BELIZE FIELD COURSE for EDUCATORS
LENGTH: 7 Days/6
Nights
FIXED DEPARTURE DATES: Jun 19-25.
*Please see our other BELIZE FIELD COURSES and our
BELIZE FIELD COURSE for INDEPENDENT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
at http://www.rainforestandreef.org
or contact us for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
*SEA-KAYAKING is now available in Belize. Please contact
Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail:
info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
*SCUBA DIVING is also available to Belize participants,
but NOT PART of our BELIZE FIELD COURSE for EDUCATORS.
We will assist with arrangements, but all divers must
break away from the group and be under supervision
of the “dive-shop” handling these activities. There
are fully-outfitted “dive-shops” on South Water Caye
and in Placencia.
*FIELD COURSES for those with SPECIAL INTERESTS, such
as BIRDING and GARDEN GROUPS are available upon request.
Sample itineraries can be seen at http://www.birdingtours.org
(being updated), http://www.gardentours.org
(being updated) and also http://www.rainforestandreef.org
(being updated). Please contact Rainforest and Reef
for details and pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
*An affordable extension to the famed MAYAN SITE of
TIKAL in eastern Guatemala is available upon request
before or after our BELIZE B FIELD COURSE. Description
and pricing is included below.
FIELD COURSE COST: 1310.00USD per
person. Based on a minimum of 10 full-paying participants.
Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double
and single occupancy available upon request, usually
at an extra cost.
Includes: All INSTRUCTION and GUIDE
SERVICES; all MEALS and LODGING as stated in the itinerary;
all GROUND and WATER TRANSPORTATION within Belize;
all ENTRANCE FEES to NATIONAL PARKS and OTHER SITES.
Does Not Include: ROUND-TRIP INTERNATIONAL
AIRFARE to Belize; INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE
TAX (35.00USD per person); GRATUITIES and PERSONAL
ITEMS.
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: Rainforest
and Reef uses consolidators/wholesalers for all of
our GROUP and INDIVIDUAL airfares. We are therefore
able to offer the LOWEST RATES available. Please contact
Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail:
info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
GROUP LEADER BIO and CONTACT INFORMATION:
Group Leader: Guido C. Berguido
Contact Information: gcberguido@rainforestandreef.org
Bio: Guido C. Berguido is native
to Panama City, Panama. He has a degree In Biology
from the University of Panama and is a Certified Guide
through the National Association for Interpretation
(USA). For more than ten years, he has lead nature
and birdwatching tours for the most important tour
operators of the region and has been involved in environmental
education and conservation activities with the Smithsonian
Institution and the Panama Audubon Society. Listed
in the Top Guides section of Panama's Lonely Planet
Guidebook as "one of the country's most patient,
qualified, and enthusiastic Naturalist Guides"….
Lonely Planet Panama 2nd Ed. Along with our Belizean
Guides, Guido will help in making your visit to Belize
a most enriching experience.
ITINERARY:
MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast,
L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Note: On the MEDICAL INFORMATION
FORM that you will be receiving shortly after registration,
please make us aware of any special meal requests
and/or dietary restrictions….vegan, vegetarian, etc.,
that you or members of your group may have. We will
be pleased to fulfill your requests/needs.
DAY 1 ARRIVAL-BELIZE TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER (TEC)-FIELD
COURSE ORIENTATION-EVENING PRESENTATION on the HISTORY,
PEOPLE and GEOGRAPHY of BELIZE. Following
your arrival at Philip S. W. Goldson International
Airport, outside of Belize City, you will be greeted
by our Belize B Field Course Staff and transferred
to the Belize Tropical Education Center. After dinner,
there will be an orientation session to our Belize
Field Course for Educators and a presentation about
the History, People and Geography of Belize. Overnight
Tropical Education Center. B L D
Note: You will be met outside of
Immigration and Customs by Rainforest and Reef Staff.
They will be holding a sign that says:
DAY 2 TROPICAL EDUCATION CENTER-BELIZE ZOO-JAGUAR
PAW RESERVE-CAVING and TUBING on the FIVE CAVES BRANCH
RIVER. After breakfast, we will tour the
TEC facilities, which are situated on 84 acres of
tropical pine savannah habitat. The ecology of the
savannah will be discussed, as we hike along some
of the many trails here and observe resident birds
and wildlife from an elevated "viewing platform".
Participants will also hear about their green iguana
breeding program and conservation projects involving
the yellow-head parrot and manatee. Our group will
then visit the very unique and popular Belize Zoo,
which is adjacent to the TEC. The Zoo has over 125
animal species on display, all of which are native
to Belize. This includes all 5 species of cats found
here. It has been designed to display them in settings
that closely match their natural habitats. The Zoo
and TEC have a well deserved reputation for conservation
of native wildlife, rehabilitation of injured animals
and an outstanding public education program. After
lunch, we will depart for Jaguar Paw Reserve. Located
on 215 acres of jungle, Jaguar Paw will give us access
to the Five Caves Branch River and the amazing system
of caves that the river passes through. The remainder
of the day will be spent tubing and hiking at Jaguar
Paw. Late this we will return to the Tropical Education
Center for dinner and overnight. B L D
DAY 3 GREEN HILLS BUTTERFLY FARM-MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE-RÍO
ON-RÍO ON POOLS and RAPIDS-RÍO FRÍO CAVE-NATURAL HISTORY
CENTER. Following breakfast, our group will
depart for Green Hills Butterfly Farm. This will be
a great opportunity for photographing some the beautiful
butterflies of Belize. A Guided tour here teaches
about the life-cycle of the butterfly and their ecological
significance. We will be taken into several large
greenhouses, where hundreds of butterfly species are
raised and kept. Following lunch, we will depart for
the Mountain Pine Ridge. This region is made up of
300 square miles of pristine forest reserve and famed
for some of the most breath taking scenery in Belize.
Our first stop will be the Río On, a tributary of
the Macal River. It swirls and splashes through a
maze of granite boulders, forming a number of warm,
clear mountain pools. Some of these may be up to 15
feet deep and make an excellent spot to stop for lunch,
a swim and to just enjoy the spectacular scenery found
here. In the afternoon, we will continue on to Río
Frío Cave and Nature Trail. A few miles past the village
of Augustine, we will descend into an area of subtropical
vegetation and one of Belize’s best known cave districts.
Our hike along Río Frío Nature Trail will take us
to the largest and most spectacular cave in this area,
Río Frío Cave. Trees along the trail are labeled and
wildlife is abundant. Río Frío Cave extends about
300 yards through a solid limestone mountain. This
is considered to have been a Mayan ceremonial center
centuries ago. The cave is characterized by enormous
arched entryways at both ends, along with unusual
colors and striations inside. Numerous stalactites
can be seen hanging from the ceiling. Following our
exploration of Río Frío Cave, we will travel to the
Green Hills Butterfly Farm. A Guided tour here teaches
about the life-cycle of the butterfly and their ecological
importance. We will be taken into several large greenhouses,
where hundreds of butterfly species are raised and
kept. This is a great opportunity for photographing
some of the beautiful butterflies of Belize. Our group
will then return to Chaa Creek Safari Tent Camp and
visit the nearby Natural History Center. It was designed
to provide a comprehensive introduction to the natural
history and geography of Belize. Following dinner,
overnight Chaa Creek Safari Tent Camp. B L
D
DAY 4 MAYAN SITE of XUNANTUNICH-DANGRIGA-BOAT TRIP
to SOUTH WATER CAYE-INTRODUCTION to SNORKELING and
SAFETY PROCEDURES. Following breakfast, our
group will depart for the Mayan site of Xunantunich,
located near the village of San José Succotz, west
of San Ignacio. These ruins date back some 1400 years
and the name is translated by present day Mayans as
the "maiden of the rock". The site is accessible
only by a 19th century, hand-cranked ferry, which
will take us across the Mopan River. We will then
hike for a mile into the heart of this remarkable
site. Once here, a climb to the top of the 130 foot
high pyramid called "El Castillo" offers
one of the most spectacular views in all of Belize.
Lush jungle is seen to the east, the Guatemalan lowlands
to the west and the beautiful Maya Mountains to the
south. Xunantunich is presently under continued excavation
by Belize's Department of Archaeology to further uncover
its place in history. Following lunch, we will transfer
to Dangriga, the largest Garifuna community in the
Caribbean, for a short boat trip to South Water Caye
(~30 min.) and begin the marine component of the Belize
B Field Course. En route, there will be a stop at
a popular craft and souvenir shop. After settling
in at South Water Caye, participants will be given
an introduction to snorkeling and water safety procedures.
Dinner and overnight South Water Caye. B L
D
Notes: Based on group size and availability,
Calabash Caye or Glover’s Reef Atoll may also be used
for the marine portion of our Belize B Field Course.
Snorkeling gear is available for rent on South Water
Caye. We recommend that you bring your own. In salt-water,
mask fit is extremely important. If you rent a mask,
proper fit can’t be guaranteed.
DAY 5 PRESENTATION on SEA-GRASS and MANGROVE
ECOLOGY-SNORKEL MANGROVE ISLANDS-NIGHT SNORKEL.
Following an early breakfast, we will begin today
with a presentation on the importance of sea-grass
and mangrove communities found near South Water Caye.
The water at South Water Caye, now a National Marine
Reserve, is more crystalline than on reefs closer
to the mainland, where higher turbidity is caused
by run-off from rivers draining the mainland. Underwater
visibility is often more than 100 feet in any direction.
Aside from the sea-grass beds we will snorkel today,
the pristine waters found inside the main “barrier
reef” support a variety of other marine ecosystems,
including patch reefs and numerous mangrove islands.
The variety of marine-life found here is astounding….colorful
sponges, countless species of coral, tunicates, anemones,
starfish, spectacular fish, manatees and dolphins.
After lunch, our group will travel to a number of
mangrove islands, where we will have the opportunity
to snorkel. Not only will participants observe a wide
variety of colorful tropical fish, but also have a
chance to take a close look at other fascinating marine
life that inhabit mangrove roots. Mangroves are extremely
important, in that they form a rich and vital breeding
habitat for lobsters, fish, birds, manatees and numerous
other forms of marine-life. Late in the afternoon,
we will return to South Water Caye for dinner. This
evening, participants will have a chance to do a night-snorkel
near the shores and off the boat dock at South Water
Caye. Just as in the rainforest, many animals become
active only after the sun goes down. Overnight South
Water Caye. B L D
Note: Bring several water-proof flashlights
along with your group for the night-snorkels. They
are not available on South Water Caye.
DAY 6 PRESENTATION on GENERAL CORAL REEF ECOLOGY-SNORKEL
GREAT BARRIER REEF and PATCH REEFS-NIGHT SNORKEL.
After breakfast, our group will have a presentation
on general coral reef ecology. We will spend the morning
snorkeling the fore-reef of Belize's Great Barrier
Reef, second largest in the world and largest in the
Western Hemisphere. Our skiffs will anchor outside
the Barrier Reef, as we snorkel over the its crest
and observe the classic "spur and groove"
formations found here. This will be a great opportunity
to get a first-hand look at "reef zonation".
Aside from a countless number of beautifully colored
marine fish, we will also observe massive coral heads
that are a common here. After lunch, we will snorkel
a variety of patch reef formations inside the main
“barrier reef”. Following dinner, our group will have
one last chance to do a night-snorkel. Overnight South
Water Caye. B L D
DAY 7 SOUTH WATER CAYE-DANGRIGA-BELIZE CITY-DEPARTURE.
After an early breakfast and farewells to your Belize
B Field Course Staff, transfer to the Philip S. W.
Goldson International Airport, for your return flight
home. B
Note: Due to weather conditions
and circumstances beyond the control of our Field
Course Staff, certain activities may be changed or
done on different days in the best interests of the
group.
EXTENSION: MAYAN SITE of TIKAL
Note: Overnight stays in Belize
may be required prior to and/or following our TIKAL
EXTENSION. If necessary, hotel reservations and transfers
will be arranged through Rainforest and Reef and are
not included in the cost.
LENGTH: 3 Days/2 Nights (overland)
or 2 Days/1 Night (flight Belize City-Flores, Guatemala-Belize
City)
AVAILABLE DATES: Before or after
any of our Field Courses in Belize.
COST:
3 Days/2 Nights: Please contact
Rainforest and Reef by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
2 Days/1 Night: Please contact Rainforest and Reef
by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
Note: For individuals, families
or groups of less than 10 full-paying participants,
please contact Rainforest and Reef for pricing by
e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
Includes: All INSTRUCTION and BI-LINGUAL
GUIDE SERVICES; all MEALS and LODGING as stated in
the itinerary; all GROUND TRANSPORTATION within Belize
and Guatemala; all ENTRANCE FEES to NATIONAL PARKS
and OTHER SITES.
Note: INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Belize
City-Flores, Guatemala-Belize City is included in
our 2 Day/1 Night option.
Does Not Include: ROUND-TRIP INTERNATIONAL
AIRFARE to Belize; INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE
TAX (35.00USD per person); GRATUITIES and PERSONAL
ITEMS.
ITINERARY:
MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast,
L-Lunch, D-Dinner
DAY 1 BELIZE CITY-FLORES, GUATEMALA.
Early this morning, we will depart by bus, for Flores,
located in eastern Guatemala. Here will have time
to shop and visit the local market. Dinner and overnight
Flores. B L D
Note: Please advise Rainforest and
Reef if there are any non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens
in your group. If there are, they should check with
the nearest Guatemalan Embassy to see if they will
need a VISA to enter Guatemala.
DAY 2 MAYAN CITY OF TIKAL. Following
an early breakfast, we will depart for the famed Mayan
site of Tikal, located in the middle of Tikal National
Park and surrounded by more than 200 square miles
of El Petén jungle habitat. There is nothing quite
like the experience of Tikal, as we go back more than
2000 years in time. Walking towards the awe inspiring
Great Plaza, one sees the Temples of the Grand Jaguar
and Masks towering over the surrounding landscape,
you immediately feel the mystique that has made Tikal
a "must see destination". It is estimated
that it took over one million ancient Mayans, one
thousand years to build all the structures found here.
The central portion of Tikal alone, measures about
10 square miles. Here, the remains of 3000 buildings
are found including Temple lV, which at a height of
212 feet is the tallest ancient structure in the New
World. We will also visit the Lost World Complex,
a group of recently discovered structures from the
late Pre-Classic Period, older than Tikal itself.
Presently, only a small portion of Tikal has been
completely excavated. Following lunch, we will visit
the Tikal Museum, which houses some of the many Pre-Columbian
treasures found at Tikal. In addition to the spectacular
Mayan city found here, the area teems with howler
monkeys, almost 300 bird species and other wildlife.
Following a memorable day, we will transfer back to
our hotel for dinner and overnight. B L D
DAY 3 TIKAL-BELIZE CITY-DEPARTURE.
After breakfast this morning, we will pack up and
transfer from Tikal National Park to Belize’s Philip
S. W. Goldson International Airport for your return
flight home. B
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