Inna & Michael

Hol Chan means little channel in Mayan and is a natural break on the barrier reef where ocean depth ranges from three to thirty feet. Here we will enjoy seeing the breathtaking myriad of marine life and huge coral garden, among which are flourishing stag horn corals and sea fans. Shark Ray Alley is a shallow water snorkel where we will enjoy swimming with the harmless nurse sharks and southern stingrays. This sanctuary was officially established in 1987 and since then the return of all species of fish has been quite dramatic. Due to its protected status, what was once a depleted fishing area has now been allowed to re-generate, producing a quite colorful fish spectacle.

This tour is an ideal combination of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve tour and the tour of Caracol Ruins. After picnic lunch at Caracol, we drive back towards the Lodge, stopping at the Rio Frio Cave, and finishing our tour at the Rio On Pools, leaving time for a refreshing swim.

Mike and I will have a chance to experience authentic Belizean culture through cuisine. The cooking class begins with a behind-the-scenes tour of the resort’s expansive organic garden where we can hand pick the seasonal vegetables needed for the meal. With a selection of local dishes to choose representing various ethnic groups of Belize, guests work with the Lodge’s professional chefs to create a feast suited to their tastes. By following these traditional recipes, this unique culinary experience keeps the spirit and culture of Belize alive.

Explore Barton Creek Cave at Blancaneaux Lodge, a remote cave once used by the ancient Mayans as a burial site on this exciting canoe trip. Adorned with amazing stalactites and stalagmites, the guides tell stories of civilizations past as they use spotlights to point out Mayan pottery shards and remains in the depths below.

Explore Monkey River by boat observing howler monkeys, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles and many other species of wildlife. Our experienced guide will take you through mangrove estuaries at the edge of the lagoon, home of the manatee, and we’ll hike trails through the rainforest to view families of howler monkeys. On the return downriver, we will stop in the village of Monkey River for a traditional Creole lunch.

The second largest lake in Guatemala, Lago Petén Itzá is famous for its dramatic changes in color, shifting from cobalt blue to a green turquoise hue in an instant. Some in the local community believe the cool waters contain almost magical powers because of the powerful sense of rejuvenation experienced many people experience after swimming in the lake.

Set on the banks of Privassion Creek, our Waterfall Spa offers a variety of treatments, wraps and massages, as well as access to our rejuvenating hot pool overlooking cascading waterfalls. At the request of Francis Coppola, our Belize spa specializes in the art of Thai massage, and features a professionally trained staff that has studied the ancient techniques at the Sacred Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok. In addition to providing you with the best spa experience possible we are also committed to maintaining strict sustainability guidelines. With a hot pool heated solely by hydro-electricity, spa treatments that use only locally sourced organic ingredients and an open building design utilizing natural light, the Waterfall Spa is eco-luxury at its best.

Experience Guatemala’s natural beauty with an unforgettable visit to the spectacular Mayan ruins of Tikal, one of the archaeological wonders of the world. Our knowledgeable guide will drive you through miles of virgin rainforest to reach the site, allowing you a full day of sightseeing and exploration before returning to our rustic lodge for drinks and dinner high above the shore of beautiful Lago Petén Itzà.

Enjoy a unique dining experience at the award-winning Mambo Restaurant. Sit back and enjoy the romantic atmosphere of contemporary paintings, candelabras, local ceramic treasures, exotic handcrafted Belizean art and beautiful Central American mahogany furniture, while music softly plays in the background. Mambo is considered one of the best restaurants in the country and offers locally inspired flavors and surprising combinations that will excite even the most seasoned palate.

A lovely and private romantic candlelit dinner for 2, in a rice house, a cozy open air cabana close to the river area decorated with tropical flowers and torches.

After our mountaintop adventures, Mike and I will travel west from Belize to Guatemala to explore the most ancient Mayan ruins, Tikal and the surrounding towns of Lake Peten Itza.

Round-trip airfare on a tiny prop plane to take us to the island. 

After two days in Guatemala, we take a three hour shuttle back to Belize City, where we will either take a small plane, a helicopter, or a water taxi to our final destination of Ambergris Caye.