The dates below do not include travel time to and from the destination. We suggest consulting our tour operator, Natural Habitat Adventures, to discuss your best flight options.

Saturday March 10, 2012: Belize City, Belize / Kanantik
From Belize City, fly this afternoon to Kanantik Reef and Jungle Resort. Kanantik sits on the ocean’s edge, secluded within a 300-acre tropical wilderness preserve. Here, where pristine beach meets protected jungle, wildlife abounds. Meet this evening for a welcome dinner.

Sunday, March 11: Snorkeling / South Water Caye 
Belize’s 185-mile-long barrier reef is home to 500 species of brilliant fish, numerous corals and sponges, delicate sea fans, bright anemones and spiky sea urchins. Descend into this magical realm on an all-day guided snorkeling trip, with a picnic lunch on the marine island reserve of South Water Caye. Kanantik Resort (B,L,D)

Monday, March 12: Kanantik / Placencia Lagoon
Travel to Placencia Lagoon and set out to explore its diverse mangrove ecosystem. Enjoy wildlife viewing from a private boat and keep an eye on the water below in hopes of spotting the gentle manatee. Also known as sea cows, these shy creatures come here to feed on the abundant sea grass. Kanantik Resort (B,L,D)

Tuesday, March 13: Hummingbird Highway / Xunantunich / Hidden Valley 
This morning, experience the rich culture and warmth of the local Garifuna people before making your way inland. A scenic drive along Belize’s famous Hummingbird Highway brings you to the dramatic Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. Examine the intricately carved stone temples of this ancient civilization, including the 130-foot-high pyramid of El Castillo. At the end of the day, unwind at an intimate eco-lodge in the pine forests of the Maya Mountains. Hidden Valley Inn (B,L,D)

Wednesday, March 14: Canoeing in Barton Creek Cave / Green Hills
A unique adventure is in store today: a journey by canoe into Barton Creek Cave. Belize’s limestone landmass is riddled with subterranean chambers that the Mayans viewed as a sacred portal between the human world and the realm of the gods. As you glide through the caverns, you'll see rock formations, skeletal remains and cultural artifacts left by the Maya centuries ago. Hidden Valley Inn (B,L,D)

Thursday, March 15: Hidden Valley / Chan Chich Lodge
Thousand-foot waterfalls and more than 90 miles of trails lace Hidden Valley’s 7,200-acre private reserve. Spend our final morning here exploring before flying to Chan Chich Lodge on the Gallon Jug Estate in northwest Belize. This private estate lies within the heart of La Selva Maya, the largest contiguous rain forest north of the Amazon: an extraordinary destination for wildlife encounters. Chan Chich is a premier eco-lodge, offering unsurpassed ambience and amenities. Tonight, meet a resident scientist for an informative talk on this exciting region, whetting our interest for further exploration.Chan Chich Lodge (B,L,D)

Friday & Saturday, March 16 & 17: Chan Chich Lodge
No hunting has occurred on the estate for more than 20 years, so you may see species that have vanished elsewhere, including large birds like the crested guan and great curassow. All five Latin American cats – jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay and jaguarundi – live here, and the jaguar is spotted about once a week, a record unmatched elsewhere. On drives and jungle walks you’re likely to see tapir, peccary and red brocket deer as well as coatimundi, tayra, agouti and kinkajou. Birding is fabulous, too, with 350 resident species. On this final evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner at the lodge. Chan Chich Lodge (B,L,D daily)

Sunday, March 18: Belize City / Home
Fly back to Belize City to make connecting flights home, or continue on with the Tikal Extension.