Belize - Tropical Trails

13 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departure

Combining the delights of the Caribbean and Central America, Belize is an amazing mix of unexplored Mayan ruins, mountains, coral reefs, sandy beaches and of course, 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.

Hiking through the ever fascinating rainforest you will discover river caves and Mayan ritual sites, walk along ridges through mountain pine forest to refreshing waterfalls and stay at a working field station, home to many rare flora and fauna including ocelots, jaguar and black orchid. Finish off at the fabulous Ambergris Caye, the perfect base to enjoy snorkelling the barrier reef in the turquoise seas. Hang your boots up and soak up the diversity of this fascinating country on one 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 a private reserve in the foothills of the Mayo Mountains.

Days 3 and 4. Cayo Jungle

Enjoy two full day's walking in this conservation area of the Cayo jungle, which is a special ecotourism scheme supporting a rich and exotic assemblage of biodiversity, including 392 species of birds, 200 species of trees and 70 species of mammals. It should certainly make the walking interesting! Visit the Mayan site of Xunantunich, follow the Che Chem Ha trail along the Macal River and explore the mysterious Actun Mucnal river cave - complete with skeletons!

Days 5 and 6. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest

Walk through the local villages, home to Guatemalans of Mayan descent. Follow the Mountain Pine Ridge trail to your rainforest lodge deep in the heart of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the largest protected area in Belize, boasting an immense rainforest and natural wildlife sanctuary. Hike to the Big Rock Falls, a wonderful natural swimming hole with a 30 metre cascade.

Days 7 and 8. Chiquibul Rainforest Reserve

Visit the Mayan site of Caracol before transferring to Chiquibul Rainforest Reserve, one of the few remaining sanctuaries for numerous endangered species. Not only do you get the chance to see unspoilt nature but you will also experience the rare opportunity to witness science in action at Las Cuevas Research Station. Scientists here are working to provide the knowledge that can create a sustainable long-term future for the Chiquibul and other tropical forests. By staying here you are also helping by creating an economic incentive for saving these forests. You are in a place where today's discovery could be a new species or a vital piece of understanding that will help unravel the complex web of life that is a rainforest. Follow guided walks along the Harpy Eagle and Saffron Trails, visit the vast subterranean Chiquibal cave system on the volcanic Vaca plateau and take night safaris in search of Jaguar.

Day 9. Jaguar Paw Tubing

A fabulous excursion at Jaguar Paw on the famous tubing tour floating through caves and rainforest scenery - quite a unique way to say farewell to the mainland! Transfer to the famed Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye.

Days 10 and 11. Ambergris Caye

See the world's largest barrier reef, sail by catamaran to Hola Cham Marine Park and snorkel the famous Shark Ray Alley. Chill out and relax on the gorgeous sandy beaches, swaying gently in a hammock next to the cobalt blue Caribbean Sea.

Days 12 and 13. Homeward

Return to Belize City and fly overnight back to the UK.