Belize Multi-Sport
A jungle and coral reef adventure
February 24-March 5, 2006
OVERVIEW
Searching for an exciting adventure in the Caribbean? Look no further than the
Major Excursion multi-sport trip to Belize, a fantastic blend of activities on land
and water enhanced by a wonderful opportunity to share your experience with
like-minded AMC folks. Our trip starts inland, where we bike and hike to hidden
waterfalls and the lush rainforests, learn about the mystical Maya culture and
enjoy a canoe paddle. Travel to the coral reef islands where the dolphins play,
manatees laze and the snorkeling is world-class. Belize boasts all of the
ingredients for the perfect vacation—our trip combines them for the trip of a
lifetime.
Wedged into the northeastern corner of Central America, Belize offers some of the most breathtaking
scenery—both above and below water—in the Caribbean. Add to this magnificent landscapes, archeological
sites and wildlife, and it’s easy to see why the number of visitors to this country increases each year.
Despite its small size (roughly the size of Massachusetts), Belize has the lowest population density in Central
America, a fact that contributes to its easy-going, friendly and noticeably uncrowded character.
Belize recognizes the importance of their natural heritage and the country now has the greatest proportion
of protected land (over 40%) in the hemisphere. As a result, the densely forested interior, with its plentiful
natural attractions, remains relatively untouched. The rich tropical forests support a tremendous range of
wildlife, including howler and spider monkeys, tapirs and pumas, jabairu storks and scarlet macaws. Belize
has one of the largest cave systems in the Americas. Few of these caves have been fully explored but each
year more become accessible to visitors.
Our small group of AMC travelers will spend the first 4 1/2 days exploring in the
Cayo District—or interior-- of Belize. Our homebase will be at a rustic river camp
located above the Macal River. From this base we will spend one day exploring
the forest by mountain bike and venture to the Xuantanich Mayan ruins. We will
visit the butterfly exhibit and take a sunset paddle by canoe on the Macal River—
the best time to see the wildlife stirring. We will take a full day to travel deep into
the forest canopy to explore the most recently found and currently being
excavated Mayan ruin site, Caracol. We will also venture into the utterly thrilling
and unforgettable high-adventure experience of Actun Tunichil Muknal—“The Cave
of the Stone Sepulcher”(ATM). ATM was “re-discovered” just recently—1986—by
archeologist Thomas Miller who named it for the astonishingly well-preserved
skeletons of Maya human sacrifices he found within.
The second half of our journey will take us to the depths of the Belizean barrier reef. Lying just offshore is
one of the continent’s most astonishing natural wonders—the dazzling turquoise shallows and cobalt depths
of the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Beneath the surface a brilliant Technicolor world of
fish and corals awaits snorkellers, while scattered along the entire reef like emeralds set in sapphire, a chain
of islands, known as cayes (pronounced “keys”), protects mainland from the ocean swell and holds more
than a hint of tropical paradise. Dawn here is a truly unforgettable experience as the red-gold disc of the sun
rises over the foaming white reef crest. These reefs and islands, among the most diverse marine
ecosystems on the planet, are increasingly under threat; Belize, however, is at the forefront of practical
research to develop effective protection for the entire coastal zone, which for visitors means a chance to
explore some of the best marine reserves in the world.
The Barrier Reef, which runs the full length of the Belizean coastline, is considered one of the richest marine
ecosystems on earth. The 185 mile long reef runs from 10 to 25 miles offshore. Along the
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Barrier Reef are over 225 cayes, ranging from small sand-fringed islands perched along the reef's edge, to
larger islands of partially submerged mangroves. Historically, ships avoided this area of the Caribbean
because of inaccurate charts and the difficulty of navigating the shallow reef-strewn waters. Teeming with
brilliantly-colored fish, sea grass beds, and patch reefs, the reef systems have not seen nearly the level of
human impact as witnessed in Mexico to the north and Honduras to the south. We travel in the lessdeveloped southern regions of Belize's Barrier Reef which remains a near-pristine marine ecosystem and is
unparalleled in the Caribbean. It is in this region that we find the best sea kayaking and snorkeling.
During he second half of our trip, our group will
set up base camp in the coral islands in the
Tobacco range. We will spend about 3 days
exploring the reefs with kayaks—equipped with
sails. We will learn how to sail with kayaks and
about the marine life. While traveling along the
barrier reef, we will have the opportunity to view
a variety of sea-life and tropical birds. Paddling
from caye to caye and over the many patch
reefs, we have we will see fish like barracuda,
bonefish, angel and parrot fish, stingrays,
conger, moray eels, goatfish, just to name a few. We will see osprey, royal terns and brown-footed boobies,
frigate birds, mangrove warblers, and sapsuckers. Throughout the barrier reef and along the coast, there are
nesting sites for loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles; if we're lucky, we may see them while out
snorkeling. On our 2nd full day on the islands (Thurs), we will have one “free day” to relax, continue kayaking
(perhaps to a favorite location from the days before) or seek out other marine activity on your own.
In addition to these natural attractions, Belize boasts a wealth of archaeological remains. Rising
mysteriously out of the forests are the ruins of the ancient cities of the Maya, the civilization that dominated
the area from around 2000 BC until the arrival of the Spanish in the 1800s. Traces of the astonishing
culture have been found all over the country, including the caves.
Culturally, Belize is as much a Caribbean nation as a Latin one, but with plenty of distinctively Central
American features—above all, a blend of races and cultures that includes Maya, Mestizo, African and
European. English is the official language—Belize only gained independence from Britain in 1981—and
Spanish is equally common, but it’s the rich, lilting Creole, based on English but typically Caribbean, that’s
spoken and understood by almost every Belizean, whatever their mother tongue.
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Day/Date
Fri, 2/24
Sat, 2/25
Sun, 2/26
Mon, 2/27
Activity
Arrive Belize City, shuttle to The Cayo
District;
Fitted for bikes, tour of Belize Natural
History Museum and Butterfly exhibit,
hike and tour of the Medicinal
Gardens
Mtn bike ride to Xuantanich;
Sunset paddle on the Macal River
Visit the Mayan ruins of Caracol; stop
for a hike and refreshing dip in the
Rio on Pools in the Mountain Pine
Reserve
Hike and caving to Actun Tunichil
Muknal
Accommodation
Camp at Chaa Creek
Meals
D
Camp at Chaa Creek
B, L, D
Camp at Chaa Creek
B, L, D
Camp at Chaa Creek
B, L, D
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Tues, 2/28
Wed, 3/1
Thurs, 3/2
Fri, 3/3
Sat, 3 /4
Sun, 3/5
Shuttle from The Cayo District to
Dangriga for boat transfer to Coral
Islands
Overview of boats, kayaking, kayak
sailing and snorkelling;
kayak/snorkel
Day Off: free day to relax or plan an
outing to other marine activities on
your own
Kayak and snorkel in the coral reef,
visit other islands
Short kayak in the morning; return to
Dangriga in the afternoon; evening
barbeque and Garifuna drumming
circle
Early morning shuttle back to Belize
City airport
Coral Islands camp
B, D
Coral Islands Camp
B, L, D
Coral Islands Camp
B, L, D
Coral Islands Camp
B, L, D
Hotel
B, L, D
B
ACCOMMODATIONS AND MEALS
The trip is broken into two locations. The Camp at Chaa Creek has
been designed for outdoors people who enjoy rustic accommodations
in a remote setting. Comfortable beds with clean linens, pillows, towels
and blankets assure a good night's rest after a full day of activities.
Vehicle traffic into the camp is restricted, and every effort has been
taken to minimize the camp's impact on the natural surroundings.
We will share the camp and dining pavilion with other visitors or
groups. There are 10 camp casitas there. Some of them are 4 person and others are 2 person. You will be
assigned a roommate (or roommates). The cabins are raised and wooden platform screened in
accommodations with twin sized beds with linens and blankets (for cool nights). Each cabin has a bedside
table with an oil lamp. The screened windows have blinds that can be pulled down. The bathroom facilities
are located in another pavilion about 100 yds away from the cabins and provide flushing toilets, sinks and a
separate shower pavilion with hot water. All the bathroom facilities are shared. Friendly local staff serve
traditional Belizean meals in a spacious central thatch-roof palapa where we can relax and swap tales with
new friends over an iced cold Belikin beer.
The island portion of the trip is a more rustic camping experience. Our group will sleep in 2-person
expedition tents on the sand. Participants are expected to bring a light sleeping sack
(fleece or cotton liner, or sheet) along with a sleeping (ground) pad for comfort. There
are composting toilets but no running water on the island. Plenty of bottled water will
be provided for our group including water for solar showers. Meals will be prepared by
our group. All food and equipment will be provided so we may cook our meals on the
island. We will be provided with fruits, seafood, pasta, rice, cheeses, meats, fresh and
frozen chicken, fresh eggs, desserts and snacks. The group will share in the food
preparation and clean up each day. Lunch items will also be provided for the group. We
will have 2-100 liter coolers with block ice that will serve our group and can be filled with drinks and food.
Please notify the leaders if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
TRANSPORTATION
The leaders will assist you in making your airline reservations, if needed. If you prefer to make your own
airline reservations, it is imperative that you arrive in Belize City no later than 2 pm on Friday, Feb 24.
During our time in Belize (transport to and between our two locations) we will take shuttle vans.
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TRIP DIFFICULTY
We rate the trip as moderate. Due to the wide variety of activities, participants should have a moderate
level of experience with off-road biking (some roots, bumps, dirt and hills but not terribly technical), hiking
(low mileage), paddling (at a moderate pace) and should be able to swim. As basic as it might sound,
climbing the Mayan ruin towers also requires some aerobic ability and no fear of heights. The trip should not
be overly strenuous for anyone in reasonably good physical condition. We will try to keep the group together
when biking and kayaking for safety purposes. Because the rides, hikes and paddling will be day trips, each
participant will only be required to carry their own trip provided snack/lunch food and personal gear.
EQUIPMENT
While on our trip we will use the equipment available to us by our guides and facility. While at the Camp at
Chaa Creek, we will have access to their full garage of front suspension Specialized mountain bikes. These
relatively new bikes are well-maintained and available in many sizes. We will also have access to their
canoes to paddle down the Macal River. While on our island expedition, we will have access to single
kayaks, double expedition sea-kayaks and some outfitted with sails, paddles and VHF radios . We will use
PFDs. Snorkels, masks and fins are not provided. We will be provided with expedition tents and a camping
kitchen.
Required and Suggested Gear to bring along with you on this trip:
Personal Gear
Passport
Health Insurance Card
Credit Card
Prescription Medication
Personal Toiletries
Mosquito Repellant
Sunscreen
Lip Balm with UV Protection
Sunglasses
sleeping pad for beach camping
 lightweight sleeping bag or
sleep/hostel sheet (fleece, cotton)
Snorkel, Fins and Mask
 daypack or fanny pack
Accessories
Flashlight or Headlamp
Whistle
Personal First Aid Kit
Compass
Camp Towel
Camera and Film (or extra batteries )
Camp Pillow
Pocket Knife
Bandana
Playing Cards
Ear Plugs
 small dry bag for personal items passport, camera, etc)
 one pair of cotton or lightweight (bike) gloves for paddling
to prevent blisters
Personal Clothing
Light Hiking Footwear, broken in (mesh water shoe/day hiker such as Salomon Tech Amphibian or The
North Face Sieve are good options for the caving trip and the light hiking we will do)
Hiking Socks and Liners
Camp Shoes (Tevas or Sandals)
Beach/Surf Footwear (the above water shoe/dayhiker can be used for both)
Waterproof Rain Jacket
Synthetic Tops and Bottoms
(hiking shorts, zip-off nylon pants, short sleeve and long-sleeve shirts)
shorts for biking (padded bike shorts if you prefer)
one fleece jacket or wool sweater
Bathing Suit
Casual Clothing for In Town
 sun hat (something with a brim)
Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry prescription medications in their original containers, with
pharmacy labels -- otherwise they won't make it through airport security. Also bring along copies of your prescriptions in case you
lose your pills or run out. Carry the generic name of prescription medicines, in case a local pharmacist is unfamiliar with the brand
name. Don't forget an extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses.
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DRINKING WATER, VACCINATIONS AND TROPICAL DISEASE
It is highly recommended that you try to drink all your water as bottled water. Bottled water is readily
available in Belize and will be provided to you on the trip to fill your own water bottles, etc.
WEATHER
The overall climate of Belize can be described
as sub-tropical. The humidity while high, is
seldom oppressive for long and is most
noticeable along the coast. The mean annual
humidity is 83%, but many days the humidity is
masked by the cooling sea breezes.
February and March are among the coolest
months of the year with daytime temperatures
averaging in the low 80's. Temperatures seldom exceed 100 degrees or fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
And because Belize is relatively close to the equator, day length doesn't vary much throughout the year. You
can figure on about 12 hours of light - 6 am to 6 pm
February and March are also among the driest months of the year. Any rain tends to be of short duration,
followed by clearing and sunshine, and long periods of cloudy weather are rare.
TRIP SIZE AND WAIT LIST
The trip is limited to 12, including the leaders, who reserve the right to select a smaller group. Once the trip
is full, prospective participants may be accepted to a wait list. The deposit for waitlisted participants is
$500. If an accepted participant cancels, the leaders will look first to the wait list for an additional
participant. The $500 wait list deposit will be refunded to prospective participants not offered a space on
the trip.
TRIP INSURANCE
A trip insurance fee is included in the trip costs and includes coverage for medical emergency evacuation
and assistance through Trip Mate. This is not medical insurance. It will cover up to $5,000 for accident and
sickness expenses and up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation. You can visit their
website at www.tripmate.com and enter plan code 450. Coverage only includes the dates of travel as the
AMC itinerary indicates, so early arrival or extending your trip is not included. It is highly recommended that
you have your own medical insurance coverage, and you should also consider buying optional travel
insurance coverage to cover interruption or cancellation of your trip. The optional travel insurance coverage
information will be sent to you when you are accepted on the trip roster.
COST, REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION
The approximate cost for the trip is $1650 plus airfare (approx. $400-$900). The trip fee will cover the
following items:
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Accommodations for all nights in the jungle camp, island camp and the last night in a hotel
Group final barbeque and drumming circle in Dangriga
Shuttle vans (inland transportation) and boat transfers to the island
Mountain bike/helmets, and sea kayaks/pfd rentals
All dinners, and most breakfasts and lunches on the trip (with a few exceptions)
Professional guide services on the river, at Caracol, in the cave, on the barrier reef while kayaking
Marine Reserve fees and entrance fees to Caracol
AMC Major Excursions fee
All other meals, including lunches and snacks for the first and last days and other personal expenses are not
included. You should plan on an additional $100 for extra meals and miscellaneous other items. Snorkel,
fins and mask are not included on the island portion. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the meals of
this trip; however, efforts will be made for the group to purchase beer and liquor for group consumption for
our evening enjoyment. Anyone wishing to drink alcohol should contribute to a group “kitty” to cover the
cost for these beverages.
The approximate $1650 cost for the excursion is based on estimates for the trip expenses. The final cost of
the trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best arrangements the leaders can make. Any saving they
achieve, as well as any cost increase, will be returned to you.
Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing a portion of the leaders’ expenses,
but not all of them. In accordance with AMC rules, the leader may not realize a profit from this excursion.
Any unspent funds resulting from negotiating better rates for lodging, local transportation, etc. must be
refunded to all the participants. The trip fee also includes an AMC overhead cost to cover administrative
expenses of offering Major Excursions.
A registration deposit of $500 is due with the application. You must also submit the registration form, the
Confidential Medical Form, and the signed Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release forms.
The second deposit of $500 is due by Oct. 1, 2005. The final payment of $650 is due by Dec. 1, 2005.
Please make checks payable to Appalachian Mountain Club.
Our cancellation policy is based on the precept that your cancellation shall not raise the cost to any of the
other participants or the leaders. Therefore, if you cancel, we will refund any money you have paid, less any
expenses already incurred, or future expenses that will be incurred, that have been the result of your
registration and that cannot be avoided. Refunded money will also be less a $50 cancellation fee. However,
if you cancel and the trip still realizes full participation, then any and all fees you have paid will be refunded
to you, in full, minus the cancellation fee. If you cancel after your airline tickets have been purchased, you
still own the ticket and will be subject to the airline’s cancellation policy.
This trip is likely to fill quickly with the limited group size of 12 people. If you are interested, please register
as soon as possible. Trip leaders will contact you if they are interested in your application. The submission
of your application and deposit does not ensure your place on the trip. If you are not selected, your deposit
will be returned to you.
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We prefer to use email as our primary means of communication. If you prefer snail mail and/or telephone
communication, please note that on our registration form.
If you have any questions, please call us so that we can discuss them. Please contact Chris Rapacki at
c_rapacki@eptech.com or 908-400-5500 ( c) or Andrea Deaton, adeaton@xpn.org or 215-732-6791.
Please send your completed application and deposit to:
Chris Rapacki, 1304 Prospect Farm Drive, Yardley, PA 19067
TRIP LEADERSHIP
Andrea Deaton, trip leader, is an active biking and backpacking leader for the AMC.
She is a graduate of and instructor for AMC’s Mountain Leadership School, serves
on the AMC’s Outdoor Leadership Development Committee and instructs for the
Delaware Valley (DV) Chapter leadership training course. She has led workshops at
the AMC Mohican Outdoor Center and serves as the DV Chapter Chair. Most
recently she has led trips to Moab, Utah; the Monongehela National Forest, WV;
Tuscany, Italy; and recently backpacked in California’s Sierras and completed the
Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier in 2002. Andrea traveled to Belize in February 2004 and is currently
certified as a Wilderness First Responder. She lives in Philadelphia and is a fundraiser for a public radio
station.
Chris Rapacki, trip co-leader, currently serves as the Biking Chair
and Treasurer for the Delaware Valley Chapter of the AMC. Prior
DV Executive Committee positions held include Vice Chair and
Chair between 2000 and 2004. Chris is a graduate of AMC’s
Mountain Leadership School, and instructs for the DV Chapter
leadership training course. He is certified for Advanced Wilderness
First Aid, has led numerous backpacking trips in the White
Mountains, and has co-led two AMC trips to Cinnamon Bay, St.
John, USVI. Chris enjoys mountain biking and scuba diving, and
lives in Yardley, PA.
EXPERIENCE, HEALTH AND RISKS
Spending time in a tropical environment can be very physically demanding. While our activities are not
considered to be technically challenging, we will be hiking and snorkeling much of the time in sunny, warm
and humid conditions. As a result, we’ll be pacing ourselves and paying close attention to proper nutrition
and hydration, and minimizing our exposure to the sun. People wishing to participate in this trip should have
previous hiking experience and should be in good physical condition.
None of the major tropical illnesses are epidemic in Belize, and your chance of contracting any serious
tropical disease in Belize is slim. However, several mosquito-borne illnesses are present, particularly malaria
and dengue.
Malaria is found in Belize, but it is far from epidemic. It is most common along the coastal lowlands, as well
as in some of the more remote southern inland communities. Of greater concern may be dengue fever,
which is similar to malaria and is spread by an aggressive daytime mosquito. As with malaria, your best
protection is to not get bit. Use plenty of repellent, and wear light long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
The biggest health hazard on this trip is expected to be the threat of sunburn. It’s important to be careful the
first few days, and apply sunblock to your exposed skin liberally. Also, seasickness can occur on travel days
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out to the islands, so consider bringing along an over the counter medication such as Dramamine.
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers over age two. It should be given at least two weeks
(preferably four weeks or more) before departure. A booster should be given 6-12 months later to confer
long-term immunity.
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for all travelers. It is generally given in an oral form (Vivotif Berna)
consisting of four capsules taken on alternate days until completed.
All travelers should be up-to-date on routine immunizations, including
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Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine (recommended for all travelers who have not received a tetanusdiphtheria immunization within the last 10 years.)
Measles vaccine (recommended for any traveler born after 1956 who does not have either a history
of two documented measles immunizations or a blood test showing immunity. Varicella (chickenpox)
vaccine (recommended for any international traveler over one year of age who does not have either a
history of documented chickenpox or a blood test showing immunity.
When you participate in this activity you should be both physically and mentally prepared and equipped with
the appropriate gear. You should always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. We
are not responsible for your safety: you are. Prior to registering for this activity you are asked to discuss your
capabilities and experience with us.
PASSPORTS AND DEPARTURE TAXES
All travelers entering the country must have a valid passport (valid for up to six months after visit) and a
proof of return to their country. No visas are required for citizens of the United States.
Departing the country through land borders requires payment of the land border exit fee of US$18.75 per
person, so be sure to have cash on hand on the final day of our trip to cover this and any other airport fees.
BEING A TEAM PLAYER AND PRE-TRIP MEETING
We will be more than just a group; we will be a team. For our group, we are seeking individuals who enjoy
being part of a group. If you are not a team player who is not willing to help your fellow participants, then
please do not register for this excursion. As a member of our team, you will be expected to participate in the
daily activities as well as assist your fellow trippers. While on the islands, you will be expected to help with
meal preparations and cleaning. If a member of our group becomes injured, you will expected to assist the
group.
To this end, we will try to arrange either a pre-trip meeting or social event before we depart, so we can get to
know each other. Although not required, this will be a great way to meet the others in the group. We have
tentatively set November 13th as a possible meeting date, and will confirm this once we have an opportunity
to consider everyone’s schedule.
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