BELIZE A FIELD COURSE

LENGTH: 12 Days/11 Nights

FIXED DEPARTURE DATES: Jun 15-26.
*Other dates for individuals, families and groups, including WINTER INTERIM BREAK and SPRING BREAK, available upon request.

*Our standard BELIZE A FIELD COURSE itinerary can be modified in content and length for SPECIAL INTERESTS and NEEDS.

*SEA-KAYAKING is now available in Belize. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

*SCUBA DIVING is also available to Belize participants, but NOT PART of our BELIZE A FIELD COURSE. We will assist with arrangements, but all divers must break away from the group and be under supervision of the “dive-shop” handling these activities. There are fully-outfitted “dive-shops” on South Water Caye and in Placencia.

*Please also see our BELIZE FIELD COURSE for INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS and our BELIZE FIELD COURSE for EDUCATORS at http://www.rainforestandreef.org or contact us for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

*FIELD COURSES for those with SPECIAL INTERESTS, such as BIRDING and GARDEN GROUPS are available upon request. Sample itineraries can be seen at http://www.birdingtours.org (being updated), http://www.gardentours.org (being updated) and also http://www.rainforestandreef.org. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

*An affordable extension to the famed MAYAN SITE of TIKAL in eastern Guatemala is available upon request before or after our BELIZE A FIELD COURSE. A description and pricing is included below.

FIELD COURSE COST: 1670.00USD per person. Based on a minimum of 10 full-paying participants. One Group Leader FREE for the ground portion of our BELIZE A FIELD COURSE with 10 full-paying participants. Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double and single occupancy available upon request, usually at an extra cost.

Notes:

Group Leaders, please contact Rainforest and Reef for details about STIPENDS for bringing 10 or more full-paying participants.

For individuals, families or groups of less than 10 full-paying participants, please contact Rainforest and Reef for pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

Includes: All INSTRUCTION and GUIDE SERVICES; all MEALS and LODGING as stated in the itinerary; all GROUND and WATER TRANSPORTATION within Belize; all ENTRANCE FEES to NATIONAL PARKS and OTHER SITES.

Does Not Include: ROUND-TRIP INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE to Belize; INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX (35.00USD per person); GRATUITIES and PERSONAL ITEMS.

INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: Rainforest and Reef uses consolidators/wholesalers for all of our GROUP and INDIVIDUAL airfares. We are therefore able to offer the LOWEST RATES available. Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

ITINERARY:

Note: There are many options in Belize NOT found in following itinerary. Some examples include: Caving and canoeing on the Sibun River; the Cockscomb Basin and Jaguar Reserve; Garfuna Village of Hopkins; Mountain Pine Ridge; Mayan communities and tropical forests of southern Belize, near Punta Gorda; Mayan sites of Caracol and Lamanai; Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. Any of these sites could be simply added or substituted into your itinerary.

MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Note: On the MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM that you will be receiving shortly after registration, please make us aware of any special meal requests and/or dietary restrictions….vegan, vegetarian, etc., that you or members of your group may have. We will be pleased to fulfill your requests/needs.

DAY 1 ARRIVAL-RÍO BRAVO/PROGRAMME FOR BELIZE-BELIZE A FIELD COURSE ORIENTATION. Following your arrival at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, outside of Belize City, you will be greeted by our Belize A Field Course Staff and transferred to Río Bravo/Programme for Belize (~3 hr.). Time permitting, we will do a Guided hike on one of the many trails in the tropical moist forest of Río Bravo, near the Guatemalan border. After dinner, there will be an orientation session to our Belize A Field Course. Overnight Río Bravo. D

Note: You will be met outside of Immigration and Customs by Rainforest and Reef Staff.

DAY 2 EARLY MORNING BIRDING-PRESENTATION on PROGRAMME for BELIZE-HIKE the MAHOGANY TRAIL-SLIDE PRESENTATION on the FLORA and FAUNA FOUND in the TROPICAL MOIST FORESTS of BELIZE. At sunrise today, there will be an optional chance to go birding at Río Bravo. Our Guide will bring a spotting-scope to give all early risers a chance to see some of the many tropical bird species that this region of Belize has to offer. Participants will then return to the Río Bravo dining hall for breakfast. Our group will then be given a presentation on Programme for Belize and all of their outstanding conservation/education efforts in Belize. We will then take to the field and hike with our Guide on one of the many trails of Río Bravo. Our focus will be on the flora and fauna of Belize, as well as basic concepts in tropical ecology. Following lunch, our group will hike the Mahogany Trail, one of many excellent experiences available here. Late this afternoon, we will return to Río Bravo for dinner. This evening participants will be offered a slide show/presentation on the ”Flora and Fauna found in the Tropical Moist Forests of Belize”. Overnight Río Bravo. B L D

DAY 3 EARLY MORNING BIRDING-FIELD EXERCISE in EXPERIMENTAL SAMPLING METHODS-HIKE the BAJO TRAIL-PRESENTATION on MAYAN ARCHAEOLOGY-NIGHT HIKE. Again this morning, there will be a sunrise opportunity to go birding at Río Bravo. We will return to Río Bravo for breakfast. Our group will then get an introduction to Tropical Botany and take part in a field exercise on experimental sampling methods. After lunch, we will do a Guided hike of the Bajo Trail. Late his afternoon, we will return to Río Bravo, clean-up and see a presentation on Mayan Archaeology. Following dinner, participants will go on a Guided night-hike. Many animals of all sizes and shapes are only active and observable after the sun goes down. Sounds from nocturnal birds, frogs and insects are also a special part of the experience. This outing will provide an excellent opportunity for macro-photography, especially when it comes to frogs, insects, spiders and a variety of other invertebrates. A good flash-light or, better yet, a head-lamp and gloves will be needed. Overnight Río Bravo. B L D

DAY 4 EARLY MORNING BIRDING-HIKE the MEDICINAL TRAIL-LEAF-CUTTER ANT STUDY-PRESENTATION on the CULTURES of BELIZE. Again this morning, there will be another sunrise opportunity to go birding at Río Bravo. Following breakfast, we will visit the local Mayan archaeological site of La Milpa. Our group will return to Río Bravo for lunch. This afternoon, we will take a Guided hike on the nearby Medicinal Trail. Late this afternoon, participants will do a study on the amazing Leaf-cutter Ant. Following dinner, there will be a presentation on the Cultures of Belize. Overnight Río Bravo. B L D

DAY 5 EARLY MORNING BIRDING-BERMUDIAN LANDING/BLACK HOWLER MONKEY SANCTUARY-BELIZE TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER (TEC)/ZOO-EVENING PRESENTATION on the HISTORY, PEOPLE and GEOGRAPHY of BELIZE. Early this morning, participants will have a last chance to go birding at Río Bravo. After breakfast and farewells to Río Bravo Staff, our group will depart for the Creole village of Bermudian Landing and the Community Baboon Sanctuary (actually, Black Howler Monkeys). Here, conservation groups and local subsistence farmers have worked together to protect Black Howler Monkey habitat along a 20 mile stretch of the Belize River. Since 1985, the number of Howlers within the Sanctuary has increased to between 3000 and 4000 animals. In the late afternoon, we will travel to the Belize Tropical Education Center. Following dinner, there will be a presentation about the History, People and Geography of Belize. Overnight Tropical Education Center. B L D

DAY 6 TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER-BELIZE ZOO-JAGUAR PAW RESERVE-CAVING and TUBING on the FIVE CAVES BRANCH RIVER. After breakfast, we will tour the TEC facilities, which are situated on 84 acres of tropical pine savannah habitat. The ecology of the savannah will be discussed, as we hike along some of the many trails here and observe resident birds and wildlife from an elevated "viewing platform". Participants will also hear about their green iguana breeding program and conservation projects involving the yellow-head parrot and manatee. Our group will then visit the very unique and popular Belize Zoo, which is adjacent to the TEC. The Zoo has over 125 animal species on display, all of which are native to Belize. This includes all 5 species of cats found here. It has been designed to display them in settings that closely match their natural habitats. The Zoo and TEC have a well deserved reputation for conservation of native wildlife, rehabilitation of injured animals and an outstanding public education program. After lunch, we will depart for Jaguar Paw Reserve. Located on 215 acres of jungle, Jaguar Paw will give us access to the Five Caves Branch River and the amazing system of caves that the river passes through. The remainder of the day will be spent tubing and hiking at Jaguar Paw. Late this afternoon, our group will return to the Tropical Education Center for dinner and overnight. B L D

Day 7 GREEN HILLS BUTTERFLY FARM-MAYAN SITE of XUNANTUNICH-CHAA CREEK NATURAL HISTORY CENTER. Following breakfast, our group will depart for Green Hills Butterfly Farm. This will be a great opportunity for photographing some the beautiful butterflies of Belize. A Guided tour here teaches about the life-cycle of the butterfly and their ecological significance. We will be taken into several large greenhouses, where hundreds of butterfly species are raised and kept. After lunch, participants will travel to the Mayan site of Xunantunich, located near the village of San José Succotz, west of San Ignacio. These ruins date back some 1400 years and the name is translated by present day Mayans as the "maiden of the rock". The site is accessible only by a 19th century, hand-cranked ferry, which will take us across the Mopan River. We will then hike for a mile into the heart of this remarkable ancient city. Once here, a climb to the top of the 130 foot high pyramid called "El Castillo" offers one of the most spectacular views in all of Belize. Lush jungle is seen to the east, the Guatemalan lowlands to the west and the beautiful Maya Mountains to the south. Xunantunich is presently under continued excavation by Belize's Department of Archaeology to further uncover its place in history. Our group will then return to Chaa Creek Safari Camp and visit the nearby Natural History Center. It was designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the natural history and geography of Belize. Following dinner, overnight Chaa Creek Safari Tent Camp. B L D

DAY 8 IX CHEL FARM-PANTI MEDICINAL PLANT TRAIL-DANGRIGA-BOAT TRIP to SOUTH WATER CAYE-INTRODUCTION to SNORKELING and SAFETY PROCEDURES. After breakfast, we will travel a short distance to Ix Chel Farm, a pioneering research facility, specializing in the healing properties of tropical plants. While here, participants will learn about research that is being conducted at the present. The remainder of the morning will be spent hiking along the famed Panti Medicinal Plant Trail, as it winds through a living display of tropical plants, clearly marked for their medicinal properties. Following lunch, we will transfer to Dangriga, the largest Garifuna community in the Caribbean, for a short boat trip to South Water Caye (~30 min.) and begin the marine component of the Belize A Field Course. En route, there will be a stop at a popular craft and souvenir shop. After settling in at South Water Caye, participants will be given an introduction to snorkeling and water safety procedures. Dinner and overnight South Water Caye. B L D

Notes: Based on group size and availability, Calabash Caye or Glover’s Reef Atoll may also be used for the marine portion of our Belize A Field Course.

Snorkeling gear is available for rent on South Water Caye. We recommend that you bring your own. In salt-water, mask fit is extremely important. If you rent a mask, proper fit can’t be guaranteed.

DAY 9 PRESENTATION on SEA-GRASS ECOLOGY-SNORKEL SEA-GRASS BEDS-NIGHT SNORKEL. After breakfast today, we will have an introductory discussion on sea-grass beds, one of the very important life-zones found inside the barrier reef. The water at South Water Caye, now a National Marine Reserve, is more crystalline than on reefs closer to the mainland, where higher turbidity is caused by run-off from rivers draining the mainland. Underwater visibility is often more than 100 feet in any direction. Aside from the sea-grass beds we will snorkel today, the pristine waters found inside the main “barrier reef” support a variety of other marine ecosystems, including patch reefs and numerous mangrove islands. The variety of marine-life found here is astounding….colorful sponges, countless species of coral, tunicates, anemones, starfish, spectacular fish, manatees and dolphins. Late this afternoon, we will return to South Water Caye for dinner. This evening, participants will have a chance to do a night-snorkel near the shores and off the boat dock at South Water Caye. Just as in the rainforest, many animals become active only after the sun goes down. Overnight South Water Caye. B L D

Note: Bring several water-proof flashlights along with your group for the night-snorkels. They are not available on South Water Caye.

DAY 10 PRESENTATION on MANGROVE ECOLOGY-SNORKEL MANGROVE ISLANDS-NIGHT SNORKEL. Following an early breakfast, the marine portion of our Field Course continues, as we begin with a presentation on the importance and varieties of mangroves found in Belize. This will be followed by a trip to a number of mangrove “islands”, where our group will have the opportunity to snorkel. Not only will we observe a wide variety of colorful tropical fish, but also have a chance to take a close look at other fascinating marine life that inhabit mangrove roots. Mangroves are extremely important, in that they form a rich and vital breeding habitat for lobsters, fish, birds, manatees and numerous other forms of marine-life. Late in the afternoon, we will return to South Water Caye for dinner. Night snorkel. Overnight South Water Caye. B L D

DAY 11 PRESENTATION on GENERAL CORAL REEF ECOLOGY-SNORKEL GREAT BARRIER REEF and PATCH REEFS-NIGHT SNORKEL. After breakfast, our group will have a presentation on general coral reef ecology. We will spend the morning snorkeling the fore-reef of Belize's Great Barrier Reef, second largest in the world and largest in the Western Hemisphere. Our skiffs will anchor outside the Barrier Reef, as we snorkel over the its crest and observe the classic "spur and groove" formations found here. This will be a great opportunity to get a first-hand look at "reef zonation". Aside from a countless number of beautifully colored marine fish, we will also observe massive coral heads that are a common here. After lunch and some time to relax, we will snorkel a variety of patch reef formations inside the main “barrier reef”. Following dinner, our last chance to do a night-snorkel. Overnight South Water Caye. B L D

DAY 12 SOUTH WATER CAYE-DANGRIGA-BELIZE CITY-DEPARTURE. After an early breakfast and farewells to your Belize A Field Course Staff, transfer to the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, for your return flight home. B

Note: Due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond the control of our Field Course Staff, certain activities may be changed or done on different days in the best interests of the group.

EXTENSION: MAYAN SITE of TIKAL

Note: Overnight stays in Belize may be required prior to and/or following our TIKAL EXTENSION. If necessary, hotel reservations and transfers will be arranged through Rainforest and Reef and are not included in the cost.

LENGTH: 3 Days/2 Nights (overland) or 2 Days/1 Night (flight Belize City-Flores, Guatemala-Belize City)

AVAILABLE DATES: Before or after any of our Field Courses in Belize.

COST:

3 Days/2 Nights: 485.00 per person Based on a minimum of 10 full-paying participants. One Group Leader FREE with 10 full-paying participants. Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double and single occupancy available upon request, usually at an extra cost.

2 Days/1 Night: 595.00 per person Based on a minimum of 10 full-paying participants. One Group Leader FREE with 10 full-paying participants. Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double and single occupancy available upon request, usually at an extra cost.

Note: For individuals, families or groups of less than 10 full-paying participants, please contact Rainforest and Reef for pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.

Includes: All INSTRUCTION and BI-LINGUAL GUIDE SERVICES; all MEALS and LODGING as stated in the itinerary; all GROUND TRANSPORTATION within Belize and Guatemala; all ENTRANCE FEES to NATIONAL PARKS and OTHER SITES.

Note: INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Belize City-Flores, Guatemala-Belize City is included in our 2 Day/1 Night option.

Does Not Include: ROUND-TRIP INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE to Belize; INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX (35.00USD per person); GRATUITIES and PERSONAL ITEMS.

ITINERARY:

MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

DAY 1 BELIZE CITY-FLORES, GUATEMALA. Early this morning, we will depart by bus, for Flores, located in eastern Guatemala. Here will have time to shop and visit the local market. Dinner and overnight Flores. B L D

Note: Please advise Rainforest and Reef if there are any non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens in your group. If there are, they should check with the nearest Guatemalan Embassy to see if they will need a VISA to enter Guatemala.

DAY 2 MAYAN CITY OF TIKAL. Following an early breakfast, we will depart for the famed Mayan site of Tikal, located in the middle of Tikal National Park and surrounded by more than 200 square miles of El Petén jungle habitat. There is nothing quite like the experience of Tikal, as we go back more than 2000 years in time. Walking towards the awe inspiring Great Plaza, one sees the Temples of the Grand Jaguar and Masks towering over the surrounding landscape, you immediately feel the mystique that has made Tikal a "must see destination". It is estimated that it took over one million ancient Mayans, one thousand years to build all the structures found here. The central portion of Tikal alone, measures about 10 square miles. Here, the remains of 3000 buildings are found including Temple lV, which at a height of 212 feet is the tallest ancient structure in the New World. We will also visit the Lost World Complex, a group of recently discovered structures from the late Pre-Classic Period, older than Tikal itself. Presently, only a small portion of Tikal has been completely excavated. Following lunch, we will visit the Tikal Museum, which houses some of the many Pre-Columbian treasures found at Tikal. In addition to the spectacular Mayan city found here, the area teems with howler monkeys, almost 300 bird species and other wildlife. Following a memorable day, we will transfer back to our hotel for dinner and overnight. B L D

DAY 3 TIKAL-BELIZE CITY-DEPARTURE. After breakfast this morning, we will pack up and transfer from Tikal National Park to Belize’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport for your return flight home. B