Belize Family Journey: Rainforests, Beaches & Ancient Caves

Arrive at any time in Belize City and transfer to Caves Branch area, located near Belmopan, Belize’s capital. Meet your fellow Travelers for a welcome gathering this evening and enjoy dinner together at the lodge. Stay: Sleeping Giant (D)

Dive into the day with a fun, challenging and informative river cave expedition. Begin with a drive to Nohoch Che’en National Park and hike to the starting point of the cave system. As you walk, listen to your guide talk about the plants, trees and wildlife of the surrounding area. At the starting point, take turns jumping from rocks into the water. Then, you and your family will board inner tubes and enter the first part of the cave via small rapids. Once inside, you’ll switch between tubing and swimming underground. During the expedition, learn about ancient Maya ceremonial centers dating back to AD 400. While you float through this underground cathedral, turn your headlamp lights off and listen as your guide narrates the history of the caves and their importance in the Maya world. After exiting the caves, enjoy a riverside picnic for lunch as you soak up the joy of being back in the sun. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure. You can swim in the pool or sit in the hot tub before a group dinner, where everyone can swap stories about the day. Stay: Sleeping Giant (B/L/D)

This morning, set out on a full-day excursion to tour the stunning Maya ruins of Xunantunich, which were built over 1,000 years ago on a hilltop above the Mopan River, Cayo District and neighboring Guatemalan countryside. Along with a local guide, you’ll climb the steps of El Castillo and marvel at the panoramic views of the jungle from the site’s tallest structure. Wander amid well-preserved temples, palaces and intricately carved stelae. In the afternoon, travel to the village of San Antonio to visit the San Antonio Women’s Cooperative, which was founded as a way for underprivileged women to earn income, learn new skills and share centuries-old Maya techniques and knowledge. Get your hands dirty as you visit the cooperative’s pottery workshop, where you’ll attempt to throw clay utilizing traditional methods of making pots. Then, learn how to prepare corn tortillas using ancient Maya practices. Enjoy the results of the group’s efforts with a cup of atole, a local corn drink. Afterwards, sit down with these inspiring women for a sampling of traditional foods of the Cayo region. Travel back to the lodge and enjoy dinner and an evening exploring the grounds on your own. Stay: Sleeping Giant (B/L/D)

Enjoy a day on your own, taking advantage of optional activities in the area or relaxing by the pool at the lodge. You can opt to visit the Baboon Sanctuary, cofounded by National Geographic Grantee Dr. Robert Horwich, where you’ll learn about their aim to preserve the thick forested habitat for a large population of howler monkeys. Or choose to go on an exciting cave tour, hike to waterfalls or head inland for an excursion to the Blue Hole. Lunch and dinner will be served back at the lodge. After dark, set out on a jungle safari walk with local bushmen as your guides. Creep through the darkness and try to spot elusive nocturnal animals, including howler monkeys, wild boars and even big cats! You’ll also learn about interesting plants that grow in the surrounding jungle. Stay: Sleeping Giant (B/L/D)

Depart Caves Branch area and travel to Placencia. Along the way, enjoy a visit to Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in southern Belize, this unique sanctuary covers an area of 150 square miles (241 km) of tropical rainforest and is the world’s only jaguar preserve. Explore the trails of tropical, moist rainforest lying in the shadows of the Maya Mountains. Keep your eyes open for birds, amphibians, crocodiles—and maybe you’ll even spot a jaguar! During most days, the air is clear enough to be able to see the spire of Victoria Peak 3,675 ft (1,120 m) in the distance. Arrive at Placencia in the afternoon and enjoy time to relax by the hotel pool or walk along the beach. Dinner this evening will be on your own. You can pick one of the many restaurants nearby or ask your guides for a recommendation for some delicious food to enjoy in the soothing coastal atmosphere. Stay: Itz'ana Resort (B/L)

See what life is all about under the sea on a full-day boat and snorkeling excursion. Make stops to swim in the tranquil, tropical waters and come face-to-face with sea turtles, manta rays, parrotfish and nurse sharks—to name a few of the fascinating creatures that call this area home. Perhaps spot a manatee or 2 among the vibrant coral formations. Lunch will be served on board the boat, and then you’ll ride back to shore. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be yours to do with as you please. Choose to swim in the hotel’s pool or search for seashells on a walk along the beach. Stay: Itz'ana Resort (B/L)

Following breakfast, head to the beach and get ready for a sandcastle building experience. Pair off into teams and build the best sand creation you can imagine using sand, rocks, shells and fallen leaves from the trees by the water. Design moats, tunnels and bridges as you work against the tide to finish your sand masterpiece. After the judging of the castles—even though it’s not a competition—you will have the afternoon to yourself to enjoy the resort grounds. Go for a walk in the nearby jungle, swim in the ocean or make a splash in the pool. This evening, gather together with your fellow Travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and celebrate the amazing adventures you shared. Stay: Itz'ana Resort (B/D)

Depart for Belize City via pre-arranged shuttles that will take you directly to the airport to catch your flight home. Flights should depart no earlier than 2:00 PM. (B)