(You only need to take 5 vacation days if you work “regular” office hours)
UnBelizeable low price for a 9 days tour with flight from
NYC, activities included every day and the 6 R’s:
Rainforest, Ruins, Reefs, River adventure,
Rushing adrenaline and Relaxation.
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE: Airfare from NYC, all local transportation w. private van and boat, 8 nights accommodations, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, all entrance/national park fees, all activities in listed itinerary and any equipment usage for the activities. A tour leader accompanies you for the entire tour.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE: Food (except for the 3 listed meals), can be purchased for approximately $15 - $40 a day depending on eating habits, departure taxes $18.75 + $39.75, any insurance, any baggage fees and all gratuities.
To reserve a seat: We do require a non-refundable deposit of $250. Full payment is due by January 20th, 2010. You will have an option of setting up recurring monthly credit card payments. Please note, this is a small group tour of 10–12 people and it is advisable to reserve early to secure a seat.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotels/guest houses, all with private bath/shower and 7 out of 8 nights will have A/C. The price, per person, as indicated is based on twin shared accommodation. Solo participants will share a room with another participant of the same gender. Or you can opt to pay an additional $295 for private accommodation.
Group participation: All activities included in the price are based on being part of the group, but you are not obligated to participate in any of the activities. Most days you will be able to find alternative activities yourself. If by choice or necessity you should do this, we are not responsible for finding alternative services. No refund is given if you opt to not participate in some or any of the activities in the itinerary.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE A SEAT________________________________________________________________________________________
Itinerary
Day 1: Community Baboon Sanctuary - Canoeing on the Belize River.
We have a 6 AM flight out of LGA. When we arrive to Belize we will drive to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, near Bermudian Landing. We will stay at a lodge with cozy cabins by the Belize River. This community sanctuary protects the Black Howler Monkeys which are called "baboons" locally.
The sanctuary was created when the landowners came together in the region and began following a plan for using their own land, the agreement was to leave bits of the forest standing for the monkeys to flourish. The sanctuary offers an amazing opportunity to view these unique monkeys in their natural habitat. Know for their 'howl' they can be heard miles away.
Located right on the banks of the Belize River, we will not waist any time and start the afternoon with a guided canoeing trip. Our guide will point out the different flora, birds, mammals and other wildlife along the way. We will eat dinner at the lodge. (Included). In the evening, we will possibly join a guided night hike in the area.
Day 2: San Ignacio – Horseback Riding
After a breakfast (Included) we will drive west to the Cayo district to the city of San Ignacio. San Ignacio is a friendly relaxed town. Together with its sister-town Santa Elena is Belize's second largest urban area (About 19.000 people). The two towns are separated by the Macal River and Belize's only suspension bridge, the one-lane Hawksworth Bridge, built in 1949. The two are collectively referred to as the "Twin Towns". Surrounded by fast-flowing rivers and forested hills, it's an ideal base for us to explore the Cayo region. San Ignacio town is usually referred to as Cayo by the locals.
We will check in to our hotel and you will have some time to explore the city before we will drive to our afternoon activity, horseback riding. We drive out of the town to a jungle lodge where we will go on a trail ride with a Belizean cowboy. From the back of a horse you will have a great opportunity to really enjoy the lush Belizean country side.
Day 3: Zip Lining - Cave Tubing –
St. Herman’s Cave - Blue Hole National Park
Today we will have a full day of adventure. We will start with an above canopy experience where you will get a true Birds eye view of the pristine jungle while feeling the exhilaration of zipping from treetop to treetop 80 feet above the ground.
Next we will get ready for Belize’s most famous outdoor adventure: cave tubing. Begin with an Informative nature hike on trails through the jungle for thirty minutes to one hour before you will reach the entrance to one of the many cave tunnels, wade in the river, sit on your tube and float leisurely, through the sacred world of the Maya underground. Eat lunch at a jungle lodge. (included)
In the afternoon we will drive to the Blue Hole National Park. The park is managed by the Belize Audubon Society. We will first visit St. Herman's Cave, the cave has beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone formations. The cave is of great archaeological interest. It was used by the Maya during the Classic Period. Potteries, spears and torches has been found in the cave.
Last we will take a refreshing swim in the natural jungle pool formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave from which the park gets its name. This inland "blue hole" is not to be confused with the offshore Great Blue Hole, also in Belize.
Day 4: Mountain Pine Ridge
Forest Reserve
Today we will drive west to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. This nature reserve was established in 1944 to protect and manage the native pine forest. It is estimated to cover an area of 106,352.5 acres (430 km²). This reserve is full of natural wonders. We will visit Big Rock Falls, a 150 feet waterfall plummeting into the deep of a perfect round pool at its base, nice for swimming.
Experience also the spectacular Rio Frio Cave, its 65-foot arched entryway is the largest of any cave in Belize; it will leave you in awe. Huge stalactites hang from the massive cathedral-like vault, which is part of a cave system the Maya used to bury their dead. Room size boulders, a beach area and a stream forming pools with cascading falls are all to be found in this cave.
Last we will visit Rio On Pools. This area is breathtaking, small waterfalls making their journey over large granite rocks, spilling into cool round pools all connected by natural waterslides as the river makes its way downstream. It is a natural swimming pool wonderland and it will surely provide you with a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Day 5: Xunantunich – Flores, Guatemala
Today we will drive to Guatemala. On the way, we will first visit the Mayan site Xunantunich, aka 'Stone Maiden', set on a leveled hilltop near the Belize River, it is the archaeological pride of Belize. The site once flourished as a ceremonial center and is thought to have been abandoned after an earthquake around 900 AD. Its tallest building, the pyramid El Castillo, rises an impressive 131ft (40m) above the jungle and it properly offers the greatest view from any of the Mayan structures in Belize.
Next we will drive cross the border to Guatemala, where you will immediately notice the different in culture.
We will drive to Flores where we will check into our hotel. (Photo is of the actual hotel we will be staying at)
Flores is situated on an island on Lake Petén Itzá and is connected by a causeway to its sister town of Santa Elena. Flores is the departmental capital of the Petén region.Flores is a small slow-paced village with friendly people.
Enjoy exploring the narrow cobblestone streets flanked by handicraft stores and charming pastel colored red roofed houses. Stroll the streets, shop for handicrafts, or take a swim in the lake.
Day 6: Tikal – Hanging Bridges Canopy Walk
Today we will visit the grand daddy of all Mayan sites: themajestic Tikal. Nestled in the dense jungle of Peten. With more than 3,000 structures including temples, palaces, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, avenues and plazas. This is the largest Mayan site in the world. The Maya began building Tikal around 600 B.C. and had its peak some 1,500 years ago. Tikal was a wealthy metropolis, home to estimated more than 100,000 Mayans, as well an important religious, scientific, and political center. One of the more prominent structures isTemple IV with a height of 212 ft (65m) this is the tallest pyramid in the Maya world and was the tallest building in the Americas until the construction of skyscrapers in the 18th century. Enjoy the spectacular view from the top.
In addition to its numerous well-excavated temples and pyramids, Tikal presents an excellent opportunity for animal and bird-watching. Roaring howler monkeys and squawking parrots provide nature's soundtrack and along the paths, spider monkeys, gray foxes, toucans, hummingbirds, coatis-mundis, iguanas and even crocodiles can be seen. Tikal is the only place in the world which has been declared both a Natural & a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.
Next we will experience another jungle adventure, hanging bridges. In heights of 60 – 100 feet together with a guide you will have direct contact with nature. During the walk you will learn about the large diversity of plants, trees and wild life of a tropical forest from a bird's eye perspective.
We will then drive to El Remate where we will check into our hotel and possible take a swim in Lake Petén if there is still any sunlight left.
Day 7: Belize Zoo – Caye Caulker
Today we have an early departure from Guatemala to cross the border to get back to Belize, we will drive to Belize City to catch a boat to take us to the island of Caye Caulker. On the way we will visit Belize Zoo which is known as “the best little zoo in the world”. Unlike most zoos in the world, the animals here are not kept in cages or surrounded by bars but rather housed in large surroundings similar to their natural habitat.
The Zoo exhibits over 125 animals all indigenous to Belize. None of them have been captured for the sake of display, they are rehabilitated animals, pets given up by owners when things got out of hand, animals seized by the government for illegal ownership or sent to the zoo as gifts from other zoological institutions. A visit here will also provide you with a close up introduction to some of wildlife that you are unlikely to actually see in the wild. This is especially the case with the jaguar. These beautiful cats are nocturnal and are seldom seen by tourists.
We will then catch a boat to Caye Caulker, after approx. 45 min on the water; we will arrive to this small limestone coral island in the Caribbean Sea which are a part of a chain of islands forming the second largest Reef in the world. We have specifically chosen this Island for its laid back atmosphere, its ability to remain friendly and easy-going, and avoiding the commercialism of other destinations such as the bigger Island of Ambergris Caye.
Shoes are a no on the island, the main mode of transport is simply walking. Bicycles and golf carts are also common and can be rented. Caye Caulker measures about 5 miles by less than 1 mile. The town on the island is known by the name Caye Caulker Village with a population of 1,300 people, mostly Mestizo, Garifuna and Creole.
We will check into our hotel, and you will have the afternoon to explore the island or maybe take an optional snorkeling tour. (At your own cost)
Day 8: Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley Snorkeling Tour
Get ready for a snorkeling experience of a lifetime. We will sail to Hol Chan Marine Reserve just south of Ambergris Caye, This is the most popular diving/snorkeling sites in all of Belize. The reserve consist of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forest.
Hol Chan is Mayan for 'little channel." Due to its protected status, what was once a depleted fishing area has now been allowed to re-generate, providing an unparalleled diving/snorkeling experience for visitors and an important refuge for marine life along the northern section of the Belize Barrier Reef. The entire reserve is divided into four zones, one of the zones is called Shark Ray Alley. Here there is a large concentration of nurse sharks and sting rays. These animals have a great tolerance for divers and snorkelers and seem to enjoy the human interaction.
The sting rays have a “wing-span” of 2-4 ft.and the gentle Nurse Sharks average 4-7 ft. in length. It is important though that you maintain your perspective, these are wild creatures first and as such can be unpredictable in their behavior. Listen to your snorkeling/dive master and the best course of action is to leave the touching and potential feeding to the snorkeling/dive master. This is without any doubts a truly an unforgettable encounter with nature.
Day 9: Morning Relaxation & Traveling back to NYC
Catch the last rays from the sun before we sail back to Belize City. Land transfer to Belize International Airport and fly back to NYC. Arrival at LGA airport at 12:10AM.
While we do our best to adhere to the listed itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility. Sometimes for reasons there is out of Hines Tours control, it may be necessary to make alterations. The itinerary is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife viewing is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Hines Tours will always do the best to stay with the planned itinerary.
Minimum age is 18 years old.We do asa minimum require an average level of physical fitness and mobility.For elderly participants we would like to point out that adventure travel is essentially more rigorous than conventional vacations and can be physically demanding. All participants must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 4-5 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage for a minimum of 5-10 minutes. While our guides/leaders do their best to ensure that all participants are catered to equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Required Documents
The Participant accepts full responsibility for obtaining all such documents, visas and permits prior to the start of the tour, and is solely responsible for any consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation.
Passport: A valid passport must be valid 6 months past the return date.
Visas:This is a guide line. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up to date visa requirements.
Belize visa is not required for citizens of United States, Canada, Australia, and most Western European and Caribbean countries. (For a stays up to 30 days) If a visa is required for entering Belize, you must purchase a double entry visa for re-entry to Belize on return from Guatemala.
Guatemala visa is not required for citizens of United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Nationals of EU countries. (For a stays up to 30 days)
Liability Waiver & Participant info: You must sign and submit a Liability waiver and any other required information from Hines Tours Inc. latest 60 days before start date of the tour. The waiver will be mailed to you.
Travel Insurance: Travel medical insurance is mandatory! Our minimum insurance policy coverage for medical emergency evacuation and repatriation is US$200,000. We recommend either Seven Corners who have very reasonable priced travel insurance including Hazardous Sport Coverage or World Nomads travel insurance which is designed for adventure traveling. Both will cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and trip Cancellation or trip Interruption.
It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure they have the correct coverage. Suggested websites:
Please Note:You will not be permitted to join this tour without travel insurance!
Cancellation Policy for Hines Tours International Tours
Any cancellation by a participant must be made in writing and acknowledged by Hines Tours. The date on which the request to cancel is received by Hines Tours will determinate the cancellation charge applicable. If for any reason full payment and Liability waiver is not received by the due date, Hines Tours reserves the right to treat the customers booking as canceled and full penalties will apply.
The cancellation charges are expressed as a percentage of the total tour price.
A. Cancellation 60 days or more before departure: Loss of deposit.
B. Cancellation 59-30 days before departure: 50% of cost of the tour.
C. Cancellation less than 30 days before departure: 100% of cost of the tour
This cancellation policy applies to ANY reason for cancellation
Guides
You will have one English speaking tour leader joining you from the airport in NYC and in Belize and Guatemala you will have additional local English speaking tour guides.
Belize Departure Fees
Departure Tax: Airport tax - USD39.75 (Cash)
Departure fee when leaving Belize by land - USD 18.75 (Cash)
Flight Schedule:
AA 2203 20MAR LGA - MIA 6:00A9:05A
AA 2103 20MAR MIA - BZE 10:55A 11:05A
AA 2104 28MAR BZE - MIA 2:40P6:40P
AA 1260 28MAR MIA - LGA 9:20P 12:10A29MAR
Spending Money
You need to bring enough money to cover meals not included in the price; drinks, tips, incidentals, souvenirs and departure fees (To be paid in US cash). Credit and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa card is the most widely accepted cards. Few places take AMEX. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Central America. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and credit cards with travelers' cheques as backup is best. Always bring rather more than less, you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
Health Concerns
This is a guide line.Hines Tours is not responsible for any of the information provided. This is purely advisory, provided as a courtesy to the participant. Consult your doctor.
You should consult your doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders/guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. Please read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with this style of travel. Hines Tours reserves the right to exclude any participant from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Recommended inoculations by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Rabies.
Malaria: We will be visiting malaria risk areas; chloroquine is the recommended antimalarial drug. First dose of chloroquine has to be taken 1 week before arrival in the malaria-risk area.
Also recommended: A medical and a dental check-up prior to traveling and that you know your blood group in case of emergency.
Nice to know: To date (May 22nd. 2009) Belize has no confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza A. All tests results up to date have been negative for the virus.
Medical Supplies: We advise that all participants bring along their own personal first aid kit with the following recommended items: band aids/bandages, aspirin/panadol, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, laxatives, re-hydration powder, and any extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Health Precautions: Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans and bottles. AVOID tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes. Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Only eat dairy products you know have been pasteurized. Protect yourself from insects. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
Security and Safety
Hines Tours adventure tours will open up a world of excitement, thrills and opportunities. With that, there are certain inherent risks and rewards beyond which you could reasonably expect by staying at home. The infrastructure (hospitals, transport, emergency services etc) of some of the countries we visit may be lacking when compared to what you are used to at home.
At times we will operate in remote locations where support and emergency assistance is not always readily available.
Guatemala used to have a reputation of being a dangerous place, but this has changed. Realizing how important the local economy is relying on money from tourism, security has been steeped up drastically in recent years and traveling here is now done by ease. (Guatemala City still has some security problems, but we are not going there)
Personal belongings: We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet worn close to your body or a money belt while traveling, for the safe keeping of your passport, credit cards, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - Wearing jewelry and expensive watches will only attract attention. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, if available use safety deposit boxes. You are solely responsible for your own valuables. We also recommend that you keep your cash several different places on your self and in your luggage.
Hines Tours takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while traveling with us. Hines Tours representatives do have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Food
Eating local is a big part of traveling and provides an important insight into local ways of life. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom you eat, we have chosen not to include all meals. This will also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Central American food is delicious, nutritious and varied and there is usually an excellent range of restaurants to choose from.
Climate
Subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. High annual temperatures and humidity. The rainy season is from mid-May until November with a dry season from January to April. The hurricane season is from June to the end of November. January is the coldest month and May is the hottest. Temperature average high 80-90, average low 70-75.
Illegal Conduct
A Couple of Rules: Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the country but also puts Hines Tours staff and other participants at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of some local cultures but is not acceptable for Hines Tours participants, neither is the exploitation of prostitutes.
If any participants are found to have drugs in their possession or they use prostitutes, they will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while traveling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can access from any computer. Internet Cafes are available almost everywhere we will be staying. If you want to use your mobile phone, check with your phone supplier to see if it is compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that we are traveling to. Many days, we will be in rural areas without any mobile phone service. We will before the start of the tour on this page list all the phone numbers for the hotels we have scheduled to stay at (these are subject to change). We ask only to use these numbers to contact participants in an emergency.
Belize Info
Belize, formerly British Honduras, is a small Caribbean/Central American country.The country has a lot more in common with the Caribbean islands than its Central American neighbors. For the outdoor enthusiast, Belize presents unlimited opportunities. Over 60% of its land still covered by tropical forests and throughout the country you will find archaeological and national parks, marine and nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. Mayan temples tower above rainforest canopies while an incredible array of marine wildlife finds protection in Belize's barrier reef which is the longest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere and the second longest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. Belize also has the largest cave system in Central America. With its various cultural, language and ethnic groups and due to racial harmony, religious tolerance and a relatively non-violent political culture, all of these different elements have blended successfully to give Belize a widespread reputation of being a country with very friendly people.
Guatemala info
Guatemala is in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. Guatemala is a magical place. If you’re into the Maya, the mountains, the markets or a million other things, you’re bound to be captivated. People come and they stay, or they leave and return. Guatemala's abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems contributes to Mesoamerica's designation as a biodiversity hotspot. Guatemala's Maya heritage is everywhere. Guatemala is the quintessential of a Central American experience.
Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Mennonite, other Protestant, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist.
Roman Catholic, Protestant and traditional Mayan.
Languages
English (official), Creole, Spanish, Garifuna and Mayan
Spanish and 24 indigenous languages
Packing List
We recommend the use of one backpack or duffel bag (whatever you find easiest to carry) as your big luggage, we strongly recommend that you do not bring a suitcase due to the difficulty of carrying it and traveling with it on a van. Your big bag must not weigh more than 50 pounds and may not exceed a total outer dimensions of 62 inches (length + width + height). you should also bring a small backpack for day tours. You should be able to carry your entire luggage and walk for a minimum of 5-10 min.
Items in bold is required, items not in bold is strongly recommended.
Passport (with photocopies. Spare passport photos is also recommended)
Any entry visas ifrequired
USD cash
Credit and/or debit card (see spending money)
Travelers cheques (optional to bring a small amount as backup, though they are sometimes difficult to cash)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Vaccination certificates
Tour detail papers
Alarm clock
Camera w. extra memory/film. Disposable underwater camera.
Personal toiletries
Towel
Soap to hand wash clothes (Laundry facilities are not always available)
Flashlight w. extra batteries
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Money belt and/or neck wallet
Swiss Army knife (Don’t pack in carrying luggage when flying)
Recommended clothes: Hiking boots or good sneakers, Rain gear, Fleece jacket or light wind breaker, Pants that can be "zipped" into shorts and vice versa, water shoes, swim wear, in general we recommend fast drying clothes.
Snorkeling gear will be provided for the snorkeling tour, if you prefer to use your own, we recommend that you only bring the snorkel and the mask, the transportation we are using have limited space.
First aid kit (should contain band aids/bandages, aspirin/panadol, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, laxatives, re-hydration powder, and any extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
We recommend you to scan and email copies to yourself of passport and insurance papers for extra security, you will need an email that you can access from anywhere in the world such as Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, Aol and so on.
NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Comparison Chart
Although Belize is considered the most expensive country in Central America, we have managed to organize this tour for not only a smaller price than our competitors, but probably also including more exciting activities as well. A big difference is also that we include the airfare from NYC.
Any information or advice given by Hines Tours Inc. regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, etc. is purely advisory, provided as a courtesy to the participant, and Hines Tours is not responsible for any errors or omissions as to the information provided.
Day 4: Mountain Pine Ridge 
