Belize
Giant Ceiba Tree
Caracol
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Maya Rainforest Tour (Belize and Tikal)
Explore the waterfalls, caves and Maya archaeological sites of Belize and Tikal in Guatemala.
Day One Arrive Belize
Arrive Belize to be met and escorted to Western Belize. A brief tour of the Belize Zoo will be included if time allows.
Day Two Caracol and Mountain Pine Ridge
Full day of touring. Our first destination is Caracol, the largest known ancient Maya city in Belize. Caracol eclipsed rival Tikal following a war in 562 AD, and dominated for at least half a century. It reached its peak around 700 AD, when it had a population of about 150,000. Enjoy a picnic lunch before touring Mountain Pine Ridge where you will see the Thousand Foot Waterfall, the Rio-On Cave and swimming pools. (B.L.)
Day Three
Option: Archaeology or Adventure
1. ARCHAEOLOGY XUNANTUNICH AND CAHAL PECH.
Ferry across the Mopan River to visit Xunantunich Maya Ruins. At the new visitor center see the scale model of Xunantunich, including the 40 meter pyramid, El Castillo. Continue to Cahal Pech for a guided tour. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore, swim, canoe, ride horses, or relax. (B.L.)
2. ADVENTURE OPTION ACTUN TUNCHIL CAVE
This full day adventure includes hiking and wading through creeks. The cave, with its Mayan pottery and sacrificial skeletons, provides excitement and a lesson in ancient Maya history. (Hiking boots recommended.)(B.L.)
Day Four
Tikal in Guatemala
Morning drive into the Peten Jungle of Guatemala for a guided tour
of Tikal. Intensive construction took place at Tikal from the late
Pre-classic Period until the waning of Classic Maya civilization around
AD 900. At its peak the city covered about 48 square miles and had
a population estimated at 55,000. Tikal's Stelae 29 bears the earliest
Long Count date known in the Maya lowlands. In 292 AD Temple IV, one
of the many pyramids erected to memorialize the dead Rulers of Tikal's
royal dynasty, and one of the tallest of Maya structures at 212 feet,
was erected. Return to Western Belize for overnight. (B.L.)
Day Five Depearture or Seaside Option
Transfer to Belize City. (B.L.)
PRICE per person: Standard double $897; standard single $1046
Included: Five days, transfers and tours as described. Entrance fees to sites and museums visited. Four breakfasts. Three lunches. Four night's accommodations.
SCHEDULE Begins any day with arrival in Belize
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