Belize & Guatemala Wonders—Rivers, Reefs & Cultures

Description

Cruise the Belize Barrier Reef and trek into the jungles and towns of this Caribbean paradise.

Ocean, sky, or palms—painted with the brightest blues and greens. In Latin America, humidity soothes from the outside in. Howler monkeys and hummingbirds lure you along jungle hikes. Fragrant orchids creep out from mangroves. Villagers display their woven baskets. And strolls through ancient walled cities and sleepy coastal towns feel like a step back in time.

Trip Name

Belize & Guatemala Wonders—Rivers, Reefs & Cultures

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 174 ft Passenger Capacity: 64 Built / refurbished: 1982 / 2016 Undergoing refurbishment in 2016, the 62-guest Safari Voyager offers personal comforts, full uncompromising amenities, and upscale accommodations. Sights are revealed from the window-lined lounge with sweeping 270-degree views. Enjoy the vessel’s cozy library and elegant dining room, all outfitted with nautical décor. Ideally designed to spotlight the magnificent natural surroundings, the Safari Voyager features four public decks including a spacious upper sun deck. An aft EZ Dock launch platform provides convenient access into and from the water for adventure activities. The vessel is outfitted with kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, snorkel gear, wet suits, and hiking poles. For rejuvenation and relaxation, guests can take advantage of our wellness program with fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a complimentary massage. There are seven cabin categories aboard the Safari Voyager: Single; Master; Commander; Captain; Admiral; Jr. Commodore Suite; and Owner's Suite. Depending on the category, singles, doubles, or triples can be accommodated. Common to all cabins are: wide panoramic view windows; individually controlled air conditioning; generous storage and closet space; desk and chair; iPod/MP3/MP4 docking stations; TV/DVD player; private bath with shower.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 Belize City, Belize – Embarkation

Welcome to the Caribbean coast! Our local representative greets you at the airport for your transfer to our hospitality area.Later, head to the Safari Voyager—sweeping views and a happy-to-see-you crew are the perfect welcome to your time inBelize and Guatemala. (D)

Day 2 - DAY 2 Belize Barrier Reef

Start your adventure with a day of play at the beach. Explore Ranguana Caye, a private island of two acres prime forsnorkeling, swimming, and paddle boarding. Take a spin around with your water toy of choice or kick back in a hammockunder swaying palms and watch the fishermen off shore. Cruise to Laughing Bird Caye National Park, named after Belize’slaughing gull. Head out in your kayak or go for a guided snorkel where angelfish, parrotfish, tangs, sea sponges, and elkhorn,staghorn, and brain coral flicker beneath the clear waters. Set sail for Guatemala with a sunset happy hour! (BLD)

Day 3 - DAY 3 Las Escobas Rainforest / Tapon Creek Nature Reserve, Guatemala

Today is boots-on-the-ground in Guatemala. Kick off your day with an early morning hike through Las Escobas TropicalRainforest Park, a birder’s paradise and home to more than 400 species of plants and animals. Toucans and parrots lure youto refreshing pools and waterfalls. To round out your big morning, sit back and rest your legs as you learn about the Garifunaculture firsthand through stories, song, and snacks. This afternoon, you have a choice in Tapon Creek Nature Reserve. Coveringmore than 1,600 acres of Guatemala’s lowland forests, you can take it easy on a skiff and stroll, or hard charge it through thejungle with your guide. The area protects endangered species including tapirs, howler monkeys, and jaguars. (BLD)

Day 4 - DAY 4 Río Sarstún / Río Dulce / Livingston

Get to know the locals today with visits to the Kekchi Mayan Women’s Bakery and a women’s health clinic, each enriching thecommunity in its own way. Then explore along the “sweet river,” the Rio Dulce. Glide past limestone cliffs where North Americanand Caribbean plates meet and jungles of howler monkeys and toucans tower above. Take it all in or grab a kayak and cruise themangroves of lily pads past thatch-roofed homes. Stretch your legs in charming Livingston, a town perched on a hill lined withpalms and packed with bustling shops and Caribbean flair. Go for an amble or take it up a notch with an optional hike from townto The Seven Altars waterfalls. The cooling waters ripple and cascade, never letting you forget that you’re in paradise. (BLD)

Day 5 - DAY 5 Punta Gorda, Belize

Good morning, Punta Gorda! It’s market day and there’s something for everybody—wooden and woven crafts, produce, chilies,and tamales. Try a ripe mango or taste the local cassava as you stroll past primary colored buildings and delve deeper into historywith a trip to Mayan ruins. In the afternoon when it’s time to cool off, the cayes call with white sands and from-the-beach or hopoff-a skiff snorkeling. Sergeant major, purple reef fish, and damselfish zip below as pelicans sweep by overhead. (BLD)

Day 6 - DAY 6 Payne’s Creek National Park

Beat the heat and head for land early. Get acquainted with this lush corner of Belize via a birdwatching skiff tour, hard charginghike through the park’s savannah, or kayak through the mangroves. Black howler monkeys, white tail deer, crocodiles, and over300 species of birds may join you along your way. And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the ripples of a manatee. Belliesfull after lunch, spend an easy afternoon at a private island, kayaking or snorkeling in Lime Caye. (BLD)

Day 7 - DAY 7 Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

A jungle like no other. This protected area offers a range of hikes from easy ambles to thigh burners—all boastingincredible wildlife. Hear the call of a Crested Guam, Red-capped Manakin, Black-headed Trogan, or Amazon kingfisher.Keep your eyes up to arching palms and heart-shaped leaves tumbling from the trees or to the forest floor whereleafcutter ants are on the move. A smooshed patch of grass and paw print mean the elusive jaguar may have sharedyour path—rest assured he’s the hardest charger of them all and is far along his journey. After your trek, soak in alazy river in an inner tube or further your studies at the park’s museum. Back on the Safari Voyager relive your weekwith the Captain’s Dinner and slideshow treat. (BLD)

Day 8 - DAY 8 Belize City – Disembarkation

Linger over one last fresh baked pastry as you bid farewell to the Caribbean.Hugs all around to your crew and fellow travelers before your transfer to theBelize City Airport. (B)

Day 9 - Please Note:

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the orderof days may occur to maximize your experience.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Belize Barrier Reef—second largest coral reef in the world
Hike Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary—recognized as the world’s first jaguar sanctuary
Explore the trails of birder’s haven Las Escobas Tropical Rainforest Park
Indigenous Mayan and Garifuna cultures: ruins, food, music, and dance
Visit two women-run organizations: Kekchi Mayan Bakery and a health center
Color and flavor in Caribbean towns: Punta Gorda and Livingston
Skiff the limestone cliff-lined Río Dulce and kayak in mangroves along the Río Sarstún
Snorkel, paddle, and swim at Lime, Laughing Bird, and Ranguana Cayes
Watch for manatees, crocodiles, howler monkeys, birds, and the trail of jaguars
Trek through savannah, jungle, and to tiered waterfalls