Global Travel Central American Travel Specialists BELIZE, MEXICO & GUATEMALA The Mayan Experience Adventure Tour ( 7 nights / 8 days ) Step back in time on a tour where you will not only visit the Temples and Pyramids built by the mysterious Mayan people but also have the chance to visit a Mayan Village and experience life as the Maya used to live it - and still do! Departs Daily with a minimum of 2 people. DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN BELIZE - (D) "Meet and Greet" on arrival in Belize and transfer up the Northern Highway to Corozal situated on the Carribean Coast, close to the Mexican border. The turquoise hues of the Caribbean Sea wash the shores of Corozal Bay, an idyllic backdrop to this frontier town built on the foundations of the ancient Maya ceremonial center of Santa Rita.. Sugarcane plantations surrounding Corozal Town provide livelihoods for many of the town's 10,000 residents. Corozal Town became a haven for refugees fleeing the caste wars during the mid 1800s -- as is depicted on the walls of the Town Hall near the square. Today this Maya-Spanish (Mestizo) mix has been joined by Creoles, East Indians, and Chinese and together they make up the population of 10,000 that is as equally friendly as the color mixture of the Corozal Bay. Three night stay at the Tonys Inn Beach Resort, a comfortable and charming inn, conveniently situated on the south end of picturesque Corozal Town overlooking the Bay of Corozal, in Belize's northernmost district close to the Mexican Border. There will be time to explore the lovely little town before Dinner. DAY 2 - THE MAYAN EXPERIENCE - (B,L,D) See and experience the private side of Belize when you spend part of a day living as the Maya live here and now. A house full of people from many generations is common in Belize and you will become one of the family, cooking, listening to legends and living in the ways learned from the ancestors. Also included is a visit to a Mayan bush doctor and his herbal garden to discover nature's way of healing and staying healthy. DAY 3 - MEXICAN MAGIC! - (B,L,D) After breakfast cross over the border to the bustling Mexican City of Chetumal, home to the wonderful hands-on Museum of Maya Culture. Walk through the local market and experience the sights, smells and sounds and prepare yourself for a real Mexican meal. There will be time for shopping before returning to Corozal. DAY 4 - MAYAN TEMPLES - (B,L,D) Whilst Europe was deep in the "Dark Ages", the inhospitable and hostile jungles of Central America were being transformed into the home of one of the World's great civilisations. Temples, Pyramids and Palaces were built by peasant farmers and slaves without the benefit of beasts of burden or even the wheel. These were painted in the sacred colours of the Maya; red, blue, yellow and green and were ruled over by immensely powerful Kings who were regarded as living Gods by their subjects. Today we will explore the realms of the mysterious Maya people as we visit Xunantunich which is reached by crossing the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry. There are spectacular views from the top of the temples offering great photo opportunities. After breakfast we will be transported to Black Rock Canyon. Here we will be led by an experienced native guide to Che Chem Ha Cave "Cave of the Poisonwood Water" which was discovered by a hunter looking for his dog. First explored by the Belize Department of Archaeology in 1989, it contains a number of pottery vessels, one containing preserved anato seeds, another corn cobs. The cave is one of two in the region that were used for various ritual activities and elite ceremonies. Click on image for larger picture After a strenuous 30 minutes uphill hike we reach the unassuming entrance which opens into a vast array of winding limestone passageways and tall, narrow rooms filled with ancient Maya pottery dating back 1500-2000 years. Exploring the cave is a spellbinding experience. A ladder allows access to the upper areas of the cave and in some cases ropes are used for narrow passages. At the end of the cave is a large room believed to have been used for sacrificial ceremonies. Evidence of a sacrificial altar is still evident. We will have lunch and explore the surrounding rainforest before returning to the hotel. A cooling dip in the swimming pool will ease those aching muscles. DAY 5 - MYSTERIES OF THE MAYAN UNDERWORLD..... - (B,L,D) This is one of the most adventurous days we will have on this trip: a visit to Actun Tunichil Muknal "Cave of the crystal sepulchre". A very early morning departure is required as this tour is a long and challenging adventure- a good level of physical fitness is required and the ability to swim is a plus. We suggest you wear shorts and tee shirt with tennis shoes or hiking boots. You will also want to bring a change of dry clothes as you will surely get wet and need dry clothes for the trip back to the resort. The adventure starts with an hour long drive towards the Tapir Mountain Reserve. At the bush it is time to leave the vehicle and hike for about 45 minute throught the subtropical forest of the reserve. In the reserve (6741 acres) you may see some of Belize's amazing wildlife, as this area is home to the Tapir, Jaguar, Howler Monkey, Silky Anteater, White Tail Deer to name a few. Arriving at base camp, which is used by the BVAR Archeology group, there will be a hearty and healthy lunch followed by an introduction to the cave and the Maya. After gearing up with professional cave helmets, lights and waterproof bags, we venture to explore the underworld of the Maya. At the cave entrance there is a short swim through crystal cave water, into passages filled with cave formations. Through the passages your guide will explain about cave geology as you encounter stalactites and stalagmites, following the flowstone that leads into a hidden dry chamber. Here you will learn about the Maya rituals and ceremonies whilst exploreing the remnants left by and the evidence of their activities. Your headlights help reveal hundreds of ancient Maya artifacts that were used in various ceremonies. There is a breathtaking scene at the end of the cave. Burial chambers with intact calcified remains, Mayan artifacts and two slate stelae in front of which Maya elites cut themselves with obsidian blades to collect blood and offer it to the gods. Fourteen burials have been discovered so far. Return to the resort after dark with stories to tell and memories to last a lifetime. DAY 6 - LAKE PETEN ITZA, FLORES, GUATEMALA - (B,L,D) Today you will cross over the border into Guatemala for another highlight of this exciting tour, a two day trip to the Peten region. On arrive, check into the colonial-style La Casona de la Isla Hotel, located right on the on the waterfront of Lake Peten Itza. This comfortabble little hotel has a restaurant, a bar and a swimming pool. It is located quite close to the main markets in Flores so it is ideally placed for exploring the island on foot. . After lunch on the shores of the lagoon you will enjoy a relaxing, late afternoon boat trip on the lake in a typical "lancha" (a wooden motorboat). A stop will be made at a small island to visit the Petencita Zoo. Besides the indigenous wildlife, some of which roam freely on the island, there is a good size "Wet & Wild" type water-slide, which is a great way to cool off in the heat of the day. Another stop is the Itza Mayan city of Tayasal which was not taken by the Spanish until 1697. Cortez had passed through here in 1525. All traces of Tayasal were destroyed by the Spanish. Return to the hotel. In the evening It is fun to explore the cobbled streets lined with handicraft stores, shopping for Guatemalan goodies. The shops stay open into the evening and you can purchase wonderful garments made of fabulous woven fabrics. DAY 7 - TIKAL, GUATEMALA - (B,L,D) This morning it is time to depart for another highlight of ths exciting tour. Hidden in the midst of rainforests teeming with wildlife are enormous ceremonial cities with magnificent Temples and Pyramids built by the mysterious Mayan people. An exciting excursion over the border to the TEMPLES OF TIKAL in Guatemala - the most fabulous site of all! Overnight stay at the Jungle Lodge Hotel situated within the heart of the Tikal National Park and only a short walk from the Central Plaza. Imagine the colourful ceremonies where human sacrifices were offered to the Gods. Listen carefully and you will hear the still-beating heart of a dying Civilisation . . . "America, say historians, was peopled by savages; but savages never reared these structures; savages never carved these stones." John Lloyd Stephens, Explorer (1839) DAY 8 - DEPARTURE - (B) The adventurous can get up before dawn to watch the sun rise from the top of Temple IV. Breakfast is followed by free time to explore more on your own, visit the museums or relax by the swimming pool. Your private driver/guide will arrive at your convenience to transfser you to Flores Airport for the morning or afternoon flight to Belize City or Guatemala City or any other destination that has been pre-arranged. OPTIONAL EXTRA: The adventurous can add a CANOPY ADVENTURE TOUR an exhilarating experience near the Tikal National Park. You can fly like Tarzan on a series of safe platforms and cables, formerly accessible solely to scientists and photographers, installed in the beautiful leafy trees. At the Canopy Tour you will be able to view jungle life from a bird's eye perspective and enjoy soaring from tree to tree. This tour through the forest treetops offers you an exciting experience high above the forest floor. It is fun and daring, but safe. Watch and listen to the toucans, parrots and monkeys playing in the trees while you take in the beauty of the jungle. This tour can easily be combined with any resort on the cayes. Turn your island vacation into an adventure tour! Please check our Tours List Mayan Experience Adventure Tour 2014 Rates ACCOMMODATION: Double / Twin Rooms Single Rooms RATES: 1,985 2,422 NOTES: All rates are per person in US dollars. Minimum of 2 people travelling together. Tour can commence on any day of the week. INCLUDES: All accommodations (with private bathrooms) All road transfers All tours with experienced and licensed tour guides Flights from Belize International to Flores (Guatemala) All meals - Full board throughout CHILD RATES: Under 2 years old. No Charge. 2 to 9 years. Half Price if sharing accommodations with two full paying adults. Over 10 years. Save 30% if sharing accommodations with two full paying adults. HOTEL TAXES: All our rates automatically INCLUDE 9% hotel tax All our rates automatically INCLUDE, 10% sales tax All our rates automatically INCLUDE any applicable service charges There are no "HIDDEN EXTRAS". NOT INCLUDED: International Flights. 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