Students to Belize Photo Gallery
BELIZE: RAIN FOREST, REEFS AND RUINS
9 DAY TROPICAL FIELD STUDY
COST: $1475- $1795 one teacher at no charge; cost varies with group size
DAY 1: BELIZE CITY
Our group arrives to Belize International Airport and transfers by van into Belize City, the primary port of Belize. We'll tour the historical waterfront and then return to our guest house for dinner and an orientation to our Belizean field study.
DAY 2: LAMANAI MAYAN RUINS to YAMWITS LODGE
Today's adventure begins as we head north by bus to the Orange Walk District where we'll begin our tour of Lamanai - "the submerged crocodile". We'll travel by motorboat up the New River to this ancient site looking for marsh residents such as herons, birds of prey and crocodiles along the way. Lamanai has a rich history beginning in 1500 B.C. or earlier to 1650 A.D., making it the longest occupation of any Mayan site studied to date. We will have a special guided tour of the ruins before heading south to Yamwits Lodge on the Hummingbird Highway.
DAY 3 : JUNGLE HIKE /CAVE TUBING to HOPKINS
After breakfast, we will hike through the thick tropical foliage that surrounds an interior Preserve, Blue Hole National Park. The deep aqua pool, for which the park was named, was formed when the roof over an ancient subterranean riverbed collapsed. Our destination today will be St. Herman's Cave. Using headlamps, we will begin exploring this magnificent cave that was used by the ancient Mayans as a ceremonial chamber. The fascinating history of the Mayans and their use of sacred pottery, fire pits and carved artifacts will be interpreted by our Mayan guide. Our day will include tubing over small rapids and through the caves chambers filled with stalactites. In late afternoon, we will continue our travels to the village of Hopkins, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.
DAY 4: MAYFLOWER HIKE to MAYA CENTER
A charming village on a Caribbean beach, Hopkins is home to an ethnic group in Belize known as the Garifuna. The Garifuna culture is a fascinating blend of West African traditions and those of the Carib Indians, who migrated into the Caribbean from the Orinoco Basin of Venezuela. Our hosts in Hopkins are members of Sandy Beach Women's Cooperative, who established a small seaside resort providing traditional Garifuna meals and their own style of thatch roof huts. We will visit the school in Hopkins and enjoy a presentation by the Hopkins Youth Group on their traditional dances. This is a great opportunity to play with the kids and see what their school is like.
In the afternoon, we'll leave for the modern day Mopan Mayan village of Maya Center. En route, hike the thick lush forest that surrounds the unexcavated ancient Mayan ruins of the Mayflower. This is a fairly rugged hike, but when we make it to the top of the waterfall near the ruins, we'll swim in the cool pools and enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline of Belize. We plan to overnight at the H'men Herb Center, Botanical Garden and Cottages in Maya Center. We'll learn about the modern Mayan people and their relationship to the surrounding jungle with Aurora Saqui, niece of the famous Belizean herbal healer Don Elijio Panti, and our host at the cottages. After dinner, we'll venture out into the forest to observe animals uniquely adapted to the nocturnal world.
DAY 5: MAYA CENTER to JAGUAR SANCTUARY
Today, we'll travel by bus into the heart of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This rain forest is primary habitat for the endangered jaguar, and actually has the highest concentration of these cats in the Neotropics. We'll hike the trails leading into the dense jungle and discuss the fascinating ecology of tropical rain forests. In addition to jaguars, this sanctuary is also home to tapirs, kinkajous, leaf-cutter ants and hundreds of species of tropical birds such as toucans, motmots and curassows. We'll launch inner tubes down South Stann Creek, which winds through the heart of the Jaguar Preserve. Tubing is an excellent way to quietly observe wildlife and the rich tropical foliage that lines the river. Tonight you'll have the option to overnight with families in the village. Sharing meals and the evening with a host family is an unforgettable experience.
DAY 6: RICARDO'S BEACH HUTS
After breakfast, we'll travel to the seaside port of Dangriga where we'll meet Ricardo Castillo, our host for the remainder of our Belizean adventure. Ricardo will take us by motor boat to his home, a small fishing and lobster camp in the Bluefield Range Islands. After an introduction to snorkeling, we'll examine the shallow turtle grass flats and intricate system of mangrove roots where an array of species, especially juvenile marine animals, find refuge. We'll learn how Belizeans have traditionally secured food from the sea using hand lines and lobster hooks. In the afternoon, you may relax in your beach hut surrounded by crystal clear water and watch marine animals scurry below. In the evening, a delicious seafood dinner will be prepared by the staff at Ricardo's Beach Huts.
DAY 7: RICARDO'S BEACH HUTS
Today, we'll venture out to Rendezvous Caye, an island jewel located on the majestic barrier reef of Belize. We'll snorkel over massive coral heads where huge schools of iridescent reef fish abound. Our field study today will include the unique and often strange behavior of tropical fish and other reef inhabitants. This afternoon, our boat captain will take us to the outer barrier reef for a snorkel to observe pelagic species such as tarpon, sea turtles, harmless nurse sharks and spotted eagle rays that often frequent deeper waters.
A morning hike will be offered to examine the interior of a mangrove forest. Colorful warblers, magnificent frigate birds, yellow-crested night herons, and small boa constrictors are residents of this fascinating terrestrial ecosystem. In the afternoon, we will go to English Caye, a nearby lighthouse surrounded by reefs where you can help gather data for an on-going database that we have started on the condition of the reef.
Tonight we'll offer an exciting opportunity for an evening snorkel to observe the nocturnal inhabitants of a coral reef and enjoy a campfire on the sugar white beach of Rendezvous Caye. During an optional night snorkel the damselfish, queen angels, parrotfish and other colorful daytime fish are hidden, but have given way to the nighttime plankton feeders. The coral polyps are active as the water around us sparkles with bioluminescent plankton. But most impressive are the larger secretive invertebrates such as octupus, squid or basket stars that we encounter as we carefully swim in the dark using flashlights to light our way.
DAY 9 : RICARDO'S BEACH HUTS to HOME
After breakfast, we will pack up and head towards the mainland to catch our flight back home.
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BELIZE INFORMATION SHEET
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: The country of Belize does not require any specific immunizations for entry. However, The Center For Disease Control has issued a set of recommendations for travel to Belize. The CDC suggests the use of a prescription anti malaria drug- chloroquinine (brand name Aralen). Dengue fever which is transmitted by mosquitoes during daylight hours has been recorded in Belize. Clothing and repellent is recommended to prevent both the transmission of malaria and dengue fever. As a general precaution in third world areas such as Belize, the CDC suggests getting a gamma globulin shot for prevention of hepatitis A. Tetanus-diphtheria and measles boosters should be current. Please consult your physician and the CDC (888-232-3228) regarding your trip . All medical precautions are the decision of each participant.
MALARIA: The Center of Disease Control (CDC) reports that there is a risk of malaria in all parts of Belize except Belize City. They recommend the use of a prescription anti malarial drug and the protection against mosquito bites using clothing and repellent. To my knowledge, no one has contracted Malaria over the last 15 years that I have led trips to Belize. The majority of participants have taken a prescription anti malarial drug. For more information, you may review the CDC traveler's web page at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm.
INSECT REPELLENT: Mosquitoes, black flies, and sand gnats will be encountered in Belize. Avon Skin so Soft is the best defense against sand gnats found in coastal areas. A strong pump style repellent is good against mosquitoes and black flies that occur in the jungle. A layer of light weight, light in color clothing is an effective defense against insects. The skies are not black with insects! However, if you can't tolerate a week of insect bites, a trip to the tropics is not for you!
DRINKING WATER: At each site, students are briefed on policies towards drinking water. Obviously, we are extremely cautious with our decisions about potable water. Most water consumed is bottled with a few exceptions.
CLIMATE: February-April is part of the dry season in Belize although rain fall is always a possibility in the tropics. Your rain gear should be of good quality and durable. Temperatures should be reasonably pleasant with day time highs in the low 90's and lows in the 70's. Easterly trade winds often prevail keeping the temperatures pleasant. Bring a waterproof sun block and lip balm with a sun protection factor of 20 or higher.
CLOTHING: Loose fitting cotton or quick drying nylon work well in the tropics. Lighter colors seem more comfortable in the heat. Jeans take too long to dry out and are not recommended. Laundry is done by hand as needed by each participant.
APPROPRIATE DRESS: For the most part, the dress code is causal through-out the Belize itinerary. However, at several sites we will ask everyone to wear t-shirts with sleeves (no tank tops or tight fitting midriffs at these sites). By dressing appropriately, we are showing sensitivity to the Belizean people. When packing, please include several loose fitting, short sleeved t-shirts in addition to tank tops.
LOCAL CUISINE: Meals are Belizean in style and an intricate part of our cultural education. You may anticipate plenty of chicken, fresh seafood, rice and beans, local fruit, tortillas, and ice cold drinks. Vegetarian meals can be arranged upon request. Please specify dietary restrictions or allergies on your registration form.
ILLEGAL DRUG USE: The Belizean government has very severe penalties for the use of illegal drugs. Do not bring illegal substances into Belize or purchase/use them during this program.
PASSPORTS: Everyone is required to have a current passport for entry into Belize. It usually takes 6-8 weeks to process a passport. Please visit your local post office to obtain and submit a passport application. Please make three photo copies of your passport (one to keep at home, two copies for your teacher chaperone).
LUGGAGE: A medium to large duffel bag with a length long zipper or an internal frame backpack are recommended. Laundry bags or army duffels are difficult to organize and are not recommended. Hard shelled suitcases are acceptable, but since space is limited, soft duffels are preferable. Teachers will update students on specific luggage restrictions that the chosen airline is requiring.
MONEY: US dollars are accepted throughout Belize. Small denominations (20 bills or less) are recommended since you will often receive Belizean dollars in change. There are some crafts - slate and wood carvings @ 10-50 dollars, and typical t-shirts @ 10-15 dollars. The only additional money you'll need during the trip is for extra soft drinks and snacks while traveling through airports. An airport departure tax of $20 is the responsibility of each student. Traveler's checks are recommended if you are carrying over $100.
GENERAL SAFETY: At each site, students are thoroughly briefed on all safety precautions and specific guidelines that everyone is expected to follow. Passports and airline tickets are collected upon arrival to Belize and are kept with an adult chaperone.
FAMILY STAYS: Students are given the option to spend one evening in the Maya Center Village with a mayan family. In pairs, they meet their family in the late afternoon, have meals and sleep overnight in a traditional mayan home. The next morning after breakfast, our group reunites and share impressions of their night in the village.
GIFTS: Students may like to bring a gift for their host family that they will be staying with for one evening in the Maya Center. Suggestions of appropriate gifts include: school supplies (crayons, pencils, construction paper, water color paints, rulers, erasers, glue, etc.), small kit of tools, soccer ball, children books, educational games.
ACCOMMODATIONS--please review this section!
Belize City: Double - Quad occupancy rooms in a local hotel catering to the student eco-adventure traveler. Private bathrooms with hot showers. View of the Belize City seaport from the hotel verandahs.
Yamwits: Triple to quad occupancy rooms in a creole family owned lodge located on a Citrus Farm off the Hummingbird Highway. Joy Smith and her family will host our group tonight. Local Belizean cuisine is their speciality.
Hopkins Village: Double- triple occupancy cabanas with private and shared bathrooms/showers. Some cabanas are dormitory in style (sleeps up to 6 students). Cabanas face The Caribbean Sea and the sea breeze provides our "air conditioning".
Maya Center: Double-triple occupancy cabanas with shared bathrooms and showers. Some cabanas are dormitory in style (sleeps up to 6 students). H'men Herb Center, Botanical Garden and Cottages are rustic but comfortable. Pairs of students will also be staying one night with host families in the village. Homes are traditional Mayan dwellings with thatched roofs -( some have electricity, others are lighted by lanterns; latrines are basic and outside).
Ricardo's Beach Huts: Double-triple occupancy cabanas over water and adjacent to island. One dormitory cabana (sleeps up to six students). Outdoor latrines flushed by sea currents. Electricity is provided for a few hours at night powered by an island generator. There is no indoor plumbing. Bathing and laundry is done in saltwater with a bucket of freshwater as rinse. Sun showers purchased at camping stores work great!
