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Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Belize City & Finishing: Belize City

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 - Starting: Belize City & Finishing: Flores

Notice the difference in culture, with the heavy Mayan influence and Spanish language. Enter Guatemala at the northeast jungle Petén region. The descendants of the Maya of Chichén Itzá migrated to the Petén area several centuries after the collapse of the great Mayan cities in the Yucatán.

Day 3 - Starting: Flores & Finishing: Flores

Enjoy a guided tour of the Tikal archaeological site. Return to Flores and opt to swim in Lake Petén Itzá or hire a boat for a relaxing day.

Day 4 - Starting: Flores & Finishing: San Ignacio

Return to Belize and the town of San Ignacio, situated on the banks of the Macal River.

Day 5 - Starting: San Ignacio & Finishing: San Ignacio

In the town of San Ignacio, opt to visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project.

Day 6 - Starting: San Ignacio & Finishing: San Ignacio

Enjoy a 3-day guided canoe trip on the Old Belize River. Spend days spotting wildlife and nights sleeping in tents along the river banks.

Instructions

Previous canoe experience is not required. Local expert guides know the rivers well and are happy to share their knowledge of the flora, fauna, and history of the area.

Day 7 - Starting: San Ignacio & Finishing: San Ignacio

Enjoy a 3-day guided canoe trip on the Old Belize River. Spend days spotting wildlife and nights sleeping in tents along the river banks.

Instructions

Previous canoe experience is not required. Local expert guides know the rivers well and are happy to share their knowledge of the flora, fauna, and history of the area.

Day 8 - Starting: San Ignacio & Finishing: San Ignacio

After three days and two nights on the river, return to San Ignacio for one more night. Enjoy the creature comforts of a hotel stay after two nights of camping.

Day 9 - Starting: San Ignacio & Finishing: Hopkins

Opt to rent a bike to explore the area or enjoy talking to the locals in what some call the friendliest village in Belize. In the evenings, you might be lucky enough to search out some Garifuna drumming somewhere out and about in town.

Day 10 - Starting: Hopkins & Finishing: Hopkins

Opt to visit nearby palmed Tobacco Caye and do some snorkelling, take in a Garifuna drumming show and lesson, or explore the area by bicycle.

Day 11 - Starting: Hopkins & Finishing: Caye Caulker

Travel to one of Belize's famed island paradises — Caye Caulker, where "go slow" is the island's motto. Enjoy tons of optional activities that will keep you busy here for days.

Day 12 - Starting: Caye Caulker & Finishing: Caye Caulker

Snorkel on a full-day trip out to the barrier reef where you may have the chance to view nurse sharks, stingrays, barracuda, and other marine life.

Day 13 - Starting: Caye Caulker & Finishing: Caye Caulker

Explore Caye Caulker on the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour. With free time, opt go on a manatee tour, dive in Blue Hole National Park, take a flight over the Blue Hole and coral reef, or just chill out, Belizean style.

Day 14 - Starting: Caye Caulker & Finishing: Caye Caulker

Explore Caye Caulker on the G Adventures-supported Bike with Purpose tour. With free time, opt go on a manatee tour, dive in Blue Hole National Park, take a flight over the Blue Hole and coral reef, or just chill out, Belizean style.

Day 15 - Starting: Caye Caulker & Finishing: Caye Caulker

Depart at any time; book onward travel from Belize City after 11:30am.

Instructions

This trip finishes in Caye Caulker, which is located one hour by water taxi from Belize City. There are frequent water taxi departures between 07:30 and 17:00. The Belize City dock is located approximately 30 minutes from the Belize City International Airport by taxi.

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More Information

What’s Included

Tikal guided tour. Jungle canoe trip (3-day, fully guided). Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Belize Barrier Reef snorkelling trip (full-day). Caye Caulker stay. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

3-day canoe adventure in central Belize, spot tropical sea life while snorkelling the second-largest barrier reef, explore the jungle-set ruins of Tikal, listen to reggae music as you walk down Caye Caulker’s sandy main street

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1. For the 2 nights of camping by Belize River, no bathroom facilities are provided. The guides will brief you on environmentally safe practices in this regard.

2. For any post tour accommodation you have the option of booking at either Caye Caulker or Belize City.

3. Please note that this trip finishes in Caye Caulker, which is located one hour by water taxi from Belize city. There are frequent departures between 7:30am and 5pm.

4. Special requirements for this trip:
– Sleeping bag (light), thermarest/sleeping mat (the canoeing operator provides these, be aware that the quality may vary).
– Snorkel gear provided as part of snorkel trip. (May wish to bring your own)
– Waterproof bags for gear while canoeing (recommended to bring one dry bag for items such as camera and perhaps for a dry t-shirt or jacket and a second dry bag for your sleeping bag, a few changes of clothes, and toiletries)

Please note that that there will be some camping gear in the canoes with you. It is important to pack light with only what you need for the three days. Extra luggage not required for the canoeing portion of the tour may also be safely stored at the hotel in San Ignacio until your return.

Group Leader Description

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 12

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport

Public bus, private van, canoe, water taxi, walking.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotels/bungalows (12 nts), camping (2 nts).

My Own Room Exceptions

Nights 6-7 River Canoeing, Nights 9-10 Hopkins, Nights 11-14 Caye Caulker

Joining Hotel

The Coningsby Inn
76 Regent street
Belize City, Belize
Ph: (+501) 227-1566

Please note that the departure on March 14, 2015 will commence at the following hotel:

Chateau Caribbean
6 Marine Parade
Belize City
Belize
2230800

Joining Instructions

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day. Upon arrival to the city on day 1 (or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us), please make your way to the joining hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon). Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

If you have pre-arranged an arrival transfer, look for the driver holding a G Adventures sign in the arrivals hall. Please approach them, and ask them who they are supposed to be picking up (do not tell them your name, they should have this information already). Once they give you the correct name, have your passport ready to show them and you will be on your way!

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Operator Belize (Samantha)
Office: +501 206 0030
After hours phone:+501 628 4153

G Adventures Office San Jose, Costa Rica
During Office hours (Weekdays 9am-5pm Local Time): +506 2224 5560
After hours emergency number: +506 8322 9140

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 01805 70 90 30 00
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Finishing Point Hotel

**PLEASE NOTE**
For any POST tour accommodation you have the option of booking at either Caye Caulker or Belize City on the following hotels:
Ocean Pearle
Main Street
Caye Caulker
Belize
Tel 501-226 0074

The Coningsby Inn
76 Regent street
Belize City
Belize
Tel (011-501-2)271566
Fax (011-501-2)273726

Please ensure to discuss both options with your booking agent.

What to Take

We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.

Checklist

– USD cash
– Credit and/or debit card (see spending money)
– G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details
– Passport (with photocopies)
– Travel insurance (with photocopies)
– Airline tickets (with photocopies)

– Camera and film
– Reading/writing material
– Binoculars
– Cover for backpacks
– Pocket knife
– Fleece top
– Windproof/waterproof jacket
– Small towel and swim wear
– 4 shirts/t-shirts
– Sun hat
– hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes
– 1 pair of shorts
– 2 pairs of long trousers
– 1 pair hiking pants/track pants
– Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes
– Sport sandals
– Sunblock
– Sunglasses
– Toiletries (biodegradable)
– Watch or alarm clock
– Water bottle
– Flashlight (head lamp suggested)
– First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, DEET bug repellant, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
-Sleeping bag/sleep sheet
-Dry bag
-Snorkel gear

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

**Attention SWISS clients: please make sure to get a MULTIPLE-ENTRY visa upon arrival in Belize! This will save you some hassle upon return to Belize after the Guatemala side-trip.**

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards with travellers cheques as backup is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).

GUATEMALA ATMs: Please note that daily withdrawal limits in this country are extremely low, currently set at 1000 quetzales – less than 140 USD. It is advisable to arrive with enough cash, if your daily needs exceed this amount.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Departure Tax

Airport tax – USD39
Departure fee when leaving Belize by land – BZ 37.50 or USD 18.75
Entry fee for Guatemala – Q 10.00 or USD 1.50

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected – though not compulsory – component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

All prices are per person, in USD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

FLORES

Boat tour: Lake Petén Itzá USD12

SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE

Chaa Cree Canoe Rental USD25 to 35 per person
Cave tubing USD75
Barton Creek Cave USD50 (4-hour return trip)
Mountain Pine Ridge USD75
Crystal Cave caving with lunch USD90
ATM caving with lunch USD90
Horseback riding USD40-60
Biking Tours USD55.00-75.00
Butterfly farm USD7.50
Xunantunich entrace fee USD5
Caracol Ruins Tour USD95 person

CAYE CAULKER, BELIZE

Snorkel trips USD25-70
Blue Hole dive USD210
Manatee watching tour USD80
Snorkel equipment rental $5 (day)
Windsurfing USD50 (for board & instruction/hour)
Sea kayaking tour USD (2 hours)
Kayak rental USD7
Two-tank dive starting USD100
Sunset Sail Rum cruise USD35

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes 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 are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:

www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

Trip Specific Safety

Belize City is very dangerous during the night. Also on Caye Caulker exercise caution and do not walk around alone at night. There have also been cases of drinks being spiked here.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility’ is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our CEOs work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gadventures.com/medical-form.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Trip Specific Responsible Travel

Please make sure to ask for permission while photographing local people!

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Through our commitment to responsible tourism we have developed the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our G Adventures for Good projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking)

Feedback

Newsletter

Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.

Max Pax

15

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides

Day 3 Optional Activities

• Lake Petén Itzá Boat Tour -
• Swimming -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit -
• Xunantunich Visit -
• Cave Tubing -
• Caracol Ruins Tour -
• Green Iguana Conservation Project -
• Horseback Riding -

Day 5 Optional Activities

• Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Visit -
• Xunantunich Visit -
• Barton Creek Cave Canoeing -
• Cave Tubing -
• Caracol Ruins Tour -
• Green Iguana Conservation Project -
• Horseback Riding -

Day 9 Optional Activities

• Garifuna Drumming Lesson -
• Bike Rental -

Day 10 Optional Activities

• Tobacco Caye Visit and Snorkel -
• Garifuna Drumming Lesson -
• Bike Rental -
• Mayflower Bocawina Forest Reserve Visit -
• Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Visit -

Day 11 Optional Activities

• Sunset Sailing Boat Tour -
• Bike Rental -

Day 13 Optional Activities

• Swallow Caye Manatee Tour -
• Sunset Sailing Boat Tour -
• Blue Hole National Park Flight -
• Blue Hole National Monument Dive -
• Bike Rental -
• Guided Kayak Trip -
• Fishing -

Day 14 Optional Activities

• Swallow Caye Manatee Tour -
• Sunset Sailing Boat Tour -
• Blue Hole National Park Flight -
• Blue Hole National Monument Dive -
• Bike Rental -
• Guided Kayak Trip -
• Fishing -

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