Aventuras
Naturales
954-662-1539
[email protected]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
La Ruta Maya Yoga Adventure Tour
Celebrate the Mayan Rebirth in Belize & Guatemala
October 18 – October 25, 2015
The Mayan civilization is one of the greatest in the world. The earliest phase of Maya civilization
began around 3000 BC, a time when ancient societies were emerging in Egypt, China, India,
Mesopotamia, and Assyria. Large, complex Maya sites have been dated to 500-200 BC. The
ancient Maya were living in magnificent cities of stone with soaring pyramids and wide plazas
decorated with intricate carvings as the Roman Empire was fading. The Mayas developed the
most accurate calendars known, mastered astrology and mathematics, and produced exquisite
art on ceramics and murals. Their great Classic society reached its apex as Europe was
plunged into the Dark Ages. Engineering accomplishments spanning over 100 centuries were
not rivaled by modern civilizations until the 19th century. Certain constructions using monolithic
stone blocks, and buildings whose structure accurately mirrors solar, lunar and stellar
phenomena, still remain a mystery.
The Trip
La Ruta Maya Yoga AdventureTour will focus on Belize and Guatemala. We’ll explore the
historical and cultural aspects of the Mayan
civilization through adventure activities and Yoga
classes that celebrate rebirth. While in Belize we’ll
explore Xunantunich, Clarissa Falls, Rainforest
Medicine Trail, Barton Creek Cave, Acktun Tunichil
Muknal ceremonial caves and the ancient city of
Caracol, etc. In Guatemala we’ll visit the towering
pyramids of Tikal. At the conclusion of the tour we’ll
return to Belize and visit the lively San Ignacio
Saturday Market.
On the Mayan calendar, 2012 marks the year where mankind evolves to the next stage of
spiritual development. The Mayan believed that the world would renew itself every 5126 years.
According to the Maya, time evolves in recurring and overlapping cycles. The end of each cycle
marks the beginning of the next Great Cycle. In our tour will be celebrating that rebirth.
Belize “The Jewel”
Belize is a jewel. It’s a place of ruins, rainforests and reefs of incredible natural beauty, mintgreen seas and emerald-green forests, with the longest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere.
The Mayan civilization once flourished throughout this region and today their ancient ruins still
stand.
Once a British colony, Belize is comprised of 23,300 sq km of mostly lowland rainforests. The
Maya mountains traverse western and southern Belize reaching elevations of 1000m. The
country’s coastline and northern coastal plain are largely covered in mangrove swamp.
Offshore, the limestone bedrock extends eastward into the Caribbean. At the eastern extent of
this shelf is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, second longest in the world
after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
The Belize Barrier Reef is comprised of over 500 different species of fish and over 100 types of
coral with only 10% of the reef being discovered. The 300 kilometer (190 mi) long Belize Barrier
Reef is part of the much longer 900 kilometer (560 mi) long Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System,
a World Heritage Site that extends continuously from Cancun on the northeast tip of the
Yucatán Peninsula through the Riviera Maya up to Honduras. Charles Darwin described it as
"the most remarkable reef in the West Indies" in 1842.
Belize is the least populated country in Central America, ranking her as one of the most virgin
habitats in the Western Hemisphere and recognized as part of the Mesoamerican Biological
Corridor in Central America. Comprised of 4000 different vascular plants (40 endemics), 300
different orchids, 700 species of trees, Belize boasts a remarkable fact in today’s rapid rate of
deforestation, that is, 50% of its primordial forest still stands! The rainforest provides habitat for
a variety of species, including, 574 different birds (200 migratory), 1000 butterfly species,
150 species of reptiles/amphibians, and over 150 species of mammals, including 5 species of
cats, 2 species of monkeys and a long list of other fauna, like, tapirs, coatis, lizards, Olingo,
Cacomistle, Tayra, deer, etc. Together with her world class Barrier Reef and teeming
rainforests, and ancient Mayan cities, Belize is truly a gem – the jewel of Central America!
Guatemala “Land of Eternal Spring”
Coined “The Land of Eternal Spring”, Guatemala is at the heart of the Mayan world; a beautiful,
mystical land, where Mayan culture has persevered: holidays and ceremonies are still filled with
ancient pageantry and animism, and the weekly markets are ablaze with the vivid colors of
traditional handmade clothing, known as traje.
Once the capital of all Central America, Guatemala covers an area of 109,000 sq km. Her
terrain is comprised of mountainous forest highlands and jungle plains. The western highlands
hold 30 volcanoes reaching heights of 3800m. The Pacific Slope holds rich coffee, cacao, fruit
and sugar plantations. Down along her volcanic slopes, where land meets sea, vast black
volcanic sand beaches are spread throughout. In Guatemala’s El Petén, site of towering
pyramids, a sea of lowland rainforests as well as extensive aboveground and subterranean
caves engulf the ruins of the once great Mayan empire. These surface-level caves have been
used for Mayan ceremonies since ancient times.
Like Belize, Guatemala is just not ruins. The country boasts over 8000 species of vascular
plants, 13% that are endemic, in 19 different ecosystems ranging from the mangrove forests on
both coasts to the pine forests of the mountainous interior and the cloud forests at higher
altitudes. Moreover the “Land of Eternal Spring” is comprised of 600 species of orchids, 250
species of mammals, 600 species of birds, 200 species of reptiles/amphibians and 250
species of mammals. Home to fauna like jaguars, ocelots, pumas, peccaries, kinkajous, pacas,
agoutis, tapirs, white-tailed and red brocket deer, 3 species of sea turtles, and 2 species of
crocodile and manatees along Rio Dulce. Guatemala plays a critical role in the extensive
Mesoamerican Biological Corridor that runs throughout Central America. In addition, Guatemala
has 252 listed wetlands, including 5 lakes, 61 lagoons, 100 rivers, and 4 swamps. Tikal National
Park, located within El Petén is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Indeed, Guatemala is the
“Land of Eternal Spring”.
Mayan Civilization
For thousands of years the Maya lived, in what are now the lowlands of Guatemala, Mexico,
Belize and Honduras. For reasons still not fully understood, around 900 AD their society
collapsed and their cities abandoned. While their social structure disappeared, the Mayans did
not. To this day millions of Mayans live in southern Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Most
Mayans speak one of 21 Mayan languages and live an essentially traditional way of life. A
Mesoamerican civilization, the Maya occupied Southern Mexico, Northern Belize, Guatemala
and Western Honduras with some evidence of Maya in Northern El Salvador. The largest
concentrations of Maya, however, were in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. Founded about 2000
BC, their civilization reached its peak in 250 – 900 AD and then declined. Around 300 BC, Maya
adopted a hierarchical government ruled by nobles, where many individual states were
comprised of rural farming communities and large urban sites were built around urban centers
(religious and royal structures). Religion was the foundation of their culture. Maya history was
characterized by the rise and fall of city states – cities would rise in importance and then decline
to be replaced by others. Around 900 AD, Southern Maya started to abandon their cities for no
apparent reason and in 1200 AD, when Northern Maya intermarried with Toltec Indians, the
Maya dynasty ended.
Mayan Sites
Tikal – The Temple of the Grand Jaguar in Guatemala is considered the crown jewel of Maya
archaeological sites. Established long before the time of Christ, Tikal was once the capital of
one of the greatest empires of the ancient Maya. Tikal flourished during the Maya Classic period
of 200 - 900 AD and was the most important city state in the Maya region before suddenly
falling into decline in the late 800s. At its height the city of Tikal had a population estimated to be
as large as 90,000.
Caracol - Located deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, the Caana Temple is the largest
known Maya site in Belize and one of the biggest in the Maya world. Caracol was a Classic
Period urban center that spread out over 55 square miles with an estimated population of
180,000 people. Moreover, Caracol's enormous central core area covered 15 square miles and
was linked together by more than 20 miles of "sacbeobs" (causeways) that radiated outward
from its epicenter.
Lamanai – Considered the third largest site in Belize, Lamanai, which means “submerged
crocodile” in Mayan, is set in a tropical forest with spectacular views from several of its large
temples such as the Mask Temple. Lamanai was occupied continuously for over 3,000
years and its remoteness contributed to its continuous occupation, well beyond most other
Maya sites, until at least 1,650 AD.
Chichen Itza – Located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico this site also known as El Castillo,
derives its name from the Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and ITZA (of the Itza tribe).
Archaeologists today believe that this majestic Mayan city rose as a prominent power towards
the end of the Mayan Early Classic Period (600 AD) and current scholastic data places Chichen
Itza's fall around AD 1000. Chichen Itza was a major economic power in the northern Mayan
region.
The Rise & Fall
Maya saw their largest period of growth during Classic Period of 250 – 900 AD. There was a
large scale construction of urban sites (especially in Southern Lowlands) during this period as
well as a significant intellectual and artistic renaissance that lead to the development of
hieroglyphically inscriptions. During this period we also saw development of numerous city
states which were independent, agriculturally intensive and city centered. Good examples of this
development are at Altun Ha (Belize), Tikal (Guatemala) and Palenque (Mexico).The most
notable of architectural developments were the stepped pyramids now evident in religious
centres and royal palaces. Some examples of major centre’s that collapsed were the following:
Palenque – The Temple of the Inscriptions in Mexico named Palenque is not a Mayan word, but
the Spanish word for fence and comes from the name of the nearest town. The original name
may have been Na Chan Kan (City of snakes). Palenque is a fairly old site reaching its height
during the Mayan Classic period from about AD 300 to 800. This amazing place was a thriving
city then it was suddenly abandoned long before the Spanish rediscovered it in the 16th century.
Altun Ha – The Temple of the Masonry Altars in Belize technically translates to "Rockstone
Pond". This relatively small Mayan community was estimated to inhabit 3000-10,000 people. The
site was strategically important as an affluent trading and ceremonial center. This site is well known
for the discovery of the largest Mayan jade carving ever found. This solid jade head named Kinich
Ahau ("The Sun God") weighs nine pounds. Altun Ha dates back to 600BC and was an active
Mayan town until 900AD, the end of the Mayan era.
Mayan civilization started to decline around the 9th century or the Post Classic Period. During
this time the Maya started to adopt more and more external influences. Shortly after their start of
decline, the Spanish arrived in the region and embarked on a lengthy campaign (about 170
years) to subjugate the Maya. This was not a very easy task since the Maya did not have a
centralized government like the Aztec or Inca. During this period (Colonial Period) the
Spanish government and Church destroyed Maya texts and with them any knowledge of
Maya writing. Thankfully three pre-Columbian books dated back to the Post Classic Period
survived and from these books we have knowledge of the Maya Calendar and its prediction
of 2012 – the end of the world as we know it and the start of a new era.
Geography
Maya populations were divided between three major regions:
1. Southern Highlands which comprised elevated terrains in Guatemala and Chiapas,
Mexico
2. Southern Lowlands which were just north of the Highlands and comprised Campeche
in Mexico, Northern Guatemala, Belize and Northern El Salvador
3. Northern Lowlands which were the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula. Although mid-sized
communities existed in Northern Lowlands, they were not as large or influential as the
larger centers of the Southern lowlands.
Reasons for the decline of the Mayan Empire
Although there is the popular theory that the Maya disappeared, they didn’t really – just their
rulers. More than 6 million Maya still live in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and elsewhere. Sub
cultures of the Maya also exist where they intermarried and these sub cultures posses their own
rituals and languages. There is no universally accepted reason for their decline. Theories
include, overpopulation, foreign invasion, Climate change (drought) – evidence of increased
offerings and sacrifices to rain god Chac. Cenotes such as Cara Blanca in Belize are currently
being studied by physical scientists and world class divers for clues to substantiate the drought
theory. Disease may have had a significant role. Also evidence exists that Maya exhausted
agricultural potential and overhunted mega fauna (any wildlife over 100lbs which has not been
domesticated), essentially depleting their natural resources.
Cultural Highlights
The Mayan traded long distance with other Mesoamerican cultures, including the Zapatec in
Mexico and the Tainos in Caribbean. They traded cacao, salt, seashells, jade and obsidian.
Panama gold has also been found in Chichin Itza in the Sacred Cenote. “Cenotes were seen as
openings to the underworld by classic Maya” – Dr. Lisa Lucero, University of Illinois and one of
the chief archaeologists on the Cara Blanca cenote site.
Maya also built on and developed ideas from other civilizations. Areas of study included
astronomy, hieroglyphic writing and calendrical systems. They also had the only known
fully developed written language in pre-Columbia Americas. The Maya built elaborate
temple-pyramids and palaces – all without metal tools, as well as building large underground
reservoirs to store rainwater during droughts. They were also skilled farmers and practiced
sustainable farming without any major irrigation systems – they were completely rain
dependant!
Mayan Calendar
The Mayan people did not study algebra or any form of calculus, but they were considered great
mathematicians. They had an advantage over many calendar-builders in the old world, because
they invented the concept of zero. Their calendar was created in the form of the pyramid
of Kukulkan in Chichén Itzá, which was built around the year 1050. Kulkulkan was built with
4 stairways, 1 stairway ascending each side up the pyramid. Each stairway contained 91
steps, plus a single platform at the top; resulting in a total of 365 steps, equivalent to the
number of days in a calendar year. Actually, the Mayans had more extensive and intricate
calendar systems than the pyramid of Kulkulkan, and were able to predict, estimate and
measure time with pinpoint accuracy. Some of these systems were based on the stars. The
calendars that are most relevant are the Haab, the Tun-Uc and the Tzolk'in.
The Haab is based on the cycles of earth, with a total of 365 days, using 18 months, with 20
days in each month. There is a 19th month in the cycle called a Vayeb which uses 5 extra
days. The Tun-Uc is the moon calendar that uses 28-day cycles that mirror's a woman's
menstrual cycle. This moon cycle is broken down into four smaller cycles of 7 days each. The
Tzolk'in is a calendar the Maya based on the sacred numbers of 13 and 20. The 13 represents
the numbers while the 20 represent the sun and glyphs. The four smaller cycles of the Tzolk'in
are seasons spread throughout 65 days, each of which are guarded by four suns: Chicchan,
Oc, Men and Ahau. This is a calendar that is still used for divination by traditional Maya in the
Yucatan, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras
Based on the three remaining Maya texts in existence, we know about the existence of the
Mayan calendar. Although the idea of the calendar did not originate with the Maya, they
refined and extended it to become very sophisticated. In short, the Maya calendar was
divided into a 260 day count calendar known as the Tzolk’in. This was combined with a vague
365 day solar calendar known as Haab. A calendar round contained 52 Haabs.
For longer periods of time, the Maya had a different calendar, known as Long Count (The
Long Count was discontinued under Spanish rule). This calendar was used to identify when
events would occur in relation to one another and begins at a mythological starting point in the
Mayan history. Based on the GMT Correlation or the Gregorian calendar, the Mayan civilization
started August 11 3114 BCE. Their civilization comes to an end every 5126 years based
on the Long Count calendar. December 21, 2012 marks the end of the 5126 year era. “To
make it to the end of a cycle is cause for huge celebration for the ancient Maya” – Dr.
Sandra Noble, Executive Director for Foundation for Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies in
Crystal River, Florida. Many authors have made popular the belief that the Maya predicted the
end of the world, especially in the light of climate change. However the truth is the only
prediction that the Maya made was for the end of an era.
La Ruta Maya Yoga Adventure Tour
Celebrate the Mayan Rebirth in Belize & Guatemala
Tour length: 8 days
Day 1 Arrive Belize City (try to have all participants arrive around noon). Drive to San
Ignacio (2hours), check in hotel, have late lunch. 3:30pm. Welcome reception/mini lecture
about Mayan culture & history/dinner. Overnight Cahal Pech (B,L)
Day 2 XUNANTUNICH (half day) 8am: Ferry and hike to Xunantunich ruins.
After breakfast we go on a leisurely drive through San Ignacio town and west towards the
Guatemala border to visit the Maya site of Xunantunich. Pronounced shu-nan-tu-nich, it was a
major ceremonial center across the Mopan River. Xunantunich is located in the Mayan village
of San Jose Succotz. A hand-cranked ferry takes you across the Mopan River followed by a
miledrive uphill to the archaeological site. Partially-excavated and considered the largest
pyramid, El Castillo, stands at 130 plus feet above the main plaza floor, offering an impressive
view of Belize's Cayo District and nearby Guatemala. El Castillo is known for its frieze, a banded
stucco decoration, which at one time extended around the entire structure. An impressive
museum displays a three dimensional model of the entire site and depicts the evolution of the
Maya civilization. Afterwards downstream canoe to Clarissa Falls for lunch. Afternoon Selfguided hike to Cahal Pech Maya site – Return to hotel 7pm: dinner. Overnight Cahal Pech.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 8am: Half day canoeing of Barton Creek Cave, Green Hills Butterfly Farm. Late
traditional lunch in San Antonio Village. Return to Hotel. 7pm Dinner. Overnight Cahal Pech.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 ATM CAVES (ACTUN TUNICHIL MUKNAL) After breakfast we drive about 1 ½ hr to
then hike to the caves. A short swim at the entrance is followed by a couple of hours wading in
waist-deep, 73-degree, crystal-clear water, and a short climb up a winding passage brings you
to the main chamber measuring 350 meters. While exploring the cave you view many artifacts,
both pottery and human remains, not to mention the intricate stalactite and curtain formations.
Over 200 ceramic vessels adorn the chambers of Actun Tunichil Muknal. The culture, history
and geological formations create an unrivalled natural museum. A gallery like never seen
before! Travel back in time as we explore this large cave, untouched since the Maya last visited
centuries ago. Located in the heart of the Tapir Mountain Nature reserve, 6,700 acres managed
by the Belize Audubon society, a huge entrance in a limestone hill welcomes you at the end of
your 45-minute walk through lush jungle vegetation. Overnight Cahal Pech. (B,L,D)
Day 5 CARACOL 8am: Depart for Caracol – ancient Mayan city in jungle. After breakfast we
drive to Caracol as we traverse through the Mountain Pine Ridge area. The
road travels over a series of creeks, through lush tropical forest and pine forest, habitat for a
variety of bird species. A wide variety of orchids, vines and trees are also found in the area. This
site is home to the tallest man-made structure in Belize, Canna (sky palace), standing some 143
ft above the plaza floor. The discovery of Alter 23, which shows bound captives, indicates that
Caracol was an extremely fierce and war like center. It is believed that Caracol defeated Tikal in
a war in 562 A.D. Caracol is famed as the most extensive Maya center in the country. Explore
all day with picnic lunch. Afterwards relax in Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave – a series of
natural pools carved out of the mountainside by waterfalls. Return to hotel 4:30pm. Overnight
Cahal Pech. (B,L,D)
Day 6 TIKAL GUATEMALA Located in the Peten lowland of Guatemala, this huge Classic
Period Maya site, rich in jungle flora and fauna, is considered one of the world's premier
archaeological reserves. The park consists of 225+ square kilometers. We’ll explore Tikal all
day. Return to Cahal Pech around 5:30pm. Overnight Cahal Pech. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Downtime - Explore San Ignacio and enjoy the lively Saturday market place or pick from
an array of activities at Cahal Pech Resort desk. Overnight Cahal Pech (B). Lunch & Dinner
are not included on this day. Travelers are encouraged to explore the different cuisines
in town. Downtime activities such as the Rainforest Medicine Trail, which we highly
recommend can be done through Cahal Pech Resort ($35 pp).
Day 8 Return Home - Depart for airport. (B)
*Yoga classes will be conducted twice per day. Mornings 6am and Evenings 6pm unless
otherwise specified by Juliana.
About Your Guide
Tour will be lead by local guides throughout the tour. Juliana Trejo will lead all Yoga
classes.
Juliana Trejo: South Florida and S. American Guru of Yoga and Spiritual Healer…
Juliana Trejo, ERYT 500, was born in Chicago and
raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Her mother
introduced her to Yoga at the age of 17, her
connection to yoga and the spiritual path
strengthened through her daily practice, self study
and curiosity. In 1985, after graduating from
college, Juliana moved to the United States where
soon she found herself teaching Yoga to groups and
private sessions.
By 1990, Juliana had introduced Yoga to Health
Spas and gyms around the neighborhoods of
Sunrise, Coral Springs and Fort Lauderdale. She
has attended many conferences and teacher trainings in South America and
throughout the States. She has guided many towards thoughtful wisdom and
inspired them to become Yoga Teachers. Her ability, knowledge and intuition,
creates a unique atmosphere to experience the essence of Yoga and allows
students to evolve in their personal journey. Juliana conducts a 200 hour Yoga
Training twice a year. This YTT is recognized by The Yoga Alliance. With over 25
years of experience, Juliana will beautifully guide you through your yoga journey!
Financial Information
Trip Price: $1,995.00
Deposit: $500 due July 18, 2015
Final Payment Due: August 18, 2015
Single supplement (optional): $250
(Single rooms may not be available at some locations)
Make checks payable to:
Elston Chavarria
3092 SW 129th Terrace
Miramar, Fl 33027
954.662.1539
President Aventuras Naturales
Flight Information
Air Arrangements: Flights are not included in the trip price.
Luggage: Please be aware that many airlines have recently modified their luggage
policies and are charging additional fees for checked bags. Updates can easily occur
before your departure, so you may wish to contact your airlines to verify the policy. It is
always good to pack as light as possible.
Tour inclusions/exclusions: The tour price of $1,995.00 per person in double
occupancy. This price includes all lodging, transportation and all meals (breakfast,
lunch, and dinner). Also includes all ground transportation, entrance fees; tips for meal
service, expert guide services, lodging, and activities when specified.
The above price does not include any departure taxes or arrival taxes or any
checked or carry-on baggage charges imposed by the airlines, alcoholic
beverages, optional tips to local drivers, phone calls, laundry, or other items of a
personal nature. In addition, any changes in flight schedule due to customers
request will be subject to incurred costs.
The single supplement for the tour is $250.00 per person. Singles may not be
available at certain locations. If you do not have a roommate but wish to pursue double
share, we will try to pair you with a roommate from the tour; but if none are available,
you will be billed for the single supplement.
Tour Registration: The maximum limit for the tour is (12) persons. Registration is on a
first come, first served basis. To register for this tour and reserve a spot, complete the
enclosed Registration/Release and Indemnity form and return it with a deposit of
$500.00. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure. We will bill you for the final
payment at either 60 days before departure or when the tour has reached
capacity, whichever date comes first.
Smoking: Almost all our clients prefer a non-smoking environment. If you smoke,
please be sensitive to the group and refrain from smoking at meals, in vehicles, and in
proximity to the group on trails and elsewhere.
Cancellation Policy: Refund of deposit and payment, less $100.00 handling fee, will be
made if cancellation is received up to 60 days before departure. If cancellation occurs
between 60 and 30 days before departure date, 50% of the tour is refundable.
Thereafter, all deposits and payments are not refundable.
If you take out trip insurance the cost of the insurance is not refundable so it is best to
purchase the policy just prior to making full payment for the tour. The right is reserved to
cancel any tour prior to departure, in which case full refund will constitute full settlement
to the passenger. The right is reserved to substitute another guide for the original one.
Where this is necessary, notification will be given to our clients, and they will have the
right to cancel their participation and receive a full refund.
Responsibility: Each participant and parent or legal guardian agrees to release,
indemnity and hold harmless Aventuras Naturales LLC, its agents, servants,
employees, officers, contractors as fully set forth in the Release and Indemnity
Agreement on the reverse side of the Registration form. Aventuras Naturales acts only
as an agent for the passenger in regard to travel, whether by railroad, motorcar, motor
coach, boat, airplane, or other means, and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss,
accident delay, or irregularity caused by defect in such vehicles or for any reason
whatsoever, including the acts, defaults, or bankruptcies of any company or person
engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour.
Aventuras Naturales LLC accepts no responsibility for losses or additional expenses
due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war,
quarantine, or other causes. The tour participant shall bear all such losses and
expenses. Aventuras Naturales LLC reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar
category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary where deemed
necessary or caused by changes in air schedules. Aventuras Naturales LLC reserves
the right to accept or decline to retain any person as a member of any tour. Baggage is
at owners risk entirely.
Participants should be in good health and should consult a physician before undertaking
a tour. If you have questions about the physical requirements of a tour, please contact
our office for further information. Participants should prepare for the tour by reading the
detailed itinerary, the information bulletin, and other pertinent matter, like CDC
vaccination requirements. Each participant is responsible for bringing appropriate
clothing and equipment as recommended in our bulletins.
The receipt of your tour deposit shall be deemed to be consent to the above
conditions. Each tour participant and each parent or legal guardian of a tour
participant who is under 18 shall and deliver the release and indemnity agreement
at the time of registration
Accommodations and Food
Our accommodations are mostly rustic to luxury eco-lodges and small hotels.
Accommodations are based on double occupancy and in some hotels/lodges single
rooms may not be available. When available single supplements will be $250.00 per
person for trip. All meals are included. We will accommodate vegetarians to the
greatest extent possible. Healthy, fresh, local cuisine and tropical fruit can be expected!
Equipment and Clothing
A valid passport is required for travel to Belize. Visas are not required. No specific
vaccinations are required but check with your doctor or the CDC for current conditions.
You must have a current inoculation for tetanus, and a Hepatitis A vaccination is
advised.
Qualifications
The trip is rated overall as Moderate or level 3. The tour contains hikes and walks that
range in activity level from 1-3. Participants should expect fairly flat terrain while in the
lowland rainforests of Belize and Guatemala. Trails will be mostly moist due to the end
of the wet season. All participants should be in good physical condition. The better
shape you are in, the more you’ll be able to enjoy all this adventure has to offer. The
following is a list of Physical Ratings:
Rating1= Getting around on your own, carrying your own bag
Rating2= Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels
Rating3= Moderate hiking of up to 4hrs/day, biking, rafting, kayaking, or activities that
require moderate level of fitness
Gear List
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum
comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create
the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear has been
created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is
necessary.
 Gear Checklist
 Official papers
 Valid passport
 Airline tickets
Luggage
 Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase (wheels and retractable handle are fine; sturdy
and large enough to hold clothing and gear.
 Passport security pouch or belt
 Daypack
 Luggage tags and locks
Outerwear
 Lightweight, waterproof, breathable rain jacket or poncho
 Lightweight, quick-dry convertible pants
Weather
Belize enjoys an average temperature of 80 degree F year around. Humidity averages
65%. There are two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season is from mid-May to midNovember; the dry season is from late-November to early-May. Rain during the green
season is normally limited to short and powerful bursts with longer showers at night.
Footwear
 Lightweight hiking/multisport boots/shoes, broken in (good tread and sole
support; breathable and quick-drying is a plus)
 Sandals/water shoes for kayaking, sailing, and the beach
 Comfortable walking shoes
 Shoe-bag – Plastic bag
 Lightweight, casual, easily washable items for city/evening wear or when
traveling
 Windbreaker
 Lightweight fleece or synthetic top
 Quick-dry T-shirts (at least two synthetic)
 Quick-dry Long-sleeve shirt (lightweight)
 Quick-dry hiking shorts
 Quick-dry hiking pants or capris
 Travel shirt
 Quick-dry hiking socks
 Underwear (bring plenty)
 Swimsuit
Clothing Accessories
 Sun hat
 Bandana
 Travel Accessories
 Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries/bulb
 Travel towel, lightweight & quick drying
 Small dry bag for kayaking
 2 water bottles, 1-quart size or hydration pack
 Sunglasses
 Sun block and lip balm
 Insect repellent
 Personal first-aid kit
Toiletry kit
 Hand sanitizer gel
 Watch with alarm or travel alarm
Optional Accessories
 Water-proof camera and spare batteries
 Camera Carabineer – Keep your camera secure during canopy tours, whitewater
rafting, and other adventure activities.
 Trekking poles (recommended for Northern Highlands hikes)
 Pocket knife or pocket tool
 Waterproof reading and writing materials (waterproof journal)
 Small binoculars
 Motion sickness remedy (if prone)
 Ziploc bags for easy storage
 Favorite energy snacks
Things to Consider
1. Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money,
eyewear, hiking boots, a change of clothing and medications in your carry-on
baggage in case your luggage is delayed.
2. As a rule, airlines have limitations on size of gel and liquid containers. Please
make sure they meet airline specifications, otherwise they will be confiscated.
3. Bring clothing that is lightweight, quick-drying and that ventilates and protects
you from the sun and rain.
4. Bring a lightweight, long-sleeved fleece or synthetic top, especially for in the
Northern Highlands, which can be covered in a layer of mist and get very cool.
5. A lightweight rain poncho may be preferable over a heavy rain jacket due to the
heat and humidity generally experienced in Belize.
6. Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner
socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner
sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go
on the trip.
7. Sarongs make excellent lightweight, quick-drying and compact travel and beach
towels. Another good option is the REI Multi Towel Lite. See www.rei.com for
details.
8. Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry. Use Ziploc bags to
keep wet cloths separate from dry cloths.
9. If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if
possible. Contact lens wearers should also bring an extra set, or bring
eyeglasses for a backup.
10. Space for luggage is limited. Pack lightly, fitting all clothing into one duffel bag.
During the day, plan on carrying a small daypack with sunscreen, water
bottles/hydration system and camera.