Andean & Rainforest Expeditions LLC
POB 2605
Evergreen, CO 80437
phone: 303-317-5411
fax: 303-496-7071
toll free: 877-870-0578
mc@andeanrain.com

© 2006 Andean and Rainforest Expeditions, LLC
BIRDWATCHERS TOUR
10-DAYS - From $3,189

This tour is perfect for birdwatchers of all levels. Our expert birding guides can adapt the itinerary to meet the needs of both casual and serious birders. Belize is a birdwatcher's paradise offering visitors nearly 600 species of both temperate and tropical birds in natural habitats that remain largely unspoiled. Belize is one of the few countries in the world that offers a wide diversity of bird habitat including extensive tropical forests, high mountain habitat, lowlands, savannas, pinelands, river and streams, species-rich lagoons and countless cays along the barrier reefs. This unique birding experience includes birding while canoeing in lagoons and along pristine rivers, visiting Maya ruins, hiking on jungle trails, and boating through marine reserves. Your lodge accommodations and meals are of the highest quality and the itinerary allows time to enjoy the splendid view from the deck of your room.



ITINERARY

DAY 1
USA-BELIZE CITY-NEW RIVER

Arrive Belize City International Airport for afternoon land transfer to the New River about an 1-hour drive. Then transfer to boat for 1-hour trip to your lodge. B,L,D

DAY 2
JUNGLE BIRDING EXPEDITION

An early morning walk offers excellent opportunities to see Trogons, Woodcreepers, Motmots, Tanagers, Toucans, Parrots and Woodpeckers. Forest walks in the afternoon may give birders the chance to see Tinamous, Collared Aracaris and Raptors. B,L,D

DAY 3
SUNRISE BIRDING BY CANOE AND NIGHT OWL TRACKING

At sunrise you will be canoeing across the lagoon towards Dawson's Creek in search of Boat Billed, Green, Bare-throated, Tiger and Black-crowned Night Herons. These exquisite herons along with other species such as Vireos, Warblers and Flycatcher are normally seen around the lagoon. After a delicious dinner you will spend the evening tracking nocturnal birds through ancient Maya territory. During our evening excursion will come across Vermiculated Screech owl, Ferruginous Pygmy owl, Mottled owl and Stygian owl, Nightjars, Common Pauraque and small nocturnal mammals. B,L,D

DAY 4
SAVANNAH BIRDING WALK

Today you will have the chance to observe the contrast between the dense broadleaf forest and the open pine savannah with respect to both terrain and the variety of bird species. Here you will spot some of the much sought after Yucatan endemics such as Yucatan Jay, Yellow-lored Parrot, Red-vented Woodpecker, Black Catbird, and Yucatan Flycatcher to name a few. B,L,D

DAY 5
DAWN RIVERBOAT BIRDING

At daybreak you will be on a riverboat in search of shy river fowl that inhabit the reed beds of the New River. The habitat of reeds and water lilies is a perfect place to spot the secretive Yellow-breasted Crake, Ruddy Crake, Spotted Rail and the Northern Jacana. In the afternoon return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch you will fly south to your next birding adventure. B,L,D

DAY 6
BIRDING IN NIM LI PUNIT AND LUBAANTUN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Today you will be birding at the Mayan archeological sites of Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. In the morning and at sunset, you will have ample opportunity to explore the ruins while finding new bird species. On your way to the sites you will pass through traditional Maya villages and have opportunities to stop along the way to experience local culture. B,L,D

DAY 7
CANOE EXPEDITION - AGUACALIENTE LAGOON

You will spend the day on a canoe expedition through the remote and magnificent Aguacaliente Lagoon and freshwater wetland ecosystem. The lagoon's waters are crystal clear and offer birdwatchers the opportunity to enjoy an entire day observing a large variety of birdlife. Egrets, herons, flocks of Ibis, WoodStork roosting atop the lush vegetation, King Fishers, cormorants, and several duck species are all found at the lagoon. The mangrove surrounding the lagoon is alive with warblers and flycatchers feeding on the plentiful insect life. Jabiru storks sometimes feed here as well. B,L,D

DAY 8
HIKE IN BODEN CREEK RESERVE

You will start the day with an early morning hike within the Boden Creek Reserve, an area of pristine lowland tropical broadleaf forest. This area has abundant hummingbird, trogon and woodpecker species. We will enjoy our lunch at the reserve's wild life center and then in the late afternoon we will depart for our lodge at Golden Stream. B,L,D

DAY 9
RIVER KAYAKING AND PORT HONDURAS MARINE RESERVE

Early morning kayak trip down river to observe the many species of birds feeding along the river. We will explore smaller creeks as we head towards the coast and the mangrove habitat. Later we will board a marine boat for an afternoon of exploring at the port Honduras Marine Reserve. B,L,D.

DAY 10
DEPARTURE TO BELIZE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Morning departure for Belize City International Airport to catch your flight home.

TRIP PRICING

Pricing per person below based on double occupancy (minimum 2 people)

INCLUDES:  Luxury lodging based on double occupancy, meals as specified in the itinerary, ground, marine and local air transfers, guides, entrance fees, taxes.
B=Breakfast; L= Lunch; D=Dinner.

NOT INCLUDED:  International airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature.