Exploring Belize
 Rainforest,
Reef, and Ruins
A Natural History, Mayan Culture, & Marine Adventure!
best of Belize - fine lodges, outstanding locations
February 12 - 19, 2011
Exciting experiences are planned for you, but the CNT philosophy
of travel allows time to discover the incredible beauty of Belize
on your own as well. In addition to scheduled outings with local
guides, there is free time at each location when you can choose
your own special activity. Our destinations all have extensive
maintained trails...and verandas and hammocks! Dining experiences
include the familiar and the exotic - and all of it good! Dress
is always casual, coffee and tea are always ready for you in the
morning.
Itinerary
Upon arrival clear customs. Proceed directly to Belize City
marina, board, and depart for Turneffe Atoll. Enjoy the next few
hours navigating to some of the most beautiful water in the Caribbean,
through the reef and cayes of the Belize coastline. Upon arrival
check-in and gather for refreshments prior to dinner and a briefing
on our next three full days on the water.
The Turneffe Atoll is one of only three coral atolls in the
Caribbean. Its combination of healthy coral reef, back reef flats,
extensive sea grass beds and mangroves make Turneffe the largest
and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean. Two others,
Lighthouse Atoll and Glover's Atoll, are located in Belize and
the fourth is in southern Mexico. Formation of these coral atolls
was accomplished through years of coral buildup rather than by
volcanic activity - the more common mechanism of atoll formation.
The entire Atoll is surrounded by a fringe coral reef with waters
inside the reef varying from less than a foot deep to 30 feet
in depth. Ocean depths around the atoll are thought to reach 10,000
feet. Approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles across, Turneffe
has evolved as a model coastal marine ecosystem. This involves
the following intimately interrelated habitats; the coral reef,
the back reef flats, the sea grass beds, the mangroves and the
littoral forest. During you visit you will learn how all of these
varied habitats are interrelated and interdependent. You will
learn what is required to sustain healthy coral reefs, the functions
of the back reef flats, the importance of healthy sea grass beds
and the reasons that mangroves are vital to the entire ecosystem.
The unique and special environment of the Turneffe Atoll warrants
protection from threats such as over-fishing, over-development
and improper development that have decimated much of the coastal
ecology in other parts of the world.
Turneffe Atoll offers several world-class snorkeling sites and
the guides know them all. You can expect to see a wide variety
of tropical reef fishes, rays, sea turtles, lobsters, dolphins,
and occasionally manatees. At several sandy areas around the atoll,
you can snorkel above huge cushion sea stars, varying in color
from pale yellow to burgundy red.
While snorkeling, you will always be accompanied by an experienced
guide helping even novice snorkelers feel comfortable in the water.
They will make sure that your equipment fits and will teach you
the best snorkeling techniques. They know where to find all of
the interesting creatures and will ensure that you make the most
of your snorkeling adventure.
 
If you wish to add to your seashell collection, there are opportunities
to walk the shores of the many small cayes on the Atoll to search
for a variety of shells that wash up with each tide. Conch fishing
is a vital part of the commercial fishing economy at Turneffe
and there are thousands of discarded queen conch shells to choose
from. In addition, you may find exoskeletons of long spined sea
urchins and intact West Indian sea eggs.
Enjoy touring the Atoll in search of bottlenose and spotted
dolphins. Numerous pods cruise the shallow water throughout the
Atoll using their sonar system to hunt for fish and crustaceans
buried in the sand. Often, they attracted by the sound of an engine
and will suddenly pop up near the boat to have a look. Manatees,
some up to 1300 pounds, meander along the sea grass beds browsing
on sea grass. Their only living relative is the elephant and they
have remnants of toenails on their front flippers. These shy creatures
can be seen in several of the creeks and channels around Turneffe
Atoll.
Flats Walking Just inside the fringe reef along the seaward
side of the atoll are miles of shallow, gin clear flats. This
is the area where fly fishing anglers search for bonefish and
permit, and the "flats" are alive with sea creatures
of all sorts. With a discerning eye and the aid of your guide,
you will likely see schools of bonefish, permit, trunk (box) fish,
barracuda, small rays, snappers and even small sharks. In the
surf you can sometimes see large parrot fish or trigger fish with
their backs half out of the water. The flats are covered with
turtle grass, which is a key habitat for many species of juvenile
fish, and the flats are also vital in protecting the coral reef
by acting as a sediment filter.
Birdwatching More than 60 species of birds have been identified
on the Turneffe Atoll with the following commonly seen: the snowy
egret, little blue heron, great blue heron, tricolored heron,
yellow-crowned night heron, clapper rail, mangrove swallow, brown
pelican, magnificent frigatebird, double-crested cormorant, osprey,
mangrove warbler, great tailed grackle, golden-fronted woodpecker,
tropical mockingbird, cinnamon hummingbird, green breasted mango,
hooded oriole, white crowned pigeon and royal tern. Seen on occasion
are: the belted kingfisher, white-eyed vireo, northern waterthrush,
barn swallow, peregrine falcon, merlin, common yellowthroat, bay
breasted warbler, red-eyed vireo, palm warbler, Cape May warbler,
eastern wood pewee, summer tanager, brown booby, Yucatan vireo,
American redstart, least tern and the roseate tern.
At most any time during your stay you may want to take one of
our sea kayaks out for a better look at the surroundings and to
enjoy the marine life close at hand. While getting some exercise,
you can explore the creeks that wind amongst the mangrove islands,
and the myriad of marine life inhabiting the "flats"
including boxfish, stingrays and bonefish. Take your snorkeling
gear with you and take a dip when you need to cool off or take
a closer look at the marine life.
 
Depart after breakfast, returning to the mainland. Our driver
meets us at the dock for the two hour trip to our next destination
in western Belize, passing through lowland savanna and scrub habitats
into the Cayo area, known for the best climate and prettiest landscape
of rolling hills and forest. On the way we stop to tour the unique
Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. This is the place to
observe and learn to identify Belize native fauna. The visitor
friendly facility has a dedicated staff, and strong conservation
mission. (Read The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw by Bruce Barcott.
Zoo founder Sharon Matola is a key character in this engrossing
story of an epic environmental struggle)
The Cayo District of Belize is well known for its abundant bird
life, and our lodge, set in secondary growth rainforest on the
edge of the Macal River, could not be better placed. With its
rich mixture of habitats, more than 300 species have been recorded.
Along the approach road, the open fields and crops are excellent
feeding grounds for many species. Large flocks of seed feeders
such as grassquits and buntings can be found along the roadside,
raptors hunt over the fields and perch on roadside posts, and
egrets, swallows, martins, flycatchers and doves are everywhere.
The sorghum crop is a particular favorite of the parrots.
 
Caracol, Spanish for snail, is the largest Maya center in Belize
and thought by some archaeologists to exceed the great Tikal center
of Guatemala. This vast complex was 'lost' in the forest until
rediscovered in 1937 by a local chiclero. Early excavation was
conducted by the University of Pennsylvania but since 1985 it
has been Drs. Arlen and Diane Chase of the University of Central
Florida. Getting to the site is a 2 hour drive through the Mountain
Pine Ridge, an area of spectacular rolling hills, peaks, and gorges
worthy of several stops for its unique flora and the avian inhabitants,
including the orange-breasted falcon. Further on you enter the
extensive Chiquibul forest, a Belize forest reserve surrounding
the archaeological site and one of the sites for scarlet macaw
reintroduction. Tikal was once one of the greatest cities in the
world. In its heyday it was the capital of a vast Mayan empire.
The site is one of Guatemala's premier tourist attractions and
only two hours from western Belize. Its unspoiled jungle setting
makes it special for naturalists and bird watchers. The mystery
of their demise and the magnificence of their achievements both
perplex and intrigue visitors. As you explore the temples, with
your local guide, you will see panoramas of the city, read about
the history and culture of the Maya, view artifacts, and listen
to the sounds that bring Tikal to life. Nearby Xunantunich or
Maiden of the Rock is situated on the Western Highway across the
river from the village of San Jose Succotz. This major ceremonial
center can be reached by ferry daily and it is only 1.5 Kilometer
(one mile) from some lovely rapids of the Mopan River. This Classic
Period site provides an impressive view of the entire river valley.
The site core occupies only 300 square meters but the periphery
covers several square kilometers. El Castillo rises 40 meters
above plaza level, making it one of the tallest buildings in Belize.
On this structure there are two temples. The lower temple is famous
for its large stucco frieze. A mask with larger ears probably
represents the sun god. Next to this mask, there is a moon sign
with a border of signs representing Venus. The Cahal Pech Maya
Site and Visitor Center is located in the Cayo District on a hill
overlooking the beautiful town of San Ignacio. Its closeness to
town and the vast contrast from town life to rich jungle environment
make Cahal Pech a unique place to
visit. The site center is made up of 34 structures located around
several courtyards, including temple pyramids and residential
buildings. The tallest structure here is 23.5 meters (77 feet)
high. There are also 2 ballcourts, 8 stelae and 1 altar. Preliminary
investigations carried out in 1988 revealed that Cahal Pech was
settled by 1200 B.C. and abandoned around A.D. 850. This makes
Cahal Pech one of the earliest Maya sites in the Belize region
of the Maya lowlands, contemporaneous with Cuello in the north.
A carved monument discovered at Cahal Pech is also the earliest
carved stelae yet discovered in the eastern Maya lowlands.
Horseback Riding Well-groomed riding horses suited for all levels
of riding experience are another way of exploring. Guided rides
traverse the trails through sub-tropical broadleaf forest past
ancient Maya sites. As you ride along, your naturalist guide will
highlight the various unique plant and wildlife species native
to the reserve.
Take a trip upstream on the pristine Macal River, paddling up
as far as you wish before leisurely drifting back or head downstream
as the river flows from its headwaters in the Maya Mountains on
its journey to the Caribbean Sea. Paddle and explore on your own
or relax and enjoy the wonders of nature with a professional naturalist
guide. The verdant banks of the Macal River are home to numerous
species of tropical birds as well as giant Green Iguanas . . .
and don't forget to take a refreshing swim along the way
 
With 308 species of resident and migratory birds, this is some
of the best bird watching in Belize. Our early morning bird walks
around the private nature reserve of our lodge with naturalist
guides who assist in spotting many of the tropical species that
abound in western Belize are a great start for the day. The Keel-billed
Toucan, Blue-crowned Mot-Mot, Violaceous Trogon, Grey-necked Wood-Rail,
Collared Forest Falcon, and a host of parrot species are just
a few of the exotic birds we expect to see.
The Maya were masters at utilizing the jungle's natural resources
for their practical and medicinal needs. Here you will see and
learn about vines that store drinking water, plants that helps
abate malaria, aid diabetics, cleanse the blood, plus many more.
The trail's most remarkable feature is that all the plants and
trees were already there. The fact that none were planted is a
testament to the natural diversity found in the rainforest.
 
Trip Cost: $3495
$500 deposit secures your space. Sorry, checks only accepted
for payment. Trip cost based on maximum of 10 participants; adjusted
increase may apply with fewer participants.
- All scheduled transportation in-country
- All lodging in private rooms or cottages with private bath
- All meals
- All scheduled group excursions including local guide service
- All tipping to drivers and guides
- All taxes and service charges
- Pre-departure information packet
- Staff - Ceiba Nature Tours will accompany the group at all
times
- International Airfare
- Personal items; laundry, food and drinks not provided at
meals or by lodges
- Airport departure taxes
Final payment is due 90 days prior to trip departure. A full
refund will be given up to 90 days prior to the date of departure.
 
You may choose to arrive earlier and/or depart later than the
selected 'group' flight, but must coordinate with the group at
our stated arrival and departure times; if not you will be responsible
for transportation costs to join the group in progress. If desired,
I will book your flight. Transportation to airport will be arranged
for those departing locally. Passport: It is required that your
passport be valid for 6 months beyond return date. Airline counter
personal in the country of origin are responsible for enforcing
entrance requirements. Although they may still occasionally be
lax, if you do not have a passport that is valid for at least
6 months after your date of travel, it is highly probable that
they will not let you board the plane.
- Birds of Belize, H. Lee Jones 2003
- A Neotropical Companion, John C. Kricher
- Neotropical Rainforest Mammals, A Field Guide; Louise H. Emmons
A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Maya World,
Julian C. Lee
- Electric - 110 volts AC, same as US
- Currency - Belize dollar, exchange 2:1 for USD
- Language - English (official); Spanish(unofficial) Mayan
and Gaurifina spoken
- Departure tax - US $35.00 (may be included in your air ticket)
- Time zone - GMT-6 US central standard; daylight saving time
not observed
- Currency - The Belize exchange rate is always 2:1. US dollar
readily accepted.
Health and Safety: Please consult with your family physician
and/or local immunization clinic or with the Center for Disease
Control, CDC. (www.cdc.gov/travel) Every effort is made to prevent
accidents and ensure safety. Participants must assume full responsibility
for their own safety and provide their own medical and accident
insurance. You should be able to negotiate steps, walk on rocky
trails, and climb in and out of vehicles with assistance. Medical
services or facilities may not be available during all or part
of your trip. The purchase of trip cancellation and medical insurance
is strongly advised. Smoking Policy: permitted only in designated
and/or outdoor areas.
Insurance: CNT recommends trip insurance including cancellation,
delay, and medical coverage. Most trip insurance policies waive
pre-existing conditions if trip insurance is purchased within
15 days of receipt of registration and trip deposit. Information
on trip insurance will be provided upon receipt of deposit.
Expectations of Participants: Please keep in mind that
the very nature of our tour has us in out-of-the-way places. This
means walking trails might be rough and roads bumpy. Conditions
may not be the same as in the United States. Accommodations will
be wonderfully pleasant, but service is at the pace of local custom.
Please leave your country with the attitude that you are travelling
to experience another.
Please call. Linda Ingram, toll free 1.877.626.2456, or Contact
Us
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