How strenuous are the hikes?

Hikes are short to moderate with some elevation change and uneven terrain; sturdy footwear is required but no technical climbing is needed.

Are passports or visas required?

Yes—travelers must carry a valid passport for the Belize–Guatemala border crossing; check current visa rules for your nationality.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Basic snorkeling is included; bringing your own mask/snorkel ensures the best fit, though rentals may be available.

What wildlife might we see?

Expect birds, howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, and the ecological backdrop of jaguar habitat in Cockscomb Basin (visual sightings of jaguars are rare).

What about cell service and accessibility?

Cell service is inconsistent in jungle and some remote spots; Wilderness Inquiry notes the trip accommodates a range of abilities and includes local guides.

Belize and Tikal: 8-Day Jungle, Maya Temples & Barrier Reef Adventure

Q: What time and where does the trip start?

The trip begins at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City (BZE) at 2:30 PM; plan flights to arrive earlier that day.

Belize and Tikal sits where the Caribbean edges Central America—this eight-day Wilderness Inquiry trip begins in Belize, crosses into Guatemala to visit Tikal, then returns to Belize’s southern coast. Over eight days you’ll move from limestone cave paddles to jungle treks and coral-shelf snorkeling, meeting local guides and a small group (up to 12) along the way.

Start in San Ignacio after arrival at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), and feel the immediate change as you ride into river valleys and jungle lodges. Early mornings bring birding with the Tut family; afternoons can send you canoeing into the Chiquibul cave system, the Mayan underworld called Xibalba, where ancient footholds in limestone and dramatic stalactites and stalagmites trace 1,500 years of history. The trip’s route threads geological contrasts: karst cave systems, humid lowland rainforest, and the coral structures of the Belize Barrier Reef at South Water Caye Marine Reserve.

Crossing into Guatemala to stay near Lake Itza and the island town of Flores, you’ll devote a full day to Tikal. Walk among exposed and still-un-excavated stone platforms and climb Temple IV for a viewpoint where howler monkeys and the tangle of the Petén canopy surround classic Maya masonry. Local scholar Francisco Florian joins to illuminate Maya life, rituals, and the park’s scale—over 17,000 buildings, many lying quiet beneath forest canopy.

Back in Belize the trip slows into culture and coastal time in Hopkins, with Garifuna drumming, seafood, and the Hummingbird Highway’s scenic stretches. A day at Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve introduces thick forest trails, waterfall pools, and the rare chance to see jaguar habitat and scarlet macaw sanctuaries. Finish with world-class snorkeling among coral gardens and schools of reef fish at South Water Caye, then a final transfer to Belize City.

Practical notes: expect uneven trails and some elevation change—sturdy hiking footwear is mandatory. Temperatures vary from about 50°F in higher country to mid-90s on the coast; rain is possible year-round. Group sizes are small (8–12), transportation is by van, and casual swimming and snorkeling are included.

Practical booking details: the trip begins at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City (BZE) at 2:30 PM, so plan flights accordingly. Lodges and guest houses host the group; meals highlight local cuisine (try pupusas in Flores and Garifuna seafood in Hopkins). No previous experience is required—participants range across ages and abilities, and guides accommodate mixed fitness levels and schedules.

About Wilderness Inquiry, Inc.

Wilderness Inquiry, Inc., based in Bloomington, Minnesota, organizes guided outdoor trips focused on paddling, hiking, camping, and immersive nature experiences.

The organization offers a range of multi-day adventures including Apostle Islands trips (base camp, family paddles, island camping, kayak and yoga options), Boundary Waters itineraries (canoe area paddle adventures, base camp, expedition, and lodge-based adventures), and a Utah trip exploring Arches and Canyonlands.

Trips include kayak tours through Lake Superior sea caves, island camping on sandy beaches, hikes to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, and lodge-based options with cabin accommodations. Family-focused programs provide activities suitable for multiple ages, while specialty trips blend paddling with yoga or local food and drink experiences. Wilderness Inquiry, Inc. operates guided trips that feature camping at Little Sand Bay, exploration of historic lighthouses and shipwreck sites, and paddling in remote and scenic waterways.

Safety, inclusivity, and professional guidance are central to the trip offerings: guides lead paddle and hike itineraries, manage logistics, and provide instruction for group comfort and safety. Meals, campsite management, route planning, and program structure are organized as part of the guided experience. Participants can expect varied trip formats including day paddles, multi-day island camping, base camp stays with amenities, and lodge-based adventures.

Wilderness Inquiry, Inc.’s program descriptions and trip summaries help travelers select appropriate experiences based on activity level, destination, and accommodation type. Booking details, schedules, and participant requirements are available through the organization’s trip listings.

Trip durations, packing lists, and accessibility options are listed per trip. Contact information is available online.

Belize and Tikal: 8-Day Jungle, Maya Temples & Barrier Reef Adventure

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