BELIZE C FIELD COURSE

LENGTH: 10 Days/9 Nights

FIXED DEPARTURE DATES: Jul 25-Aug 3.

*Other dates for individuals, families and groups, including WINTER INTERIM BREAK and SPRING BREAK, available upon request.

*Our standard BELIZE C 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 C 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 C FIELD COURSE. Description and pricing is included below.

FIELD COURSE COST: 1150.00USD per person. Based on a minimum of 10 full-paying participants. One Group Leader FREE for the ground portion of our BELIZE C 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: Mayan communities and tropical forests of southern Belize, near Punta Gorda. Río Bravo/Programme for Belize Reserve in western Belize; 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-BELIZE TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER (TEC)-BELIZE C FIELD COURSE ORIENTATION-EVENING PRESENTATION on the HISTORY, PEOPLE and GEOGRAPHY of BELIZE. Following your arrival at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, outside of Belize City, you will be greeted by our Belize C Field Course Staff and transferred to the Belize Tropical Education Center. After dinner, there will be an orientation session to our Belize C Field Course and a presentation about the History, People and Geography of Belize. Overnight Tropical Education Center. B L D

Note: You will be met outside of Immigration and Customs by Rainforest and Reef Staff. They will be holding a sign that says:

DAY 2 BIRDING-TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER-BELIZE ZOO-CANOEING and CAVING along the SIBUN RIVER-NIGHT TOUR of the ZOO. At sunrise today, our group will have the opportunity to go Birding on the grounds of the Tropical Education Center. Following 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. Participants will then travel to the nearby Sibun River for a day of canoeing and caving. Underlying most of Belize are limestone platforms and uplifts that have formed numerous extensive cavern networks. Many caves have not been fully explored and it is likely that many entry-ways have not yet been discovered. Aside from their interest to scientists as unique geologic formations, extinct fossilized insects and other invertebrates have been found at some of these sites. Many of these caves also show evidence of ceremonial use by ancient Mayans, who considered them to be sacred passages to the underworld. Pottery and other artifacts are still being found in pristine condition. Late this afternoon, we will return to the Tropical Education Center for dinner and overnight. Following dinner, our group will return to the Zoo and observe some of the nocturnal animals of Belize. Overnight Tropical Education Center. B L D

DAY 3 MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE-RÍO ON-RÍO ON POOLS and RAPIDS-RÍO FRÍO CAVE-GREEN HILLS BUTTERFLY FARM. Following breakfast, we will depart for the Mountain Pine Ridge. This region is made up of 300 square miles of pristine forest reserve and famed for some of the most breath taking scenery in Belize. Our first stop will be the Río On, a tributary of the Macal River. It swirls and splashes through a maze of granite boulders, forming a number of warm, clear mountain pools. Some of these may be up to 15 feet deep and make an excellent spot to stop for lunch, a swim and to just enjoy the spectacular scenery found here. In the afternoon, we will continue on to Río Frío Cave and Nature Trail. A few miles past the village of Augustine, we will descend into an area of subtropical vegetation and one of Belize’s best known cave districts. Our hike along Río Frío Nature Trail will take us to the largest and most spectacular cave in this area, Río Frío Cave. Trees along the trail are labeled and wildlife is abundant. Río Frío Cave extends about 300 yards through a solid limestone mountain. This is considered to have been a Mayan ceremonial center centuries ago. The cave is characterized by enormous arched entryways at both ends, along with unusual colors and striations inside. Numerous stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling. Following our exploration of Río Frío Cave, we will travel to the Green Hills Butterfly Farm. A Guided tour here teaches about the life-cycle of the butterfly and their ecological importance. We will be taken into several large greenhouses, where hundreds of butterfly species are raised and kept. This is a great opportunity for photographing some of the beautiful butterflies of Belize. Late this afternoon, participants will return to the Tropical Education Center for dinner and overnight. B L D

DAY 4 BIRDING-MAYAN SITE of ALTUN HA-DANGRIGA-BERMUDIAN LANDING/BLACK HOWLER MONKEY SANCTUARY. At sunrise today, our group will again have the opportunity to go Birding on the grounds of the Tropical Education Center. Following breakfast, we will then depart for the Mayan site of Altun Ha. Archeologists believe Rockstone Pond, the literal translation for Altun Ha, was first settled ~250 B.C., with construction of the buildings beginning in 100 A.D. and continuing throughout the Classic period that ended in the 10th century. Some 10,000 Maya lived in and around Altun Ha, which was a significant trading center as evidenced by the large amounts of jade and obsidian excavated here in the early 60’s and 70’s. Spanning a 25 square mile area, Altun Ha is made up of two central plazas surrounded by towering temples that enclose the palm strewn land. The larger of the two plazas, Plaza A, is the site of a mysterious tomb discovered beneath one of the temples called Temple of the Green Tomb. Jade, jewelry, flints and skins are among the three hundred remnants that have been unearthed here. The Temple of the Masonry Altars is Altun Ha's largest temple and is thought to have been the focal point of the community's religious activities. A single stairway climbs the temple to an altar perched at the peak. Inside, several tombs were discovered that are believed to have kept the bodies of Altun Ha's high priests. One of these digs yielded a priceless piece of history in the form of a 15-centimeter high, jade head of the Maya Sun God, Kinich Ahau. There are also several other areas of interest at the site, notably another temple at the eastern edge that was found to contain artifacts from the great city of Teotihuacan in the Valley of Mexico. Following lunch, 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. Late this afternoon, we will return to the Tropical Education Center for dinner and overnight. B L D

DAY 5 COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY and JAGUAR RESERVE-NIGHT HIKE in the RAINFOREST. Following an early breakfast, our group will depart for the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Reserve. Upon arrival at the Mopan Indian village of Maya Center, refreshments and crafts produced by local artisans will be available. This is also the check-in point for entrance into the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Reserve. Cockscomb Basin is home to numerous bird species, black howler monkeys, the rainforest's loudest animal, and peccaries. Five different members of the cat family are found here and it is the World's first-ever Reserve for protection of the jaguar. Aside from cats, there are large populations of other mammals and birds present. Almost 300 species of birds have been identified here, including the scarlet macaw, Montezuma oropendola and toucans. Situated in the shadow of the Mayan Mountains, the Reserve encompasses 100,00 acres of tropical moist forest, which includes Victoria Peak, at 3,675 ft, the highest point in Belize. It is one the most impressive locations for viewing Belize's lush tropical forests and a true paradise for those interested in viewing wildlife. No place in Belize has a better organized system of well-maintained trails. These include Ben's Bluff Trail, which will take us to a ridge where jaguars have been studied using radio-telemetry. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent hiking in the Reserve. We will also have the opportunity to cool off in one of the numerous swimming holes found here. Following dinner, participants will have the opportunity to take a night hike in the rainforest. Overnight Jaguar Reserve. B L D

DAY 6 GARIFUNA VILLAGE of HOPKINS-BOAT TRIP to SOUTH WATER CAYE-INTRODUCTION to SNORKELING and SAFETY PROCEDURES. After breakfast, we will visit the nearby Garifuna Village of Hopkins. The Garifuna have an interesting historical background and an important place in the ethnic make-up of Belize. They are a blend of West African and Caribbean Indians that arrived in Belize during the 1820’s for the first time. There are scattered communities along the Belizean and Honduran coasts, along with smaller settlements in other parts of the Caribbean. Following lunch, our group 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 C Field Course. 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 B 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 7 PRESENTATION on SEA-GRASS and MANGROVE ECOLOG-SNORKEL SEA-GRASS BEDS and MANGROVE ISLANDS-NIGHT SNORKEL. Following an early breakfast, our group will begin today with a presentation on the importance of sea-grass and mangrove communities found near South Water Caye. 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. After lunch, our group will travel to a number of mangrove islands, where we will have the opportunity to snorkel. Not only will participants 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. 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 8 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, we will snorkel a variety of patch reef formations inside the main “barrier reef”. Following dinner, our group will have one last chance to do a night-snorkel. Overnight South Water Caye. B L D

DAY 9 SOUTH WATER CAYE. Continued Reef activities South Water Caye. Dinner and overnight South Water Caye. B L D

DAY 10 SOUTH WATER CAYE-DANGRIGA-BELIZE CITY-DEPARTURE. After an early breakfast and farewells to your Belize B 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