Surf & Turf
The Reefs and Rainforests of Belize
February 15 – 22, 2003
HIDDEN HEAVEN
Tucked away into a corner of the Yucatan Peninsula is a Lilliputian
country that has luckily so far escaped the rampant tourist development
plaguing many of the other countries of the Caribbean. Belize has
the look and feel of the Old Caribbean, and people are only just
now beginning to discover its wealth of natural and man-made splendors.
Belize was a part of the great Mayan empire which stretched throughout
Guatemala, southern Mexico and parts of Honduras and El Salvador. Although
the history of the Maya can be traced back for over 4000 years, that
civilization was in serious decline by the 14th Century as the Spaniards
took over and colonized most of Central America. Not finding the hoped-for
cities of gold, the Spanish turned their backs on Belize, considering
it a backwater suitable only for cutting logwood to be used for dye.
It became a secret haven for loggers and their African slaves who operated
under the noses of the Spaniards. Pirates navigated the treacherous
reefs in flat-bottom boats to escape government war ships and hid amid
the dense foliage of the mangrove swamps that lined the shores. Belize’s
former “undesirable” reputation led to an obscurity which
has been its defining trait for centuries. Its lack of development
has safeguarded its greatest resource—a spectacular pristine
natural playground.
Today, Belize is one of the world’s leading destinations for
eco-tourism, with vast stretches of untouched rainforest, endless savannah
and mangrove coasts, all with the greatest variety of animal habitats
north of the Amazon River basin. Within the interior of the mainland
there are over 900 ancient Mayan ruins scattered across the countryside.
Offshore, a magnificent coral reef is the largest in the Western hemisphere—second
only in size and grandeur to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Imagine for a moment a place where a billion stars burst forth across
the clear Caribbean night. Imagine laying back, looking out across
crystal clear turquoise waters and feeling the stress melt from your
body. Imagine a quiet, romantic dinner on an open-air veranda overlooking
white sands with a full moon illuminating palm and coconut trees.
Is there such a place? Yes! Consider this your invitation to savor
the sea breezes, beauty, adventure and mystery of a Caribbean hideaway
with Toto Tours in Belize! Whether you’re looking to do something
different and exciting every day, or if you’re a more laid-back
traveler who just wants to laze under a palm tree on the beach reading
a good book, this is the perfect tour for you!
ITINERARY
Saturday, February 15, 2003
Arrival in Belize
Clients will arrange their flights to arrive sometime today. Meet & Greet
at Belize City Airport and transfer to our hotel. Free afternoon to
explore Belize City. Welcome Dinner this evening at the hotel. Overnight
in nice hotel with a pool in Belize City. (Dinner included)
Sunday, February 16, 2003
Off to San Ignacio & Rainforest
After breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer up the Western
Highway to the rainforest area of San Ignacio. Enroute to our hotel,
visit the nearby ancient site of Xunatunich over the Mopan River, with
plenty of time to explore and climb the ruins. Mid-afternoon arrival
at our hotel. Overnight at nice property with a pool in San Ignacio
area. (Breakfast / Lunch included)
Monday, February 17, 2003
Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala
After breakfast at our resort, transfer to Guatemala for full day tour
of the Mayan ruins. Late afternoon return to our hotel. The evening
is free. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Tuesday, February 18, 2003
Free Day for Optional Adventures
The entire day is free to engage in optional adventures— half-day-Horseback
ride, half-day-Canoe excursion, explore Vaca Caves, full day subterrenean
river tubing, or relaxing by the pool. (Breakfast included)
Wednesday, February 19, 2003
Ambergris Caye
After breakfast, return to Belize City Airport for short 20-minute
flight to Ambergris Caye on Maya Island Air. Traveling to Ambergris
Caye from the Belize mainland is made easy by a short plane ride (about
20 minutes) on Maya Island Air. The very minute you arrive in Ambergris
Caye is just about the same minute you arrive at our hotel, which is
located within walking distance from the landing strip. The rest of
the day is free to relax on the beach or by the pool or to explore
the town of San Pedro. (Breakfast)
Thursday, February 20, 2003
Hol Chan / Shark Ray Alley
After an early breakfast, we head out by boat on a half-day snorkeling
excursion. Our first stop is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you
will see countless schools of brightly colored fish swimming amidst
coral formations of all shapes, sizes and colors. At Shark Ray Alley,
get up close and personal with harmless 8-ft. long nurse sharks and
the winged wonders of the deep—the manta ray. We return by mid-afternoon
in time for a late lunch, and the rest of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Friday, February 21, 2003
Free Day / Farewell Dinner
Our last day here is a free day to do as you please, whether you want
to go beachcombing, take a river wildlife tour with a stop at a baboon
sanctuary, or visit a butterfuly nature reserve. In the
afternoon, you might take this last opportunity for one more visit
out to the barrier reef. We meet at the hotel’s oceanfront bar
for the cocktail hour, followed by a special Farewell Dinner to celebrate
the end of our adventure. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Saturday, February 22,
2003
Departure
After breakfast, take the short flight back to the Belize Airport
to connect with return flights back home. (Breakfast included)
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