Explore The Hidden World Of Belize With This Latin America Backpacking Tour

Day 1: Cruising in Belize                                                                                    

Cruising down New River is a stimulating introduction to Belize. You will land at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport and then will be transferred to the north to where the road ends. From there, you board a speedboat that takes you further, past soaring ospreys and northern jacanas fluttering across the water. You will soon feel a sense of archaeological adventure as the boat take you deep into mostly uncharted territory. Passing all variety of birdlife, you will traverse to Lamanai National Park where a spacious wooden cabin would be hanging over a peaceful lagoon. This is going to be deep into the Belizean rainforest, miles away from any road. Check in, check out the aroma, and embrace the feeling that this small country can create.

In the evening, make your way out on a sunset cruise, traversing at a slower speed that aids you get to know the birds a little better. Cocktails are going to be served as you witness the birds flutter, then after dinner back at the lodge, you will be settling into the landscape’s atmosphere.

Day 2: Exploring Lamanai

A tour to Lamanai will be taking you back to the early days of Maya civilization. An expert guide is going to lead you around the site in order to reveal the artifacts and temples while also providing an insight into the archaeological process. Some of the Lamanai excavations provide evidence that the Maya were here around 1500 B.C. Written records reveal that Catholic priests arrived in Lamanai in the year 1641, indicating that the city was inhabited for over 3,000 years. The setting is amazing, basking you in the seclusion as there is only likely to be a handful of other tourists in the entire site.

Day 3: Visiting Altun Ha

Pyramids rise around the two plazas of Altun Ha, which is a Classic Period Maya city that has been abandoned for decades. Though the city is small but is rich in detail, as well as being the very first archaeological site to be properly excavated in Belize.

At first the very first glance, everything is going to appear old and overgrown by nature, however, with an expert guide, you are going to learn how to differentiate different building eras and picture out how Altun Ha would have evolved over 2,000 years. After a morning of archaeology, you will be traveling to Belize City and a wooden colonial house converted into one of the country’s finest guesthouses. The afternoon and evening are going to be relaxed with the guide able to tailor a walk or a cultural visit to your interests.

Day 4: Heading to Cayo District

Belize Zoo is not an ordinary zoo but is dedicated entirely to preserving the country’s animal biodiversity. The zoo provides you with an introduction to various species that have almost disappeared from the world. Before the zoo, your day will start at Belize Museum, with a demonstration of cultural histories that continues the roadmap from the Maya to today. After the zoo, you will be traversing westwards into the Cayo District and another lodge that is hidden in the jungle. Spend the night here within a nature reserve making monkeys your neighbors. There are also some good self-guided hiking trails for you later in the afternoon, a further opportunity for you to encounter endangered wildlife.

Day 5: A day tour at Punta Gorda

Today, you’ll be driven along the Hummingbird Highway to Dangriga where you are going to meet the Garifuna, which is an intriguing ethnic group that arrived Belize from West Africa via the Caribbean. A local guide will take you on a tour of Gulisi Garifuna Museum, demonstrating a history that is proud and poignant. After you have lunch, you will be continuing south for an afternoon on white beaches, a quiet and peaceful interlude to all the history and archaeology. Accomplish your journey by crossing a river and returning back to the jungle, where your lodge has a location like the others within a nature reserve that teems with the wildlife. Check in and then further wander on one of the walking trails, or just sit back on the balcony and arouse different senses.

Day 6: Departure for Home

Today, you are going to wave farewell to the howler monkeys and return back to Belize City, where you will have some free time to go shopping before your final international departure back home.