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Tom's Trip Notes

Belize

Jan. 5-15, 2008 - $3395

Belize is Caribbean yet Central American, Belizeans are a companionable blend of cultural diversity. Britain is the model for government and English the primary language. About the size of Massachusetts, a population of 250,000 is settled primairily along the coast.

Belizeans have a genuine interest in and commitment to the preservation of the environment. Of the total land area, 30% has been designated as natural reserves, 80% of the tropical forest remains intact, and additional land has been placed in national parks.

What makes Belize such a spectacular travel destination?

A wealth of attractions!

• Incredible natural beauty
• 200 miles of coral reef
• verdant tropical jungles
• superb opportunities to view wildlife
• spectacular Mayan ruins

Belize has a landscape dominated by the Maya Mountains and coastal wetlands. These areas are home to 250 species of orchids, 500 species of birds, 5 species of cats including the greatest concentration of jaguars, spider and howler monkeys, and other exotic tropical wildlife. The coastline is sheltered by this hemisphere's longest barrier reef - over 200 miles of living coral, habitat for hundreds of neon brilliant tropical fishes. There are idyllic pristine rivers, cascading waterfalls, hidden caves and refreshing pools. Belize has innumerable Mayan ruins, many unexcavated and unexplored, and others, reclaimed from the forest revealing a past civilization.

Tikal and Mayan Culture

Tikal, located in Guatemala, just beyond the Belize border, is the most famous and extensively excavated of the Mayan temple cities. The site is 25 square miles with 3000 structures. We will visit the primary plazas. There are excellent opportunities for wildlife observations as many of the birds and mammals are acclimated to visitors and the area has long had protected status.

Cayo- Western Belize

The foothills of the Mayan Mountains, along the Macal River, are our lodging and activity site for several days. This is a beautiful area, where many Belizeans claim “the west is best”. The Natural History and Butterfly Breeding Center, a long walk or short ride away, is a great introduction to the geology, geography, flora and fauna of Belize. Also nearby, by canoe if you choose, is the world famous Panti Medicine Trail, developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo, and utilized by ethnobotanists studying the medicinal properties of tropical forest vegetation. Miles of trails are developed for hiking and the river is ideal for swimming and canoeing. Nearby are the ruins of Xuantunich, accessed by a hand cranked ferry, and Chumpiate Cave, an important ceremonial site and entryway to the Maya underworld. Belize Botanic Gardens is on the grounds of our lodging. On a hillside overlooking the river, is a large viewing deck, adjacent to the bar and open air dining room.
San Ignacio, duPlooy’s Jungle Lodge

Chan Chich Lodge and Preserve

Chan Chich lodge and surrounding forest is among the elite jungle experiences anywhere in the world. Wildlife is everywhere as you are in the middle of 125,000 private protected acres adjacent to the Rio Bravo Conservation Area. More jaguars have been sited here than any other location in Belize. Nine miles of maintained trails through various habitats offer unlimited hiking, birding, and ruins exploring. Horseback riding, night drives, night walks, archaeological walks, and swimming, (in the Chan Chich Creek or pool/jacuzzi), are all activities available to you.

Accommodations are individual cabanas sited on the lower plaza of a classic period Mayan settlement. Full verandas on your cabana, strung with hammocks, provide a place to watch the hummingbirds and butterflies coming to the flowers at your door.

Belize - Rainforest, Reefs, and Ruins is accepting 10 reservations. (We believe the quality of the experience is best appreciated in small groups.)

For more information contact Ceiba Nature Tours

Brochures on each of our very special lodgings will be sent upon request.