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We think that Belize is one of the very best tropical nature spots in Central America. Among our many activities in this tiny country, we'll spend four nights in our unique eco-lodge nestled in the dense rainforest above the Macal River in the Mayan Mountains. The abundant diversity of the local flora and fauna is inspiring, as the area is home to over 200 species of birds and is one of the rare places in Central America where you can observe all three species of toucan in one morning. The thrill of spotting the orange-breasted falcon or the white hawk soaring above the canyon, along with the auditory delight of tracking the distinct call of the slaty-tailed trogon, add to the excitement of awakening at our lodge. We'll also visit a live butterfly ranch, and a howler monkey sanctuary, where we will learn about the efforts to conserve critical habitat.
Aside from its natural history, Belize also offers a wonderful cultural component, for it is the heart of the ancient Mayan culture and its luxuriant forests veil vestiges of pre-Columbian civilizations among the fascinating assortment of flora and fauna. We'll travel by boat to the ruins of Lamanai, where the dense rainforest not only provides excellent habitat for monkeys, parrots, motmots, toucans and woodpeckers, but also conceals more than 50 impressive Mayan structures.
Our Mayan education continues as we cross into Guatemala, where the Mayan heritage is everywhere. We will visit some ancient cities, including Yaxha and the fabled site of Tikal, inhabited from 800 BC to 900 AD. Join veteran Quest leader Jean Iron on this tremendous tropical tour. |
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| FACTS: |
| • | 12-day trip |
| • | Maximum 15 participants |
| • | Start and finish in Belize City, Belize |
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| HIGHLIGHTS: |
| • | Mayan sites, including Tikal and Lamania |
| • | Travelling by boat up the river to extensive wetlands |
| • | Walking cool pine forest trails |
| • | Exploring numerous caves and waterfalls |
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| ACTIVITY LEVEL: |
| • | Moderate: This tour is classified as moderate. We will be walking on trails that are mostly well maintained but will have some slippery and steep sections that follow the contours. Sturdy walking shoes and perhaps a trekking pole would be an asset. One should also have the agility to get into boats and mini-buses. |
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| ACCOMMODATIONS: |
| Best Western Biltmore Plaza, Belize City |
| Black Rock Lodge, San Ignacio |
| Tikal Jungle Lodge |
| Pook's Hill Lodge |
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| ITINERARY IN BRIEF: |
| Day 1: |
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Arrive in Belize City |
| Day 2: |
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Lamanai Maya Site |
| Day 3: |
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Howler Monkey Reserve |
| Day 4: |
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Black Rock Nature Trails |
| Day 5: |
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Mountain Pine Ridge, Butterfly Farm |
| Day 6: |
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Xunatanich Maya Site, Belize Botanical Garden |
| Day 7: |
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Yaxha Maya Site, Guatemala, Tikal |
| Day 8: |
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Tikal Maya Site |
| Day 9: |
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Peten Lake District, San Ignacio, Mountain Pine Ridge, Pooks Hill |
| Day 10: |
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Pooks Hill Nature Trails, Barton's Cave |
| Day 11: |
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Blue Hole National Park |
| Day 12: |
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Belize City and departure |
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 Jean is a very well travelled person who follows her natural history interests to many parts of the world. Jean is a Past President of the Ontario Field Ornithologists. She has led Quest land tours to Honduras, Cuba, and Point Pelee and Quest expedition cruises to Georgian Bay, Costa Rica and Panama, and the High Arctic of Canada and Norway.
416-633-5666 / 1-800-387-1483
 Costa Rica
Nature's Tropical Treasure House
Length: 11 days
Start: San Jose, Costa Rica
Finish: San Jose, Costa Rica
 Trinidad & Tobago
Caribbean Quest
Length: 10 days
Start: Port of Spain, Trinidad
Finish: Crown Point, Tobago
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Our participants say...
A most enjoyable trip - hard to say what the highlights were, probably all the awesome birds we spotted. However, I really enjoyed the whole of the countries, the Mayan culture, the flowers, butterflies, animals, etc.
Jean and our local guides were superb - very informative. Accommodations and food - excellent. I would have no problem recommending this trip to friends.
Vivien J.
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