ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY EXPEDITION TO BELIZE
Belize is truly a unique travel destination for all that it offers the
visitor in such a compact package. The entire country is smaller than the
state of Massachusetts. While the focus of our trip will be to visit the
incredible archaeological remains of the Mayan civilization, there will be
ample opportunities for experiencing the vast variety of flora and fauna
that exists in perhaps the widest array of species converging anywhere on
the planet as northern species meet southern. Recent discoveries in Belize
have pushed back the known dates of the origins of Mayan culture.
Excavations have also revealed evidence that the Maya Civilization
flourished and persisted here until well after the Spanish conquest. Much
rethinking of the assessment of the Maya has resulted from new unearthed
evidence from Belize. In addition to visiting the most important sites
(there are over 600 recorded sites) we will also go to the Mayan city of
Tikal in Guatemala. Off shore, the second longest barrier reef (second only
to Australiaís) in the world guards the coast and hosts over 250 species of
fish among which we will swim. Over 350 species of exotic birds are waiting
for us to observe in a variety of environments. With racial admixture
rampant the human species is colorful and varied as well. With some Spanish
and Mayan spoken here, English is the official language. Belize only
recently received its independence from Great Britain in 1956.
Highlights
Explore incredible Mayan Archaeological sites in Belize
Visit Tikal in Guatemala
Visit archaeological sites currently in the process of excavation
Visit local schools
Examine ancient archaeological treasures excavated from sites we visit
Enjoy bird watching with local expertsóover 350 species
Cruise by river boat cruise to Lamanai
View wild life in nature preserves and zoosósuch exotic species as manatee
and howler monkies
Learn about how the Maya used natural remedies as you walk through the jungle
Understand the variety of environments of which Belize is comprised
Explore ancient Mayan cave shrines
Swim in pristine waters of the rain forest under lovely waterfalls
Swim among exotic fish in the spectacular cayes of Belize
All meals included
Stay in nicely appointed jungle lodges and charming hotels
Itinerary
DAY 1 - FRIDAY, MARCH 15 - SPOKANE /HOUSTON
We depart Spokane this evening on our flight to Houston, where we spend the
night at a hotel conve-niently located near the airport.
DAY 2 - SATURDAY, MARCH 16- HOUSTON / BELIZE / COROZAL
We continue today with an early afternoon flight to Belize City. On arrival
we clear customs, meet our guide, and travel north through mangrove swamp
and pine savannah, alive with exotic birds and orchids, to Corozal Bay. We
overnight at Tony's Inn, our accommodation for the next three nights.
DAY 3 - SUNDAY, MARCH 17 - COROZAL
Today a boat takes us across Corozal Bay to the archaeological site of
Cerros. Located on the ancient circum-peninsular trading route, this Late
Formative site was once densely populated. Much work has been done here to
study ancient farming techniques of the Maya. From the top of the main
temple mound, one can see the huge canal that encircles the site. Following
lunch we travel to the outskirts of Corozal where the town's development
threatens the site of Santa Rita. This site was a provincial capital during
the Postclassic Period and had a large population.
Due to its coastal location, Santa Rita remained linked to the mainstream of
Mesoamerican culture throughout the 16th century. The afternoon is free to
explore Corozal town or for other natural history/archaeology activities.
DAY 4 - MONDAY, MARCH 18 -
COROZAL (LAMANAI)
This will be a very rewarding day. We travel south to Orange Walk Town,
then to the New River where our boats are waiting to take us upstream. The
New River is a winding, jungle-lined paradise for bird and animal life. The
narrow, deep river is very clear and manatee have occasionally been seen
here. Soon the river broadens into a huge lagoon and we see the fantastic
Maya site of Lamanai rising from the lagoon bank. Please note that there is
no dock and we may have a wet landing. Lamanai affords archaeologists a
chance to study a site inhabited continuously for two millennia. We have an
opportunity to observe the ongoing excavations of the Royal Ontario Museum,
headed by Dr. David M. Pendergast. Highlighted is a 100-foot pyramid, the
most securely dated structure in the Maya world. Another structure is
decorated with large sculptured masks in the Olmec style. On our return we
briefly explore the ruin of Cuello. Featured in "National Geographic," July
1982, it is one of the oldest communities in Mesoamerica. This site reveals
important information on its Formative Period transformation from a farming
community to an early ceremonial center. Afterwards, our vehicles take us
back to Corozal Bay and Tony's Inn.
DAY 5 - TUESDAY, MARCH 19 -
COROZAL / MACAL RIVER
Today will be a long but very interesting travel day. Rising early, we
leave Corozal and drive south to the Maya ruins of Altun Ha. This major
Classic Period center was important as a southeastern trading post linking
the Caribbean coast with the cities of the interior. The central ceremonial
courtyard of temples, palaces and reservoirs is dominated by a huge pyramid.
>From the pyramid we can see 275 unexplored ceremonial structures that girdle
the precinct as well as hundreds of mounds, which once housed 10,000 people
over an area of two square miles. This afternoon we have the opportunity to
observe rare Black Howler Monkeys, or Baboons as they are called locally.
We drive to Bermudian Landing on the Belize River where in 1985 local
farmers, the Belize Audubon Society, and the World Wildlife Fund established
the unique voluntary Community Baboon Sanctuary which now protects some
1,100 monkeys. These animals live in small, closely knit groups, which are
often quite accessible and provide exciting photographic opportunities. Our
last visit for the day is to the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center
for a quick look at native jungle animals. The zoo, under the direction of
Sharon Matola, has taken a lead role in conservation in Belize. We spend
the next two nights at Chaa Creek Cottages, a beautiful facility on the
Macal River.
DAY 6 - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 -
MACAL RIVER (CARACOL)
Our activities today are concentrated in the Mountain Pine Ridge, one of the
most beautiful areas in all of Belize. Here the flora and fauna of North
and South America appear to meet and blend together. There are rainforests
bordering pine forests with huge waterfalls and marvelous mountain views.
Weather permitting there is an excursion to Caracol, the most exciting new
archaeological find of the last 50 years. Caracol is located on a low
plateau deep in the Chiquibul rainforest and access can still be difficult.
Diane and Arlen Chase, the archaeologists directing Caracol excavations, are
virtually rewriting the history of regional Maya dominance. Based on the
extraordinary finds from this ancient city, it appears Caracol actually
defeated Tikal in war and dominated this area of the Yucatan for perhaps 140
years. The tallest temple in the five square miles of ruins (and also the
tallest man-made structure in Belize) is Canaa, or "Sky Place," soaring 136
feet above the jungle floor. A royal tomb near its top contained a woman, a
rare find that has caused scholars to rethink the roles of women in Maya
society. If the road to Caracol is closed, we explore the heart of the
Mountain Pine Ridge, first visiting the magnificent Rio Frio Cave in the
Chiquibul rainforest. This gigantic cave, with its many unusual formations
and cathedral ceiling, was once a site of ancient Maya rituals. Later we
swim in cascading, freshwater pools before returning to Chaa Creek for a
delicious home cooked meal.
DAY 7 - THURSDAY, MARCH 21 -
MACAL RIVER / TIKAL
After breakfast we walk from Chaa Creek to Ix Chel Tropical Plant Research
Centre, located on the Macal River. Walking on the world renowned
Rainforest Medicinal Trail, we learn about the ancient Mayan use of
medicinal plants as we observe these plants in their natural habitat. Many
of these plants have proved their worth in modern Western medicine, and the
benefits of many more have yet to be discovered. Afterward we drive a short
distance and ferry across the green crystalline waters of the Mopan River to
reach the ruins of Xunantunich. We have a picnic lunch in the plaza of this
Late Classic site, the longest established archaeological site in Belize.
The hilltop location provides a panoramic view of house mounds, pyramids,
palaces, and three ceremonial plazas. The largest pyramid is decorated with
friezes and masks in the Classic style. Continuing west we drive over rough
roads into Guatemala to Tikal National Park, the first park of its kind in
Middle America. The 222 square miles of the park include 3,000 separate
construc- tions within the six square miles of ruins that have so far been
investigated. Rich in magnificent Spanish cedar, ceiba (sacred to the
ancient Maya who believed its branches supported the heavens), mahogany and
zapote (the sap is utilized as a chewing gum base), the National Park
deserves great credit for its conservation efforts. Abundant wildlife
thrives in the carefully preserved tropical jungle. Since the animals are
protected, they have no fear of people and are easily photographed. We
spend the next two nights at the Tikal Inn. This is our most rustic
accommodation. There is limited electricity and no hot water (pipe warmed
only); however, the warm weather precludes its necessity.
DAY 8 - FRIDAY, MARCH 22 -
TIKAL / BELIZE RIVER VALLEY
This morning we awaken to the raucous chorus of the jungle. Overgrown
ancient reservoirs give naturalists a unique opportunity to view canopy
wildlife at eye level. There are 285 species of birds with Toucan, Motmot,
Hawk and Parrot often seen. Other wildlife in residence include Howler and
Spider Monkeys, Peccary, Deer, Jaguar, Ocelot and Puma. The sheer immensity
and towering structures of Tikal make this day a powerful experience.
Believed to have covered 25 square miles, the population of the ancient city
reached 75,000 to 100,000 souls. Pyramids soaring up to 212 feet,
multi-leveled palaces, ball courts, plaza complexes, huge reservoirs,
terraces and temples are surrounded by the exotic wildlife of the tropical
rainforest. After lunch we return across the Belize border and make our way
to the charming Warrie Head Lodge. This facility is located on the Belize
River in beautiful surroundings about six miles from the capital, Belmopan.
It is a working ranch growing oranges and papayas, and has walking trails
and swimming in a natural pool fed by mountain streams. The birding is
quite good with over 135 species of birds already sighted. Here we have the
opportunity to relax or participate in the many activities available.
DAY 9 - SATURDAY, MARCH 23 - BELIZE RIVER VALLEY / BARRIER REEF
Early this morning we travel east from Warrie Head Lodge to Belize City,
where our boat waits to take us on a snorkeling excursion along the reef.
At 195 miles in length, the Belize Barrier Reef is the largest in the
Western Hemisphere and second largest in the world. Over 220 types of fish,
as well as hundreds of invertebrate species, can be found along this
magnificent structure. Our snorkeling sites are in calm waters protected by
patch reefs, and are excellent for both beginners and experienced
snorkelers. We spend the night in simple accommodations on one of the
islands and enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner with fresh seafood in
abundance.
DAY 10 - SUNDAY, MARCH 24 -
BARRIER REEF/BELIZE CITY/HOUSTON/
SPOKANE
We must again depart early and return by boat to Belize City, where we
transfer to the Belize International Airport. Our morning flight to Houston
provides a spectacular view of the blue Caribbean and verdant tropical
jungle, a beautiful memory to take home.
Terms & Conditions
Price: $2495, double occupancy
What is included: roundtrip airfare from Spokane, overnight Houston,
accommodations, all meals, guides, escort, ground transportation,
admission fees.
What is not included: airport departure taxes of less than $50
Deposit: $500 deposit due at time of booking to reserve space.
Final Payment is due 30 days prior to departure.
Documents required: valid U.S. passport
Refunds: no refunds can be made after 30 days prior to departure unless
another person can be found to fill your place.
Escorted by Timothy S. Hillebrand, Archaeologist
Dr. Hillebrand has lead archaeological expeditions throughout the Mayan area
as well as to many other parts of the ancient world. This trip promises to
be one of the finest and most rewarding adventures his time machine has ever
taken him to, and you are invited to join.
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Timothy S. Hillebrand, Ph.D., President
Synergetics International Ph.
208-883-8814; FAX 208-883-1541
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