Explore Hidden Treasures of Belize
May 2-10, 2015
Experience the ultimate Belize adventure! Who can resist its subtropical climate, the diverse topography and wide range of adventure
opportunities? Equally irresistible are the impressive temple legacies
of the Mayan civilization and the numerous underground rivers and
caves. Enjoy a fantastic blend of multisport activities such as hiking,
swimming and canoeing. This is your chance to kick back and enjoy a
beautiful paradise.
Summary
Our journey takes us to the Cayo district of western Belize. Nestled amongst the lush tropical
setting at the foothills of the Maya mountains, we will stay outside San Ignacio in a small hillside
resort that has been carefully selected for its high standards and cleanliness. The resort
overlooks the town with distant vista of the Maya mountain range.
Here we will explore
ancient Mayan ruins), explore the local countryside, and discover
the mysteries of Belize’s cave system, one via a canoe and one
hiking!
All our activities will be conducted in small groups (often just us)
with licensed local guides to provide the maximum educational
content and safety. There will be some half days to relax by the
pool, or join leaders in exploring the town or other optional
activities.
Belize is a small country of 8,867 square miles that sits on the northeastern coast of Central
America. The friendly neighbors of Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras share an ancient Maya
past and common ethnic backgrounds with Belize. The influx of peoples from the Caribbean over
the centuries has also infected the country with a colorful Caribbean flamboyance that can be
seen through its distinct Colonial/Caribbean-style architecture, coconut-based dishes, laid-back
ambience and its English and Creole dialects, which combine with Mayan customs preserved to
today to produce a country of gentle and warm people. In contrast to its ancient histories, a
small influx of Mennonites began in 1959 and they have turned certain sections of rural Belize,
including Cayo district, into neat, highly productive farmland and dairies. Currently they provide
almost 90% of all eggs and poultry products in Belize! In addition, Mennonites craft a variety of
elegant, sturdy wooden furniture sold in all Belizean districts.
Climate
We visit on the cusp of high season in Belize, when warmth remains and the heavy rains of
summer/fall have yet to arrive, and the drier trails and lower water levels in rivers make
activities safer and more relaxing. The overall climate of Belize can be described as subtropical. However, one of the factors which makes it such a wonderful place to visit is the
diversity of the topography in a relatively small area, ranging from beach to jungle to mountain
to forested plateaus. Temperatures range from 50°F to 95°F with an annual mean of 72°F in
the mountains and 79°F elsewhere. So we can expect a refreshing temperature cycle during any
given day, without the debilitating heat and humidity that is the curse of many a tropical
paradise. A light jacket or sweater should be adequate for cool evenings.
Accommodations and Meals
We plan to stay at a small good quality resort accommodating two
participants to a cottage which will include two double beds,
private bath and porch with hammock. It is close to several of
Belize’s greatest natural attractions, including Maya Temples,
caves, rainforests, and jungle rivers. All meals are provided by the
hotel, home-cooked Belizean dishes, and there is always a
vegetarian option. On days when we are away from the hotel at
lunch time, we will have a typical trail lunch such as a sandwich,
fruit and cookie.
Safes are included at the office to store
valuables.
The inn offers a pool with views of distant Maya mountains; the
grounds are lovely and attract a variety of birds. It is peaceful and
quiet, yet a short walk into town if desired.
Airlines and Transportation
We are requesting that participants take a morning flight to arrive in at Belize City in early
afternoon. We will return to the US late in the day on the 10th. Leaders will provide guidance in
seeking the least expensive tickets possible, and these usually have stiff cancellation penalties
attached to them. Once tickets have been purchased, each participant owns their ticket; thus if
you wish to change or cancel the ticket, you must deal directly with the airlines. FOR THOSE
WHO MAY WISH TO DO SOME SNORKELING ON AN OFFSHORE ISLAND, OR VISIT
OTHER PARTS OF BELIZE AND EXTEND THEIR TRIP, LEADERS ARE HAPPY TO PROVIDE
RECOMMENDATIONS.
Upon arrival, we will be met by the hotel staff for the 1-1/2 hour drive to the resort. All
transportation in Belize and Guatemala will be by hotel staff and/or Belize licensed guides.
Electricity – Belize uses the same electricity as the U.S. 100-127V/60Hz
Time Zone - Belize is Central Standard Time with no daylight savings.
Language – English
Currency - The Belize dollar has a fixed exchange of two BZ$ to one U.S.$. Most hotels, resorts,
restaurants and tour operators will gladly accept U.S. dollars. In addition, traveler's checks and
credit cards are widely accepted.
Vaccinations - None
Passport – Necessary and Required
Planned activities:
One of the highlights of our trip will be a day trip into Guatemala to visit the world
famous ruins at Tikal, part of the Guatemala National Park. Another highlight is a visit of the
“ATM” cave – a real adventure including a hike, stream crossing and short swim into the cave
itself. Other half day activities will be a visit to a local Mayan ruin, a canoe trip into a different
local cave, a visit to the Belize zoo, leader led afternoon in San Ignacio and several other
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options including horseback riding, river canoeing and a visit to the Mountain Pine Ridge.
As mentioned above, the 2 highlights of the trip are a day’s journey into Guatemala to visit
Tikal, and the ATM cave.
Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) is one of the most unforgetable and
adventurous tours in Belize. We will travel deep into the Maya
underworld. This is a moderately strenuous trip in which we will
start with a 45-minute hike through the lush jungle and twice cross
Roaring Creek (expect to get wet!). We will swim a short distance
to arrive at the entrance of this 3-mile long cave. Here we put on
helmets and headlamps and begin walking, climbing, twisting and
turning our way thorugh the blackness of the cave for approx. 90
minutes. Half of the walk will be in water, and stooping under overhangs, bending over and
around rocks is part of the experience. We’ll view shimmering flowstone rock formations,
stalagmites and various cave creatures before we approach a massive opening where we’ll see
hundreds of pottery and human remains, including the remains of a young woman who was
sacrificed to the Gods. After a full day we will return to the resort for dinner and a relaxing
evening with lots of exciting memories.
Our journey to Tikal National Park, a World UNESCO site, will be a scenic one in itself. In the
heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan
civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial centre
contains superb temples and palaces, and public squares accessed by means of ramps. Remains
of dwellings are scattered throughout the surrounding countryside. The huge complex is
surrounded by lush jungle containing a large variety of birds, reptiles and mammals and as we
wind our way through the trails we may be lucky enough to spot Toucans and howler monkeys.
Although largely flat, we will be walking for ~ 6-7 miles around the complex, and even have an
opportunity to climb to the top of one of the “castillos” (below).
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TRIP LEADERSHIP
Merri Fox and Jan Schnabel have both been leading AMC major excursions worldwide for many
years; both are CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified. In addition, Merri has led this trip to
Belize twice, and is familiar with all the planned activities as well as the local area.
Requirements
a) Physical Capability. This trip is suitable for persons of average hiking ability in good physical
condition, able to walk over rocky or slippery terrain in changeable conditions. We will not be
hiking every day, but because of the size of the Tikal area we ask that participants be able to
walk up to 7 miles in a day. Because we have options for a number of activities on the water
(canoeing, kayaking) you must be able to swim. This trip may not be appropriate for anyone
prone to claustrophobia because we plan to visit one or more caves.
b) Adaptability. An important criterion for this trip is the ability to be flexible. Weather
conditions, delayed planes, automotive breakdowns can change our daily plans. Everyone is
expected to be able to “roll with the punches” as much as possible, be cooperative, abide by
leader decision, assist the leader as requested and add to the total group experience while
enjoying themselves. Foremost, while the leader will try to offer options and solicit participant
preferences, the decision of the leader will always be final as they are ultimately responsible for
the safety of the group.
c) Understanding Purpose of Trip. This trip is designed for everyone to experience the natural
wonders and culture of Belize and to enjoy the scheduled activities, as well as any other
activities selected by leaders and group while socializing with other participants. We appreciate
that each person comes with their own expectations; however, this is primarily a group trip.
Overall, safety will always take priority in the leaders decision, which is final.
Equipment List
You will be required to provide your own daypack, hiking boots and rain gear. We will send a
suggested packing list for your personal gear prior to the trip, and the resort does offer laundry
service if required.
Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance is not included in trip price but is recommended. Leaders will provide
recommendations for coverage vetted by the AMC. However, evacuation insurance IS included in
the trip cost, as well as a modest medical insurance.
COST PARTICULARS - The cost is $2490
Included in the price
1. Transportation within Belize and Guatemala
2. Accommodations in cottages with private bath (2 persons to a room)
3. All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as described in “accommodations & food” above
4. All guided and leader led activities
5. All tips
6. AMC Committee Fees
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Not included in price
1. Round trip airfare from participant’s home airport to Belize
2. Transportation to and from home airport
3. Alcoholic beverages
4. Optional Tours
5. Transportation other than with the group
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Registration - $1200 deposit (note, if after February 1 you must pay $2490 to register).
Final $1290 payment due by February 1, 2015.
CANCELLATION POLICY -Cancellation must be in writing - Postmarked date below (email ok):
Prior to January 1 2015 - $100 non-refundable fee charged; If your airline ticket has been
purchased, you own it subject to airline change fees. All other moneys returned.
After January 1 a) same as above; and
b) Any moneys paid out to vendors and money necessary to keep the trip cost from
increasing - causing an increase for other trip members.
After April 1 - NO REFUNDS for any reason, including accident, illness, or any other type of
emergency. (*)
*Note: Sometimes additional moneys may be returned at a later date, if a cancellee’s spot can
be filled from the waiting list. This depends upon two factors:
1. That the trip is filled - 14 participants (in addition to the leaders).
2. That there is a waiting list. This list is compiled by the leaders through the application and
screening process only. No one may substitute another person for themselves without leader
screening and agreement to the substitution.
REGISTRATION
The minimum age for individual participants on this trip is 18. A separate application, medical
form and release are required for each person. To request forms, please email or call Merri or
Jan.
To reserve a space on the trip: Mail $1200 deposit check (payable to AMC-Merri Fox) and all
3 forms (Application, Medical & Release forms) to Merri at address below. The leaders will
promptly review your application. Upon acceptance, a receipt and additional information will be
sent to you. If not accepted, your deposit will be returned immediately. If you have any
questions, please contact leaders at:
Leaders:
Jan Schnabel (Co-lead)
30 Mountain Terrace Rd.
West Hartford, CT. 06107
860-561-2290
janice.schnabel@gmail.com
Merri Fox (Lead)
115 North Road
Harwinton, CT 06791
860-485-1697
Merri.fox@pw.utc.com
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