Destinations: Belmopan, Ambergris Caye

Duration: 8 days

*Price Range: $$$ – $$$

*Rates inclusive of full vacation experience – hotels, tours, domestic transfers, and tax (excluding international airfare).  Actual price based on length of travel, number of travelers/rooms, seasonal rates (high, low, peak), number of tour activities, and mode of domestic transportation.

$$$: At or under $1,200 per person

$$$: $1,200 – $1,800 per person

$$$: $1,800+ per person

1. Day 1

   Fly into Belize Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). Outside the airport you’ll find your private driver who will be holding a sign with our logo and your name on it.  They will then assist with your luggage and drive you from Belize City to Belmopan.  Feel free to stop at anytime during your private ground transfer for photo opportunities, restrooms, lunch, or to simply stretch your legs.  If you’ve arrived to Belize around mid-day or earlier, make this private transfer a tour transfer to experience The Belize Zoo. “High five” a jaguar or hand feed a tapir while learning about the zoo’s conservation endeavors.  Continue your journey just south of Belmopan to your romantic retreat at Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge.  This luxurious boutique hotel sits alongside the Sibun River and just outside The Blue Hole National Park.  It has front door access to thousands of acres of rainforest along with stunning views of the Maya Mountains.  Enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner in the main palapa and then head back to your Mountain View Suite to enjoy your private plunge pool or jacuzzi under the stars.

2. Day 2

   After a restful night’s sleep and a leisurely morning breakfast, hop into specially designed inflatable kayaks for a guided nature tour down the Sibun River.  Keep a watchful eye out for tropical birds, monkeys, and diverse plants and flowers.  After kayaking, visit nearby botanical gardens or a cacao plantation to learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar (samples included!).  Return to Sleeping Giant during the remaining afternoon daylight hours for a swim in the pool or a soak in the jacuzzi.

3. Day 3

   Choose between a day of adventure or a visit to nearby Mayan ruins (also an adventure!).  The nearby Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch offers a host of adrenaline-pumping activities ranging from a 300-foot rappel with the Black Hole Drop to waterfall trekking within mystical cave systems.  Alternatively, head west to the Cayo District for a full day tour of either the famous ATM Cave or climb both Xunantunich and Cahal Pech Mayan ruins.

4. Day 4

   In the early morning before breakfast or right after breakfast, climb The Gazebo for panoramic views of the Sibun Forest Reserve. Surrounded by rainforest along with fruit orchards, The Gazebo is an excellent spot for birdwatching or just taking in the panoramic views.  After your morning hike to The Gazebo, head to Dangriga for your domestic flight to Ambergris Caye.  Stop at the famous Marie Sharp’s factory just outside Dangriga for a quick tour and the opportunity to purchase souvenir sauces and jams.  Fly to Ambergris Caye where you’ll be greeted by a host from Matachica Resort & Spa.  Check into your thatched roof suite and enjoy Caribbean Sea breezes with a cold drink by the infinity pool or outdoor jacuzzi.  Tonight, enjoy a gourmet meal at the hotel, which is also one of the island’s top restaurants – Mambo Restaurant.

5. Day 5

   After a tropical breakfast, spend the morning snorkeling or diving off of white sandy cayes.  For snorkelers, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve offers some of the best snorkeling on this side of the hemisphere.  Combine this with a trip to Shark Ray Alley for a chance to snorkel alongside dozens of sharks.  Divers will enjoy the many dive sites within easy access to the hotel.  Other water based activities include parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing.  Complimentary pedal boats, kayaks, snorkel gear, and fishing gear are available to use right off of Matachica’s beach.  Return to Matachica in time for lunch or afternoon drinks with both poolside and beachside service.

6. Day 6

   Enjoy another morning playing in the vibrant turquoise Caribbean waters.  In the afternoon bike into town to explore beach bars, boutique shops, and restaurants.  Return to Matachica Resort in time for a sunset spa treatment in the Jade Spa.  Try the coffee or cacao scrub or a refreshing papaya facial.

7. Day 7

   Enjoy your last full day in paradise along Matachica’s white sand beach or by the pool.  For a special treat, take a helicopter ride over the Blue Hole or Mayan ruin sites.  Celebrate your last evening in Belize with cocktails in the jacuzzi under a star-filled sky.

8. Day 8

   Take a 30-minute domestic flight back to Belize City for your international flight home.