BELIZE EXPLORATION
October 25 - November 2, 2008
A special invitation to the Florida Native Plant Society
Explorations Inc., 
is proud to once again offer a custom
educational travel experience specifically to the members and friends of
the Florida Native Plant Society! This 2008 nature adventure highlights
some of the very best that Belize has to offer.
Since many in Florida are familiar with mangrove and coral keys environments, we have designed an itinerary that focuses on ecosystems in Belize that offer greater contrast to Florida's. We will explore inland environments such as rainforests, tropical broadleaf forests, savannas and the pine forests of the mountain pine ridge area. We have also purposely minimized travel time by staying in only 3 locations, allowing for a more in-depth look at particular regions, rather than skipping around with a tour that just hits the traditional highlights.
Click here to download a PDF of the Trip Brochure
for printing, registration form, and more details.
Belize is a small country,
but also one of great ecological diversity. Formerly British Honduras until
1973, its official language if English. It is a tropical blend of Caribbean
and Latin. Slightly larger than Massachusetts, it only has a population
of about 300,000, making it the least populated Central American country
and one of the lowest in the world.
Approximately 60% of Belize remains forested, with 3,408 species of vascular plants in 209 families and new species being discovered nearly every year! Over one-third of its land area falls under some form of official protection. Savannas, scrublands and wetlands constitute extensive parts of the nation's land cover. As a result, the biodiversity is rich with a host of flora and fauna. In this unique country there are more than 500 species of birds. Colorful toucans, fiery scarlet macaws and even the jabiru stork with its five foot wing span inhabit Belize. Although rarely seen, five species of cats- jaguar, puma, ocelots, jaguarundis and margays also live here. In the wild, you will have a better chance of viewing monkeys, kinkajous, colorful tree frogs and a plethora of beautiful butterflies, birds, and strange looking insects.
The friendly people of Belize make the country a true "melting pot" of cultures. Most Belizeans speak English, the official language, but also commonly heard languages include Creole (or English patois), Spanish, Garifuna, three Mayan languages, Mennonite German, Chinese, Lebanese, Hindi, and even traces of southern drawl from descendents of past refugee Confederates!
Imagine... looking into a face carved in stone hundreds of years ago while hearing the daunting calls of nearby howler monkeys! The exploration has a strong focus on learning about the different geographical areas and ecosystems visited. The goal is to explore the country's diversity with an itinerary that is conducive to the discovery of nature's secrets and to achieve a better understanding of the Belizean peoples.
Your three jungle lodges have been chosen for their charm and strategic locations. Belize has some of the most extensive tracts of primeval rainforest in Central America. These forests are inhabited by healthy populations of some of Tropical America's rarest and most beautiful creatures including the jaguar, ocelot, gray fox, black howler monkey, Central American spider monkey, tapir, peccary, red brocket and white-tailed deer, agouti, paca, Mexican porcupine, scarlet macaw, jabiru stork, toucan, ocellated turkey, harpy eagle and many others. We do not guarantee you will see them all, but you will be staying in locations that give you excellent opportunities.
Cohune Palms
River Cabanas (www.cohunepalms.com) for a 3 night
stay, located in western Belize in the mountain pine ridge area. Just two
and a half miles from San Ignacio, adjacent to the small village of Bullet
Tree Falls at the base of the Maya Mountains.
Set apart from the village on a peninsula of the Mopan River, your accommodations are blessed with cool river breezes and a jungle setting.
Cohune Palms features a private restaurant with outdoor
dining and thatched-roofed cabanas, with private bathrooms, electricity,
ceiling fans, hot water, and verandahs. Set amidst lush palms, the comfortable
cabanas overlook the lazy, river below. In addition to resting in a hammock,
swimming, jumping off the rope swing, or watching iguanas; you can even
check your email on their computer. There are plenty of hammocks available
for lounging, and a large deck overlooking the river with lawnchairs and
ropeswing. 
Construction of Cohune Palms began in 2001 on land that
has been in the Waight family for generations. The owners are Mike (a native
Belizean, an accomplished artist, craftsman, and musician) and Bevin (from
Idaho, a MA graduate in Anthropology). The staff includes Alba and Melanie,
who serve up delicious meals utilizing the local Creole and Mayan cuisine
as a base. Curry chicken, tamales with rice and beans, fresh snapper filet,
fajitas with homemade corn tortillas, black bean and chaya casserole and
coconut shrimp are just a few of the dishes served. Breakfasts include large
breakfast burritos, granola with yogurt and fresh fruit, french toast, fry
jacks, omelettes and more. All meals include fresh juices and coffee and
tea with breakfast. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also available. 
Pook's Hill Lodge (www.pookshilllodge.com) for a 3 night stay, located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains in the Cayo District of Belize. The lodge is situated within a 300 acre Private Reserve, on the site of an ancient Maya Plaza Group. This, coupled with its unparalleled position in the very heart of the country, makes Pook's Hill a perfect base of operations. Its own reserve of primary rainforest borders on the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, a 6,800 acre sanctuary managed by the Audubon Society of Belize - which is home to colorful toucans, butterflies, hummingbirds, howler monkeys and jaguars. Nature trails in the reserves take you past giant Mahogany, Cedar, Strangling Fig and Ceiba. The forest is the home to the tapir, jaguar, coati mundi, gibnut, and a myriad of birds.
Your thatched cabanas
surround a Maya archaeology site and overlook the forest and creek below.
Each cabana has a private bathroom, electricity and fan. The bar/veranda
is ideal for birding or just relaxing in the tranquil setting. Nearby is
the clear water of the Roaring River cascading down a 1000 feet of fall
in the Maya Mountains. Pook's Hill has two miles of frontage on the Roaring
River, perfect for tubing or cooling off in one of the hidden jungle pools.
Pook's Hill has been
endorsed by ornithologists as being in a league of its own. The birding
from the lodge veranda, the meadows and along the riverside is superb. Birders
can enjoy miles of forest trails, river walks and open landscape. Hummingbirds
give a spectacular display at the veranda and there are good sightings of
trogans, motmots, toucans and most of our forest species. Activities at
the lodge include birding, horseback riding, hiking, river tubing and swimming.
The lodge is walking distance from the cave, Tunichil Mucnal, the most adventurous
caving expedition in Belize.
At the heart of the Pook's Hill property is a Maya residential
complex dating mainly to the Terminal Classic Period (ca.830-950 AD). Exploration
of the cultivated fields and jungle around the resort has also revealed
a whole Maya settlement landscape. Architecture and artifacts from Pook's
show signs of long-distance contact with central Mexico (Teotihuacano ceramic
styles, green obsidian, and a circular shrine) and with the Caribbean coast
of Belize (parrotfish and the incised Hawksbill turtle piece). 
Lamanai Outpost
Lodge (www.lamanai.com) for a 2 night stay, is
situated on the banks of a 28 mile long, spring fed lagoon amid the remnants
of a major Maya city. It is surrounded by an incredible variety of habitats
that facilitate unsurpassed nature activities. It's remote location provides
the Lamanai Outpost a world of its own.
The Lamanai Outpost has twenty Cabanas, with private bathrooms, ceiling fans, even a mini-fridge, and a relaxing verandah to catch the prevailing breeze that comes in from the lagoon. Lamanai Outpost has been repetitively featured on shows such as Wild Things, Discovery, Animal Planet, National Geographic Explorer and World Gone Wild. Voted Belize's Hotel of the Year for 1999/2000, the Outpost is consistently utilized by high-end travelers and is widely recognized as one of Belize's finest jungle lodges. Their meals consistently receive excellent guest comments.
With almost 400 species documented
within a 3 mile radius, the Lodge is definitely one of Belize's premier
birding locations. Habitats range from vast wetlands and broadleaf forest
to pine savannah and all are easily accessible by boat, trails, vehicle
or canoe. The Spotlight Safari provides an amazing opportunity to see roosting
waders, nocturnals and some of the more elusive diurnal species up close
and personal. Regular sightings include the Northern Potoo, Yucatan Nightjar,
Common Pauraque and Nighthawk, Grey-necked Wood Rail, Sungrebe and Agami
Heron. Also around the lodge you may observe (and hear) troops of Howler
monkeys as they start the day foraging high in the jungle canopy.
BELIZE EXPLORATION Day 1, Saturday, October 25, 2008:
All participants are to meet midday at the Miami airport for the flight to Belize City. Upon arrival in Belize, you will be transferred to the Cohune Palms Riverside Cabanas in western Belize for a 3 night stay. A welcome dinner is planned for orientation and more introductions. (D)
Day 2, Sunday, October
26:
Morning tour of the
nearby Masewal Forest Garden Trail to learn about plants important to the
Maya both long ago and in present times. We will learn about the variety
of uses of each plant in addition to about local wildlife and the Maya themselves.
Featured along the trail is an ancient Maya quarry and a series of Maya
mounds, including a large temple which has been looted. Thirty-one years
ago, Don Heriberto Cocom, a Yucatec Maya bushmaster (or herbalist) created
this special place where each plant serves a purpose; used as medicine,
food, thatch, fiber, because it attracts butterflies, birds, and mammals,
or just because of its beauty. The trail was created in 1999 by a collaborative
effort between Don Beto, Amigos de El Pilar, Raleigh International, and
the BRASS/El Pilar Program. It has 318 species of flowering plants, 250
of which are native to Belize, about 15 percent of the indigenous floristic
diversity of the country. Masewal means "the people" in Nahuatl,
and it is a declaration, after years of colonialism and exploitation by
foreigners, that this land once again belongs to the native Maya people.
Don Berto is a guardian of the Yucatec Mayan language that coevolved with
this forest. The fragile relationship between the two-language and biodiversity-is
one of mutual salvation. Afterwards for the return, you can enjoy floating
in a tube down the Mopan River back to the lodge!
In the afternoon is a relaxing canoe outing through the
jungle on the scenic Macal River where you are likely to spot basking Iguanas,
while passing by high-rock-wall formations, as you slowly make your way
downstream. 
Later is a visit to Xunantunich, a Classic period Maya site where the major monuments have been excavated and reconsolidated, offering a good glimpse of what the Mayan temples might have looked like at one time. The largest structure, El Castillo, stands 130 feet high and offers an excellent view of the surrounding area. (B/L/D)
Day 3, Monday, October 27:
For the "early birds",
before breakfast is a optional hike on surrounding area trails to enjoy
sunrise in the forest and for birding, plants, and wildlife viewing.
After breakfast is a visit into the Maya Mountains to El
Pilar Reserve, with its massive ruins of an ancient Maya city. The site
is approximately 5 times the size of Xunantunich. It is believed that at
around 700-1000 AD approximately 18,000 people lived in the area. Excavations
have been ongoing and have left parts of the architecture exposed for visitors.
El Pilar Reserve is the product of a unique management plan that seeks to
keep the buildings largely unexposed in order to preserve both the jungle
canopy and the monuments themselves. El Pilar retains the aura of a lost
ancient city that one might discover as it is intact in its natural surroundings,
replete with howler monkeys, toucans and jaguars. 
The
site has at least three large sections that straddle the Belize-Guatemala
border and are interconnected by causeways, one of which is almost 100 feet
wide with walls along both edges. So far archaeologists have identified
more than 25 plazas covering more than 100 acres and more than 70 major
structures. Currently there are five trail systems, three archaeological
and two primarily nature trails.
In the afternoon is a botanical tour of the Ix Chel Farm and its Panti Medicine Trail on the shores of the Macal River. The Belizean government officially established this (world's first) medicinal plant reserve in 1993. The 6,000 acre reserve, dedicated to the preservation of potential lifesaving herbs, is called the Terra Nova Medicinal Plant Reserve. Seedling plants "rescued" from rainforest areas in danger of destruction from development are sent to Terra Nova for transplanting. The reserve is run by the Belize Association of Traditional Healers. The trail is named after the late Don Eligio Panti, a master healer and teacher of traditional Mayan medicinal cures who lived until the ripe old age of 103! (B/L/D)
Day 4, Tuesday, October 28:
After breakfast and departure, a drive through a picturesque
Mennonite farm community takes you to Barton Creek for a unique cave and
mile long canoeing excursion. In canoes equipped with powerful spotlights
you will float through a remote underground water cave system, complete
with large and colorful formations, skeletal remains, and other cultural
artifacts left behind by the Maya centuries ago in the cathedral-like caverns.
Later is a visit to Green Hills Butterfly Ranch and Botanical
Collections. Flocks of dazzling butterflies fly freely in 2,700 sq. ft.
of beautifully landscaped flight area, the largest live butterfly display
in Belize. The Botanical Collection maintains living collections of several
groups of plants, important to the butterflies, either as nectar plant or
caterpillar food plant - including Passionflowers, Bromeliads, Cycads, Heliconia's,
Aristolochia's and orchids. 
Later you transfer to Pook's Hill Lodge in the central Belmopan area for a 3 night stay. After orientation and dinner is a night walk in Pook's Hill Nature Reserve for nocturnal wildlife and insect life. (B/L/D)
Day 5, Wednesday, October 29:
Before breakfast is a optional sunrise hike in the surrounding reserve for flora and fauna viewing.
After breakfast is a extraordinary excursion at Cave's Branch. Floating on inner tubes, you will enter an exciting realm where rivers disappear into the underworld. Entrances from above, filter mists of jungle light, as you float through underground river caves that sparkle with mica-studded stalactites and stalagmites filled with 1,000 year old pottery shards, statues of fertility gods and Mayan footprints. Past an underground waterfall leads you into the "Crystal Cathedral", a spiritual place used by the ancient Maya. Some underground hiking and jungle trekking is required.
In the afternoon is time for relaxing
at the jungle lodge, birding, or tubing & swimming on-site at Pook's
Hill Roaring Creek. (B/L/D)
Day 6, Thursday, October 30:
In the morning is a tour into Guanacaste National Park,
a fifty acre parcel of tropical forest. The park is named for the giant
guanacaste (tubroos) tree growing near the southwestern edge of the park.
In addition to the Guanacaste tree, there are numerous other species of
trees labeled throughout the park. Although the mammal population is rather
small, over one hundred species of birds have been identified within the
park. Guanacaste Park offers a relaxing introduction to the tropical forests
of Belize with its well marked and maintained trails. 
Later is a visit to the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. Set upon 29 acres of tropical savanna, it exhibits over 125 animals native to Belize. The Zoo was founded in 1983 as a retirement home for natural history "movie stars." It keeps animals which were either orphaned, born at the zoo, rehabilitated animals, or sent to The Belize Zoo as gifts from other zoological institutions. Whenever possible, all wildlife that can be rehabilitated are reintroduced to their natural environment. Those animals that cannot be reintroduced are maintained in a natural setting at the zoo, where they become an integral part of an ongoing program to educate people about the natural history of Belize.
The afternoon is free for relaxation, swimming in the river, or more explorations in the lodge's surrounding forest. (B/L/D)
Day 7, Friday, October 31:
After breakfast and departure, we transfer by road to the northern part of the country to the Orange Walk District. There we boat on the New River with nature viewing enroute to the waterfront Lamanai Outpost Lodge for a 2 night stay. In the afternoon we explore the Outpost grounds and surrounding rainforest.
After dinner is a night spotlight safari by boat on the New River Lagoon. This exciting adventure gives you the opportunity to encounter anything from the Morelet's crocodile to the elusive and endangered jaguar. Also an opportunity for close up views of some of Belize's fascinating river birds as they roost on the water's edge, such as Pygmy Kingfishers, Grey-necked Wood-Rails, Purple Gallinules, Herons, and Limpkins. We may also be fortunate to see a Tyra, Mexican Hairy Porcupine, and possibly one of several species of opossums. (B/L/D)
Day 8, Saturday, November 1:
In the morning is a tour of the adjacent Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. The ancient Maya ruins seem to pop out from the treetops as you arrive at the site. After visiting the museum, we walk through the dense jungle, past gigantic guanacaste, ceiba, ramon tress, strangler figs, allspice, epiphytes and maybe Belize's national flower, the black orchid, to explore the massive site. In the overhead canopy, you might hear and see one of the groups of residents howler monkeys. Of the 700 buildings within the complex, less than five percent have been excavated and explored. The grandest rises more than a 111 feet above the jungle canopy. You will see the famous stylized mask on the Mask Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and by climbing the High Temple, you have a panoramic view across the surrounding jungle and lagoon. Lamanai was one of the oldest and longest continuously occupied Maya cities (about 1500 BC to 1675 AD) probably due to its location on a major trade route, the New River. With a population exceeding 35,000 at the height of the city's power, Lamanai's trading influence extended over the borders of present-day Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Belize. During the Spanish conquest of Yucatán, Spanish friars established two Roman Catholic churches here. In 1640, the Maya rebelled against the Spanish influence and burned the churches to the ground. After the Spanish were chased away, a series of epidemics eventually weakened the city and finally put an end to 3000 years of social, political, and cultural dominance within the region.
In the afternoon is a visit
nearby Indian Church Village to learn of their Community Enhancement Project
with its artisan center, library, & more. About 280 people reside in
the village, named for the historic Spanish churches recovered among the
Maya ruins. The residents lived among the ruins until 1991.
Your last night in the jungle to listen for the owls and bats that come out to hunt and gather, and to the troupes of Howler monkeys speaking to each other across the canopy. The sounds come from everywhere as many species such as frogs and tarantulas, some mammals and species of birds thrive in the late hour of the evening and night. A farewell dinner recaps the adventures. (B/L/D)
Day 9, Sunday, November 2:
In the morning, we transfer by boat and road to the Belize City airport for the midday flight out to Miami. (B)
Cost Per Person
The total trip price is $3,300 per person, based on double occupancy and includes the international airfare from Miami on American Airlines. (Estimate $100 to $200 dollars for connecting add-on airfare from various major cites.) A single supplement is an additional $500.
Included in Trip Cost
- The trip is escorted by FNPS Trip Coordinator, who will meet you in Miami and assist the group helping compliment the vast knowledge provided by the professional, resident naturalists!
- Local, experienced guides will also accompany you. The local guides are multilingual and are capable of providing a wealth of information. The local guides and staff help open a window through which to see a different world.
- All group transfers and transportation in Belize.
- All meals in Belize, starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 9. (See B, L, or D on itinerary.)
- All lodging in first class accommodations.
- All side trips, day trips, entrance fees/donations to forest reserves, and activities as described in the itinerary
Not Included
- Belize airport departure taxes (Estimate $35, to paid direct upon leaving Belize in USD or local currency.)
- Personal items and alcoholic drinks.
- Gratuities to local guides and personnel.
- Meals not listed in itinerary.
Who goes
on this adventure?
This trip is a great educational adventure for people of all ages and backgrounds. Single travelers, friends, families and couples can all enjoy this program. Anyone with an interest and appreciation of nature will find this a worthwhile and fascinating experience. You do not have to be a wilderness camper or marathon runner as it is not a designed to be physically difficult trip, but some outings will require hiking on rough terrain. Although this is far from a "Survivor Series", be assured, you are not going to a modern, man-made theme park; there may be rain and mud in a rainforest. You will find that you have a lot in common with your fellow travelers, as you share a spirit of adventure, are active, inquisitive, outdoor oriented, and have a strong interest in the world of nature and other cultures.
This Belize Exploration has been customized specifically for the Florida Native Plant Society. The president of Explorations Inc., is a Florida resident and being like minded, is pleased to make this educational program available to fellow FNPS members and friends. Explorations Inc., will make a donation to the FNPS in behalf of each participant.
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Link to our Other Destinations for information about Lake Titikaka, Nazca Lines, Costa Rica, more Latin American travel opportunities, custom group tours and links to other sites of interest to travel in Central & South America.
Explorations Inc.
27655 Kent Rd
Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 1-239-992-9660
or toll free 1-(800)-446-9660 (in USA, Canada, P.R.)
Call anytime to receive detailed trip brochures or more information!
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