Depart for Belize City, Belize
Arrive in Belize City - Transfer to San Ignacio
Check in, Relax & Refresh
Orientation Walking Tour
Welcome Dinner - The group will be taken for an authentic dinner with a variety of menu options to cater all diets.
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Xunantunich Ancient Maya Archaeological Site – The name of this ancient Mayan ruin is a tongue twister, but to indigenous peoples who made this sacred site their home for millennia, Xunantunich was a safe, secure hilltop area with plenty of vantage points, in case a neighboring army of usurpers or explorers from abroad sought to claim this stronghold.
Lunch Break
Time Off to Explore Town
San Ignacio is a town located in the Cayo District of Belize, known for its vibrant culture, historical significance, and proximity to various natural attractions. San Ignacio serves as a hub for exploring nearby archaeological sites such as Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, which are remnants of ancient Mayan civilization. The town itself offers a blend of traditional Belizean life with modern amenities, making it a popular destination for tourists interested in both cultural immersion and adventure tourism.
Group Dinner - Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Mayan Cooking Class and Group Lunch - For the next 3 hours we will be living a hands-on experience with Yesenia. She is going to share part of her knowledge about cooking some traditional Mayan cuisine, from a homemade tamale to the drink of the gods “chocolate drink”. We are going to gain knowledge as well about medicinal plants, that were and still important for their culture.
Cahal Pech Mayan Site - (Place of Ticks in Yucatec maya) Cahal Pech is situated within San Ignacio and on a ridge overlooking the Macal River, walking distance.
Optional:
Group Dinner - Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Transfer to Belize City (approx. 2 hours) + Ferry to Caye Caulker (approx. 45 mins)
Orientation Walk around the Island + Group Lunch
Caye Caulker is a small limestone coral island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It's renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. The island is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers.
Afternoon OFF - Activities TBD by Faculty
Optional:
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Beach Cleaning & Mangrove Reforestation
The Caye Caulker Strong Mangrove Project is an initiative focused on preserving and restoring mangrove ecosystems around Caye Caulker, Belize. Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection, providing habitats for marine life, and supporting local economies through activities like fishing and tourism.The project likely involves efforts such as planting new mangrove trees, restoring degraded mangrove areas, and educating local communities and visitors about the importance of mangrove conservation. Mangroves help stabilize coastlines, filter water, and sequester carbon dioxide, making them vital for both environmental health and resilience against climate change impacts..
Lunch Break
Meeting with Local Expert to Discuss the SDGs - TBC
Group Dinner - Included
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve Half Day -
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve was established as a marine protected area in 1987 under the Laws of Belize. It incorporates the southernmost marine and coastal areas of Ambergris Caye including the barrier reef, seagrass beds and the mangrove islands of Boca Chica and Cangrejo Shoals. A zoning scheme was developed in order to ensure sustainable use and guarantee its conservation. Hol Chan is divided into four zones, which include no-take areas and zones that regulate and promote sustainable fishing practices.
We are going to have the opportunity to swim in its waters and to enjoy the rich marine wildlife of the area, if we are lucky enough we will have the chance to see Manatees.
Farewell Lunch and Program Closing
Time to Explore the Caye
Breakfast & Day Briefing
Ferry to Belize City (approx. 45 mins)
Airport Transfer
Depart Belize for Home