The Ultimate Eco-Exploration

T
TREE
  • Email address verified
Duration: 7 days
Group size: 1 - 999
The Ultimate Eco-Exploration
Belize

TREE
  • Email address verified

Duration: 7 days
Group size: 1 - 999

About this trip

 The adventure lover's dream.


Tropical pine forests, palm covered mountains, treed savannahs, endless caves, Mayan ruins, waterfalls, exotic islands, and the largest living coral reef in the world. You better Belize it!


This is a country where the crystal clear Caribbean waters are teeming with life. The forests are alive with beneficial trees and medicinal plants. The old culture of the Mayans is still felt as the newer cultures of the Mestizo, Garifuna, and Creole people greet you with open arms. But the best news may be that there are so many reserves that nearly half of Belize is covered by protected areas. It is also an ecology and conservation lover's dream. 


Most people that visit this once secret jewel arrive via cruise ship and spend less than a day ashore. Not only is that problematic for the environment, but those that fail to stay even overnight in this beautiful country are missing out on more than they could ever know. With its teeming biodiversity, vibrant and diverse cultures, excellent food & drink, and more adventures than you could experience in a year, Belize needs time to be appreciated. At TREE we make the most of our time. We get deep into the forests and the waterfalls. We get out into the reefs and explore with our fins and masks. We use locally owned and operated research stations, lodges, and restaurants, and explore protected areas that benefit from our usage. It's impossible to see all of Belize in less than 10 days. BUT we guarantee that you will experience more than you thought possible during your stay, all while learning about ecological connections and contributing to conservation efforts in the forests and in the reefs. You better Belize it! 


ACTIVITIES: 

  • Hike the Maya Mountains and learn about the many uses of all the trees and plants
  • Go river tubing through the jungle and slide down natural waterslides at Ben's Bluff
  • Trek through Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's first and only jaguar preserve
  • Climb ancient Mayan ruins and see the forest from above
  • Hand-pick cacao and grind it on traditional Mayan stone
  • Snorkel the world's largest living reef; glimpse tropical fish, rays, eels, lobster, nurse sharks, and the invasive lionfish

NATURE:

  • Marvel at the Tiger Fern double waterfall and overnight at the Tiger Fern peak in a tent or under the stars
  • Learn about the trees, plants, corals, animals, and ecological connections of Belize's biodiversity rich rainforests and reefs
  • Explore tropical fruit gardens, complete with tangerines, sugarcane, bananas, cacao, breadfruit, oranges, and more

CULTURE:

  • Experience the real contemporary culture of the Mestizo, Creole, and Garifuna, plus learn about some Mayan traditions that have survived until present day
  • Kick back in a hammock and enjoy the Belizean way of life, both while in the jungle and on an island caye
  • Enjoy the Belizean staple of rice & beans, stew chicken, potato salad, and plantains; also feast on fry jacks, salbutes, garnaches, and fresh tortillas

What’s included

  • Transportation
    Airport transfers, all in-country travel (fuel-efficient vehicle, ferries)
  • Accommodations
    Beautiful eco-lodges in the rainforest and on island cayes; option to camp on forest mountaintop if desired
  • Food
    All meals, snacks
  • Excursions
    Xunantunich Mayan site visit, Ben's Bluff hike and natural waterslide, Tiger Fern double waterfall, Monkey Falls, river tubing, snorkeling, canoeing; option to add ATM Cave experience
  • Conservation
    Proceeds from staying in and using protected areas contribute to conservation, expert discussions with environmental scientists and tropical forest ecologists
  • Cultural Activities
    Make chocolate from scratch with Mayans, experience Garifuna drumming, participate in the "Go Slow" Caye Caulker lifestyle
  • Park/Protected Area Fees
    Protected Areas Conservation Trust fee, Belize Audobon Society fee, Hol Chan Reserve fee, Shark Ray Alley fee

What’s not included

  • Flights
    To and from Belize; in-country flights are available but are not included (or recommended)
  • Insurance
    Must have valid emergency medical insurance to participate in trip

Available Packages

5-Day Exploration (regular)
$1,979
Deposit: $500
5-Day Exploration (luxury)
$3,489
Deposit: $1,000
7-Day Exploration (regular)
$2,379
Deposit: $500
7-Day Exploration (luxury)
$4,289
Deposit: $1,000
9-Day Exploration (regular)
$2,679
Deposit: $500
9-Day Exploration (luxury)
$4,989
Deposit: $1,000

Available options



Itinerary

Intro
Welcome to Belize

Meet at Belize City Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (or any hotel in the city) and head into the Savanah for a relaxing introduction to the country at the Monkey Bay Center or the Tropical Education Center. 

Your Organizer


T
TREE
Joined in April 2019
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