DAY 02: BERMUDIAN LANDING/ CAYO
After breakfast, we will head out to the village of Bermudian Landing for a visit to the Community Baboon Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is managed through the grass-roots efforts of the villagers and landowners of the area to preserve the natural habitat of the black howler monkeys, locally known as baboons. A hike along the trails of the sanctuary will allow our guide to point out howler monkeys from their perch up in the trees as we listen for their distinctive howl which can be heard for miles.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the second part of our adventure takes place on the Caves Branch River and its winding path through the Maya Mountains and numerous ancient caves once inhabited by the Maya. To get there, we'll take a 45mn hike on the jungle trail where our guide will point out various plants, roots and herbs once used by the ancient Maya for medicinal purposes. The entrance tunnel that heads into the underground cave system is the start of our "eye opening" adventure. Our guide will first hand out flashlights before we begin to float in inflated inner tubes with gentle currents taking us through the cave system. As we float along, we can shine our lights on the intricate crystalline formations that line the cave and the majestic rise and fall of stalagmites and stalactites that add to the serene opulence of this natural wonder.

After our river cave tubing experience, we continue west to Cayo for our stay at the Macal River Jungle Camp. Set high on the river's lush banks, close to the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, is The Camp at Chaa Creek. Scattered throughout camp's tropical rainforest location are casitas, or small bungalows, each on a raised platform with airy peak-roofs, full screens and each containing two comfortable beds. Each casita has a private sheltered porch for quiet relaxation and peaceful views into the undisturbed jungle habitat. The Macal River Jungle Camp provides an ideal base from which we can explore the nature and learn about the culture of western Belize. Dinner and overnight stay at the Camp.
Accommodation: Maca River Jungle Camp (Meals: B,D)

DAY 03: CAYO
Barton Creek Cave Canoeing/Green Hills Butterfly Farm Today's adventure takes us into the Mountain Pine Ridge Area to Barton Creek Cave. First, we will pass through a picturesque Mennonite Community and then will canoe through the Barton Creek Cave where we will see stalagmites and stalactites, Maya burial grounds and even ceremonial pottery that the Ancient Mayas left behind. On our way back to the lodge, we'll stop by the Green Hills Butterfly Farm, where we will see over 25 different species of butterflies, including the beautiful Blue Morpho. Dinner and overnight at the Macal River Jungle Camp.
Accommodation: Maca River Jungle Camp (Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 04: CAYO
Today's activities include a visit to the ancient Mayan site of Xunantunich. To get there, we will cross the Mopan River on a hand-cranked ferry. The site has six major plazas and twenty-six temples and palaces. The view from the top is breathtaking and includes western Belize and a section of Guatemala. In the afternoon we will take a guided tour of the Natural History Center and the Panti Medicinal Trail located on the Chaa Creek Reserve. It is interesting to note that the Chaa Creek area is a largely unexcavated sight for Mayan artifacts. After dinner we have the option to enjoy a special presentation of Marimba music.
Accommodation: Maca River Jungle Camp (Meals: B, D)

DAY 05: CAYO / DANGRIGA
Today we travel down the Western and Hummingbird Highways to Dangriga. It is this locale that holds the heart of the Garifuna culture in Belize. The Garifuna are descendants of African slaves who intermarried with the Carib Indians of South America and originally arrived in Belize in 1823. The town of Dangriga is primarily supported by the nearby citrus and banana industries and is a perfect place to get to know the unique Garifuna history, art and culture. On the way, we stop at the Blue Hole National Park, named after a collapsed karst sinkhole. The pool that emerges from the collapsed karst sinkhole is a beautiful sapphire blue and is surrounded by lush riparian forests. We will hike on the surrounding trails and take a dip in this 25-foot deep pool of sparkling sapphire water. After a picnic lunch and swim, we continue along the Hummingbird Highway to Pelican Beach Resort. After settling into our accommodations, we will get a tour of the town. Dinner and overnight at Pelican Beach Resort.
Accommodation: Pelican Beach Resort (Meals: B, D)

DAY 06: DANGRIGA
Following breakfast, we depart for a day tour of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as "The Jaguar Preserve" because it was originally established in 1984 as a reserve to protect the large Jaguar population. Here we will spend a day exploring the moist tropical forest of this sanctuary inhabited by hundreds of species of birds, plants and animals. We will hike the extensive system of trails, have a picnic lunch near the soothing waterfalls and tube down the South Stann Creek River.

On our way back to Dangriga we will make a stop at Maya Center Village for a visit to the local craft shop which is run by the women's cooperative of Maya Center. We will also stop in the Village of Hopkins for a glimpse of the Garifuna way of life. Spread across nearly five miles of a sandy, palm-strewn inlet, Hopkins is home to about a thousand Garifuna fishing and farming families. Dinner and overnight at Pelican Beach Resort.
Accommodation: Pelican Beach Resort (Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 07: DANGRIGA
On our last day in beautiful Belize, we will explore South Water Caye to unwind and relax on the pristine beaches of this offshore paradise. This amazing coral island rests atop the barrier reef. We'll snorkel the magnificent barrier reef and stop at Man-War Caye, a rookery for the Magnificent Frigate- Bird. After dinner, we will enjoy a musical going away celebration as we experience the rich culture of the Garifuna people through a special cultural presentation that features the pulsating rhythms of Punta music and dance. Dinner and overnight at Pelican Beach Resort.
Accommodation: Pelican Beach Resort (Meals: B, L, D)

DAY 08: BELIZE CITY DEPARTURE
Following breakfast, we will depart for the Philip Goldson International Airport for our return trip home. (Meals: B)