Belize and Tikal Hike and Explore
Price
Activity Level
Level 3-4
We rate trips on a scale from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (avid), with a range of activity levels in between.
Overview
The Caribbean’s best-kept secret, Belize, has it all—sun-drenched beaches, caves, jungles, mountains, Mayan ruins, and really friendly people. Snorkel in crystal clear waters, enjoy unique Garifuna culture, visit modern-day Mayan villages, and discover some of the most incredible ecosystems remaining in the Americas, including a jaguar preserve and a wild scarlet macaw sanctuary. Travel to Guatemala and experience Tikal, the cultural epicenter of the once-mighty Mayan Empire. Nothing quite compares to a background chorus of howler monkeys while enjoying the view from Temple IV! While in Tikal, you will learn about the Maya from renowned scholar Francisco Florian, our dear friend and local expert. Stay in beautiful lodges and guest houses and enjoy the flavorful local cuisine.
Included/Excluded
- Skilled Outdoor Leader guides & local experts, including translation (if applicable)
- Equipment for all outdoor activities
- Delicious local cuisines
- Double-occupancy or group rooms by gender or request
- Limited single-occupancy rooms available for extra cost
- Park permits & fees
- Transportation to & from trip activities
- Transportation to and from trip start and end location (including airfare)
- Optional trip insurance
- Lodging stays before/after scheduled trip dates
- On-your-own activities, food, and shopping
- Alcoholic beverages
- Visa fees (if applicable)
Location Map
Day 1 – Begin your Belizean adventure in beautiful San Ignacio.
Arrive at the Belize International Airport to meet your trip mates. Ride to San Ignacio where you’ll stay overnight at a traditional Belizean jungle lodge. San Ignacio is a beautiful town with shopping and friendly people. Relax in the evening with a meal at the jungle lodge near the river–complete with an “honor bar.”
Day 2 – Enjoy spectacular birding and paddle through ancient limestone caves
Day 3 – Travel to Guatemala, settle into a lakeside lodge, and enjoy dinner in the island village of Flores
Day 4 – Experience one of the wonders of the world–historic Tikal National Park
Day 5 – Head back to Belize and the beaches of Hopkins, settle into your accommodations
Leave Guatemala and drive to the lovely village of Hopkins, Belize. On the way we will stop for a picnic and a hike around Guanacaste National Park. If it’s hot, we’ll take a swim in the Roaring Creek waterfalls before we proceed down the beautiful Hummingbird Highway and through the Mayan Mountains on our way to Hopkins. Settle into accommodations near the Caribbean shoreline and prepare for the next few days of Garifuna culture—drumming, beaches, great seafood, and very friendly people.
Day 6 – Enjoy a jungle hike at the famed Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve
Enjoy a morning visit to the famed Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve for a guided tour of the jungle. Run by the Belize Audubon Society, the Cockscomb Basin is one of the last refuges for the Jaguar, as well as many other species of birds and animals. After a jungle hike, enjoy a swim in a crystal clear pool at the base of a waterfall, or a float down the jungle river in an inner tube. Enjoy great shopping at a Mayan crafts center and bird watching in the afternoon.
Day 7 – Snorkel and swim in turquoise waters brimming with schools of colorful fish
Experience some of the finest snorkeling on the planet in South Water Caye Marine Reserve. The barrier reef of Belize is pristine and huge. Explore the fascinating and colorful world of this reef. Enjoy lunch on a small mangrove island, and more snorkeling in the afternoon. In the evening, we will enjoy our farewell banquet. You will be amazed at how fast a week can go by and how many wonderful memories you will have.
Day 8 – Transfer to Belize City and say farewell to your trip mates
Enjoy one last tropical breakfast and then drive to Belize City for your flight home. Say goodbye to the friendly and beautiful country of Belize!
Our Approach to Accessibility
Wilderness Inquiry takes a creative and multifaceted approach to accessibility on trips and programs. Understandably, an ADA-level accessibility may not always be available in wilderness and even international settings. That is why we utilize Wilderness Inquiry’s Universal Program Participation Model (UPPM) to guide our approach to accessibility by leveraging key resources such as adaptive equipment, support personnel, itinerary and activity choices, and weighing in unique environmental factors to create experiences that can be accessible to many individuals. While our trips may not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, our team does its best to ensure a variety of travel and program options that offer differing levels of accessibility for a variety of needs and abilities. If you have questions about your ability to participate on a Wilderness Inquiry trip or program, our team is always willing to explore options and solutions that suit a traveler’s interest and ability – don’t hesitate to reach out!
What is included in the trip price?
Trip fees cover all of your needs while you are traveling with us — including equipment, food, guides, permits, etc. You are responsible for bringing personal clothing and hygiene supplies. Gear such as sleeping bags, pads, and cots can be checked out during the booking process for no additional fee.
Could the itinerary change after I sign up?
Your trip is dependent on weather, availability, and potential other unforeseen circumstances. All itineraries online are “sample” itineraries that are subject to change. Please check your confirmation packet for the most up-to-date information.
There are many different route choices available within our trip locations for hiking and paddling. The routes will be chosen by Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leaders based on availability and the strength of the group.
What type of food will I eat during the trip?
Typical menus for overnight camping trips include pesto pasta, burritos, stir-fry, avocado caprese wraps, brats and burgers, apple cobbler, and plenty of snacks. The exact menus vary trip-by-trip. On longer wilderness expeditions, we bring more nonperishable foods that keep well for days without refrigeration. On international trips, we tend to eat the local cuisine. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions and preferences — please note this information on your registration form.
I or a member of my family has a disability. Can I/they still participate?
We strive to put accessibility at the forefront of our programs so that individuals of all abilities, including people with disabilities, can successfully participate in our trips. If you or a member of your family has a disability, you will have an opportunity to confidentially share more during the registration process for your trip. A member of our team will connect with you further over the phone to make sure we are able to provide the appropriate support or accommodations you need to have a safe and rewarding experience on your trip.
What is your cancellation policy?
Trip deposits are due at the time of booking and are generally non-refundable.
- Within five weeks prior to trip departure (0-34 days):
- You are responsible for 100% of trip fees. No refunds issued.
- Five to ten weeks prior to trip departure (35-70 days):
- We will refund up to 50% of your trip fee, minus your deposit.
- Ten weeks or more prior to trip departure (71+ days):
- We will issue a refund of all trip fees paid, minus your deposit.
- The deposit may be credited to a future trip.
To view our full cancellation policy, please click here.
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