World of the Maya, Rainforest Adventure Tour.majestic mountains, tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, ancient mayan temples and pyramids along with the friendliest people you will ever meet - Belize has much more to offer than superb scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the second longest barrier reef in the world. Explore San Ignacio, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Mopan River, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, Peten, Tikal, Lake Peten Itza, Flores, island, caye, tropical, palm trees, coral, barrier reef, diving, scuba, snorkel, swimming, watersports, relaxing World of the Maya, Rainforest Adventure Tour, majestic mountains, tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, ancient mayan temples and pyramids along with the friendliest people you will ever meet - Belize has much more to offer than superb scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the second longest barrier reef in the world. Explore San Ignacio, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Mopan River, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, Peten, Tikal, Lake Peten Itza, Flores, island, caye, tropical, palm trees, coral, barrier reef, diving, scuba, snorkel, swimming, watersports, relaxing

Global Travel Club
Central American Travel Specialists

ECHOES OF THE PAST
Mayan Mystery and Pirate History Adventure Tour

9 nights / 10 days
2 nights San Ignacio, 1 night Tikal, 1 night Flores,
1 night Lake Izabal, 1 night Livingston, 3 nights Big Falls

This tour departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays only with a minimum of 2 people.



DAY 1 - OFF TO THE RAINFOREST - (D)

Meet & Greet at the Belize International Airport on arrival and transfer to the beautiful rainforest area of San Ignacio near the Guatemalan border with a stop on the way at the Balize Zoo.

Two night stay at the comfortable San Ignacio Hotel conveniently located on the Highway to Maya History. The hotel is situated on a hill just along the Macal River in San Igancio.

The hotel rooms offer beautiful hillside views of 14 acres of Jungle Gardens and the Macal River. Balcony rooms or suites with ceiling fans, cable TV, and in-room telephones are available. Delicious meals are served in the indoor-outdoor restaurant.

DAY 2 - WONDERS OF THE RAINFOREST - (B,L)

A fantastic and exciting New Year Special tour to Belize. Combines rainforest adventures, mayan temples, jungle rivers, with dive or snorkel trips to the highlights of the world famous Belize Barrier Reef with fascinating day trips to other islands and exotic jungle locations. Also ideal for non-divers. Includes San Ignacio, Tikal, and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye 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 you will explore the realms of the mysterious Maya people by visiting two of Belize's favourite ancient Mayan sites in the company of an expert guide. Firstly, a stop will be made at Cahal Pech, once the home of a Maya Royal Family, and 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.

Return to the hotel for Lunch before continuing on an adventurous drive towards the Mountain Pine Ridge area. In the middle of nowhere is a small Mennonite Settlement where canoes are waiting to row deep inside Barton Creek Cave (about 1 to 2 miles depending on water levels). Sit back, relax and direct your 1,000 candle lamp at the amazing formations inside the huge cave believed by the Maya to be the Underworld, "Xibalba", (pronounced SheeBALba) the Kingdom of their Gods. Float under stalactites, see ancient skeletons and pottery and prepare to be awstruck by cathedral-like caverns. Marvel at the 5 million year old crystalline structures over 50 feet in length as the knowledgeable guide shares his incredible knowledge about the Maya's beliefs about the underworld.

DAY 3 - TEMPLES OF TIKAL - (B,L)

This morning transfer by road over the border into Guatemala as we head for the Tikal National Park.

Hidden for 1,000 years in the midst of rainforests teeming with wildlife are enormous ceremonial cities with magnificent Temples and Pyramids built by the mysterious Mayan people. Of the park's 222 square miles only 10 square miles of central Tikal has been mapped and over 3,000 separate buildings have been revealed: temples, shrines, ceremonial platforms, residences, ball courts, terraces, causeways and plazas.

THE TEMPLES OF TIKAL in the Peten region of Guatemala is the most fabulous site of all!

Overnight stay at the Jungle Lodge Hotel, situated in the heart of the Tikal National Park.

Imagine the 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 4 - ISLA FLORES - (B,L)

majestic mountains, tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, ancient mayan temples and pyramids along with the friendliest people you will ever meet - Belize has much more to offer than superb scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the second longest barrier reef in the world. Explore San Ignacio, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Mopan River, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, Peten, Tikal, Lake Peten Itza, Flores, island, caye, tropical, palm trees, coral, barrier reef, diving, scuba, snorkel, swimming, watersports, relaxing If you are feeling adventurous you can get up before dawn to watch the sun rise from the top of Temple IV and after breakfast there will be more time to explore Tikal on your own.

Late morning you will be driven to the island of Flores on Lake Peten Itza. Lunch on the shores of the lagoon we will followed by a leisurely boat trip on Lake Peten Itza.

It is also 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.

Overnight stay at the colonial-style La Casona de la Isla Hotel overlooking the lake. This hotel is located on the waterfront of the lake. Facilities include a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and the hotel is located quite close to the main markets in Flores. This is a great place to experience the colonial culture and gain an insight into Guatemalan village life.


DAY 5 - ON THE ROAD TO RIO DULCE - (B,L,D)

Transfer by road through some of Guatemala's most spectacular scenery as we head for lovely Lake Izabal in the Rio Dulce area of Southern Guatemala.

Overnight stay at the Hotel Catamaran, a tropical resort located on a beautiful island on the waters of the Río Dulce. It's the ideal place to rest and unwind. All rooms are rustic, wooden bungalows, built over the water.

The Hotel Catamaran has a fully stocked bar, famous for it's "Piña Coladas" and "Margaritas", and the restaurant serves local and international dishes.

DAY 6 - SAILING IN THE PATH OF THE PIRATES - (B,L)

After breakfast, you will set off on a boat tour of Lake Izabal (Lago Izabal), the largest body of fresh water in Guatemala (30 miles long & 15 miles wide). The first stop is the historic Castillo San Felipé which was built in the 1600s by the Spaniards in a vain attempt to stop the maurading British pirates from stealing the gold and other treasures collected by the Conquistadors.



This beautiful little fort, in a tranquil setting on the banks of the lake, was restored to it's former glory in the 1950s and is the only one of its kind in Guatemala. It is an exciting place to explore with its maze of dark chambers.

Next is another highlight of the trip. Your boat continues down the dramatic Rio Dulce including a stop at the Chocón Machacas Wildlife Reserve, home of the shy and endangerd Manatees..

The Rio Dulce river flows through spectacular deep gorges with tropical vegetation and vines clinging to sheer cliff faces before reaching the Bay of Amatique on the Caribbean Coast of Guatemala.

Along the banks are a strange mix of the luxurious homes of wealthy Guatemalans and the simple huts of the local families who by night fish the river that is their only link with the outside world. Civilisation seems a long way away...

Views of the Rio Dulce. Click on photos for larger images

Whilst admiring the tremendous beauty of the Rio Dulce, the canyon, the wild animals, the birdlife and the tropical rainforest, it should be remembered that hidden behind this beauty is more poverty than any other region of Guatemala.

More than 6,000 Kek'chi (Mayan) Indians live in over 50 isolated villages in the mountains along the river. Most have been displaced by politcal violence from their homes in the highlands. They now suffer lack of medical care, education facilities and opportunities to support their families.

Project Ak Tenemit is a community development project dedicated to empowering indigenous communities through grassroots programmes in health, education and income generation.

Tell your boat captain if you wish to visit to see for yourselves the wonderful work they are doing. You can admire the local handicrafts that are made by the older children. In a small way, you too will have helped to contribute to the area you are visiting. Anyone wishing to take along items to donate are encouraged to do so and we have a list of suitable things that would be most welcome.

Your destination is Livingston, which can only be reached by boat. Tonight will be spent at Villa Caribe Hotel (ex Tucan Dugu) with its fabulous bay views.

A lovely way to enjoy the sunset at the end of the day is a relaxing swim in the huge swimming pool which has an amazing view of the bay.

Dinner is on your own so you can choose to eat at the hotel's restaurant (be sure to check to see if they have Garifuna Dancers & Drummers performing) or why not take a short walk to Casa Rosado to have dinner out in their excellent restaurant on the edge of the riverbank?

Note: On arriving in Livingston it is important to visit the Customs and Immigration office which is directly over the road from the hotel entrance and let them know you are departing Guatemala tomorrow. They will need your passport and departure tax to complete the formalities.

DAY 7 - BACK TO BELIZE - (B,L,D)

This morning you have to be up bright and breezy for the early morning boat which departs at 7.15 am to Punta Gorda in the far south of Belize. You will be met at the dock on arrival. It is a 20 minute drive to Big Falls where you will spend the next three nights at the beautiful Lodge at Big Falls.

The Lodge offers elegant accommodation, fine food and relaxation in a peaceful riverside setting. An unforgettable holiday experience.

After settling into your cabana it is time for a relaxing afternoon dory trip upstream from the lodge with the on-site guide. Observe the bird and animal life as the sun sets and the shadows fall across the river.

DAY 8 - MAYAN MYSTERIES - (B,L,D)

Keen bird watchers can join an "optional" early morning guided bird walk. The lodge’s property offers a range of bird habitats from forest to riverside to orchard and therefore attracts a wide variety of species. Many nesting birds can be observed during the spring.

After a healthy breakfast you will set off to visit the fascinating Late Classic Mayan site of Lubaantun ("Place of Fallen Stones"). Lubaantun is situated on a tall ridge above a valley cut by the Columbia River and is the largest Maya site in Southern Belize. This ancient city is unique within the Mayan World in that the temples were built with no mortar binding together the thousands of masterfully hand-cut, carved and fitted limestone block. stones. Eleven large structures tower above five main plazas and three ball courts. A few burial tombs are also present.

The famous yet controversial crystal skull was supposedly discovered on New Year's Eve 1926 by Anna Mitchell-Hedges, adopted daughter of archaeologist, F. Mitchell-Hedges. It was her seventeenth birthday and they were on an expedition to Belize (then British Honduras) seeking the lost City of Atlantis. This perfectly shaped human skull carved from an 8 inch block of solid pure rock crystal is still possessed by Anna who lives in Canada. The origin of the crystal skull remains a mystery. It is estimated the skull may be up to 12,000 years old.

It is believed that the skull was shaped by a succession of Mayan priests. It is thought it may have taken over 150 years of man hours to complete the skull and it is said to bring a curse on those who mock it. Observers have reported sounds, odours and amazing light effects. Recent laboratory tests that were carried out by Hewlett-Packard Company, Santa Clara, California reveal the skull has optical properties which would be virtually impossible to duplicate with modern day equipment so the mystery lives on.....



Continue by travelling through several Mayan villages with a stop to visit a Mayan home in Blue Creek Village where you will see how various crafts are carried out and the processing and use of corn and cacao. Over thirty Mopan and Kekchi Maya villages are scattered throughout Southern Belize. They lie along riverbanks and creeks and are surrounded by beautiful mountains and rainforests. Most Mayas use the land for subsistence farming and their way of living is primitive compared to western standards. They bathe and do their washing in rivers and their lives revolve around the daylight hours rather than any modern alarm clocks. Lunch is a picnic at a natural swimming pool with waterfalls in beautiful jungle surroundings. Relax, frolic in the water and enjoy the peace and tranquility before returning to the Lodge.

DAY 9 - BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS IN THE BAY OF HONDURAS - (B,L,D)

A twenty minute drive into Punta Gorda on the coast, then into a motor boat to begin this idyllic tour through some of the most beautiful of Toledo’s offshore cayes (islands).

The Port Honduras Marine Reserve is one of the newest conservation areas in Belize and you will visit the ranger station on tiny Abalone Caye.

Climb the observation tower for a magnificent view of the Bay of Honduras and it’s many emerald cayes. You will also visit Wild Cane Caye, a small island of coral and coconuts which was once a Mayan trading post. The ground is strewn with ancient pieces of pottery and obsidian knife blades.

As you make your way out to the Snake Cayes, keep your eyes open for Manatee, Dolphins, Magnificent Frigate Birds and Brown Boobies. In the afternoon, your guide will undoubtedly suggest a bit of fishing on the way home. People in Toledo love to fish and these are, after all, some of the best fishing grounds in the Caribbean. You may catch your own dinner of snapper, barracuda, mackerel or kingfish. However you may choose to let others do the work and just lie back and enjoy the late afternoon breeze over the water. When the boat docks, you’ll be driven back to the Lodge in time for dinner.

DAY 10 - DEPARTURE - (B)

Unfortunately, it is time to pack your bags and head for home. Departure flights from Punta Gorda to Belize International Airport. will be scheduled to be most convenient for your homebound flight.

If you have a little more time to spare, perhaps you would like to consider a few days on one of the islands or beachfront locations? Please let us know if you would like to extend the tour.

An Escape You Will Always Remember... To a Place You Will Never Forget.
A Place of Yesteryear's History, Today's Hospitality and Tomorrow's Hope.



Echoes of the Past - 2010 Rates
TOURDouble / Twin RoomsSingle Rooms
9 nights / 10 days 2,650 USD 2,950 USD

INCLUDES:
  • All accommodations with private bathrooms
  • All road transfers
  • Domestic flights
  • All tours with experienced and licensed tour guides
  • All meals as listed. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
  • 9% hotel tax, 10% sales tax
  • All applicable service charges

NOTES:
  • All rates are PER PERSON in US dollars.
  • Tour departs on Saturdays and Wednesdays only as the boat transfer from Livingston to Punta Gorda is by public boat departing on Fridays and Tuesdays only. If you wish to depart on any other day or amend the tour and Day 7 falls on any other day of the week please add $400 per party for a private boat transfer.

NOT INCLUDED:
  • Departure Taxes and Border Fees — allow approx $75 USD
  • Beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities - at your own discretion

Please contact us for further information:

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majestic mountains, tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, ancient mayan temples and pyramids along with the friendliest people you will ever meet - Belize has much more to offer than superb scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the second longest barrier reef in the world. Explore San Ignacio, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Mopan River, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, Peten, Tikal, Lake Peten Itza, Flores, island, caye, tropical, palm trees, coral, barrier reef, diving, scuba, snorkel, swimming, watersports, relaxing  Tel: +44 (0)1268 541732 majestic mountains, tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, ancient mayan temples and pyramids along with the friendliest people you will ever meet - Belize has much more to offer than superb scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the second longest barrier reef in the world. Explore San Ignacio, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Mopan River, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, Peten, Tikal, Lake Peten Itza, Flores, island, caye, tropical, palm trees, coral, barrier reef, diving, scuba, snorkel, swimming, watersports, relaxing  Fax: +44 (0)1268 541363
majestic mountains, tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, ancient mayan temples and pyramids along with the friendliest people you will ever meet - Belize has much more to offer than superb scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the second longest barrier reef in the world. Explore San Ignacio, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Mopan River, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, Peten, Tikal, Lake Peten Itza, Flores, island, caye, tropical, palm trees, coral, barrier reef, diving, scuba, snorkel, swimming, watersports, relaxing  E-mail: info@global-travel.co.ukmajestic mountains, tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, ancient mayan temples and pyramids along with the friendliest people you will ever meet - Belize has much more to offer than superb scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the second longest barrier reef in the world. Explore San Ignacio, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Mopan River, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, Peten, Tikal, Lake Peten Itza, Flores, island, caye, tropical, palm trees, coral, barrier reef, diving, scuba, snorkel, swimming, watersports, relaxing  http://www.global-travel.co.uk

majestic mountains, tropical rainforests teeming with wildlife, ancient mayan temples and pyramids along with the friendliest people you will ever meet - Belize has much more to offer than superb scuba diving and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the second longest barrier reef in the world. Explore San Ignacio, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Mopan River, Macal River, Barton Creek Cave, Peten, Tikal, Lake Peten Itza, Flores, island, caye, tropical, palm trees, coral, barrier reef, diving, scuba, snorkel, swimming, watersports, relaxing
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