Exploring Southern Belize
10 Days
from
$4983*
Highlights:
Cayo District
(San Ignacio)
,
Stan Creek & South Coast
(Placencia)
,
Toledo Disctrict
(Punta Gorda)
Trip Start/End:
Belize City
/
Belize City
Journey through the jungles of the Cayo District while exploring Mayan ruins and deep caves. Travel south to Plancencia enroute visit the beautiful Blue Hole National Park - spend some time hiking through the pristine trails before arriving at this remote beach paradise. Snorkel, swim or just relax on the beach, it is up to you! Continue south to Punta Gorda where you can have it all; wildlife, cultural immersion and ocean exploration! Return to Belize City for your international flight home.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Belize City - San Ignacio
| - Meet and Greet
- Transfer - Belize City - San Ignacio [2hrs] - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Black Rock Lodge
Waterfall Deluxe Cabin (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Cayo District - San Ignacio
| - Breakfast (included)
- Private - Actun Tunichil Mucknal Jungle & River Cave Adventure (with Picnic Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Black Rock Lodge
Waterfall Deluxe Cabin (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Cayo District - San Ignacio
| - Breakfast (included)
- Private - Caracol & Rio Frio Tour (with Picnic Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Black Rock Lodge
Waterfall Deluxe Cabin (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Cayo District - Placencia
| - Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Private - Cayo District - Placencia [with hiking Blue Hole National Park (with lunch)] - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Singing Sands Inn (4*)
Seafront Cabana ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Placencia
| - Breakfast (included)
- Shared - Cockscomb Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Singing Sands Inn (4*)
Seafront Cabana ()1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Placencia - Punta Gorda
| - Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Transfer Belcampo Lodge to Airport
- Dinner (not included)
| Belcampo Lodge
Rainforest Canopy Suite (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Punta Gorda
| - Breakfast (included)
- Belcampo Lodge Activities
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Belcampo Lodge
Rainforest Canopy Suite (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Punta Gorda
| - Breakfast (included)
- Shared - Snorkelling & Reef Adventure Full Day w/ Lunch (from Belcampo) - Guide/Boat
- Dinner (not included)
| Belcampo Lodge
Rainforest Canopy Suite (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Punta Gorda
| - Breakfast (included)
- Belcampo Lodge - Day at leisure to explore
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Belcampo Lodge
Rainforest Canopy Suite (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Punta Gorda
| - Breakfast (included)
- Transfer Belcampo Lodge to Airport
- Air - Punta Gorda - Belize City [Direct Belize City Int'l Airport (1 hr)] - Economy
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
San Ignacio
Lodge
Day 1: Belize City - San Ignacio
Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.
Transfer to the Cayo District by private vehicle.
Accommodation: Black Rock Lodge Black Rock Lodge is a unique eco-lodge nestled in the dense rainforest above the Macal River in the Mayan Mountains of Belize, 2.5 hours west of Belize City, south of San Ignacio. The Lodge’s 13 cabins boast stunning views of Black Rock Canyon, the Macal River, and the surrounding rainforest and wildlife. An inviting hammock is provided to enjoy the spectacular surroundings in total relaxation. The cabins are airy one-room structures built to take advantage of the fresh mountain breezes. Fully screened windows and high pitched roof lines create a bright and refreshing rainforest home for our guests. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms and closet areas. Simply decorated, the cabins display artwork created by local artisans and craftspeople. Black Rock Lodge's passionate commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operation is evident in every aspect of your stay.
River Cave Adventure
Day 2: Cayo District - San Ignacio
Your adventure will begin when you are picked up at your hotel by your private guide and driver. Actun Tunichil Muknal "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher" is one of the most impressive caves in the Maya Lowland. Located in the heart of the Belizean Rainforest, this cave was a sacred place to the prehistoric Mayan of Belize, who first began to use the entrance during the early Classical period (300-600AD). The cave system consists of a series of chambers, ending in a 300x50m cathedral where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. When you enter the cave with your private guide, you will have the opportunity to travel into the Maya past and witness a living museum where the human sacrifices and artifacts can be viewed in their original context. After an exciting drive to the trailhead, guests will trek for 45 minutes through dense jungle in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and wade across three streams, and learn about the plants and animals of the jungle. At the entrance of the Cave you will be outfitted with the necessary equipment preparing you for the Caving Adventure ahead. Some swimming will be required as well also climbing and caving activity. This is a first class caving and archaeological experience.
Accommodation: Black Rock Lodge 
Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve
Day 3: Cayo District - San Ignacio
Your tour will begin when you are picked up in your private vehicle by your personal guide and driver. You will transfer to Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve which is a 106,000 acre protected national park. In the 1950's, 60's and 70's, many Belizeans were employed as timber cutters in this area and on the tour you will see that history. Later you will visit Chiquibul Forest Reserve. About a 1 hour drive from Pine Ridge you will arrive at the beautiful Maya site of Caracol (which means the Snail), named by archaeologists because they found numerous snails on site. The original name is Oxwitza which means the sky place. Caracol is the largest archaeological site in Belize, covering 30 square miles in thick, high canopy jungle, and includes five plazas, an astronomic observatory and over 35,000 buildings that have been identified. Among them is a massive pyramid (Caana) capped by three temples and rises over 140ft above the jungle floor. When the tour is complete you will return to your hotel. Tour includes a private guided tour of the site with entrances and picnic lunch. You can choose to stop and explore the Rio-on Pools and Rio Frio Caves before returning to your hotel if they wish.
Accommodation: Black Rock Lodge 
Placencia
Hotel
Day 4: Cayo District - Placencia
Meet your driver for a transfer to Placencia. Whilst transferring approximately 3 hours to Placencia along the scenic hummingbird highway, guests stop off on the way to stretch their legs and go hiking at the inland Blue Hole National Park. They´ll also visit some refreshing natural pools where guests may swim if they like. After time for a tour and bird watching guests have lunch in a local restaurant before continuing on to the their final destination.
Accommodation: Singing Sands Inn (4*) Singing Sands Inn provides a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The property has recently been completely renovated, including the six thatched roof cabanas, with new flooring made from local hardwoods, custom designed louvered screen doors and windows, remodeled bathrooms and showers, along with custom furniture built locally. The rooms are beautifully illuminated & simply decorated. Local artwork, hand-woven Guatemalan bed covers and hand painted Mexican tiles adorn each cabana. The world's second largest barrier reef will be your front yard.
Jaguar
Day 5: Placencia
Transfer from the hotel to the Cockscomb Nature Reserve where you begin with a nature hike looking for wildlife, discovering medicinal plants and learning about the park’s history and efforts to save the jaguar. After a picnic lunch enjoy a refreshing tube-float downriver, enjoying the rainforest from a different perspective. Combine a visit to the Jaguar Preserve with a stop at the fascinating Maya Museum where you will learn about ancient and contemporary Maya culture. Your Maya hosts will show you how to make corn tortillas and how they gro w shade coffee and cacao. Your trip to the Maya Museum at the entrance to the Jaguar Preserve can also be combined with a night walk in the Jaguar Preserve.
Accommodation: Singing Sands Inn (4*) 
Punta Gorda
Machaca Hill Lodge aerial view
Day 6: Placencia - Punta Gorda
An airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver is included.
Transfer from the lodge to the airport in Punta Gorda for your flight to Belize Airport.
Accommodation: Belcampo Lodge Nestled in the verdant hills above the Caribbean coast of southern Belize, Belcampo Lodge Belize is a self-contained sanctuary from the everyday world. The main lodge is the communal heart of the resort, with dining and lounge areas, concierge and lobby, a well-appointed gift shop, and observation decks open to stunning vistas of the coast, Maya Mountains and seemingly endless pristine rainforest. Accommodations consist of 12 individual, privately sited suites with comfortable sleeping and relaxing spaces, screened fresh-air verandas, and luxurious spa-style baths.
A sheltered garden path connects the main lodge to the beautifully designed spa, with a stunning pool and sundeck just outside. Beyond the pool lies a sweeping lawn where guests gather for high tea, as well as a communal fire pit – the ideal location for evening relaxation and socializing. Our 400’ private tram stands ready to whisk you down to the lodge’s riverside deck, wherey our waterfront dining area and Maya bar await. From here, you may also embark on tranquil cruises on the jungle reaches of the Rio Grande, with the Caribbean only minutes away.
Wildlife in Punta Gorda
Day 7: Punta Gorda
While at the lodge there are a number of activities you can participate in; birding & wildlife, fishing, food & farms, jungle hiking, cultural immersion, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, diving and more!
Accommodation: Belcampo Lodge Day 8: Punta Gorda
Your snorkeling and reef tour takes guests to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world, to see a variety of aquatic species including sea fans, coral, colorful tropical fish, seahorses, rays, eels and turtles. This tour will take about 6-7 hours. Bring along: sunscreen, bug spray, long light clothing, bathing suit, and snorkeling gears.
Accommodation: Belcampo Lodge - Wildlife in Punta Gorda
Day 9: Punta Gorda
While at the lodge there are a number of activities you can participate in; birding & wildlife, fishing, food & farms, jungle hiking, cultural immersion, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, diving and more!
Accommodation: Belcampo Lodge Day 10: Punta Gorda
Transfer from the lodge to the airport in Punta Gorda for your flight to Belize Airport.
A direct flight from Punta Gorda will take you to the Belize City International Airport.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Lodge
Waterfall Deluxe Cabin
Black Rock Lodge - San Ignacio
Black Rock Lodge is a unique eco-lodge nestled in the dense rainforest above the Macal River in the Mayan Mountains of Belize, 2.5 hours west of Belize City, south of San Ignacio. The Lodge’s 13 cabins boast stunning views of Black Rock Canyon, the Macal River, and the surrounding rainforest and wildlife. An inviting hammock is provided to enjoy the spectacular surroundings in total relaxation. The cabins are airy one-room structures built to take advantage of the fresh mountain breezes. Fully screened windows and high pitched roof lines create a bright and refreshing rainforest home for our guests. All cabins have en-suite bathrooms and closet areas. Simply decorated, the cabins display artwork created by local artisans and craftspeople. Black Rock Lodge's passionate commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operation is evident in every aspect of your stay.
- Hotel
Singing Sands Inn (4*) - Placencia
Singing Sands Inn provides a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The property has recently been completely renovated, including the six thatched roof cabanas, with new flooring made from local hardwoods, custom designed louvered screen doors and windows, remodeled bathrooms and showers, along with custom furniture built locally. The rooms are beautifully illuminated & simply decorated. Local artwork, hand-woven Guatemalan bed covers and hand painted Mexican tiles adorn each cabana. The world's second largest barrier reef will be your front yard.
- Machaca Hill Lodge aerial view
Machaca Hill Lodge Accommodation
Belcampo Lodge - Punta Gorda
Nestled in the verdant hills above the Caribbean coast of southern Belize, Belcampo Lodge Belize is a self-contained sanctuary from the everyday world. The main lodge is the communal heart of the resort, with dining and lounge areas, concierge and lobby, a well-appointed gift shop, and observation decks open to stunning vistas of the coast, Maya Mountains and seemingly endless pristine rainforest. Accommodations consist of 12 individual, privately sited suites with comfortable sleeping and relaxing spaces, screened fresh-air verandas, and luxurious spa-style baths.
A sheltered garden path connects the main lodge to the beautifully designed spa, with a stunning pool and sundeck just outside. Beyond the pool lies a sweeping lawn where guests gather for high tea, as well as a communal fire pit – the ideal location for evening relaxation and socializing. Our 400’ private tram stands ready to whisk you down to the lodge’s riverside deck, wherey our waterfront dining area and Maya bar await. From here, you may also embark on tranquil cruises on the jungle reaches of the Rio Grande, with the Caribbean only minutes away.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Belize
VISA/PASSPORT
All citizens must have a passport valid for the duration of their visit to Belize. U.S. citizens do not need visas for tourist visits of up to thirty days, but they must have onward or return air tickets and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves while in Belize. Visas are not normally required of Canadian citizens travelling to Belize.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Belize for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are poor quality and not widespread. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/belize.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Belmopan City.
Government: Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1981.
Language: English is the official language, but Spanish is spoken to some extent by over half the population. Garifuna (Carib), Maya and Creole are also spoken as well as a German dialect (by the Mennonites).
Religion: The people of Belize are mainly Roman Catholic (approximately 60% of the population). Other small groups practice Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bahai, as well as other Christian denominations.
Time: GMT - 6.
Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Telephone: Country code +501.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good along most of the coast and along the main routes to Mexico and Guatemala. Handsets can be hired from Belize Telecommunications Ltd at the international airport.
Internet: There are Internet cafes in urban centers and popular tourist centers.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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