T RA N S F O RM A T IV E T RA V EL S 2 0 1 4 | B EA U T IF U L B EL IZ E
With one foot planted in the Central American jungles and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize combines the best of both worlds. Rainforest, beaches, caves, mystical temples, Mayan spiritual cleansing, snorkeling, cave tubing, zip-line and more. Visiting Belize is one thing. Coming as one of our family is another.
Six or Ten Days in Beautiful Belize Rainforests
Beaches
Ruins
Itinerary
July 4 -‐ 13, 2014 Mayan Artifacts
Wild Life
Mayan Rituals
Day 1 | Friday July 4
We will greet you right outside the airport from where A nature and wellness retreat set in the beautiful Belize Cayo you’ll be driven through numerous villages, scenic vistas, district with travels to other locations within Belize, including unexpected secrets and natural wonders till you arrive at the Log Cab Inn Resort. This beautiful resort, run by a local the word famous Ambergris Caye. Be one with the mysteries of the past in your getaway starting with exciting visits to places where the remnants of ancient Mayan civilization still exist and natural waterfalls and pools to enjoy a refreshing dips. Zip line across the rain forest, cave tube or scuba dive in the azure blue, travel through native cultural villages. Relax, refresh and rejuvenate swimming, sun bathing, cycling or lounging at the islands. Spend time attending to your wellness throughout the trip with a coach and a healer. Six Days or 10 Days travel packages are available. Travel to family, nestled on a scenic hillside at the edge of San Ignacio town in the Cayo District of Belize, will be your home for the and fro Belize from your home is not included. next 5 days. Lush tropical plants and Flowers abound on this
Transformative Travels | www.transformativetravels.org | 510.681.9740 | transformative travels@gmail.com
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T RA N S F O RM A T IV E T RA V EL S 2 0 1 4 | B EA U T IF U L B EL IZ E 45 acres land around the retreat. You will stay in air conditioned cabins for two, made of solid mahogany logs. The interior is decorated with furnishings from the family's wood working craft shop located on the grounds.
It includes hiking, underground waterfalls, and climbing throughout the caves. This activity is suited for all Fitness levels. Lunch will be provided on site. Facilities included Swimming Pool, Restaurant serving local and western cuisine and full service bar. After you settle down you will join us for an evening of introduction and Invocation & Grounding Ceremony followed by dinner.
Day 2 | Saturday July 5
Zip lining is as close as you can get to Flying over some of Belize’s sub-‐tropical rainforest. For those interested in a fun and active excursion, this rainforest canopy top zip line adventure is a must. Imagine yourself soaring from tree to tree, experiencing a bird's-‐eye view of the rainforest and the scenery that cannot be seen from the ground! This excursion is suited for moderate to active Fitness level.
Enjoy a morning at the San Ignacio Open Market!
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We’ll head into town early this morning to experience large market near the Macal River where you’ll get to shop for souvenirs, local herbs, and Belize’s many local fruits, purchase a meal and watch it being prepared by the locals or just simply stroll through and enjoy the locals of the lovely town of San Ignacio.
Enjoy one of the more remarkable zoos in Central America, The Belize Zoo – This is the best introduction to the animals of Belize, many of which are endangered species such as the Jaribu Stork, Scarlet Macaw, Jaguar, Margay, and black Howler Monkey.
Cave tubing and Zip-‐lining in the afternoon | Or Belize Zoo Cave tubing is one of the most electrifying and rejuvenating adventures you can experience in Belize. Put on your shorts and get ready for the twists and turns of Caves Branch River Cave Tubing. It’s the longest and most spectacular tour to experience some of Belize’s Finest caves on an inner tube. Your cave expedition will have you explore ancient Mayan ceremonial centers and see the crystal cathedral. 2
Transformative Travels | www.transformativetravels.org | 510.681.9740 | transformative travels@gmail.com
T RA N S F O RM A T IV E T RA V EL S 2 0 1 4 | B EA U T IF U L B EL IZ E The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is settled upon 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibits over 150 animals, representing over 45 species, all native to Belize. The zoo keeps animals which were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo, rehabilitated animals, or sent to The Belize Zoo as donations from other zoological institutions.
We will come together as a circle and engage in Ceremony for Connecting to Your Highest Self before you go to either Big rock Falls or Rio On Pools.
Day 3 | Sunday July 6 A day trip to the islands Ambergris Caye and San Pedro Get ready to go to the most exciting island in Belize where the clear waters glint in the tropical sun. We’ll drive you to Belize City, from where you’ll enjoy a 1.5 hour scenic boat ride to the islands, which are also called Cayes (pronounced Keys). The most famous of these is Ambergris Caye and its small, vibrant town of San Pedro -‐ an island situated 36 miles from the mainland of Belize. Big Rock Falls -‐ You get to cool off at one of Belize’s hidden gems. The dirt trail is well-‐worn and easy to follow. A 20 minute hike down the hill, that may get steep in a few place, and you arrive at an amazing 150 foot high waterfall! The tremendous view of the water rushing over the huge rock formations and plummeting into the deep, perfectly round pool at the base, provides a rush of excitement. You can cliff dive right next to the falls or swim in the deep pools fed by it. You’ll have plenty of time to cavort in the natural waterfalls and pools. This excursion is not suggested for those who are not comfortable going up and Closer to the island are calm, clear blue-‐green waters for down steep inclines. This is suitable for active guests. swimming. To get around the island, you can rent a golf car or simply bike. There is much to do on this island, like get a Or relaxing massage on the beach, or you can do nothing and just relax! There are many restaurants to choose from! Rio On Pools -‐ Rio on Pools are beautiful and spectacular Where you eat is up to you! waterfalls in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of Belize that features a wide, open expanse of pine forest, and Please see Days 8 & 9 for a full description of activities small waterfalls that cascade over large granite rocks, available on the islands if you choose to stay back. ending in round pools connected by natural water slides. Anyone can view these marvels of nature and take photos of the site regardless of their level of Fitness. Day 4 | Monday July 7 A day in the water -‐ Big Rock Falls or Rio On Pools Mountain Pine Ridge is one of the most heavily visited reserves in Belize. The pine forest, located within 300 square miles of forest reserve is very unusual in this tropical land, and you will encounter an entirely different ecosystem along with its unique Flora and fauna. Orchids and ferns of many varieties grow abundantly throughout the pine forest while rare and endangered bird species such as the orange-‐ breasted falcon and the king vulture may be sighted.
Transformative Travels | www.transformativetravels.org | 510.681.9740 | transformative travels@gmail.com
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T RA N S F O RM A T IV E T RA V EL S 2 0 1 4 | B EA U T IF U L B EL IZ E To access the pools and falls for swimming, you must either For Guests of the 10 Days Package descend some stairs or just bring your camera and enjoy the We are so glad you stayed back to complete the full trip! spectacular view. Today we will experience Maya Spiritual Healing and tak a tour of a Medicinal Trail (if time permits). Be one with Tonight will feature local drumming, dancing and Belize, be one with the Mayan Gods, be one with the land in this ancient Mayan spiritual healing that can only be entertainment with dinner. performed by a few people in Belize. Lunch provided at Blancaneux Lodge.
Day 5 | Tuesday July 8 Mayan Temples & Ruins call us! We will visit the ancient and world renowned Mayan Temple of Xunantunich. This site consists of three ceremonial plazas enclosed by house mounds, pyramids and palaces. A hand-‐cranked ferry takes you across the green, crystalline waters of the Mopan River, followed by a mile drive then a 10-‐15 minute walk, uphill, to this archaeological complex that was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period of the Maya. Maya Spiritual Healing consists of prayer/afFirmations, spiritual herbal baths, and copal incense that serve to re-‐ balance and harmonize the human aura or energy Field so that we can attract good into our lives and repel what does not serve our highest purpose. This healing work addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies of each individual in such a way as to return that person to vitality, peace and well-‐being. Thus, we are better able to lay down the baggage from the past to realize the fullest potential of a human being.
El Castillo, a pyramid standing at 130 feet above the main Day 7 | Thursday July 10 plaza Floor, when climbed, offers a spectacular view of the A day of jungle tranquility and Blue Hole immersion jungle landscape for miles around over the Mopan River Valley and into neighboring Guatemala. You will join a Spend a day surrounded by nature as we travel to the Release & Cleanse Ceremony calling upon your ancestors, Herman’s Cave &“Inland” Blue Hole. This is an Inland Blue lineage and spirits/guides. Hole, for which the national park is named and should not be confused with the Great Blue Hole on Lighthouse Reef This is the last evening for guests of the 6 Days Travel Atoll which is popular with divers. The sinkhole was formed Package. To celebrate, say goodbyes and to do shopping we by the collapse of an underground limestone cave. will visit the town of San Ignacio.
Day 6 | Wednesday July 9 Goodbye or A day of spiritual and natural healing
For Guests of the 6 Days Package
Today we take you back to the Belize International Airport so you can return home. It’s so hard to say goodbye so, we’ll just say “See you soon!” with a special souvenir for you to take home from Belize.
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Transformative Travels | www.transformativetravels.org | 510.681.9740 | transformative travels@gmail.com
T RA N S F O RM A T IV E T RA V EL S 2 0 1 4 | B EA U T IF U L B EL IZ E The pool itself lays at the bottom of a large depression in the jungle; from ground level it drops around 100 feet to the surface of the water, after which the water depth drops 25 feet into a an underground cave system. St. Herman’s Cave has a picturesque 180 foot wide entrance with a sheer cliff wall draped in vines. The cave itself is at the base of another sinkhole with an underground stream that connects it to the blue hole sinkhole. Used by the Maya for ceremonial rituals, artifacts found in the cave include pottery vessels, spears and torches.
Day 9 | Saturday July 12 As you like it! Today you do whatever you want. And there’s a lot to choose from! World class snorkeling, diving and Fishing destinations abound! Ambergris Caye (island) of Belize is the perfect distance from the Great Blue Hole, which can be experienced in a day.
Surrounded by nature you can participate in a Creativity Circle to write, draw or tell a story inspired by Belize.
Day 8 | Friday July 11 Let’s hit the islands! It’s time to leave the inlands and head out to the beaches. We drive up to Belize City and take a scenic boat ride to our new home, Banana Beach Resort. Sitting on the powdery sand of Mar de Tumbo Beach just south of San Pedro Town on the world famous Ambergris Caye (island) of Belize, this is a full service beachfront resort. Once you settle down you will get a feel of all the action around here by choosing one of these three half-‐day activities:
Not far is the second largest Barrier reef in the world, home of some of the most exotic sea life you could ever experience. Also, Hol Chan Marine Reserve where you can enjoy 3 square miles of preserved marine habitat -‐an unparalleled diving/snorkeling experience. Closer to the island are calm, clear blue-‐green waters for swimming. To get around the island, you can rent a golf car or simply bike. There is much to do on this island or you can do nothing and just roam around the quaint San Pedro island and get a massage on the powdery sand beach.
• Snorkeling at Hol Chan reserve/Shark Ray Alley – located conveniently 15 minute, by boat, away from the resort. On this trip you will have the opportunity to swim with colorful Fish, and if you’re lucky, see sea turtles swimming around. On this trip you will also see and be able to pet nurse sharks and sting rays. In the evening we all meet on the beach for a Meditative Manifestation Ceremony and then sit down for our dinner. • Mexico Rock/Tres Cocos – Lies north of Ambergris Caye, here you will swim through several types of corrals and well as several small, colorful Fish.
Day 10 | Sunday July 13
• Reef Runner Glass-‐Bottom Boat Adventure – Aboard a glass bottom boat where you’ll be taken on a sightseeing and/or snorkeling tour along the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world!
Goodbye Belize! Will be back again. Today we go back to the Belize International Airport so we can return home. It’s so hard to say goodbye so, we’ll just say “See you soon!” with a special souvenir for you to take home from Belize.
Transformative Travels | www.transformativetravels.org | 510.681.9740 | transformative travels@gmail.com
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T RA N S F O RM A T IV E T RA V EL S 2 0 1 4 | B EA U T IF U L B EL IZ E
The Brief The Country
Belize – the only English speaking country in Central America, nestled between Guatemala and Mexico and only 2 hours from the USA, has a kaleidoscope of sights sounds adventures and memories. It is rich with fauna and Flora and an emerging eco-‐tourist destination. You have a chance to become one with the rhythm of island life. See the Belize Barrier Reef or journey to the great Blue Hole.
The Trip
For the First few days you will get a chance to feel you are Indiana Jones, as you Fly across the rainforest, on a zip line and go underground in an inner tube, Floating past underground waterfalls into the Crystal Cathedral, a spiritual center to the ancient maya with your guide or simply explore our world renowned zoo. You then go back at least 4000 years, starting with the great Mayan civilization that vanished mysteriously. You will experience a Pine forest in the middle of a jungle at Mountain Pine Ridge, which rises above the jungle on an uplift of granite rocks. Here you can experience thousand foot waterfalls or just a 150 foot falls while cooling yourself in the natural pools at their bases. This and a day trip to the famous islands near Belize City is included in the 6 Days Travel Package. If you select the 10 Days Full package you spend some more time on the mainland experiencing spiritual Mayan healing/medicinal trail and spending a day in tranquility, creativity and swimming in a Blue Hole. After your exciting land adventure, take a boat ride to the country’s largest island -‐ beautiful island of Ambergris Caye, where you’ll get a chance to plunge yourself into the warm, turquoise waters that are no more than 30 feet deep. Or take a boat to the Marine Reserve where you can enjoy 3 square miles of preserved marine habitat -‐an unparalleled diving/snorkeling experience. Here on the island you can Relax into the island life or enjoy your choice of a few exciting island activities. The choice is yours.
The Cost Packages
By March 1
By May 1
FAST TRIP | 6 Days
$995
$1195
FULL TRIP | 10 Days
$1495
$1695
Price includes: • 9 (5 for Fast Trip) nights of accommodations – 7 (5 for Fast Trip) nights in the Cayo District and 2 nights in Ambergris Caye (for Full Trip only) • Transportation includes all land, boat ride and all transfers • While in Cayo: Daily Breakfast, 1 lunches, and 2 dinners plus planned entertainment • In the island: 1 Dinner (vouchers provided by Hotel) • All activities on land and your choice of one half day activity while on the Island are included • 5 (3 for Fast Trip) Transformative Group Circles/Ceremonies -‐ our signature.
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Transformative Travels | www.transformativetravels.org | 510.681.9740 | transformative travels@gmail.com