Belize: Rainforest to Reef
Belize is a tiny mainland Caribbean country with some of the best wildlife viewing in the Americas. The Maya Forest that borders Guatemala in the west is dotted with ancient ruins and is home to monkeys and a sizable population of jaguars. At the same time, the blue waters off the coast are incredible for diving and world-class fishing. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest reef in the world and harbors the famous Blue Hole. This trip combines the most exclusive destinations in Belize for true outdoor enthusiasts into one amazing rainforest and reef itinerary.
This trip combines the most exclusive destinations in Belize for the true outdoor enthusiasts into one amazing rainforest and reef itinerary.
✧ Your custom travel playlist includes Bunny Wailers’s “Dreamland”
Bunny Wailer, of Bob Marley and the Wailers fame, was a native of Jamaica – not Belize. However, reggae is extremely popular in Belize because of the country’s Caribbean roots. This song resonates because we often dream of hopping on a short flight to Belize City and diving into nature.
Belize City is only a 2.5-hour flight from both Houston and Miami. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you by car 3.5 hours west to Chan Chich Lodge in the Gallon Jug Reserve.
Chan Chich Lodge is likely the best place to view wildlife in Central America.
Chan Chich Lodge is likely the best place to view wildlife in Central America. The lodge is built around a former Mayan village of the same name, which is now located within a 30,000-acre forest reserve. The reserve is surrounded by another half million acres of conservation land that spans into Guatemala. It protects species like jaguars, tapirs, ocelots, and a wide variety of birds. Days here can be spent exploring the reserve on the extensive trail network on foot or horseback. They also offer night game drives, where you will have the chance to see jaguars in the wild. Trips to famous Mayan ruins are also available at an additional charge.
The food is also excellent, as most of it is produced locally on Chan Chich’s 3,000-acre organic farm. You can end the day dining on the verandah or soaking in the hot tub.
Return to Belize City by car for the reef portion of your itinerary. A representative from Turneffe Island Resort will meet you and take you to their sport fishing boat, where you will have a fun 1.5-hour ride to Turneffe Atoll. Alternatively, we can book a helicopter transfer so you get an aerial tour of the barrier reef before being dropped off at the resort.
Turneffe Island Resort is a world-class diving and fishing resort located 30 miles from the Great Blue Hole on a coral island. Originally built in 1962, the resort was the first offshore fishing lodge in Belize, and it has developed a loyal following among avid divers and anglers. The area is known for bonefish, tarpon, and permit catches, as well as numerous diving reefs within a short boat ride. Days here are active and spent on the water, while evenings allow for unwinding in your guest room or villa.
✧ We’ve sent you some reading material, including, Jaguar: One Man’s Struggle to Establish the World’s First Jaguar Preserve
Alan Rabinowitz was the world’s preeminent jaguar conservationist and former chair of Panthera. This book is a first-hand account of his work studying jaguars in the Belizean jungles and his fight to preserve their habitat. View on Amazon
If you’d like to stay in the country longer, we suggest an extension into southern Belize. Copal Tree Lodge is a 4-hour drive or a short flight from Belize City and is a destination for food lovers and those looking for outdoor adventure activities like canopy tours. At the onsite farm, guests can participate in hands-on learning about coffee, chocolate, and other local produce or enjoy spirits tastings at the onsite distillery.
We combine expert knowlege with creative itineraries to make your travel dreams a reality. Contact us for a free consultation.