Global Travel ClubBelize Travel Specialists
Belize: Mayan Mystery Tour
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Explore the Emerald Mystique of the Rainforests of Belize teeming with Exotic Wildlife and Hidden Mayan Temples & Pyramids. An Exciting 4 Day Inland Adventure Tour Departs any day of the Week |
| Day 1 - Off to the Rainforest! - (D) | |
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Meet & Greet on arrival at Belize International Airport and transfer up the Western Highway to the beautiful rainforest area of San Ignacio near the Guatemalan border with a stop along the way at the small and informal Belize Zoo. 3 night stay at Cahal Pech Village situated high above the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena and offering incredible views of the surrounding countryside. The village is set in lush tropical gardens with many exotic plants and trees. Each fully screened, thatched roof Cabana is named after a Mayan ruin. All are made from local Belizean hardwoods. The flooring and interior are varnished and all materials are woven, bright coloured Mayan fabrics. Each cabana has 2 Double Beds and Private Bathroom. Outside is a Private Veranda with Deck Chairs and a Hammock to relax in. |
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| April the Tapir at the Belize Zoo | |
| Day 2 - Mysteries of the Maya - (B,L,D) | |
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Whilst Europe was deep in the "Dark Ages", the inhospitable and hostile jungles of Central America were being transformed into the home of one of the World's great civilisations. Temples, Pyramids and Palaces were built by peasant farmers and slaves without the benefit of beasts of burden or even the wheel. These were painted in the sacred colours of the Maya; red, blue, yellow and green and were ruled over by immensely powerful Kings who were regarded as living Gods by their subjects. |
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Your exciting day trip starts with a ride to the nearby village of San José Succotz. There you will cross the Mopan River by a nineteenth century, hand cranked ferry to the Mayan site of Xunantunich which is spectacularly perched on a hill overlooking the Belize River. Xunantunich, meaning "stone woman" in Mayan, has a commanding view of the entire upper Belize River valley. The largest pyramid, El Castillo, rises a towering 130 feet above the main plaza, and more than 250 feet above the river valley below. This main temple is visible from all parts of the valley today. Time to explore and climb the ruins which are great for panoramic photographs - the views from the top are incredible!! Next you will have the chance to try out the most exciting mode of river transportation - Tube Floating down the Mopan River to Clarissa Falls. You will see iguanas sunning themselves on the overhanging branches along the river banks and the tropical birds which populate the treetops. Maya villagers still bathe and wash their clothes in the river, giving you a glimpse of real life in this part of the world. The transportation will be waiting to take you back to the hotel for lunch. Note This is a very relaxing experience but if you prefer you can opt to return direct to the hotel by road from Xunantunich. |
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This afternoon you will explore a small but fascinating Maya Ceremonial Centre and visit the tiny Museum. Situated on the hills above San Ignacio, right next door to the hotel, is Cahal Pech - once the home to a Maya Royal Family.
The central acropolis is approximately 900 feet above sea level. There are 34 structures in a two acre area, the tallest of which is a temple that rises 77 feet into the air. Many of the buildings are Palaces, or Elite Residences, situated around seven courtyards. There are also two ball courts, five stelae, one altar, and one structure that may have served as a sweat house. Several jade objects, obsidian blades, shell and bone ornaments and pottery vessels were found in a Royal Tomb, the most interesting of which is a mosaic mask made up of jade and shell that was part of the belt worn by the entombed. |
CLIENT COMMENT: | |
| Day 3 - Mysteries of the Underworld - (B,L,D) |
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Today you are in for a real treat! An adventurous drive towards the Mountain Pine Ridge area from where your guide will row you deep inside Barton Creek Cave (about 1 to 2 miles depending on water levels). Sit back, relax and direct your 1,000 candle lamp at the amazing formations inside the huge cave believed by the Maya to be the Underworld, "Xibalba", (pronounced SheeBALba) the Kingdom of their Gods. Float under stalagtites, see ancient skeletons and pottery and prepare to be awstruck by cathedral-like caverns. Marvel at the 5 million year old crystalline structures over 50 feet in length as your friendly guide shares his incredible knowledge with you of the Maya's beliefs about the underworld. |
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Continue further into the Mountain Pine Ridge area for a packed lunch and visits to the highlights of this region.The area is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, streams and the amazing Rio Frio Cave that you can walk through. The Rio On Cascades and Pools is a cascading river which tumbles over some of the oldest rocks in all of the Americas. The water has eroded numerous pools that are perfect for bathing. Most of the pools are connected by small waterfalls that have a massaging effect if you lie underneath them.The water is clear enough to drink. Deep within the reserve is a 1000 foot falls, a spectacular ribbon of water which drops from pine forest to tropical forest below. An overlook allows you to see the top part of the falls.
Click on any of the above photographs for larger images of the Mountain Pine Ridge area. |
| Day 4 - Departure - (B) |
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After breakfast you will be transferred to either the International or Municipal Airports or any
Belize City Hotel.
Please Note: For those whose flights arrive too late in the afternoon on Day 1 to take full advantage of the stop at the Belize Zoo, we will re-schedule this stop for Day 4 en route to Belize City so you do not have to miss the visit. This is an ideal tour to add on before or after your island vacation - we have a wide selection to choose from. An Escape You Will Always Remember... To a Place You Will Never Forget. A Place of Yesteryear's History, Today's Hospitality and Tomorrow's Hope. |
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Mayan Mystery Tour - 2004 and 2005 Rates
(Per Person in US Dollars) | ||
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| ACCOMMODATION: | Double / Twin Rooms | Single Rooms |
| RATES: | 595 | 730 |
| NOTES: |
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| INCLUDES: |
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| NOT INCLUDED: |
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Please contact us for further information:
| Global Travel Club | |||
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 | Tel: +44 (0)1268 541732 | | Fax: +44 (0)1268 541363 |
| | E-mail: info@global-travel.co.uk | | http://www.global-travel.co.uk |
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