BELIZE: Birding and Ancient Mayan Ruins
February 23 - March 1, 2008
 

Photo courtesy Pat Robinson

GENERAL INFORMATION:  Birding in Belize will take us to tropical rainforest, pine savannah, extensive wetlands, riparian habitats, mountains and possibly the coast.  Lamanai Lodge is situated on the bank of the New River lagoon. Canoes are available for us to use if we so desire. The lodge is an impeccably well maintained rustic lodge with atmosphere and incredible attention to detail. We will be within walking distance of a Mayan Village Ruin, and have several opportunities to visit this site rich in history and biodiversity. While at Lamanai we will also have several river/lagoon trips, one of which will take us to a pine savannah. We will also have the option of night and dusk cruises on the New River.

Caracol is the largest known ancient Mayan archeological site in Belize, covering over 35 square miles. It is one of the largest sites in greater Mayan civilization, thought to have once been home to over 100,000 people. Located in the Chiquibul Wilderness, the main temple is 143 feet high and is the tallest manmade structure in Belize. The rainforest surrounding the ruins is excellent for birding.

On the last trip we saw 256 species of birds, 13 native species of mammals, and about 12 species of reptiles and amphibians.

PACE, WEATHER AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS: 

General:  This is a wonderful relaxing trip to the Central American rain forest and land of the Ancient Mayans. English is spoken everywhere. The lodges are all comfortable, clean facilities in the remote locations, in other words; rustic with all the comforts of home. The people working at the lodges take great pride in their work; they are very professional. The birds, wildlife, rain forest and Mayan Ruins coupled with exceptional lodges, meals, and support staff produce a relaxed pace, hassle free, comfortable visit to the rain forest.

Additional information about the tour, with specific meeting times, a list of motels, lists of things to bring, a reading list, a bird list, further information about weather, dress, and so forth, will be mailed to all participants well in advance of the tour.

Travel Documents:  A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip to Belize is required.  It is highly recommended that you apply for your passport well in advance, as it may take up to 2 months to receive.

DATES: Trip will be from Saturday, February 23 to Saturday, March 1.  There is a direct flight from Newark airport.

PRICE: The cost of this tour is $2,795.00 per person double occupancy. Single supplement is $600.

PRICE INCLUDES: This price includes all in country transfers, fees, local expert birding guide, meals, lodging and gratuities. This fee does not include transportation to and from Belize.

TOUR LEADERS:  Mike Anderson and local guides

Mike Anderson is Program Director at New Jersey Audubon Society’s Scherman-Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary.  Mike has traveled extensively both at home and abroad; included in his work experience is time as a whitewater river guide in Tanzania.  Mike led our last trip to Belize in 2004.

For tour itineraries, to register, or for more information contact:

NJAS Eco-Travel at: (908)-204-8998
9 Hardscrabble Road
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
or email travel@njaudubon.org.

If you are not a member and would like to become one, consider Joining New Jersey Audubon Society.