Day one: Arrive in Belize
Belize is a biologically and ecologically diverse country located in Central America. The
species richness is contained within seventy-nine ecological systems
ranging from lush rainforests to the crystal clear, turquoise waters of
the Caribbean Sea —both of which will be explored during your twelve day
tour. Each day, Monkey Chaser
Tours takes you to a new and exciting ecological treasure chests in
Belize and Guatemala to search of the endearing Howler Monkey, Spider
Monkey and a handful of other wild creatures.
Day two Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary contains an array of wetland and terrestrial habitats, which makes it one of the best wildlife destinations in Belize. Journey amongst the 16,400 acres of lagoons, creeks, logwood swamps, broadleaf forest and pine savanna. Crooked
Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is instrumental in the protection of endangered
species, including the Central American River Turtle, Morelet's
Crocodile, Mexican Black Howler Monkey, and the Yellow-headed Parrot. The sanctuary, recognized as a wetland of international importance, is managed and protected by the Belize Audubon Society. Participants
with Monkey Chaser Tours will receive a one-year membership to the
Belize Audubon Society in order to help support their valuable
organization.
Day three Community Baboon Sanctuary
Day four Cockscomb Basis Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve
Cockcomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized internationally as the world’s first jaguar preserve, not only in Belize but in the entire world. While
protecting the infamous jaguar, other species of wildlife can also be
seen throughout the preserve including tapirs, wildcats and a rich
diversity of neotropical birds. While
on the prowl for jaguars with the help of a local tour guide,
appreciate spectacular waterfalls, rolling mountains, and hiking trails
along the way. Spend the night at the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education, where you will learn about conservation and
sustainable living during an educational tour of their facility and
during a private workshop on sustainability.
Day five The Blue Hole and St. Herman's Cave
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| St Herman's Cave |
Enjoy a sunset canoe trip down the river and a guided NIGHT hike as you experience the hidden gems of Belize after dark! The exotic beauty of the jungle comes alive after the sun goes down and the creatures of the night come out to play.
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| The Blue Hole |
Day six Free day at Chaa Creek and San Iganacio
The
tour has been running full steam ahead and now it is time to relax
along the Macal River as the rolling foothills of the Maya Mountains
stretched out before your eyes. With
a free day at your disposal, Chaa Creek offers a variety of activities
to satisfy your needs from guided nature hikes, a butterfly house, tours
of the dramatic Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, horseback riding, or simply
read a book in a hammock under the canopy of the forest. Or,
as the heat of Belize fills the air, spend the day relaxing in the
cool, refreshing salt water of their ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY swimming
pool! No joke!
Day seven San Iganacigo to Tikal, Guatemala
Wake up for a guided tour by a licensed naturalist of the Rainforest Medicine Trail, along the banks of the Macal River. The Mayans were skilled at utilizing the medicinal properties of the jungle as they fought for survival. Walk
in the footsteps of the natives as you learn which plants abate
malaria, diabetics, cleanse the blood and the list keeps going. After the tour, pack up your gear as the journey across the boarder into Guatemala starts today.
Day eight Tikal, Guatemala
No tour to Central America is complete without a stop at the grandest Mayan sites, Tikal. It is believed that the Mayan began the construction of Tikal around 600 B.C. At its peak, 1,500 years ago, Tikal was a wealthy metropolis, home to an estimated 100,000 Mayans. As
it now sits hidden in the jungles of Guatemala, it is easy to imagine
that the ruins were once an important religious, scientific, and
political powerhouse for the Mayan civilization.
On
your tour you will learn about Maya civilization and history, the
rulers of Tikal and the construction of the city, the mysterious
downfall of the city, and information on the flora and fauna of the
region. You will visit the Temple of the Jaguar, Great Plaza, Lost
World and then scale Temple IV to look out over the jungle and the rest
of the site. There is no rush to leave Tikal as the entire day of the tour is devoted to the exploration of this ancient city. In the morning, you will be lead through the park on a sunrise educational tour by a local guide. After a lunch on site, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the site at your own, peaceful pace. Do not forget your camera and your journal as the tranquil beauty of Tikal inspires self reflection. Keep your eyes open for Howler Monkeys as they swing from the treetops of the ancient Mayan city. Unlock the mysteries of Guatemala...
Day night Caye Caulker & Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo was originally a retirement home for movie star animals who were featured in a natural history documentary in the 1980’s. Today,
the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center serves as a refuge for
wildlife that have been orphaned, injured or were once former “pets”
rescued from the problematic pet trade. The
Belize Zoo works closely with local and international conservation
organizations in order to help rehabilitate animals to be released back
into the wild. Before heading off
the beach, meet with local zoo keepers to learn how their work is
contributing to the solution of a greater problem. Conservation
of endangered species is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a
variety of angles, including controversy around keeping wild animals in
captivity.
Welcome to Caye Caulker, your distinctive Belizean island retreat! On this tiny, tropical island, you can truly kick off your shoes and relax after a busy day at Tikal. There are no cars on Caye Caulker as residents enjoy a true laid-back island lifestyle. Caye Caulker has white sandy beaches, clear aquamarine waters, a variety of birds, tasty seafood, cold beer and friendly people. After
an authentic Creole dinner, a specialty on the island, enjoy your
evening unwinding at the hotel or hit up one of the local pubs for a
good time.
Day ten Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Gear up for an underwater adventure of a lifetime. Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located off the southern tip of Amergris Cayes, is Belize’s oldest marine reserve. The
reserve was formed as a community based initiative when concerns grew
over the uncontrolled, often destructive, fishing and diving activities
in the area. Since fishing is not
permitted within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, snorkelers should expect a
rich selection of vibrant fish, including angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers and hundreds of other varieties. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is known for the green moray eel who live amongst the caves along the wall.
Tours of this nature often leave a footprint behind which negativity impacts the delicate habitat for years to come. Monkey Chaser Tours works with Red Mangrove Eco Adventures to ensure that we have the least environmental impact on the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Day eleven Friends of Swallow Caye
After
exploring the deep jungles in search for mammals and birds who play
amongst the tree tops, the last day of our tour will take place on water
looking for a different kind of creature: the Antillean Manatee. Although
Belize has the largest population of the Antillean Manatee in all of
the Caribbean, the species is still endangered with only 900 left countrywide. On your last day, visit with Friends of Swallow Cayes, a community based non-profit conservation organization that strives to protect the manatees that remain in the wild. Their mission is “to safe guard the future of manatees by reducing threats to their health and their habitat. A
local tour guide will take you on a boat ride throughout their habitat
to provide participants with a first hand glance at the beautiful giant
of the Caribbean sea. Swimming with the manatees is not permitted.
Day twelve Departure Belize City International Airport
Time flies when you’re having fun. Enjoy a hearty, heart healthy brunch with the group before departing Caye Caulker via mini-plane. Land directly at Belize International Airport just in time for your flight home. Flights
leaving the island are booked individually so spend your remaining
hours savoring the turquoise waters along the beach instead of sitting
at the stuffy airport.
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