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Hike, snorkel, and cave tube in the Maya Mountains and the Caribbean
Explore Belize
Explore hidden Belize and experience the trip of a lifetime. From wandering the impressive remains of ancient Mayan cultures, to snorkeling the second longest barrier reef in the world, this trip has a little adventure for everyone. Our fast-paced itinerary takes us from the jungles, rivers, and forest preserves near the remote western border with Guatemala, through the Maya Mountains, to the southern part of the country and tip of the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Join local guides and naturalists as they share their knowledge of this fascinating country. With so many things to do in such a small area, our Belize trip offers options galore.
Days 1-3, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and Mayan ruins Meet in Belize City and transfer to our lodge in the forested highlands of western Belize • Take a morning birding walk with your naturalist guide • Explore two very different but equally fascinating caves of Che Chem Ha and Actun Tunichil Muknal • Enjoy hiking along jungle trails and tubing the gorgeous Macal River
Days 4-7, Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, reef, and beaches Discover the abundant wildlife and superb trail system while hiking in Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Belize • Boat out to the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and snorkel through schools of colorful reef fish • Hike in the jungle to reach swimming holes in a river and cave • Explore the unique Mayan ruin of Lubaantun
Lodging highlights
Western Belize has several lodges that are perfect escapes for nature lovers and adventurers.
Black Rock Lodge, off-the-beaten-path in the forest outside of San Ignacio, with hiking, swimming, tubing, riding and cave exploration on-site or very nearby. Travelers can hike from the Lodge to the fascinating Che Chem Ha cave, for a guided tour with William Morales, the finder and keeper of the cave which he discovered in 1999. After the hike and cave exploration enjoy a tube float or horseback ride back to Black Rock.
Black Rock Lodge has been producing its own clean electricity through both solar and hydro power since 1989. Many of the delicious meals at the lodge are created using fruits and vegetables organically grown on the lodge property.
Cotton Tree Lodge is in a remote jungle area alongside the Mojo River about one half-hour outside of Punta Gorda. Cotton Tree Lodge has eleven cabins around a central thatch-roofed dining area. Because the area is so wet, the cabins are connected by elevated wooden walkways. In the early morning you can hear the howling monkeys and see an incredible array of birds.
Cotton Tree Lodge is involved in several projects to support the surrounding local communities. One program is Sustainable Harvest International which teaches sustainable agriculture techniques to farmers all over Central America.
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