Belize
Tropical Tempos
December 5th - 11th, 2024
Embark on a vibrant journey in Belize, where culture and nature intertwine seamlessly. From the lively San Ignacio Market to the ancient ruins of Xunantunich, every day offers a new adventure steeped in history and local traditions. Immerse yourself in the heartbeat of Belize through Punta dance and drumming classes, and unwind on the idyllic shores of Kalipuna Island. This trip is designed to awaken your senses, nourish your spirit, and forge unforgettable connections in a tropical paradise.
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From the heart of the jungle to the shores of the Caribbean, Belize offers a unique fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty. Begin your adventure in San Ignacio, exploring the rich heritage and vibrant markets. Transition to Hopkins Village, where you'll delve into the traditions of the Garifuna people and enjoy the laid-back beach vibes. This journey is designed to awaken your senses and nourish your spirit, leaving you with unforgettable memories and lasting connections.
The Accommodations
Immerse yourself in the magic of Belize with stays at two exceptional resorts. At Cahal Pech Village Resort, you'll explore ancient Maya cities and embark on thrilling adventures like zip-lining and cave tubing, all while enjoying the natural beauty of Belize. Then, unwind at Almond Beach Resort, where serene sea views, an onsite spa, and beachfront luxury await. From handwoven hammocks to the only over-the-water bar in Belize, your stay promises relaxation and indulgence in the heart of nature.
Day One
✈️ ARRIVAL & MARKET STROLL
Check-in is at 3:00pm
Arrive in Belize and feel the pulse of the country as you explore the vibrant San Ignacio Market. Engage with locals, taste fresh produce, and soak in the lively atmosphere as you begin your journey. Enjoy your Welcome Dinner as you connect with fellow travelers and set the tone for the adventure ahead.
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At the multicultural market you can hear German, English, Spanish, Creole and Maya languages, as well as Mennonite agricultural families. Native local artisans sell delicious local fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and handmade clothing here. Later in the evening, indulge in a warm Welcome Dinner, where you’ll meet your travel companions and get a special introduction to Belizean culture.
Day Two
🏛️ RUINS & RIVER
Step back in time with a visit to the ancient Mayan city of Xunantunich, followed by a serene river journey. Witness the majesty of the El Castillo pyramid and learn about the fascinating history of the Mayan civilization. Unwind by the river as you take in the natural beauty surrounding you.
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The day begins with a scenic drive to the ruins of Xunantunich. As you explore, your guide will share stories of the Mayan era, including the significance of the impressive El Castillo. The day ends with a calming river journey, where the sounds of nature will provide a peaceful contrast to the morning’s adventures.
Additional Option: Visit a nearby butterfly farm for an up-close look at Belize's diverse wildlife.
Day Three
🥁 CULTURE & CONNECTION
Immerse yourself in Belizean traditions with a Punta dance and drumming class. Feel the rhythm and energy as you learn from local experts. Connect deeply with the culture as you participate in this vibrant and joyful expression of Belizean life.
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Start the day by meeting local musicians and dancers who will guide you through the basics of Punta, a traditional Garifuna dance. Feel the beat of the drums and the joy in the movement as you learn and perform alongside your group. This immersive cultural experience will leave you with a deeper understanding of Belize’s rich heritage.
Additional Option:
Participate in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Belizean dishes.
Explore the nearby Amphawa Floating Market in the afternoon, where you can enjoy a boat tour and shop for local crafts and snacks in a more relaxed setting.
Day Four
🏝️ ISLAND INDULGENCE
Discover the serene beauty of Kalipuna Island, an Afro-Indigenous Heritage Site. Spend the day lounging on the beach, exploring the island, or enjoying water activities. Let the tranquil surroundings rejuvenate your spirit as you soak in the sun and sea.
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After a short boat ride, arrive at the idyllic Kalipuna Island. Here, you can choose to relax on the sandy shores, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the island’s lush landscapes. The day is yours to enjoy, with opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, or simply unwinding with a book by the water.
Additional Option: Try a guided snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant underwater world around the island.
Day Five
👩🏽🍳 FARM & FEAST
Experience the essence of Belizean cuisine with a farm-to-table cooking class. Visit a local farm, pick fresh ingredients, and learn to prepare traditional dishes. The day culminates in a delicious feast, celebrating the flavors of Belize.
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The day begins with a visit to a local farm, where you’ll harvest fresh produce and learn about sustainable farming practices. Under the guidance of a skilled chef, you’ll then prepare a traditional Belizean meal using the ingredients you’ve gathered. The experience ends with a communal feast, where you can savor the fruits of your labor and share stories with your fellow travelers.
Additional Option: Explore a nearby cacao farm and learn about the chocolate-making process.
Day Six
✈️ FAREWELL & FOND MEMORIES
Check-out Time: 11:00am
As your Belize adventure comes to an end, enjoy a final morning of leisure before saying goodbye to your new Lesbifriends. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and lasting connections made during your time in this tropical paradise.
What’s Included✨
Airport Pickup at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
6 Days 5 Nights between two locations: Cahal Pech Village Resort and Almond Beach Resort at Jaguar Reef
Daily Breakfast
Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
Private Ground Transportation to Activities and Excursions on the Itinerary
Guided Tour of Xunantunich Mayan Ruins
Punta Dance Class
Island Day at Kalipuna Island
Travel Guide
Airport Drop Off at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)
On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time!
What’s Not Included
International Flight
Your flight from your home country to Belize is not included. Check-in is on December 5th at 3 PM, and Check-Out is on December 11th at 11 AM. Please plan your arrival and departure accordingly, and feel free to reach out with any questions regarding your flight arrangements.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory travel insurance is not included, however Basic coverage can be added on to your trip package or we can provide you with a quote for a different policy. Just add either when checking out.
Passport Fees and Vaccines
Your current passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the trip date and you must be up to date on any vaccines required by the country
Meals not Mentioned
You are responsible for some lunches and dinners
Personal extras/add-ons
Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
You are responsible for tips and gratuities to accommodation staff, on all meals (even ones included in the itinerary), to drivers, tour guides, etc.
Pricing
Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person
Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.
Get 10% off your entire trip if you pay in full at the time of the initial booking. Use discount code FULL during check out to save on your trip package. Please note that discount codes don’t apply to add-on options, and you can only use one code per booking.
Single Occupancy
$3,350+
Deposit: $100
1 BED ONLY YOU IN THE ROOM.
Double Occupancy
$2,600+
Deposit: $100
2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
Disclaimer
THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
Understand that Belize is a Central American country, and standards are not the same as the USA.
IT IS FOR YOU IF:
You are open-minded
You enjoy eating, walking, and off-the-beaten-path ideas
You love to have a great time and are open to meeting others and accept the different personalities you will encounter
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere
You have a tendency to be negative or create a challenging atmosphere for those around you
You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone
You don’t like indigenous Belizean food; that is what we’ll be eating every day
You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you
You can’t easily walk up stairs; if you find walking tough, then this trip isn’t suited to you
You are looking for luxury; Belizean standards are not the same as in the USA, however, if you keep an open mind, you will have a great time!
Important Information
Flights
Fly to and from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and plan to arrive between 11am and 3pm local time. It is recommended to plan your departure flight in the late afternoon to allow time for transport.
Please share your flight itinerary with us as soon as you purchase your tickets so we can start coordinating ground transportation.
Entry Requirements
Passport: Six months of remaining validity recommended.
Return Ticket: While not always asked, it is recommended to have a return or onward ticket to show proof of your departure from Mexico.
Prior to Your Departure
Check if you need to update your passport, your expiration date needs to be more than 6 months from the date of the trip.
Sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Money/Currency
The national currency in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD). Most establishments in Belize accept credit/debit cards and do include bank fees and are subject to the current conversion rate which does not vary much. Please check with your bank ahead of time so there are no surprises. It is recommended to bring some dollars along with you because withdrawing cash has a high fee associated with it.
Travel Insurance
Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Lesbifriends Travel requires you to have travel insurance for any trip you take with us. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.
Payments and Payment Plans
Get 10% off your entire trip if you pay in full at the time of the initial booking. Use discount code FULL during check out to save on your trip package. Please note that discount codes don’t apply to add-on options, and you can only use one code per booking.
All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.
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If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.
For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.