Guatem ala & Belize - Journey Latin America

28 BelizeSuggested itineraryBelize – jungle and beachAvocetDaily from Belize City11 days, 10 nightsChan Chich Lodge 3 nights,The Lodge at Chaa Creek 3n,Ambergris Caye 4n.MEXICOAmbergris Caye•BELIZE• Belize CityChan Chich•Central Farm • •Chaa CreekGUATEMALADay 1 Fly from Belize City by light aircraft over the jungle to GallonJug airstrip (45 mins) Transfer to Chan Chich Lodge. The spaciousthatched cottages are surrounded by protected rainforest, in the centreof as yet largely unexcavated Mayan ruins. Days 2&3 Relax or takeadvantage of the guided walks in the forest. Day 4 Fly to airstrip at themennonite settlement Central Farm and continue by road to thedelightful Lodge at Chaa Creek, set within lowland forest on the banksof River Macal. Days 5&6 Unwind in the tropical gardens or participatein a variety of optional excursions including river trips, horse-riding,and biking. Days 7-10 Drive to Belize City (2hrs) fly on to the town ofSan Pedro on the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye. A short watertaxi ride takes guests to Mata Chica, stylish thatched bungalows on asecluded, glistening white beach. Simply kick back and relax, indulgein the resort spa, or dive or snorkel in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.Day 11 Fly to Belize City.Interior of BelizeHidden BelizeBelize is justly famed for its coral beaches and cayes, butthe unspoilt interior harbours some of Central America’sloveliest landscapes and a host of little-visited Mayansites. In the north, wildlife sanctuaries rub shoulderswith sugar cane fields and the Mayan city of Lamanai(stay nearby at Lamanai Lodge) pokes its head above densejungle. West towards Guatemala, the Macal river offers awater-borne way to explore the forest scenery; and youcan enjoy the jagged peaks and gorges of ancientMountain Pine Ridge.BELIZE TOURIST BOARDPrices from £1,390pp based on two sharing.Below: You won’t want to gallop through Belize’s northern jungle territory in case youmiss something.Bottom: Chan Chich Lodge – the grassy mound behind the cottages is a buried Mayan temple.CHAN CHICHAbove: Jaguar sightings at Chan Chich are frequent. Many are spotted crossing the dirtroad from Gallon Jug airstrip that leads to the lodge.JON CRWYS WILLIAMSLamanaiDaily from Belize City4 days, 3 nightsFrom £407pp based on two sharingJON CRWYS WILLIAMSAbove: Set in the middle of the jungleLamanai can be reached by kayak fromthe lodge (below left).Drive from Belize City towards theMennonite village of Shipyard.Continue by motor launch upstreamalong the beautiful New River Lagoonto Lamanai Outpost. Tangledbromeliads hang from tropical treesproviding the 18 thatched cottageswith welcome shade. Nearby are theMayan ruins of Lamanai, with almost700 structures: it’s worth spendingthe day here exploring. Activitiesinclude canoeing and specialisedguided walks either in the forest or inthe ruins, with excellent opportunitiesfor spotting birds. The young,enthusiastic guides will also arrangecaiman-spotting trips at night.