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Exploring Belize

The Grand Tour

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Placencia

After landing in Belize International airport, take a 25 minute plane to Placencia; a relaxed and charming little town on a beautiful emerald peninsular in the south of Belize. Palm lined, pristine sandy beaches and a delicious cocktail will ease you into your well deserved holiday. Nothing to do today except unwind after your journey to paradise.

Day 2 - Relax; you’re on holiday!

Take today to explore Placencia and all that your hotel has to offer. You can easily access the village; take a wander down the boardwalk where you’ll find countless restaurants and bars showcasing Belizean food and cool little boutique shops. Take advantage of the complimentary kayaks and paddle boards at your hotel and explore the coastline or simply kick back and relax. Today is yours to spend at your leisure.

Day 3 - snorkelling the Belize Barrier Reef

This is your first chance at spotting rays, manatees, turtles, sharks and all the mesmerizing colours of fish and coral. You will travel by boat with an experienced guide to South Water Caye  where you will get up close and personal with this epic underwater world. Get home to your hotel and recharge before tucking into another delicious dinner.

Day 4 - Punta Gorda

This morning a driver will take you further south; where today’s Mayan people and culture are most prevalent and into the heart of the jungle. Your first jungle lodge welcomes you into this pristine wildlife area and encourages you to take a glimpse into local Mayan culture through a fantastically organized home visit. You will also visit Nim Li Punit, a Maya classic period ruin which is home to one of the most impressive ‘stelae’ (monuments) in Belize; the Big Hat. This evening you will sit down to a tasty meal at your jungle retreat before drifting off into a peaceful jungle sleep.

Day 5 - Your choice of excursion and sunset river cruise

Wake up to the spectacular bird songs and head to the main lodge for coffee and breakfast. Early riser? Then get up for an early morning guided bird walk around the property before breakfast. Today you can organize one of many activities, either on-site or exploring the nearby jungle and villages. Your lodge can arrange an amazing variety of trips, from chocolate making to jungle survival, fishing or another impressive Mayan temple site. After a fun packed day, embark on a relaxing sunset river cruise and take in the jungle from the water.

Day 6 - South to North and Lamanai

Today you will leave southern Belize and take a short flight back up to Belize City where you will be collected by a wonderful local guide who will take you  on a magical river tour to the Mayan site of Lamanai. This hour river cruise will allow you to take in the magnificent scenes of the New River’s flora and fauna and you will have plenty of opportunity to ask your guide about local rum production, the Mennonite communities that thrive in northern Belize, crocodile populations and of course, the Mayan history of Lamanai. After a captivating tour of the longest occupied Mayan civilization, Lamanai, you will pop next door to your next hotel. Watch the sun set over the lagoon from the restaurant deck while you enjoy some local delicacies and plan your adventure for the next day.

Day 7 - Wildlife spotting

Today, your privileged position near the Rio Bravo conservation area and New River Lagoon gives you the opportunity to spot countless beautiful birds, including toucans, laughing falcons, yellow-headed parrots, ocellated turkeys and bat falcons! All these and more can be spotted easily from your cabin balcony or by simply walking around the grounds. Your guide can provide you will binoculars and fill you in on species and their behaviours. Take a stroll along one of the many trails with, relax by the lagoon and read your book or take a kayak and paddle the lagoon. Tonight, head out on a guided tour in the darkness to find crocodiles!

Day 8 - La Milpa Mayan site and more birding!

You’ll take a private transfer further into the Rio Bravo conservation area to continue your wildlife adventure and hopefully spot howler and spider monkeys and even a jaguar or puma! Your next lodge is ideally situated close to Belize’s third largest Mayan site, La Milpa. This visit is like no other in Belize, as your knowledgeable guide will talk you through the history and mysteries of this still largely un-excavated site. This is a very Indiana Jones/Tomb Raider experience!

Day 9 - Actun Tunichil Muknal tour

Today you will leave the north and head toward the Elijio Panti national Park. You will take a transfer with your guide to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) caves. This is one of Belize’s most famous and admired adventures that brings you up close to an ancient Mayan ceremonial site, one on National Geographic’s top ten caves in the world. After this fascinating tour, your guide will take you further west and into the jungle for your final jungle stay.

Day 10 - Jungle relaxation

After a restful evening the night before, you will awake to a rejuvenating breakfast followed by a dip in the river, a stroll along the jungle trail or if you’re feeling more adventurous, a local guide can take you for a guided paddle on the river or birding walk! Once back at the lodge, take the time to relax and enjoy your sanctuary in the jungle.

Day 11 - Day at leisure

Today you can choose to enjoy one of the many on-site activities; take a stroll on one of the jungle trails and take in the bird life; float down the river in a rubber tube and look out for howler monkeys; paddle upstream to a local butterfly sanctuary; paddle up or downstream for lunch; or simply relax by the pool or river.

Day 12 - Coastal migration

Today is your last morning in the jungle so be sure to take in the incredible sounds and sites as you enjoy your breakfast. Then you will be transferred by a driver the 3 hour journey through the changing landscapes of Belize to your final destination, the ultimate chill spot, Hopkins village. En-route, you can choose to visit Xunantunich, another chance to delve deeper into the fascinating Mayan history in the Belize jungle. The Xunantunich ruins are only an hours drive from your hotel so it won’t be long before you find yourself in front of the impressive 7th century AD Mayan city. After, check in to your stunning beachfront hotel, kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes. Hopkins has a very special atmosphere that exudes relaxation. This Garifuna town allows you to get a little closer to this unique culture which you will experience through the music, food and friendly people.

Day 13 - Beach time

Take a stroll along the beach and you will find a delicious and luxurious breakfast with breathtaking sea views. Today is a day for relaxing in a hammock on the beach or by the pool to unwind. You can take advantage of your choice of complementary activity; paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking and cycling all at your own leisure. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins!

Day 14 - Snorkelling or fishing

Today you can choose to relax, or  you can organize and additional trip and take a boat trip or your choice of fishing, snorkeling or diving. Take in the amazing seascape as you head further out towards the Belize Barrier reef. Stop off at an atoll or caye for lunch and relish in the pristine turquoise waters on this, your last day of your trip.

Day 15 - Day 15 - Farewell Belize

Today is your final day in this magical country. A driver will collect you and transfer you the 2 hour journey to the airport where you will start your journey back home.

What's included?

What's Included
  • This 15 day trip starts at £3,000 per person, based upon double occupancy room rates in high season. Private transfers and all trips mentioned in the itinerary are included. This price also includes local taxes, ATOL protection or ABTA bonding to ensure you are protected.
Make a booking

15 days, from £3,000 PP

The Grand Tour will take you to all corners of Belize, taking in ancient Mayan temples, the azure waters of the coast, fresh tropical fruit cocktails, river floats and paddles, breakfasts teeming with wildlife spotting opportunities and so much more. This itinerary intends to showcase all the wonders that Belize has to offer and packs in a lot. Remember that our itineraries are only examples and can be chop and changed to suit you. This trip suits all and around each corner there are boundless opportunities for the youngest to the least young traveller! Please let us know who you are and how we can shape this itinerary for you by contacting belize@fleewinter.com

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