Belize
San Ignacio, Blue Hole, Tikal
Day 1: Arrive in Belize City and pick up your 4 wheel drive vehicle for the two hour drive to San Ignacio. The town may not look like much, but off the main road, there are some cozy lodges. Day 2: Tour the nearby Mayan ruins at Xunantunich and Cahal Pech where atop the ruins you have some great views of the jungle below. Day 3: Grab your swimsuits for a day of swimming and cave tubing. Drive to St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park to swim in the crystal blue water of the sinkhole. You’ll feel like you’re in your own personal jungle pool with the fauna coming right down to the water. Afterwards, follow your guide down the trail to St. Herman’s cave with your inner tubes for a unique cave experience. The guide will supply headlights so you can see all of the lovely natural formations and you slowly glide through the cave. This activity is dependent on the current water table, so check with your resort before you make your plans. Day 4: Get ready for an all-day affair touring the spectacular cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal (also called ATM). Your guide will drive you to the trail where you need to walk a few miles and cross the river a three times before reaching the cave entrance. Make sure to wear comfortable clothes because water in the cave can be up to your chest at some points and upon reaching the cave, you have to swim about twenty yards into the mouth of the cave. After entering the cave, you will follow your guide as you marvel at wonderful formations, ancient pottery, and Mayan skeletons (probably from ceremonial rituals). Unfortunately, you are not allowed to bring cameras or any food into the cave, but be sure to have good socks with you as you will need to take off your shoes when you pass through the most fragile part. Day 5: Have your passports ready as you drive two hours to Guatemala to tour the great Mayan ruins of Tikal. Arriving at Tikal, your guide will take you to all of the main ruins, but should also give you some time to explore on your own. There are also wildlife viewing opportunities on the jungle paths of the park. Even if you have trouble seeing anything, you most certainly will hear the sound of the aptly named Howler Monkeys in the trees. After a full day, you return to your lodgings in San Ignacio for the night. Day 6: Get ready for your last cave in Belize! Che Chem Ha Cave was discovered on private property and the owner will take you down a slippery trail to tour the cave himself. There may not be any skeletons in this cave, but it certainly has the best examples of Mayan pottery you will see in Belize. Afterwards, if you don't mind the long bumpy drive head off to beautiful Five Sisters Falls. The access to the falls is through a resort, but anyone is allowed to walk the path down to the post card perfect falls. Arriving at the inviting scene you can swim in the area below the falls or carefully make your way directly below the falls. Day 7: Return to Belize City for your flight home. |