Belize
Most tourists flock to Belize to visit its picturesque Caribbean cayes, but those who dare to venture beyond its shores will find that they’ve stumbled upon a true hidden gem. Largely covered in dense tropical rainforest, Belize has an almost elusive quality. A place of mystery and intrigue, this seemingly forgotten land is a treasure trove of natural and cultural riches. Spot rare species of plants and animals, uncover ancient Mayan secrets, explore hidden caves, sail on the crystal waters of the Caribbean sea, and dive deep into the essence of this spectacular country on this AstridTravel Club trip to Belize!
Interested in this trip? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
This Trip at a Glance
Dates: TBD| Price: $3,600
This trip is luxury in style, featuring beautiful, luxury accommodations both in the jungle and on the coast. Activities are best suited for the active traveler. The pace is moderate, and travelers should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods of time.
If you wish to take this trip at another date, either solo or with a group of your own, contact us and we’ll work with you to customize this trip for your needs.
The Itinerary — 7 Days, 6 Nights
Day 1
Sleeping GIant Rainforest Lodge. Photo source.
Arrive in the late-morning to afternoon at Rafael Nunez International Airport where transportation to your hotel, The Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, will be waiting for you. Enjoy the 1.5 hour drive as you journey out of Belize City and into lush tropical rainforest. Upon your arrival at the lodge, drop your bags with the concierge and meet your ATC Trip Host and fellow travelers for a round of welcome drinks and small plates. Afterward, the concierge will escort you on a tour of the breathtaking property.
Take some time to get settled into your private Creekside Cottage located along the peaceful, spring-fed creek which flows through the property. Enjoy the option to relax on your private balcony, soak in your outdoor tub, or explore the resort’s tropical surroundings at leisure.
Regroup in the evening for a delightful dinner at the resort’s Grove House Restaurant. Get acquainted with your fellow travelers over dinner and drift off to sleep as you listen to the sounds of cicadas, howler monkeys, and dozens of exotic birds in the distance.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
Xunantunich Mayan ruins.
Enjoy a fresh breakfast at the resort before embarking on a day-trip to the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. As you travel to the western edge of the country, your guide will share with you information and history about Mayan culture. You’ll pass through the bustling little town of San Ignacio before crossing over the Mopan River via hand-cranked ferry and arriving at the ancient ruins. The largest structure, El Castillo reaches 130 feet into the sky. From the top of this structure, you’ll be gazing over the rainforests of Guatemala to one side, and Belize to the other. After touring the ruins, you’ll meet a Yucatecan Maya chef of the village of San Antonio who will teach you about traditional Mayan pottery making and food practices.
Return to Sleeping Giant Lodge and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure kayaking or paddle boarding in the river, biking through the on-site orange grove, taking a hike or simply relaxing by the pool or outdoor lounge. In the evening, enjoy another wonderful dinner at the lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Learn more about ATM cave in the video above.
Note: Life vests provided for non-swimmers. Please let us know of any fears or concerns you may have about this tour and we will either work through them or propose an alternate activity for you.
Begin the day with an early morning wake-up call and a scenic drive back to the town of San Ignacio. This time, you’ll be venturing deep into the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve to visit the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. The adventure begins with a 3-mile hike through the rainforest to reach the mouth of the cave. Then, a brief swim over a spring-fed pool leads to the entrance of this Mayan underworld. As you explore the expansive cave system, at some points wading through water, your licensed expert guide will assist you as you wind through various chambers, scramble over rocks, and ascend via a 12-foot ladder to access “The Cathedral” - the ceremonial chamber containing ancient Mayan artifacts and the famed crystallized skeletal remains of the "Crystal Maiden." After the tour, enjoy a rewarding Belizean picnic lunch of beans, rice, plantain, and (most importantly) rum punch!
Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy free time to relax and refresh. In the evening, enjoy one final dinner at the beautiful Grove House Restaurant.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Aracari Toucan, Sunrise Bird Watching. Photo source.
Depart on a Sunrise Bird Watching Excursion to spot some of Belize’s 575+ bird species before enjoying one final breakfast at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge.
Afterward, you’ll depart for the once sleepy fishing village of Hopkins, located on the southern coast of Belize. Known for its breathtaking beaches, close proximity to both jungle and reef, and lively Garifuna culture, Hopkins is now a much sought-after destination. Arrive at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, your beachside accommodations for the next 3 nights, and drop off your bags. After a Welcome Tour, enjoy lunch at the lodge before kicking off your stay with an afternoon Hobie Cat Sailing Excursion.
Return to the lodge and get settled in your private room. Enjoy drinks and small plates at Big Dock, the resort’s very own over-the-water ceviche bar.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Silk Caye, Belizes. Photo source.
Begin the day with breakfast by the beach before departing for a full day of activity on the Caribbean sea. Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Enjoy the option to fish off the boat, snorkel amongst pristine coral reef and an abundance of wildlife, or go lobster “tickling” with your expert, local guide. Relax on a private island and enjoy a barbeque lunch featuring fresh fish and/or lobster plucked straight from the ocean!
Note: If you are not interested in water activities, alternate land-based activities will be suggested.
Return to the lodge and take some time to get refreshed. In the evening, enjoy a Garifuna dance performance at the lodge and dinner at the Caribbean-inspired, beachfront Paddle House restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Garifuna Cultural Culinary Tour. Photo source.
Enjoy breakfast at the beach before venturing into town to visit the Garifuna Cultural Center where you will enjoy a Culture and Culinary Tour. “Don traditional Garifuna attire, and then help prepare a classic coconut-based recipe over an open fire during a hands-on cooking lesson. The sensory experience also includes a drumming lesson and tour of cherished Garifuna paintings and artifacts. It’a a great way to go beyond the typical tourist track and appreciate Belize’s rich multicultural heritage.”
Return to the Lodge at Jaguar Reef and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Then just before sunset, board a boat in the nearby Sittee River for a Bioluminescence Tour. Journey past rainforest and mangroves into the Anderson Lagoon, where, at certain times of year, bioluminescent algae bloom in astounding numbers. As you boat around the lagoon, watch as the algae glow in spectacular color and light up the water in a blaze of electric blue. A unique and enthralling phenomena, this is something you must see to believe!
Finally, return to the lodge and enjoy a Farewell Dinner at
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Transfer to airport for return flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge, Creekside Cottage. Photo source.
Tucked within lush, tropical rainforest at the foothills of Belize’s Maya Mountains, Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge offers travelers a chance to escape from the modern world and become enveloped by the sights, smells, and sounds of the jungle. Located in what was once the center of the Mayan Empire, Sleeping Giant is an ideal place from which to base daily excursions to nearby caves, ruins, and historic sites. While back at the lodge, spend your time lounging by the pool, swinging in a hammock on your private veranda, sipping a freshly-made cocktail, and exploring the surrounding rainforest.
All rooms at the resort come complete with modern creature comforts like air conditioning, plush linens, and espresso machines for brewing fresh Antiguan coffee.
Accommodations: The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
Aerial view of The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. Image source.
The Lodge at Jaguar Reef was the first resort to establish itself on the sleepy shores of Belize’s southern coast. Located in the now lively cultural town of Hopkins, the resort is situated in an ideal location for both coastal and inland exploration. Wake up steps from the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean sea, enjoy fresh seafood dinners on the beach, ride bikes around town, kayak and snorkel over pristine coral reef, and delight in the sublime relaxation of life on the coast.
Stylish and inviting, the Lodge at Jaguar Reef offers travelers a chance to escape into what feels like another world …. a world of warm sea breezes, gentle crashing waves, tropical flora and fauna, phenomenal dining, and an abundance of color and life.
Photo Gallery
Additional Trip Information
Inclusions
3 nights at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
3 nights at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
All tours mentioned in the itinerary
An English- speaking, private guide
Private airport transfer
Local travel concierge
AstridTravel Representative on-site
Gratuities
Exclusions
Airfare
Meals not specified in itinerary
Personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Payment Schedule
$800 deposit is required upon booking.
$1,500 payment due on or before July 1, 2021
$1,300 payment due on or before August 1, 2021
Monthly payment plans available. Contact us for details.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your trip 90 days or more prior to departure, and you will receive a full refund of any monies paid to the ATC. Cancel your trip between 89 - 60 days prior to departure, and you will receive a 50% refund. Cancel your trip between 59 - 30 days prior to departure and you will receive a 25% refund. Cancel your trip less than 30 days prior to departure, and you will receive no refund.
All cancellations must be sent via email to contact@astridtravel.com and are effective the date we receive this correspondence.
ATC reserves the right to cancel this trip for any reason. Such reasons include, but are not limited to, attaining an insufficient number of participants necessary to make the trip feasible, weather, and similar unforeseen circumstances. In such event, you may choose to either receive a full refund or apply your payments to another trip if approved by ATC.
Traveler Requirements
Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months following the return travel date.
Travelers are responsible for booking their own flights to/from Cartagena.
Travelers must provide a copy of their desired flight reservation before booking to ensure that all information is correct. If you would like assistance booking your flight, please contact us.
Travelers must purchase travel insurance to go on this trip. In the event that you are unable attend this trip due to an illness, family emergency, missed or canceled flight, act of terrorism, natural disaster, etc., Astrid Solo Travel Advisor, AstridTravel LLC, the AstridTravel Club LLC, nor any affiliated person or party will be held responsible for payment repatriation. Protect yourself against any unforeseen trip disasters and purchase travel insurance. More details will be provided after you make a trip reservation.
Interested in Joining?
If you are interested in this trip to Belize, fill out the brief, no obligation, interest form below and we will reach out to you via email. Please feel free to include any questions or comments you might have about this trip.