Terra Incognita \"ter-a-in-kag-net-a"\ [L] (1616): unknown territory: an unexplored country.

Belize

Rainforest, Reef and Ruins of Belize


Red-eyed tree-frog, seen in rainforest, Belize

with Lascelle Tillet, Belize Audubon Society
9 days and 8 nights

This tiny country has so much to discover! We will travel by motor launch through riverine forest on the New River to visit the ancient Maya ruins of Lamanai. We shall paddle canoes on the Macal River as we spend three nights in the exquisite thatched cabanas of the exclusive Chaa Creek Resort. We will ride horses through the rain forest. We will track the elusive big cats in the World’s only Jaguar Preserve. We will end our land adventure with snorkeling or scuba adventures on the largest Barrier Reef in the Northern Hemisphere. Our guide for this ecotour will be Lascelle Tillet, a Board Member of the Belize Audubon Society, the organization responsible for managing most of Belize’s National Parks for the Government of Belize.

Group size is restricted to 16 individuals.
You can choose your departure dates!

Or you can join the Cleveland Zoo Society and the Philadelphia Zoo from 17th to 25th April 2010

Cost per person is $3,499 - single supplement is $750

For each participant a donation will be made to the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center to support the Harpy Eagle Restoration Project.
See detailed itinerary below.

Detailed Itinerary

Rainforest, Reef and Ruins - a nine day exploration into Belize

This is an Ecotour that will make a difference to you, and to the areas we visit.
We will donate to the important work of the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center.
We will employ local people.
We will use locally owned and operated lodges and outfitters.
We will use local goods and services.

Day 1: Saturday. Home to Belize City.
We will be met at the Philip Goldson International airport and transferred to the New River where we will board a motor launch for transfer to the Lamanai Outpost Resort. Tonight we meet our fellow explorers as we enjoy our Welcome Dinner.
Overnight at Lamanai Outpost Lodge (D)

Day 2: Sunday. Lamanai Mayan Ruins and environs
This morning we awaken to the sounds of the forest, as Howler monkeys stake out their territories. This morning we plan to tour the Maya ruins of Lamanai and this afternoon we can choose from a number of activities as we explore the surrounding forest and local environs.
Overnight at Lamanai Outpost Lodge (B,L,D)


Canoe trip, Lamanai lagoon, Belize

Day 3: Monday. Lamanai to Chaa Creek via Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center
This morning we will have an early morning canoe trip before breakfast and then take a short flight back to the International Airport where we will then head inland. Our first stop is the unique, Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center, where we are treated to a special "behind-the scenes" glimpse of some of the dynamic programs being run here, including a Harpy Eagle Reintroduction Program and a "problem Jaguar Rehabilitation Project". After the Zoo we enjoy lunch at a local favorite "Cheers" restaurant and bar, before continuing inland for the mountainous interior of this fascinating little country. Late this afternoon we arrive at our base for the next three nights, the exquisite and World-renowned Chaa Creek Cottages. Chaa Creek Cottages are situated on over 350 acres of rainforest and meadows in the scenic Macal River valley. With en-suite bathrooms, the picturesque thatched cottages each have a deck or porch, and are located in a lushly landscaped setting. There is an on-property full-service spa, and opportunities for horseback riding, canoeing and so much more.
Overnight at Chaa Creek Cottages (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tuesday. Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Today we take a full day tour of the awe-inspiring Maya ruins of Tikal, across the border in Guatemala. Tikal National Park occupies over 250 square miles and is a nature lover's paradise, with Spider monkeys and Howler monkeys clambering through the trees, and a rich and varied birdlife, all this in addition to the impressive temples and Maya ruins. We return to Chaa Creek Cottages late this afternoon, awe-struck at the scale of the Maya world of Tikal.
Overnight at Chaa Creek Cottages (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday. Chaa Creek Cottages
After our full day tour yesterday, today you can relax in the grounds of Chaa Creek Cottages. You can choose between hiking some of the trails on property, swinging in a hammock, or paddling a canoe on the Macal River. You may also wish to take advantage of some other options available at additional cost including, the on-property full-service spa, horseback riding or a trip to the Mountain Pine Ridge and Rio-On Pools.
Overnight at Chaa Creek Cottages (B,L,D)


Maya temples at Tikal, Guatemala

Day 6: Thursday. Chaa Creek to Jaguar Reef Lodge via Blue Hole National Park
This morning we can take canoes and float downstream on the Macal River to meet our vehicle and luggage, or of course you can ride to town in the vehicle. Then travel south down the scenic Hummingbird Highway. Along the way we stop at the Blue Hole National Park, where we can enjoy a refreshing dip in the turquoise blue waters, our destination today is the Jaguar Reef Resort located on the beach near Dangriga.
Overnight at Jaguar Reef Resort (B,L,D)

Day 7: Friday. Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve and Belize Barrier Reef
An early start today is essential as we visit the World's only Jaguar Preserve, the Cockscomb Basin National Park. Here we explore the forest trails always hopeful of spotting the elusive great cat, but sure to see all kinds of other tropical wildlife. We return to the Jaguar Reef Resort for a late lunch and have the afternoon to relax, perhaps go snorkeling on the Belize Barrier Reef, or take a kayak and paddle up the Sittee River in search of iguanas and other wildlife.
Overnight at Jaguar Reef Resort (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday. Belize Barrier Reef and beach
Beach activities day - you can snorkel on the Belize Barrier Reef, or relax in a hammock, or perhaps go paddling a canoe or kayak on the Sittee River where Green Iguanas and Crocodiles can regularly be seen basking on the river banks. For the more adventurous, and at a modest additional charge, you can also go scuba diving on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Farewell dinner and overnight at Jaguar Reef Resort (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sunday. Belize to home
After breakfast we transfer to Dangriga airport for a short domestic flight to the Philip Goldson International Airport and our flights home.
(B)


Sunset on Belize Barrier Reef, Belize

Cost per person is $3,499.00
Group size is limited to 16 guests.
(single supplement is $750 / International Airfare is NOT included)
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)

Travel Information

Thanks for choosing Belize with Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc. It is our pleasure to help you plan for your upcoming ecotour. To ensure that your travel arrangements are made to your satisfaction, please take a few minutes to read through this information.

What you need to have with you on your trip:

Passport: If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you will need a passport, valid for six months from the date of completion of your trip.

It is always a good idea to make a photocopy of your airline tickets and of the pages of your passport that have the number, your photograph and other pertinent information. Keep the copies separate from the originals.

Visas: If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, please consult the Belize consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements to enter Belize. If a visa is required, you are responsible for obtaining it.


Sunset at Jaguar Reef Resort, Belize

Documents for children under the age of 18, not traveling with both parents: The U.S. government is increasingly requiring that minors under 18 years of age traveling alone, with grandparents, or with one parent/legal guardian only, carry a notarized document signed by both parents or by the parent/legal guardian not traveling with the child. We suggest you obtain such a document (noting the age of the child, relationship to traveling adult(s), dates of travel, and destination) to avoid potential problems. For example, in the case of divorce, the parent with legal custody must sign the permit, and the accompanying adult must carry proof of this fact. In addition, if the child's surname differs from that of either parent, you may want to carry the child's birth certificate.

Emergency Contact number while on your ecotour:
Call COLLECT (813) 289-1049

Practical Information

Currency: The currency of Belize is the Belize dollar. The exchange rate is tied at 1 USD = 2 Belize dollars. Major credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger stores. U.S. dollars are of course widely accepted in Belize, so we suggest you carry U.S. currency in small denominations for smaller purchases such as taxis, refreshments or other miscellaneous expenses.

Health: All information we obtain regarding health precautions is received from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta at 404.332.4559 or www.cdc.gov.

Please note that Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc., as a travel company, is in no way authorized to prescribe any inoculations or medications. We recommend that you consult your personal physician for medical advice, showing him or her the brochure that indicates the places you will be visiting. Your physician is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs. It is always advisable to have physical and dental check-ups before you leave.


American Crocodile, seen on coast of Belize

At the present time, no immunizations are required for this ecotour, although the CDC recommends that the normal "childhood" vaccines should be up to date: Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR Vaccine), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Perturssia (DTP Vaccine) and Polio vaccine.

Swimming & Snorkeling: There are several opportunities to swim during the ecotour, and you could choose to snorkel in the Caribbean towards the end of your ecotour. You should bring a couple of swimsuits, and we advise you to bring your own snorkeling gear (mask, fins, and snorkel) to ensure a comfortable fit, especially if you require prescription eyewear as prescription lenses will not be available locally.

We advocate the buddy system for everyone, at all times, and children less than 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult while snorkeling.

Since you will have ample time to swim, for added protection from the sun you may wish to wear a T-shirt while swimming.

Time Difference: Belize is one hour behind Eastern Standard Time. During U.S. Daylight Savings Time (March through October), Belize is two hours behind Eastern Time.

Weather: Belize is located in the Tropics so of course the weather on this ecotour can be expected to be warm and humid, with temperatures slightly cooler at night, indeed the average temperature for most of the country lies between 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Please remember that the sun's rays are more vertical than you may be used to, so you can sunburn more easily. Be careful of the midday sun.

There are two distinct seasons in Belize; the rainy (mid/late May to November), and the dry (December thru April). Typically in the rainy season it rains in the afternoons and the mornings are bright and sunny. Although one can almost depend on clear, sunny weather, there are occasional unseasonable storms, and brief but intense rain showers occur regularly in the tropical rainforest regions during any season.