Jungle Treks and Mayan Marvels
Day 1 – This overnight jungle adventure takes you to Las Cuevas Research Station, a nature reserve dedicated to environmental research and conservation located in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, deep in the Maya Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking views as you traverse the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest and stop for a refreshing dip on one of the crystal clear pools. Once at the reserve, you can relax, explore the nearby dry cave, or head out on a 2km/1.24 mile “Nature Walk and Sunset Tour” where you may see jungle wildlife and an abundance of birds. The trail leads to a bird tower with a 30-minute ascent to a lookout above the canopy with vast sunset views that extend as far as Guatemala. Enjoy an outdoor dinner serenaded by evening birdsong in a spot where scarlet macaws often fly over and perch in nearby trees. Then it’s time for the evening “Creatures of the Night Hike,” where you may see lizards, frogs, beetles, owls, snakes, and armadillos. Very rarely, a tapir or elusive black or speckled jaguar may even be spotted. After the day’s adventures, it’s time for a well-deserved rest in the research station’s rustic-but-comfortable private cabins, each with four beds.
Day 2 – An early morning breakfast on a tower overlooking the jungle canopy starts the day, with views of tropical birds in search of their morning meal. Then you will depart for the ancient Mayan ruins of Caracol (1200 BCE to 900 AD) to arrive in the temperate morning hours and before the crowds turn up. Climb the pyramids and view the stone carvings at this spectacular site, which covered more than 200 sq. km/124 sq. miles – larger than the modern-day Belize City – and is believed to have had nearly double Belize City’s current population. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch and swim beside the beautiful, cascading waterfalls of Río On natural pools, then return to the lowlands in time to make connecting flights or relax at your hotel.
Enjoy a true jungle experience and support the research and conservation projects in one of the largest remaining blocks of tropical forest in Central America (this tour includes a donation to Las Cuevas Research Station which the Viaventure Foundation supports on an annual basis).
