Arrival meet and greet at the Belize airport. Your transfer from Belize City to San Ignacio departs promptly at 3:30 pm. (Note: your flight would need to arrive before 2:30 pm to be ready for a 3:30 pm shared transfer. For arrivals after this time, the transfer would need to be private.) The scenic two hour drive by minivan takes you from the mangrove swamps of the coastal area outside Belize City through the savannahs of central Belize, to the green forested hills of the Maya Mountains of the Cayo District, and finally to the lively little town of San Ignacio, situated between the Macal and Mopan Rivers. From there it is only a short distance to your selected hotel or lodge.

(Accommodations, Cayo District)

Visit the ancient Maya city of Xunatunich for an opportunity to view original carved monuments depicting Maya rulers and warriors in their full regalia and journey 130 feet to the top of "El Castillo" to capture a panoramic view of the Belize River Valley. Then continue to Barton Creek Cave in Amish territory. Gently paddle your canoe into Xibalba (she-bal-ba), Maya for underworld. You will be dazzled by the glistening crystalline formations and awed by the Maya artifacts secretly tucked in overhead alcoves.

(Lunch, Accommodations, Cayo District)

Early morning departure for your journey to Tikal. Tikal Ruins Tour: The first stop will be in the border town of Benque Viejo (Belize) and Melchor (Guatemala) where you will go through Customs (you will pay your border crossing fee which is approximately US $18.75). Here you will be processed by the Immigration and Customs officials at both border points. Continue the drive to Tikal National Park in Guatemala (approximately 2 hours from the border). The majestic Maya Ruins of Tikal (in the Mayan language the name Tikal means Place of Voices) are nestled in the dense jungle of the Peten region of Guatemala. This site has been extensively excavated and restored and is probably the most recognized and impressive of all the Maya Ruins in Central America. Upon arrival at Tikal National Park, you will have a 4-hour tour of the site (including a lunch stop at a local diner within the park grounds). You will visit the most important monuments: Complex Q, R, Temple IV, Temple III; and in the Main Plaza, Temples I and II, the North Acropolis and the Central Acropolis. Late afternoon departure from Tikal for the return drive to the Guatemala/Belize border and return to your hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Accommodations, Cayo District)

Today, after breakfast, you have a transfer to Placencia.

(Breakfast, Cayo District; Accommodations, Placencia)

Explore Monkey River by boat, as it winds it way through the jungle from the Maya Mountains to the sea. Teeming with birds, fish, and the howler monkeys that gave name to the river, this is an easy way to see some of the bounty of this unique ecosystem. On the trip to Independence Town, you will pass through large banana plantations and small Maya villages. Near Independence, you will board a small boat that will take you through a lagoon and coastal waters where you can spot manatees, crocodiles, and tropical birds. Up river, you will take a short hike in the jungle in hope of seeing howler monkeys close up. You may also spote a tarantula, bats, or even the illusive jaguar!

(Breakfast, Lunch, Accommodations, Placencia)

Today, after breakfast, you are free to explore on your own or take one of our optional tours of the area.

(Breakfast, Accommodations, Placencia)

Today, after breakfast, you are free to explore on your own or take one of our optional tours of the area.

(Breakfast, Accommodations, Placencia)

Today, after breakfast, you have an air transfer to Belize City. Continue on to your next Avanti destination!

(Breakfast, Placencia)