Leslie Hsu Besner and Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVAL
Arrive at Belize International Airport where our local representative will meet you and transfer you to The Lodge at Chaa Creek, your home for the next 3 nights.
Located in Belize’s central Cayo District, The Lodge at Chaa Creek is set within a 365-acre private nature reserve along the Macal River at the edge of the Maya Mountains. The property offers a range of upscale accommodations surrounded by tropical forest, along with a restaurant, bar, and spa spread across expansive grounds. Known for its medicinal plant trail and natural history displays, the lodge places a strong emphasis on conservation and sustainable tourism practices. Its location provides convenient access to nearby archaeological sites and outdoor adventures, while on-site activities include horseback riding, canoeing, biking, guided nature walks, and birdwatching. The lodge is also well suited for families, with a variety of activities and accommodation options designed for travelers of different ages.
Go to sleep to the sounds of the surrounding rainforest and swirling river.
Overnight The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Day 2
CAVE & JUNGLE ADVENTURE
Enjoy an adventurous trip to see the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave), often referred to as the “Cave of the Stone Sepulcher.” Hidden within the rainforest of the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, the cave was used by the ancient Maya for ceremonial purposes beginning during the Early Classic period. The system features a series of chambers leading to a vast cathedral-like cavern where ceremonial remains and artifacts have been preserved in place, offering insight into Maya spiritual practices and daily life.
Your visit begins with a drive to the trailhead followed by a 45-minute hike through the jungle, including several stream crossings along the way. Prepare to be soaked by the time you arrive at the cave's entrance! After being fitted with helmets and other safety equipment, continue into the cave system with your guide, spotting skeletons and artifacts as you navigate the labyrinth of interlocking chambers. The experience involves swimming, scrambling over rocks, and navigating underground passages, making it an active and immersive adventure. Savor a picnic lunch before returning to your accommodation.
Overnight The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Day 3
CARACOL MAYA ARCHAEOLOGY SITE & THE MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE
Todays journey takes you through two distinct ecosystems and into the heart of the ancient Maya world. Departing from San Ignacio, the drive winds through the protected landscapes of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, where rolling pine forests, granite outcrops, rivers, and waterfalls gradually give way to the dense tropical rainforest of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Along the way, your guide will share insight into the region’s changing landscapes, wildlife, and history as you venture farther into one of Belize’s most remote and scenic regions.
Hidden within the jungle lies Caracol, the largest known Maya archaeological site in Belize. Once a powerful ancient city covering nearly 78 square kilometers, Caracol is home to sprawling plazas, ceremonial structures, carved monuments, and the towering Caana pyramid. Rising more than 140 feet above the forest floor, Caana remains one of the tallest manmade structures in Belize, rewarding those who climb its steps with sweeping views across the rainforest canopy. As you explore the site with your guide, you may spot toucans, parrots, or other wildlife that inhabit the surrounding reserve.
After a picnic lunch, continue your exploration of the Mountain Pine Ridge region with visits to two of its natural highlights. Walk through the dramatic limestone chamber of Rio Frio Cave before stopping at Rio On Pools, where smooth granite boulders and clear cascading pools offer the perfect place for a refreshing swim before returning to your lodge.
Overnight The Lodge at Chaa Creek
Day 4 - 6
COPAL TREE LODGE, TOLEDO
Today transfer to Copal Tree Lodge near Punta Gorda, for the next segment of your vacation.
Nestled between unspoiled rainforest and the banks of the Moho River, Copal Tree Lodge offers a tranquil retreat on 100 private acres in the undiscovered Toledo District.
Each day begins a new adventure, with locally guided tours to Mayan villages, ancient ruins, waterfalls, and caves. Activities available on the grounds include birding, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, medicinal plant walks, or simply relaxing in a hammock.
While there is a focus on sustainability, the lodge offers all amenities to keep guests comfortable. Eleven private cabanas and five Garden Vista rooms are fully screened and have private bathrooms, ceiling fans, balconies, and hammocks. The Main Lodge houses reception, a gift shop, wireless internet access, and a fully-stocked bar. Our restaurant serves Belizean and American favorites prepared with the freshest ingredients from local farmers and an organic garden.
While staying at Copal Tree, your family will have the option to spend a day volunteering with local farming families.
Overnight Copal Tree Lodge
Day 7
PLACENCIA
This morning, meet your driver and head to Placencia, a peninsula flanked on the west by a sparkling lagoon fringed with mangroves, and on the east by the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Upon arrival, settle in at Chabil Mar Villas, a beach resort well designed to accommodate families.
Settle in and take the rest of the day to unwind on the beach or enjoy the resorts two infinity pools.
Overnight Chabil Mar Villas
Day 8
COCKSCOMB JAGUAR RESERVE
Spend the day immersed in the protected landscapes of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a vast rainforest reserve known for its waterfalls, mountain scenery, rich biodiversity, and pioneering conservation efforts. Established as the world’s first jaguar sanctuary, the reserve plays an important role in protecting Belize’s wildlife and rainforest ecosystems, while supporting environmental education and sustainable tourism initiatives in the region.
Your adventure begins with a guided nature hike through the forest, where you’ll learn about medicinal plants, local ecology, and the sanctuary’s ongoing efforts to protect jaguars and other native species. While jaguars are rarely seen during the day, the reserve is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including tapirs, deer, ocelots, margays, pumas, iguanas, and hundreds of bird species. Keep an eye out for toucans, macaws, hummingbirds, and egrets as you walk beneath the rainforest canopy.
After a picnic lunch, experience the jungle from a different perspective with a relaxing inner tube float down the river, drifting past dense vegetation and tropical scenery. Continue on foot to a waterfall where you can cool off with a swim in the refreshing mountain waters before finishing the day with some fun "rock sliding!" along smooth river boulders.
Overnight Chabil Mar Villas
Day 9
REEF SNORKELING ADVENTURE
You'll have a full day on the water today, enjoying the salty sea air, vibrant marine life, and a delicious barbecue lunch.
The day begins with a transfer to a local dive shop, where you'll pick up your gear. Then, hop aboard your private boat and set sail for either Silk Caye or Laughing Bird Caye in the Laughing Bird Marine Reserve. Both islands have extraordinary waters, snorkeling, and beaches for you to enjoy, and the decision will be made based on weather conditions.
When the boat reaches the caye, slip on your mask, fins, and snorkel and swim directly from the beach into the warm waters. Drift above colorful coral formations alive with tropical fish and keep an eye out for spiny lobsters moving along the seafloor below. Return to shore to savor a traditional Belizean lunch and a refreshing rum punch. Afterwards, head back out by boat for an afternoon snorkeling excursion at a second nearby caye, weather permitting.
After a fabulous day of snorkeling, transfer back to the mainland and to the hotel.
Overnight Chabil Mar Villas
Day 10
DEPARTURE
Wrap up your Belize family adventure with a last leisurely morning at the resort.
Transfer by flight to Belize International Airport in time for your international flight home.
