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New
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Holidays

Jungle to Atoll Adventure

Belize
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LEISURELY LEISURELY

Discover remote jungle rivers and stay on a secluded coral atoll island in the Caribbean Ocean

Trip Code: BEL
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Jungle to Atoll Adventure

Highlights
  • Explore the mainland Belizean jungle along the remote Moho River

  • Discover ancient Mayan ruins, far away from the crowds

  • Recharge on our atoll island paradise in the middle of a pristine marine reserve

  • Choose from an incredible array of included activities and adventures whilst glamping 

  • Please note that for 2020 this holiday will be 11 days long- please see itinerary information for details


At a Glance
  • Group Size 4 to 12
  • 10 days multi activity holiday
  • Join In Belize City

Accommodation & Meals
  • 10 Breakfasts
  • 9 Lunches
  • 9 Dinners
  • 3 nights Ecolodge
  • 4 nights Cabin
  • 1 nights Hotel
  • 2 nights Wild Camp
Overview

This incredible holiday takes you on a journey through lush Central American rainforests, remote Mayan villages and to pristine Caribbean coral reef. This is a true adventure for those who wish to unplug and travel off-the-grid; no experience is needed as we learn new skills and perhaps uncover passions for adventurous activities in the most magnificent of landscapes. Professional and qualified guides lead us on a kayaking trip deep into the remote rainforest, overnighting in wild camps surrounded by nature. Observing the rainforest from the river is a truly unique perspective and our guides will be on hand to help spot wildlife and identify the spectacular flora as we pass through. From the coastal town of Dangriga, we board our charter boat and set sail to the exclusive and private Glover’s Reef Base Camp, located on a remote UNESCO-protected coral atoll, far removed from the more popular areas on mainland Belize. The Barrier Reef here is the second largest in the world after Australia’s and is a tropical paradise. This is barefoot, sand-between-your-toes, glamping in style. Over the next four days, the itinerary is totally flexible allowing you to choose from a wide variety of activities such as sea-kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and Belizean hand-line fishing. The exclusive line-up of accommodation is one of the stars of the show and boasts off-the-grid rainforest lodges, remote jungle camps and tranquil ocean-view tent cabanas. All meals and adventure activities are included.

Is this holiday for you?

This holiday is packed with adventures that take part in unique settings. No experience is required for any of the activities, for which full instruction and guiding will be provided. The river trip on the Moho River will be on easy-to-paddle inflatable kayaks which you sit on top of. Faster moving sections of the Moho River, including rapids and small waterfalls, are easily walked around if you prefer. Once we reach the stunning coral atoll of Glover’s Reef, you get to choose how you spend your day. Activities are all included and totally optional, making it as relaxing or as active as you wish. As much of this trip is on or around water you must be a confident swimmer.


The eco-lodges on this trip are selected for their unique locations and eco-credentials. At Bocawina, for example, the power comes from its own hydro-electric generator and solar panels and much of the fresh produce is grown organically in the gardens. On the river trip, basic but comfortable jungle camps will be set up along the banks and will offer maximum immersion and interaction with the natural environment. At the Base Camp on Glover’s Reef you will stay in tented beach cabanas with wooden floors and proper beds. The camp is lit at night by gently flickering kerosene lamps. This is comfortable off-grid living with freshwater showers, composting toilets and solar-powered refrigeration.

Why KE?

This is real, authentic adventure, featuring the best of both the incredible rainforest and isolated coral islands. Our holiday will take you away from the discovered Belize, wild camping on the banks of rivers winding their way through remote jungle, exploring on fun and easy-to-handle inflatable kayaks. After our mini-expedition in the jungle we relax at our idyllic island base-camp, exclusively situated on a coral atoll in a Caribbean marine reserve, a far cry from the more popular holiday destinations. This unique itinerary offers stunning value for money with all meals and a whole host of adventurous activities to choose from included.

Itinerary

On arrival to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport we connect with a scenic 20 minute flight to the town of Dangriga. From here we are met by a KE representative and will transfer to our eco-lodge accommodation at Bocawina National Park. This reserve is covered in lush rainforest, several thousand aces in size and is packed with refreshing waterfalls and mystical Mayan ruins. Tonight we dine in the lodge's acclaimed restaurant.

Accommodation

Ecolodge

Meals

D
After taking breakfast at our lodge, we drive deep into the expansive rainforest of Southern Belize. As we travel through the countryside we pause at the remote Maya village of Santa Theresa. If we are lucky we will be invited to a home to share a delicious midday meal of caldo. This tasty dish is made from locally reared chicken, spicy broth and fresh tortillas, washed down with a drink made from roasted cacao beans. Many describe it as a chocolate coffee. Afterwards we carry on to the put-in at the Moho River and equip ourselves for our river adventure. Our inflatable kayaks are super stable and have predictable handling, perfect for the beginner. Our guides are on hand to help us learn the fundamentals of handling these fun craft and we set off. As we float downstream, we cannot help but feel in awe as we pass through this stunning rainforest landscape on our way to our first jungle camp.

Accommodation

Wild Camp

Meals

B L D
Waking up in the jungle for the first time is an unforgettable sensory experience. Today marks the point we break off from civilisation, as we follow the River Moho through rugged, walled canyons and verdant, lush rainforest. As we become accustomed to the river, we can feel how it changes nature; from calm, meandering pools of water to faster, tumbling water pouring over smooth boulders and lips of rock. Some sections include rapids and waterfalls and these can easily be avoided by walking on the riverside should you choose to do so. Throughout this experience, our river guides will be improving our paddling skills, whilst interpreting the ecology and biodiversity of the rainforest. Understanding the jungle within the context of Maya folklore gives us a new perspective of our surroundings. Arriving at our jungle camp, we can relax and reflect on our adventurous day.

Accommodation

Wild Camp

Meals

B L D
Now in tune with the jungle and river, we take to the river for the last time. As we leave the Maya Mountains region and enter the coastal plains the river slows to a gentle meander and we have a relaxing paddle through gentle, sun-dappled waters. At the designated get-out, our vehicle waits to take us overland to our next eco-lodge at Big Falls, home for the next two nights. Here we can settle into our beautiful jungle cabanas and enjoy the luxury of a hot shower, a treat to savour after our jungle expedition. The grounds of the eco-lodge make for a welcome leg-stretch before dinner.

Accommodation

Ecolodge

Meals

B L D
Our lodge is situated on the banks of the meandering Rio Grande in the southern Toledo District. The region is well known for its pristine rainforests, warren-like cave networks and cayes lying offshore. All around, we are surrounded by striking views of the jungle-clad Maya Mountains. Hidden in the dense forest are the remarkable archaeological Mayan ruins of Lubaantun. The architecture here is distinct from most of the other limestone-constructed edifices, being made out of mortar-free black slate with rounded corners to the structures. The buildings were last inhabited in the 9th century and were reclaimed by the jungle until they were excavated properly in the 1970s. The ruins are far off the beaten track and uncrowded and unspoilt, making them all the more special for our tour. Chocolate-lovers will be in heaven as we visit artisans who still follow centuries-old techniques to cultivate cacao and produce chocolate, from harvest and fermentation to drying and roasting. We also visit a spice farm and find out about the production of exotic spices such as vanilla, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Accommodation

Ecolodge

Meals

B L D
Today depart for our UNESCO-listed island paradise, travelling by boat 35 miles across the Caribbean Ocean from the Garifuna town of Dangriga. Glover's Reef is an oval-shaped atoll, a coral rim encircling a lagoon located in a protected marine reserve. The partially submerged rim consists of tiny coral islets, and it is on one of these unspoilt atolls we find our island base camp. Our exclusive base camp is a small camp of safari style tents located right on the beach, complete with the most stunning ocean views. Here you can watch the sunset with the sand between your toes, as kerosene lamps gently illuminate the beach setting. This is off-grid living at its best!

Accommodation

Cabin

Meals

B L D
Over the next few days the itinerary are totally flexible and decided by you. Professional guides will coach you in the fundamentals of snorkelling, sea-kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and tropical sea safety. Every day will feature a workshop where you will be taught whatever activity floats your boat! After each session, you can paddle to a nearby patch of reef and explore some of the 700 snorkel sites the atoll has to offer.

Accommodation

Cabin

Meals

B L D
We are soon in tune with island life and have the opportunity to try some fun alternative activities such as sailing our kayaks. Not every day has to be filled with adventure though. Feel free to kick back and soak up the chilled vibes of this little island, or try your hand at traditional Belizean handline fishing. By now you will have your favourite hammock spot, so a good book is thoroughly recommended for those seeking a little downtime.

Accommodation

Cabin

Meals

B L D
In the mornings and evenings during our stay on the atoll, our guides will share their knowledge of Belize, its unique marine environments and cultures of the Caribbean, with a particular focus on the Garifuna people of Belize. Their Amerindian ancestors migrated from the mainland to the many islands around 800 years ago, many from the South American continent. The next few centuries saw numerous skirmishes and wars between colonial superpowers which created a diaspora of the Carib people, exiled from their island homes. They eventually found refuge on the Caribbean coast of Central America, including Belize.

Accommodation

Cabin

Meals

B L D
What better way to celebrate an incredible trip than grabbing a coffee and watching the sun rise over the atoll for the last time. Our charter boat departs from Glover's Reef mid-morning and makes its way across the sea to the mainland, arriving at around noon. Arriving in Dangrigra we take a short flight to connect to arrive back into Belize City where we check into our hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L
After breakfast we are transferred by private vehicle to the international airport in time for our departure flight.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Direction Direction
Internal Flight
Transfer
River Journey
Boat

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional English-speaking local leader
  • Airport transfers (on group arrival and departure days)
  • All land transport and internal flights involved in the itinerary
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • Excursions and adventurous activities as per the itinerary

  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for local guides and trek staff
  • Airport departure taxes
  • Miscellaneous personal expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

Airport transfers are provided for all clients arriving on Day 1 of the Land Only itinerary and departing on the last day of the Land Only itinerary. You will be met on arrival at Dangriga Airport, after you internal flight from Belize City by a KE representative and taken to your eco-lodge. If you are arriving earlier or departing later we can provide private transfers at an additional cost.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Due to the remote and adventurous nature of this holiday, all meals are included.

Belize cuisine reflects the varied culture and ethnic heritage of this small country. Seafood is in abundance and is often served alongside cassava and vegetables. Meals often feature rice and beans, tamales, panades and hearty soups. Mayan cuisine is still evident in the shape of tamales: morsels of meat and beans, embedded in corn dough, wrapped in corn husks to be steam-cooked. Kriol influence has resulted in dishes such as fish sere: a delicious fish stew with coconut milk, plantain and bos a pepa, a local pepper sauce made from habanero chillies. Traditional Garifuna cuisine is based on coconut milk, garlic, black pepper, chicken and fish. No matter where you are on this holiday, be it in the jungle or on the atoll, you can be assured of a delicious assortment of seafood, grilled meat, fresh vegetables, tropical fruits and fresh baking.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide for special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your meals with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

The Land Only itinerary uses a mixture of accommodation over the 10 nights. There are 3 nights in jungle eco-lodges, 2 nights jungle camping on the Moho River, 4 at the Base Camp on Glover's Reef Marine Reserve and a final night in a hotel in Belize City.

Additional nights are available at the beginning and end of the holiday.

Single hotel rooms and single tents available:
If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex where possible. Single hotel rooms and single tents are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning on extending your holiday additional nights at the group hotel are available on request.

The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader. Adventurous activities will be supervised by appropriately qualified and experienced activity leaders.

We estimate that US$250-300 in a mixture of denominations should be sufficient to cover your spending requirements for souvenirs, tips for drivers and trek staff and other incidental expenses such as snacks and alcoholic drinks. US dollars can be used directly to purchase most goods and services in Belize and are often preferred. Credit and bank cards can be used to withdraw cash advances from ATMs in Belize City where available. Visa, MasterCard and America Express can also be used at some major establishments in Belize City but a 5% service charge may be applied.

Throughout your holiday you will supported by our team that are integral to the logistics and activities for your tour. Licensed Belizean leaders specific to location and ecology will change during your journey. There is a larger support team including drivers, boat captains and logistics personnel that work  in the background. You may wish to reward high levels of service with a tip. We suggest an amount of around $150(US) should be enough to cover this.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Luggage with wheels is useful for this holiday. The baggage allowance for the internal flights is 22kg. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

For other nationalities, please refer to your own Government website for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice for each country visited before travel.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE TRANSITING THROUGH THE USA

You will require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), and you must get this before boarding any US-bound aircraft or ship, or entering on a land border. The fee is USD$21 and you should apply for it at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/. With the ESTA complete, the majority of British Citizen passport holders can enter the US under the Visa Waiver Programme, VWP. You will be required to have a passport with an integrated chip. Note that if you have travelled to Cuba, Iran, Syria or North Korea since March 2011* you will have to apply for a visa rather than the Visa Waiver Programme (* a full and up to date list of countries can be found on the US government website here.)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE TRANSITING THROUGH CANADA

All citizens (except for USA citizens) will require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), and you must get this before boarding any Canada-bound aircraft or ship, or entering on a land border. The fee is CAD$7 and you should apply for it at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta-start.asp

 

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Zika virus has been confirmed as active in this country. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that transmit ZIKV are unlikely to be found above 2,000m altitude. For more information, visit the website of the National Travel Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Belize has a tropical climate and are hot all year round. May-April are the hottest months leading up to the rainy season in June-October, and is slightly less hot from November-February. February-April tends to be the driest period. When it rains, it tends to be a short downpour or thunderstorm in the late afternoon. Temperatures fluctuate between 28c and 34c on average. Sea temperatures remain warm at around 28c.

Belize has a tropical climate and is hot all year round. May-April are the hottest months leading up to the rainy season in June-October, and is slightly less hot from November-February. February-April tends to be the driest period. When it rains, it tends to be a short downpour or thunderstorm in the late afternoon. Temperatures fluctuate between 28c and 34c on average. Sea temperatures remain warm at around 28c.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Lonely Planet Belize by Alex Egerton
The Rough to Belize: with Tikal and Flores by Rough Guides
Becoming Creole: Nature and Race in Belize by Melissa A Johnson
Belize Field Guide: Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles by Mark Wainright
How to Cook a Tapir: A Memoir of Belize by Joan Fry
Belize: The Journey to Paradise by Will Wesley and Deloris Stamm

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Please try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

YOU SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

  • Lightweight hiking boots / Approach shoes / Trainers

  • Sandals (to be used in kayaking as well)

  • Shirts / T-shirts / Tops

  • Lightweight trousers

  • Shorts / Skirt

  • Socks & Underwear

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • Lightweight waterproof overtrousers

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket

  • Sunhat and sunglasses
  • Lightweight sleeping bag (synthetic recommended)

  • Waterproof dry-bags (a variety of sizes to keep personal possessions dry on river trip)

  • Headtorch and spare batteries

  • Small towel

  • Swimwear

  • Water bottles 1 Litre x2 (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets
  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Sun protection (including lips)

  • Antibacterial handwash

  • Basic First Aid Kit, including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL:

  • Snorkelling equipment (available to hire locally)
  • Camera
  • Games / books etc

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

NOTES:

It pays to remember when outfitting yourself that KE clients are entitled to a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor.

All specialist equipment required for the activities provided on the holiday is included.

DATES & PRICES
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