7-Nights Cayo and the Coast: Cayo District and Placencia — CALL

Itinerary Details

Avanti Destinations: Cayo and the Coast

Day 1 Cayo District
Arrival meet and greet at the Belize airport. Your transfer from Belize City to San Ignacio departs promptly at 3:30 pm. (Note: your flight would need to arrive before 2:30 pm to be ready for a 3:30 pm shared transfer. For arrivals after this time, the transfer would need to be private.) The scenic two hour drive by minivan takes you from the mangrove swamps of the coastal area outside Belize City through the savannahs of central Belize, to the green forested hills of the Maya Mountains of the Cayo District, and finally to the lively little town of San Ignacio, situated between the Macal and Mopan Rivers. From there it is only a short distance to your selected hotel or lodge.

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Day 2 Cayo District
Early morning departure at 7:30 am for a full day of touring the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and the Mayan site of Caracol. Mountain Pine Ridge is an area of spectacular scenery, including waterfalls, limestone caves, and cascading mountain streams surrounded by the majestic beauty of southern pine forests. The three main stops are the Rio Frio Cave with its 65 foot arched entrance; the 1000-foot Hidden Falls (road conditions permitting); and the Rio On Pools. Continue to the famous Maya site of Caracol (Mayan for Snail) considered one of Belize's flagship Mayan sites. The city reached its peak during the Classic Period, around 700 A.D. when it was estimated that over 180,000 people might have lived here. The largest pyramid Caana (Mayan for Sky Place), rises 140 feet off the forest floor, and provides a panoramic view of the site. In this magical place surrounded by lush rainforest, the silence is interrupted only by the sound of birds and howler monkeys. Late afternoon return to your hotel.

Centrally Located Hotel In Cayo District, ( L)

Day 3 Cayo District
Early morning departure for your journey to Tikal. Tikal Ruins Tour: The first stop will be in the border town of Benque Viejo (Belize) and Melchor (Guatemala) where you will go through Customs (you will pay your border crossing fee which is approximately US $18.75). Here you will be processed by the Immigration and Customs officials at both border points. Continue the drive to Tikal National Park in Guatemala (approximately 2 hours from the border). The majestic Maya Ruins of Tikal (in the Mayan language the name Tikal means Place of Voices) are nestled in the dense jungle of the Peten region of Guatemala. This site has been extensively excavated and restored and is probably the most recognized and impressive of all the Maya Ruins in Central America. Upon arrival at Tikal National Park, you will have a 4-hour tour of the site (including a lunch stop at a local diner within the park grounds). You will visit the most important monuments: Complex Q, R, Temple IV, Temple III; and in the Main Plaza, Temples I and II, the North Acropolis and the Central Acropolis. Late afternoon departure from Tikal for the return drive to the Guatemala/Belize border and return to your hotel.

Centrally Located Hotel In Cayo District, (B, L)

Day 4 Cayo District, Placencia
Today, after breakfast, you have a transfer to Placencia.

Centrally Located Hotel In Placencia, (B)

Day 5 Placencia
Today, enjoy a tour. Monkey River Tour: Explore Monkey River by boat, observing Howler Monkeys, Tropical birds, Iguanas, Crocodiles and many other species of wildlife. Stop at the village of Monkey River to place your lunch order and then drive upriver for 20 minutes and hike trails through the rainforest to view families of Howler Monkeys and several species of flora and fauna with an experienced licenced tour guide. This is a remarkable wildlife trip! On your return down river you will stop in the Village to enjoy your lunch of local Creole food. After lunch your boat captain will take you through mangrove estuaries at the edge of the lagoon which are home to the elusive Manatee.

Centrally Located Hotel In Placencia, (B, L)

Day 6 Placencia
Today, after breakfast, you are free to explore on your own or take one of our optional tours of the area.

Centrally Located Hotel In Placencia, (B)

Day 7 Placencia
Today, after breakfast, you are free to explore on your own or take one of our optional tours of the area.

Centrally Located Hotel In Placencia, (B)

Day 8 Placencia
Today, after breakfast, you have an air transfer to Belize City. Continue on to your next Avanti destination!

Centrally Located Hotel In Placencia, (B)