in this part of the world. Continue on to Chaa Creek.
Days 5 and 6. Chaa Creek
Chaa Creek is a nature reserve on the shores of the Macal River and is an ideal place to relax in beautiful tranquil surrounding - but there is too much to see and do! It is the perfect base for trekking to the local Mayan ruins, canoeing on the Macal River, touring the Natural History Centre and Butterfly Farm and hiking to the Che-Chem-Ha Cave and the volcanic Vaca Plateau. An optional overnight extension is available to hop across the border into Guatemala to visit the stunning Mayan ruins at Tikal, making the itinerary one day longer.
Days 7 to 9. Cockscomb Basin Wildife Sanctuary
Journey down the delightfully named Hummingbird Highway to Placencia, the perfect destination for diving, snorkelling, walking and sailing. Your hacienda-style inn here is especially chosen for its superb beachside location, excellent reputation and relaxed hospitality, nestled in nine lush hectares on powder white soft sand. It may be a real effort to take the day trip to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve - but it will be worth it! The reserve is the only one of its kind in the world. The tropical moist forest is abundant with both plant and animal life, and your guided walks will cover just a fraction of the 44,000 hectares of the sanctuary. Back at the inn your stay includes a snorkel trip to the barrier reef (second only in world importance to Australia's) and to the neighbouring cayes.
Optional excursions include Monkey River where you can expect to see numerous iguanas and even the local manatee, the protected 'sea-cows' that many visitors come especially to Belize to see. You can use the hotel's bicycles to visit local communities, or just sway gently in a hammock next to the cobalt blue Caribbean Sea - the choice is yours!
Days 10 and 11. Homeward
Fly back to Belize City and connect with your overnight flight home.
Belize
  • Tour grade: B
  • Cost per person: From £1,850.
  • Tikal Extension: £195.
  • Single supplement: £275.
  • What is included: Flights, accommodation, transfers, all meals on trek days, excursions, guides.
  • Accommodation: Luxury beach resort, cabanas, jungle lodge.
  • Departure dates:
    Daily, all year (best February to May).