Highlights
- Go off the grid in an ecolodge in the heart of the Maya Mountains
- Enjoy a traditional meal with a Maya family and visit a chocolate farm
- Embark on a paddling journey along the Moho River
- Visit the ancient Maya ruins of Lubaatun
- Go snorkeling at some of the 700 sites around Glover's Reef
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive & Transfer to Mayflower Bocawina National Park | Silk Grass |
| Day 2 | Visit Maya Santa Theresa & Moho River Boating | Toledo |
| Day 3 | Paddle the Moho River | Toledo |
| Day 4 | End of Moho River Journey, Transfer to Big Falls | Big Falls |
| Day 5 | Explore the Lubaantun Maya Ruins & Chocolate Farm Tour | Big Falls |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Glover's Reef Atoll Basecamp, Southwest Caye | Southwest Caye |
| Days 7-9 | Paddle & Explore Glover's Reef Atoll | Southwest Caye |
| Day 10 | Boat to Dangriga, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive & Transfer to Mayflower Bocawina National Park
Welcome to Belize! Upon arrival at the airport, take a scenic, 20-minute connecting flight to the town of Dangriga. Then, travel overland to your rainforest resort located in the heart of Mayflower Bocawina National Park, in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Get settled and rest up after your journey, then freshen up for dinner in the rainforest at the lodge's acclaimed restaurant, The Wild Fig.
Day 2: Visit Maya Santa Theresa & Moho River Boating
Wake up to the sounds of the tropical rainforest. Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge and then continue to the Wild South of Belize. Travel overland through the countryside to the remote Maya village of Santa Theresa. Then, share a traditional meal prepared at the home of a local family.
Next, transfer 30 minutes toward the Moho River to begin your multi-day paddling and camping excursion. Your guides will teach you the fundamentals of handling the inflatable kayaks in moving water—before starting the journey down one of Belize's most beautiful rainforest rivers to your first river camp. Following the adventure, the evening is at your leisure at your campsite in Toledo.
Day 3: Paddling on the Moho River
Today, break complete contact with the outside world and continue following the Moho River through canyons and lush rainforests. Each bend reveals the dynamic nature of the river, from calm meandering water that reflects the intense green of the jungle to stretches of rapids, pour-overs, and spectacular waterfalls.
During the trip, your local Maya guides will assist with improving your paddling skills and will also teach you everything you need to know about the ecology of the rainforest. Learn about wildlife and gain an appreciation of the rich Maya folklore, which adds to your experience in the jungle. The evening is spent back in Toledo.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: End of Moho River Journey, Transfer to Big Falls
Today, continue your river journey. As you leave the Maya Mountains and enter the coastal plains, the river slows and meanders through the jungle. Here, a vehicle will be waiting to take you overland to a lodge in Big Falls—your home for the next two nights. Settle into the beautiful jungle cabanas with time to enjoy a hot shower and take in the grounds before dinner. After dinner, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.
Day 5: Explore the Lubaantun Maya Ruins & Chocolate Farm Tour
Your lodge at Big Falls is situated on the banks of the Rio Grande in Belize's southern Toledo District, a region comprised of isolated villages. The lodge property is located on a meander of the Columbia River, with almost a mile of river frontage. From your cabana, there are striking views of the jungle-covered Maya Mountains.
After a leisurely breakfast, head out to explore the region. First, tour the ancient Maya ruins of Lubaantun, which were last active in the eighth and ninth centuries. Then, get immersed in an inspiring cultural and culinary experience with a visit to a unique spice farm and a tasty bean-to-bar Maya chocolate makers' experience. Return in time to relax and enjoy the pool at the lodge, followed by dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Glover's Reef Atoll Basecamp, Southwest Caye
Today, transfer north to the coastal town of Dangriga. Here, board a charter boat to Southwest Caye and your private basecamp for adventures in the surrounding Glover's Reef Marine Reserve, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, receive an introduction to your new tropical marine environment and settle into your tented cabana on the ocean. Your guides will then conduct professional instruction to teach you the fundamentals of sea kayaking, snorkeling, and tropical water safety. After the orientation, enjoy a paddle to a nearby patch reef and start exploring some of the 700 snorkel sites Glover's Reef Atoll has to offer.
Days 7-9: Paddle & Explore Glover's Reef Atoll
Spend the next few days exploring Glover's Reef with a flexible itinerary, which can accommodate both individual and group preferences. Activities include paddling sea kayaks, snorkeling the inner and outer walls of the reef, standup paddleboarding, traditional Belizean handline fishing, and learning to sail.
In the mornings and evenings, your guides will share their knowledge of Belize, its unique marine environments, and the cultures of the Caribbean, with a focus on the local Garifuna people. There are many different activities to consider. For those looking to add downtime to their adventures, kick back in a hammock, soak up the sunshine, and relax with a good book.
Day 10: Boat to Dangriga, Depart
Wake up early on your final morning, grab your coffee, and watch the sunrise over the atoll. Your boat charter departs mid-morning to take you back to the mainland, arriving at approximately noon. Your trip finishes in the Garifuna town of Dangriga, and your designated travel guides will assist you with connecting to the next leg of your journey.
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