Our Trips in Brief
Glovers Reef & River of Caves
Lighthouse Reef
Coral Islands & Mayan Caves
Coral Jaguar Expedition
Ultimate Adventure
Paradise Islands
Maya World Extension
Glovers Getaway Extension

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Maya World Extension - 3 Days / 2 Nights :

Our trip begins with the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai on the New River Lagoon. Lamanai, which roughly translates to ‘Submerged Crocodile’, was one of the most important trading and ceremonial centers in the Caribbean lowlands. Occupied for over 3000 years, from 1500 B.C until 1600 A.D., the ruins are unique as they illuminate a period of history that encompasses the early formative years of Mayan civilization through to initial European contact and colonization. With structures ranging from pre-classic temples to the Spanish colonial-era; with jungle trails, refreshing swimming holes and an excellent on-site museum, Lamanai is one of the most charming of all Mayan sites in Belize.

After our day of exploring, we travel from Lamanai by boat winding our way through the wildlife rich wetlands of the New River on the way to our waterfront lodge within the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Crooked Tree provides a special opportunity for viewing, close at hand, the astounding diversity of birds and wildlife for which Belize is renowned. By boat we explore Spanish Creek, Revenge Lagoon and the surrounding wetlands where we can see many birds including northern jacanas, white ibis, wood storks and the huge jabiru stork. In the afternoon we travel to another of Belize’s Maya ruins, Altun Ha, known for the impressive temple of the Sun God.

The Sites...

Lamanai - The ruins of Lamanai lie scattered along the lagoon of the New River within a tropical rainforest in central Belize. The archaeological reserve is spread over 950 acres, however, the central area of the site covers approximately half a square mile. Mayan "Lama'an'ain", translates into "submerged crocodile" and, was one of the longest continuously occupied Mayan cities-from about 500 BC to 1675 AD due in part to its situation on a major trade route, the New River. The first major excavation was by David M. Pendergast, of the Royal Ontario Museum. During a series of field seasons beginning in 1974, his team mapped 718 structures stretching out along the shore of the lagoon. Much of Lamanai's importance is reflected in the large, imposing Late Pre-Classic temple-pyramids, which usually built over top of Early Classic constructions. For example, buried deep inside a 600 AD masked temple lies a well preserved Late Pre-Classic temple dating back to 100 BC In addition to the many Mayan structures in the park, Lamanai is also known for the remains of two 16th century Catholic churches and a 19th century sugar mill including a huge flywheel and boiler. Due to the long occupation of the site by varied peoples, the artifacts of Lamanai include those of stone, clay, wood, bone, shell, jade, gold, copper, glass, and iron. Also of interest, there are at least four troops of howler monkeys living there and the marshlands around the lagoon support many species of water birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Altun Ha - Translates into "stone water", which comes from the ancient Mayan reservoir, or aguada, that Belizeans call "rock stone pond". Altun Ha was an important Classic Period site situated to take advantage of the trading that occurred between the waters of the Caribbean and the deep interior of the Mayan Civilization. Altun Ha is one of the most excavated sites in Belize. The complex of Altun Ha is located 31 miles (50 kms) north of Belize City. The entire city covered three square miles (5 km2) and the population is estimated to have been 8,000 to 10,000 people at its peak. Within the central portion of the site there are more than 275 structures. Though quite small in size, this Mayan site has become famous mainly for a large jade head, representing the sun god Kinich Ahau, that was discovered in the main temple. This head is the largest Mayan jade artifact discovered to date, weighing 10 lbs. It is now the national symbol of Belize and seen on the corner of every Belizean banknote.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary - Located 33 miles (53 kms) northwest of Belize City and just 2 miles off the Northern Highway, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary consists of a large network of inland lagoons, swamps, and waterways. The sanctuary provides both the abundant food sources and the safe resting areas necessary to support a large and diverse population of birds. There are literally hundreds of species within the sanctuary, including, snail kites, tiger herons, snowy egrets, ospreys, black collared hawks, and of course the reserves most famous resident, the massive jabiru stork. The best time for viewing resident and migrant birds is December until June, during Belize's dry-season. Those visiting in the later months of the dry season (Feb.- Jun.) are treated to a concentration of wildlife, which congregate in the park's shrinking lagoons, as freshwater resources across the country dry-up.

Typical Daily Itinerary:

Day 1: For those beginning their Island Expeditions trip with this extension. Arrive at the Belize International Airport where you are met by an Island Expeditions representative and transferred to the Birds Eye View, in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. After checking into our accommodations we have a chance to meet our fellow travelers, explore the nearby Creole village and settle into the rhythm of ‘Belize Time’. This day is your day to arrive before the trip starts, meet your fellow travelers and acclimatize to your new tropical environment. Transfers from the airport are included Accommodation: (Lodge) Meals: Dinner

Day 2: After a nice breakfast the group departs for the Mayan Ruins of Lamanai. This day of exploration includes a complete guided tour, visiting the many temples, plazas, palaces, and museums within the park boundaries.

Once we have had a chance to tour the ruins, we depart Lamanai by boat for a scenic ride into the crooked Tree Area where we have tremendous birding and wildlife opportunities: Iguana, Parrot, Toucan and even Morlet’s Crocodile can be seen along the banks of the new River Lagoon. Upon arriving on the shore, we transfer overland for 45 minutes to Crooked Tree Village. We overnight at Birds Eye View Lodge, along the banks of the Crooked Tree Lagoon.
Accommodation: (Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: An early morning coffee and binoculars in hand, we enjoy the waking wilderness and many hundreds of birds feeding along the shores of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary Lagoons. The protected area was created in 1984 primarily to preserve resident and migratory birds, and consists of a network of inland lagoons, swamps and waterways that shelter one of the world's largest flying birds, the jabiru (jabiru mycteria.). After breakfast we enjoy a morning boat tour in the lagoons. After lunch we have time to relax and gather our bags before departing to the Mayan site of Altun Ha. Considered one of the major Mayan ceremonial centres of Belize, Altun Ha also functioned as an important trading centre between the interior and the Caribbean Sea during the classic period (250-900 AD). However, Altun Ha has been dated as far back as 600 BC. Within the site, there are more than 275 structures and there are up to 250 to 300 unexcavated mounds.

We return to the Belize City around 4:00 pm. Those traveling onto another program with Island Expeditions will continue from here to the Tropical Education Centre. All other travelers will be dropped off at the Belize International Airport, or will be dropped off at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, in Belize City, to continue with their independent arrangements. Those people traveling onto another program with Island Expeditions will continue from here to the Tropical Education Centre. All other travelers will be dropped off at the Belize International Airport, or will be dropped off at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, in Belize City, to continue with their independent arrangements. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

What's Included...
All meals indicated on the itinerary
Accommodation listed on itinerary
Transportation on tour
Professional Guiding Services

What's Not Included...
Alcoholic Beverages
Gratuities
Airport Departure Tax
Extra costs due to late Arrivals and other circumstances beyond our control.

A Note About the Ecology...

Flora...

We begin our trip, encompassed in the rich tropical savannah, grassy lowlands, lagoons and broadleaf rainforests of Central Belize. Within the savannah and lowland habitats of Belize, the dominant plant species is the Caribbean pine, but there also exists an abundance of other species such as grasses, palms, palmettos to cecropias and miconias. Although, this ecosystem is not as diverse vegetation as the broadleaf tropical rainforest, it does posses a unique system that relies on specific ecological influents. Fire is the major ecological influent, which contributes to the continuous dominance of this system. This can be seen through-out the lowland savannah zones as charred stumps and burned bark on many of the trees, which seems like a destructive force to the untrained eye, however, this is an important factor in the regions ongoing renewal. The cycle of burns renews growth in the region, and certain species cannot release their seed without fire! The lagoons and riverine environments of the lowlands also harbor an tremendous diversity of plant-life, which ranges from small thinboled trees, to large kapoks along the floodplain. Also, small Cecropias and various leguminous trees are abundant, and heliconias tend to dominate the understory. Various arums are also common as are palms, especially morichie palm.

Fauna...

While traveling inland into the savannah and wetland habitats of northern Belize, we have great opportunities to view a diverse array of wildlife. Travelers flock to the region to see the diverse bird life found throughout the savannah and marshlands; over 250 different species have been spotted in this region (approximately 2/3 of Belize's total). During the dry-season, when the birds tend to congregate in shrunken pools and rivers riverbed, it is not uncommon to see one hundred species or more on an average day. Some of the birds seen are: the jabiru stork, the belted kingfisher, the tri-colored heron, the boat-billed heron, the great and snowy egret, the snail kite, the tiger heron, the osprey, and the black-collared hawk. While traveling through any of the riverbeds or lagoons, we are also likely to spot some of Belize's interesting land creatures, such as the Morelet's crocodile, turtles, and green or spiny iguanas. Also, some of the mammals common to the area include collared and white-lipped peccary (warrie), brocket and white-tailed deer, opossums, weasels, porcupines, and armadillos.

Accommodation... On the nights of Day 1 and Day 2, we will be staying at Birds Eye View Lodge, situated on the water's edge of the Crooked Tree Lagoon. This comfortable Belizean-style hotel offers private bath and lakeside views. Over top of the hotel there is a deck and bar, which is a perfect place to catch the evening breeze and reminisce over your recent discoveries.

Transportation...
On the morning of 'Day 2', we will be traveling overland from Belize City into the ruins of Lamanai. From Lamanai, we will be transported up the New River by motorboat to the town of Orange Walk. Upon arriving on the shores of Orange Walk, we transfer overland for 45 minutes to Crooked Tree Village. The following morning, we take another motor charter into the Crooked Tree Lagoon, visiting the remote Mayan Ruins of Chau Hiix. After lunch, we return to Crooked Tree and continue overland, by van, to the Ruins of Altun Ha. In the late afternoon, we return the 34 miles (55 kms) overland to the Belize Biltmore Plaza, in Belize City.

Thinking about seeing other parts of Belize with Island Expeditions Co?
The Maya World Extension combines well with the Glovers Reef & River of Caves, Lighthouse Reef Adventure, the Coral Islands & Mayan Caves, and the Coral Jaguar Expedition, as it provides the unique opportunity see other parts of the ancient Mayan world. The Glovers Reef & River of Caves and the Coral Islands & Mayan Caves trips both offer a unique experience, visiting some of the more isolated areas of the Barrier Reef and the surrounding atolls. The Coral Jaguar Expedition combine exploration of the Barrier Reef with an inland component, venturing into the remote areas of the southern Belizean rainforest.

Thinking About Traveling Independently, Before or After Your Trip?
  With nearly two decades of exploration in Belize, our knowledgeable office staff can offer you a wealth of travel information. However, we do recommend that you read up on Belize and find what interests you. Once you find an area of interest, give our office a call, and we can help you plan the best vacation possible!

Click here for Printable trip itinerary

Maya World Extension 2 Days / 2 Nights $579.00 USD & CAD incl $80 Gov't Fees & Taxes 2008 / 2009 Season Day 1 Arrival Date Day 2 Trip Start Date Day 3 Fly Home Date This trip can be done before or after any of our trips. Call us to help you coordinate the dates. Please contact our office at 1-800-667-1630 or info@islandexpeditions.com for details.

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