Upon your arrival at Belize International airport, you will be escorted to Tropic Air and set up to fly into Punta Gorda, an hour trip with two stops along the way. In Punta Gorda meet up with your guide and travel twenty miles to the lodge which rests on the banks of the Rio Grande river. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at the lodge.

This morning drive with your guide 18 miles past the Maya villages of San Antonio and Santa Cruz towards Rio Blanco National Park. En route, stop to visit Lubaantun, a site dating back to 700-900AD set in the magical ambiance of the Mayan jungle. Lubaantun is most noted for its large collection of miniature ceramic objects found during its excavation. These are thought to have been used in rituals as charmstones.

Continue on to Rio Blanco National Park, where you'll explore with your guide. This park was declared an "Indigenous People's Park" in 1992. The reserve is managed by surrounding Maya Villages in the region who see its preservation as a top priority. Enjoy a guided hike, picnic, and a swim in one of the waterfalls before returning to the lodge this evening.

After breakfast, have a short hike to the Mayan house located onsite, where Norma and Erwin demonstrate craft-making from materials gathered from the surrounding jungle. With Erwin's guidance, you try your hands at crafting. This tour fosters a deep appreciation for the artistry involved in making basketry, shoulder bags, palm fans, and calabash carvings.
Later this afternoon, select from a variety of activities offered at the lodge: indulge in the swimming pool, kayak, tube on the river, or embark on a nature walk around the grounds.

After a full day of activity, enjoy dinner and a free evening at the lodge.

This morning you have the option of rising early for a guided bird walk around the lodge grounds. Your guide, Steven, is an expert birder who will help you spot and identify the local woodpeckers, trogons, parakeets, and toucans.

Later in the morning, visit the Ixcacao Mayan Chocolate facility in nearby San Felipe village. Ixcacao is a boutique factory owned by Abelina Cho, and is known for its delectable, sustainably-produced, environmentally-conscious chocolate. Enjoy a lunch that will delight your palate with its unique chocolate flavors, courtesy of Ixcacao.

After lunch head toward Punta Gorda for a visit to the Warasa Garifuna Drum School, founded by master drummer and teacher, Ronald 'Ray' McDonald. Experience the vibrancy of Belizean culture through the unique rhythms of the Garifuna as you participate in a lively drumming lesson.

Once again, the evening will be yours to dine and relax at the lodge.

Today your guide drives you to Blue Creek Village, where Yona and Vince Mayan welcome you into their home. They share their knowledge of the organic fruits, vegetables, and spices grown around their home. Together, you roll up your sleeves and prepare an authentic Belizean lunch.

This afternoon you can choose between two activities:

-Kayaking on the Rio Grande: You will be transported 5 miles upstream to San Miguel village, embark on a Hobie (sit-on-top) kayak,and float downstream back to the lodge. Along the way enjoy the riverside scenery and even get a chance to spot some local fauna.

-Blue Creek Cave Swim: You will be transported 15 miles south to Blue Creek cave, hike half an hour to the cave mouth, and swim upstream inside the cave to a point where the river cascades from a fissure in the cavern wall.

Return to the lodge for dinner.

Enjoy your last morning at the lodge before returning to the international airport or traveling on in Belize.