Belize Reef & Ruins

12 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Cramming an astonishing range of cultural and natural wonders into a relatively small package, Belize is the adventure world’s best-kept secret. On this activity-packed trip, we navigate jungle trails, float through the Mayan underworld, snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, and cross into Guatemala to visit one of the most important and impressive Mayan ruins in ...
26%
$6,986
From$5,175
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Explore the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, home to birds, crocs and monkeys
    • Hop over to Guatemala to tour Tikal, a wonder of the ancient Mayan civilisation
    • Float along the Caves Branch River to see the Mayan underworld
    • Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a vital underwater habitat
    • Enjoy the laid-back island life of Caye Caulker

What's this trip about?

    Cramming an astonishing range of cultural and natural wonders into a relatively small package, Belize is the adventure world’s best-kept secret. On this activity-packed trip, we navigate jungle trails, float through the Mayan underworld, snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef, and cross into Guatemala to visit one of the most important and impressive Mayan ruins in the world, Tikal. The adventure is capped with a stay on Caye Caulker, the quintessential palm-strewn, white-sanded Caribbean Island.Discover the Jewel of Central America, where ancient Mayan ruins meet Mother Nature’s finest work

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityBelize City
End CityBelize City

Travel Themes

  • Birding
  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Central America
  • Belize
  • Guatemala

Attractions

  • Caye Caulker
  • San Ignacio
  • Tikal

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature

Trip includes

    • 11 breakfasts, six lunches, three dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout

Itinerary

Day 1 Journey to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Arrive in Belize and travel to the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, named for the ‘crooked’ cashew trees that grow around the lagoon. Wetland areas weave throughout, providing a habitat for some 286 bird species, the migratory jabiru stork being the most famous. Croco...

Day 2 Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary hike and sunset cruise

Wake up fresh to beautiful bird songs. In the morning, we join our guide to explore the on-site hiking trails, looking for the birds and other amazing animals that live here. Back at the lodge, we have lunch and relax. Later this afternoon, our wildlife tour continue...

Day 3 Boat ride to Lamanai Mayan temple

This morning, we venture by boat to the Mayan temple of Lamanai (meaning Submerged Crocodile) on the shores of the New River Lagoon. It is thought to be the largest Mayan ceremonial site in the region with more than 800 structures deep in the jungle. As we cruise, our...

Day 4 Visit howler monkey sanctuary and float down the Caves Branch River

This morning, we head west to the town of San Ignacio. Along the way, we visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, a grassroots conservation project that protects the endangered black howler monkey (there are no baboons in Belize, but this is the name used in the local Cr...

Day 5 Tour Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Today we take a break from the jungle and explore the scenic beauty of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. It was established in 1944 to protect and manage this unique Caribbean pine forest habitat and noticeably contrasts to the rest of the tropical country. We will ...

Day 6 Free day for San Ignacio optional excursions

We have a free day to enjoy San Ignacio and the surrounding area. There is a range of optional activities, including a visit to the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (ATM for short). This popular full-day cave tour starts with a short swim into the Mayan underworld to view t...

Day 7 Cross to Guatemala with Xunantunich exploration en route

On our way to the Guatemalan border, we visit Xunantunich, one of the most important Maya sites in Belize. The centre is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. The largest pyramid here, El Castillo, rises 130ft (40m) above the mai...

Day 8 Tour the Mayan ruins of Tikal

We rise early to enjoy a sunrise tour of Unesco-listed Tikal, nearly 20sqmi (52sqkm) of classic ruins surrounded by the dense jungle of Petén. We take a tour of the city, visiting the main temples, palaces, squares, tombs, residences and religious monuments. The area ...

Day 9 Return to Belize; rum tour and Caye Caulker

We leave Guatemala this morning and journey back to Belize City. Here, we visit Travellers Liquors (home of the much-loved One Barrel Rum) for a history lesson in rum-making at their heritage centre. This features the bottling process, product sampling, Belizean cockt...

Day 10 Full day of snorkelling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Just off the southern part of Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize and a few minutes’ boat ride from Caye Caulker, is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (the name means Little Channel in Mayan and is named for the natural break in the reef here). This area is an imp...

Day 11 Free day to enjoy Caye Caulker

Today has been left free to enjoy the laid-back spirit of Caye Caulker. Spend your day relaxing by the pool, the beach or take a stroll to explore this charming island town atop the reef.  Paddleboards and kayaks are also available free of charge from the hotel.  Don’t forget to grab a cold beverage as you watch the sun set on your Belizean adventure. Accommodation: La Isla Resort (or similar)

Day 12 Transfer to Belize City; end

This morning, we wave goodbye to our island paradise and return to Belize City by water taxi and begin our return journeys home. If you’d like to spend more time in or Caye Caulker, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,175
Price per day$431
Last Updated: 10/6/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
10 Nov 2024
21 Nov 2024
$5,400
$6,525
24 Nov 2024
05 Dec 2024
$5,175
$6,300
05 Jan 2025
16 Jan 2025
$6,000
$7,185
19 Jan 2025
30 Jan 2025
$6,000
$7,185
02 Feb 2025
13 Feb 2025
$6,000
$7,185
16 Feb 2025
27 Feb 2025
$6,000
$7,185
02 Mar 2025
13 Mar 2025
$6,000
$7,185
09 Nov 2025
20 Nov 2025
$6,000
$7,185
23 Nov 2025
04 Dec 2025
$6,000
$7,185
07 Dec 2025
18 Dec 2025
$6,000
$7,185

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
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Average
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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

,We stay six nights in comfortable hotels and five nights in destination lodges. (Those on the group flights will have an extra hotel night in Houston en route) In Crooked Tree and Tikal we stay at comfortable lodges surrounded by tropical forest and the sounds of the jungle.  In San Ignacio, we can enjoy the pool and view from our hotel perched on a hill overlooking the river valley.  While in Caye Caulker our 3 star hotel has island flair and comes with a pool, private beach and rooftop lounge. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary: Bird’s Eye View Lodge (nights 1-3) Bird’s Eye View Lodge is located in the heart of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is known as the top neotropical birding site in Belize. The lodge offers basic comfort rooms, air-conditioned rooms, a bar and full restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine. San Ignacio: Cahal Pech Resort (nights 4-6) Cahal Pech Village Resort is perched on a hill overlook the town of San Ignacio. The in addition to comfortable air-conditioned rooms, this relaxed 3-star resort also has 2 pool, an on-site bar, restaurant and is a stones throw away from the Mayan site of Cahal Pech. Tikal: Tikal Jungle Lodge (nights 7, 8) Tikal Jungle Lodge is a hotel located in the heart of Tikal National Park and short walk from the ruins. The rooms feature architectural decorative details and amenities designed to deliver a comfortable experience in the middle of the jungle. The lodge’s restaurant serves international cuisine, and the bar offers a variety of cocktails to enjoy at the bar or poolside after a day of exploring Tikal.  Note - in accordance with park regulations, power generators run with limited service in rooms from 10pm-6am (powering ceiling fan, one nightlight and one outlet). Caye Caulker: La Isla Resort (nights 9-11) After all our exploring the Mayan world, it’s time to relax a bit. La Isla Resort is a beachfront hotel centrally located in Caye Caulker and a short walk to everything. The rooms are bright and functional with air-conditioning. The resort has a relaxing pool, free to use kayaks and paddleboards, as well as rooftop lounge area to watch the sunset. Worth knowing Single rooms can be booked for an optional single supplement, subject to availability at the time of booking.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
There are 11 breakfasts, six lunches and three dinners included. Breakfast is always provided in hotels and generally consists of bread, eggs, ham, fruit, juice and coffee. Although meat plays a key part in many Central American dishes, vegetarians can be well catered for. Please advise us on booking of any special dietary requirements you may have.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 11 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges
  • Three nights at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and three nights on Caye Caulker
  • Some moderate walks (maximum: two to three hours)
  • Travel by private minibus and boat
  • Reasonable fitness required
Trip ID
exodus-ABZ

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