This package will let you experience the lush jungles and Mayan cultural heritage of the Toledo district. These include waterfalls, caves, jungle trails, great birding, traditional Mayan villages and Mayan ruins. This trip will also take you to Placencia to enjoy its beaches, laid back atmosphere and great snorkeling. The Toledo is the southernmost district in Belize. Its main town is Punta Gorda nestled beside the sea. There are Kekchi and Mopan Mayas living in dozens of traditional villages scattered in the jungle, ideal for experiencing Mayan culture. In addition, there are many forest reserves such as the Columbia River Forest Reserve, which a 1993 study found to be the most biologically diverse ecosystem in Belize. Attractions include Rio Blanco National Park featureing nature trails and a waterfall. Blue Creek offers waterfalls, pools and an extensive cave system. The Maya ruins of Lubaantun are built entirely without mortar with unique rounded pyramid corners. After a few days in the jungle you will continue to the beach town of Placencia. This peninsula is sandwiched between a lagoon and the sea and lined by 16 miles of beaches. There’s plenty to do here both on land and sea. Placencia village is such a jewel. It has a long side walk that cuts through the village where travelers and locals make their way around. Quaint bars and restaurants are great for filling your afternoons. Or head towards the lagoon to see the sunset behind the Maya Mountains. Overall, Placencia is a beautiful and relaxing place. During your time here you will also get to visit one of the beatiful deserted islands off the coast, as well as snorkel the Barrier Reef.
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Itinerary & What's Included:
- You will be welcomed at the International Airport by a representative of DiscoveringBelize.com
- The transfer from the International Airport to Punta Gorda is not included. You can choose between a local flight, rental car, public bus or private transfer by SUV. We can easily arrange any of these options for you.
- 3 Nights accomodation at The Lodge at Big Falls in the Toledo District (with all meals included)
- Traditional Mayan Violin Craftsman's Workshop, Mayan Ruins of Lubaantun & Rio Blanco Waterfall Day Tour
- Day Tour to traditional Mayan village of Blue Creek: with Mayan medicinal plant trail, cave exploration and visit to a Mayan home
- After your stay here, the transfer from Punta Gorda to Placencia is not included. You can choose between a local flight, rental car, public bus or private transfer by SUV. We can easily arrange any of these options for you.
- 4 Nights accomodation at Laru Beya Resort in Placencia
- Beach Barbecue on the Deserted Islands of Silk Cayes & Snorkeling the Barrier Reef
- At the end of your stay, the transfer from Placencia to the International Airport is not included. You can choose between a local flight, rental car, public bus or private transfer by SUV. We can easily arrange any of these options for you.
- Equipment, park fees and lunch are included in all the tours of this trip
- The smile on your face at the end of the trip is free
Doesn’t Include:
- Departure Tax
- International Flight
- Transfers within Belize as specified above, but we can easily arrange these for you.
RATES
THE LODGE AT BIG FALLS & LARU BEYA RESORT
LOW SEASON
HIGH SEASON
PEAK SEASON
2 Persons in Room
$1003
$1052
$1099
Rates are per person and in US Dollars Low Season: May 1, 08 – Oct 31, 08 High Season: Jan 8 – Apr 30, 08 & Nov 1 – Dec 14, 08 Peak Season: Dec 15, 08 – Jan 7, 09
Children under 12 years stay FREE with parents.
This jungle lodge is nestled on the banks of the Rio Grande River surrounded by orchards, pastures and forest. The grounds are immaculately kept dotted by private thatched-rood cabanas. The main house is where you’ll find the bar, restaurant and small library. The grounds are excellent for birding. When not out on a tour you can relax by the pool, do some kayaking on the river or do some exploring on mountain bikes. The atmosphere is homey with your hosts Rob and Marta making your stay enjoyable.
This is a relatively new resort with condo-style apartments. They have taken great care in ensuring that the level of service matches the elegant property. With its contemporary design, the center piece is its central 4 story tower with roof-top jacuzzies. The pool is just steps from the beach while the open-air restaurant overlooks the pool. It’s not too far from the village so it offers a bit of privacy while at the same time a short drive will take you to explore all the village has to offer. Overall, it offers great value.
TOURS
Traditional Mayan Violin Craftsman's Workshop, Mayan Ruins of Lubaantun & Rio Blanco Waterfall Day Tour
Your day begins with an early morning guided bird walk along the river bank and through the orchard and meadows around the Lodge. After breakfast you will be taken to visit the home of Mr Florencio Mes a Kek’chi Mayan harpist and instrument maker. Visit his workshop, hear him play and tour his kitchen garden. Then on to Lubaantun Mayan site where the Crystal Skull was discovered in 1926 followed by a visit to Rio Blanco National Park for lunch and a swim beneath the waterfall and to explore the natural history of the riverside with a local Mayan guide.
Day Tour to traditional Mayan village of Blue Creek: with Mayan medicinal plant trail, cave exploration and visit to a Mayan home
After breakfast you will be driven the thirteen miles to Blue Creek village where you will spend the day with very experienced local guides with a deep knowledge of rainforest medicinal plants and of the caves system in the hills and mountainsides around the village. Blue Creek offers variety of including exploring several caves, exploring a medicinal plant trail or visiting your Mayan guide’s home and learning how to grind corn and make tortillas. For the very energetic there is also the option of climbing the steep side of the valley to the peak where you can gain magnificent views.
Beach Barbecue on the Deserted Islands of Silk Cayes & Snorkeling the Barrier Reef
These 2 cayes are located right along the Barrier Reef, thus offering great snorkeling. Both islands are deserted, however, the largest of the 2 is the one most people visit. It is a picturesque island fringed by white beaches with a dozen coconut trees offering shade. Along with the snorkeling you will also enjoy a barbeque. Placencia is renowned for its coastal islands and this one should not be missed. Overall, this is a great day of sun, sand and sea. This tour lasts a full day.
