The Central American country of Belize, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, is an emerging destination for North American birders because of its close proximity to the U.S., diverse cultures and food, and nearly 600 species of birds in an area the size of New Jersey. It also helps that Belize is an English-speaking country with the friendliest and most genuine people you will ever meet. Belize is such a magical place, and we want to share it with you. We’ve arranged the best local guides and tours, mixing birding trips to different habitats with cultural tours and boat trips. Check out the itinerary to get a day-by-day understanding of this amazing adventure! 

One of the beautiful aspects of this trip is the variety of accommodations we use, particularly when it comes to each place's setting. We will spend the first two nights at the spectacular Lamanai Outpost Lodge, located next to a Mayan archaeological site. We then visit Bird's Eye View Lodge along the the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary for a night. Our final 3 nights will be spent at Black Rock Lodge, an eco-lodge along the Macal River at the edge of the jungle. At each place we will eat well, see plenty of birds, and relax in beautiful surroundings with comfortable accommodations.  

TOUR PAYMENTS: All payments, including initial deposit of $1000, can be made through WeTravel. We do accept credit cards for an additional 2.9% fee, but you may also pay by bank transfer or check. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure for the tour. 

CANCELLATIONS: 

IF WE CANCEL a tour due to low attendance, severe weather, or other unforeseen event, participants may either move their payments to another trip of their choice or receive a full refund. 

IF YOU CANCEL your place on this tour more than 90 days from departure, a full refund will be available. If cancelling within 90 days of departure, no refund will be given UNLESS we are able to fill your spot(s) with another participant. In that situation, $250 will still be withheld for administrative purposes, but the rest of your payments will be refunded. We highly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation (including medical emergency) insurance to cover your investment in case of injury or illness to you or a family member prior to or during a trip. 

Moderate pace. While we will move slowly (for birding), there are days where we will walk 2 to 3 miles. Ability to climb steps and maintain balance is required. Trails can be muddy and uneven. 

Our meeting spot is in the connections lobby of the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Ladyville, Belize, preferably before 2:00 p.m. A driver from Lamanai Outpost Lodge will meet us there and take us north to the New River. A boat will then take us 25 miles up river to the lodge, where we will settle in, enjoy a tasty dinner, and then go on a spectacular spotlight safari on the lagoon.

Lamanai Outpost Lodge is located at the edge of the village of Indian Church. We will walk through the village looking for birds and talking about natural medicines, then visit the local women's co-op for a hands-on cooking experience... we get to make tortillas and tamales! Our relaxing afternoon will conclude with a sunset cocktail cruise, where we'll exchange stories and look for a few more birds for our growing list. 

The Lamanai Archaeological Site is beautiful and birdy, with good chances of seeing Howler Monkeys (above) and trogons amid the diversity of wildlife. We'll spend the morning touring this Mayan site. After lunch, we will get transported by boat and van to Bird's Eye View Lodge, located on the edge of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. We will enjoy the Vermillion Flycatchers, orioles, and other birds just outside our doors. After dinner in the restaurant and observing Common Pauraques in the parking lot, we'll get to bed to rest up for the big days ahead. 

One of the highlights of any birding trip to Belize is the morning boat tour of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. This inland lagoon offers habitat to an amazing array of wetland birds and raptors, like the Black-collared Hawk and Snail Kite. This three-hour trip gives us up-close views of charismatic species like the Northern Jacana, Bare-throated Tiger-heron, and maybe a Fork-tailed Flycatcher. While there's never a guarantee, we will try to find the Jabiru (pictured here - the largest stork in the western hemisphere) and the beautiful Agami Heron. Following the boat trip and brunch, we pack up and head to Ajaw Chocolate for a chocolate-making demonstration. Each person will get to taste cacao in its different forms and grind the beans as well. We end the day at Black Rock Lodge (one of our favorite places in the world!) for dinner and three nights of enjoying the jungle.  

Today is a day of relaxation and birding as we enjoy the grounds of Black Rock Lodge. Our knowledgeable guide will offer several bird walks for us throughout the day on this remote property. We should be able to find honeycreepers, aracaris, hawk-eagles, and other tropical birds. Nestled in a river valley between spectacular cliffs, Black Rock offers a variety of habitats and good raptor viewing, even from the dining area. Enjoy a freshwater pool, hike the trails, or get a massage during your free time. The best of Belize! 

Today offers a mix of activities, including some morning birding at Black Rock Lodge. We will then head to Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, an amazing conservation operation with native butterflies, hummingbirds, and an educational tour. We'll get to see six to eight hummingbird species at close range, including many White-necked Jacobins (pictured here). We will also enjoy a typical Mayan lunch at Upe Nai, a nearby restaurant owned by friends of ours. We'll bird our way back to Black Rock, stopping for species we have missed on the trip.

Time to pack for home! After another amazing Belizean breakfast, we will load up the van for the 2+ hour drive to the airport. Schedule your flight home for early to mid-afternoon. On your way home, you'll likely be thinking... "how soon can I come back?!?"