Brief Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive/Crooked Tree
Day 2 - Crooked Tree
Day 3 - Crooked Tree
Day 4 - Cockscomb Basin
Day 5 - Cockscomb Basin
Day 6 - Cockscomb Basin
Day 7 - Mountain Pine Ridge
Day 8 - Mountain Pine Ridge
Day 9 - Mountain Pine Ridge
Day 10 - Return Home OR Tikal Extension
Day 11 - Tikal
Day 12 - Tikal
Day 13 - Crooked Tree
Day 14 - Return Home
Full Itinerary (the order in which we visit each location may vary)
Day 1 - Arrive Belize
Crooked Tree Sanctuary
Arrival in Belize, board our custom birding bus and depart for Crooked Tree and Paradise Inn (birding along the way), arriving for dinner. A brief orientation to Belize after dinner.
Day 2 - Crooked Tree Sanctuary
We will explore the Crooked Tree Lagoon and Spanish Creek by boat in search of the many species of birds which inhabit this beautiful sanctuary. With low canopy logwood, turtlebone, provision tree and mangrove, good views of Yellow-tailed Oriole, Mangrove Vireo and Rufous-browed Peppershrike are very possible. The endangered Black Howler Monkey and Morelets Crocodile are also found here. After lunch back at Paradise Inn, we will explore the upper end of the island, a pine-oak savanna. Yellow-lored (Yucatan) Parrot, Yucatan Woodpecker and Yucatan Jay can be found in this open habitat.
Day 3 - Crooked Tree Sanctuary
Today we will boat up the New River to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai. We will see many bird species along the water’s edge (Jabiru, Norther Jacana, Black-collared hawk) as well as along the trails of the gallery forest surrounding Lamanai. The ruins of Lamanai are some of the best examples of the Mayan civilization. It was the last stronghold of this ancient civilization of which we know relatively little about. Here we have found Slaty-tailed and Collared Trogons, Double-toothed Kite, and Brown-hooded Parrot.
Day 4 - On the road south to Cockscomb Basin
After breakfast we will depart for southern Belize, and Pelican Beach Resort, with many birding stops along the way, including the Monkey Bay Sanctuary (a private preserve) and Blue Hole National Park.
Day 5 - Cockscomb Basin
Morning birding around the lodge and entrance road. Hummingbirds, honeycreepers, woodpeckers and orioles abound here. In the afternoon we will explore some of the surrounding areas such as Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve. After dinner we will go spotlighting along the entrance road for Common Paraque, Black-and-white Owl, Mottled Owl and Crested Guans as well as mammals like Kinkajou and Ocelot.
Day 6 - Cockscomb Basin
Visiting the mangroves south of the lodge will offer opportunities for coastal specialties including: Yucatan Vireo, Yellow (Mangrove) Warbler, Rufous-necked Wood Rail, Common Black Hawk and Cinnamon Hummingbird. Additional birding locations will be visited to add to our list!
Day 7 - On the road to the Mountain Pine Ridge
The Mountain Pine Ridge is an unexpected tropical ecosystem of pine trees and granite-lined streams, surrounded by moist, broad-leaf rainforest. With many birding stops along the way, we will arrive at Five Sisters Lodge in time for dinner.
Day 8 - Mountain Pine Ridge
Rise before the sun so we can quickly get on the road to the Mayan Ruins of Caracol. This is the largest known city in the Mayan world, and is surrounded by incredible birding and wildlife opportunities. This is the best area in Central America to find the Keel-billed Motmot, and is also the location of an Wildside Tours Harpy Eagle sighting! Breakfast and lunch at Caracol. Return to the lodge in time for some relaxation before dinner.
Day 9 - Mountain Pine Ridge
Today we will explore the trails and roads around the Rio Frio Cave and the Rio On as well as the Hidden Valley Falls, where a pair of Orange-breasted Falcons nest each year. This is also a good area for Emerald Toucanet, King Vultures and so much more. An afternoon swim in the cool waters of the Rio On—sliding down the smooth granite waterfalls is a blast!
Day 10 Departure to USA or Departure to Tikal extension
Load the vans after breakfast for departure to the airport and flights back to the USA.
Or continue on to the optional extension to Tikal.
Tikal Extension (optional)
Day 10 - On the road to Tikal, Guatemala / Tikal Inn
Load the vans for departure to Guatemala after breakfast. Arrive in Tikal for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we will explore the areas surrounding Tikal National Park.
Day 11 Guatemala / Tikal Inn
After breakfast we will enter the park and explore the ruins finding new birds along the many trails in the park. The ruins are an amazing site to see, and the birding is phenomenal!
Day 12 Guatemala / Tikal Inn
After breakfast we will enter the park to explore more of the trails around the ruins.
Day 13 Back to Belize Crooked Tree/Paradise Inn
Depart after breakfast, arriving at Clarissa Falls Lodge in time for lunch. We will have some leisurely birding and an opportunity to swim in the Maya Mopan River before dinner.
Day 14 Departure to USA
Pre-breakfast birdwalk. Load the vans for departure after breakfast to the airport for flights to the USA.
NOTE: Final schedule may vary slightly
Belize is the best location to begin your tropical birding travels! Located only a few hours from the USA, Belize is home to over 600 species of birds. Easy trails, comfortable climate and easy access to great birding locations make Belize a very special place to learn the tropical families.
