This action-packed vegan adventure holiday in Belize offers no-holds-barred activities for seekers of soft adventure and more challenging experiences alike—snorkel in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, look for ancient Mayan burial sites deep in the ATM caves, hike through the Mayflower Bocawina National Park and enjoy sunset cocktails on the tropical island of Caye Caulker.
Sand in your vegan-friendly sandals guaranteed!
Belize City, BZE (Philip Goldson International Airport)
Sunshine. Sailboats. Sea-life. Sunset cocktails. Jungle hikes. Mayan ruins. Belize’s famous spicy sauce!
Each day of this tour is more extraordinary than the last, OMG moments and happy squeals are guaranteed.
Belize is home to one of the world’s healthiest barrier reefs, archaeological sites once at the center of Mayan civilization, and lush rainforest— small country, HUGE adventures!
Welcome to Belize! We’ll meet at Belize City Airport this afternoon and after a transfer to San Ignacio in the Cayo District, there will be an early evening ‘meet and greet’ with your Vegan Adventure Holidays trip leader and other members of the group this evening before dinner—think perfectly cooked rice, tender black beans, lightly sauteed fresh veg and a warm breeze.
This morning you’ll get to step inside a cave featured as the #1 sacred cave destination in the world by The National Geographic. The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (also known as the ATM caves) are not only unique geologically, but historically; the ATM caves serve as a natural museum of ancient Mayan artefacts and sacred burial place.
You’ll hike 45-minutes through the jungle before taking a journey into the Mayan underworld, along with your local guide you’ll explore an extensive underground maze of tunnels, passageways and chambers, finishing in the ceremonial chamber where you’ll see stoneware, ceramics and the famed crystallized skeleton of the “Crystal Maiden.”
If today were a movie it would be where James bond meets David Attenborough in Planet Earth—mystery, action and conservation all rolled into one!
Mayflower Bocawina National Park, in the southern district of Stann Creek, hosts a carpet of lush jungle, waterfalls cascading over foliage-fringed rocky cliffs and the remains of settlements of the Mayan empire: temples, ceremonial sites and residences. Set in a natural bowl fringed by the Mayan mountains it feels remote, but is in fact only an hour or so’s drive from some of the county’s major towns. Living and thriving in the rainforest are an estimated 238 species of birds; troops of black howler monkeys lurk in the canopy while beneath there are walking trails to explore.
This morning you’re going to climb to the top of 1,000-foot high waterfall falls, and trek through lush rainforest whilst learning about jungle flora and fauna.
Our knowledgeable local guide will share interesting facts about the plants, trees, birds, and creatures that call the jungle their home. We’ll end the challenging hike to the top with a refreshing swim in the emerald pools and take in the breathtaking views of the Tropical Rain Forest and the Caribbean Sea.
After a delicious vegan lunch back at the lodge, you might like to do one of the option activities later in the day—ride the longest rainforest canopy zipline in Central America, with a bird’s eye view over the forest. It takes up to two hours to complete the zip which is four km long and has 14 platforms, and nine different runs.
Not only is it long, offering you the opportunity thoroughly to get absorbed in the experience and spot birds and mammals high up in the branches, but you can also opt to ride the line at night…with a head torch. This is a rare chance to experience the canopy under the cover of darkness, which has a completely different feel to the daytime adventure. Keep an eye out for owls, howler monkeys, and bats!
After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll head back to Belize City to take a water taxi to the small Caribbean island of Caye Caulker where a no shirts, no shoes, no problem rule governs the island—vegan sandals optional!
Measuring 5 miles north to south and less than 1 mile east to west, the island is divided by a narrow channel called the Split, where there’s a bar and a sandy beach. To the south is the island’s only settlement, known as Caye Caulker Village. The north of the island is home to dense mangrove forest and diverse birdlife, protected by a forest reserve.
Caye Caulker offers balmy breezes, azure waters, an easy-going attitude, and a fantastic barrier reef all right at its doorstep.
Drink up your tropical fruit smoothie because we’ve got a boat to catch!
After getting kitted out with snorkeling gear, the first stop is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve where you can expect to see angelfish, blue-striped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of fish, it’s also known for the green moray eels living in tiny caves along the wall.
The Shark and Ray Alley is another of our stops within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, this spot is known as the shark and stingray city of Belize! You’ll get the opportunity to swim with the harmless Nurse Sharks and Southern Stingrays, this is a spot not to be missed.
The Coral Gardens are two and a half miles southwest of Shark and Ray Alley and due to extraordinary clear water you’ll be able to see the rainbow-like hues of the coral below, it’s an extremely special place.
Last but not least, our sailboat ride home; this journey takes around an hour and a quarter and it’s at the best time of the day just before sunset. Corn tortilla chips and salsa, rum or fruit cocktails make it a magical end to one of the highlights of this trip.
After a farewell breakfast, this trip finishes with a transfer back to Belize City Airport (or hotel).
Time to leave and head home after an amazing week but this is not the end of your journey, there’s so much more to see in Central America that maybe you’ll join a vegan adventure in Guatemala next!
Effective March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated travellers no longer require a negative test but must show proof of vaccination for entry into Belize’s airport, negative PCR result taken within 72 hours of arrival or a negative Antigen Rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival.
When you’re ready to secure your spot on the trip just go to the top right of the trip page and:
1: Click on the booking tab
2: Choose the number of people and click on the proceed button
3: Fill in the traveller contact and payment details then choose whether you want to pay the 10% deposit or the full amount
4: Click on the next step button to process the payment
5: That’s it, you’re booked on the trip!
The deposit is 15% of the trip price.
Yes, all trip prices are based on two people sharing so you’ll be paired up with another member of the group of the same sex for the duration of the trip. If you’re a single traveller and would like your own room please email hello@veganadventureholidays for prices
The maximum group size for this trip is 12 people.
Yes, Emma, along with knowledgeable local guides will be with you throughout the trip.
You’ll be staying in a traditional Guatemalan hotel with an interior garden or courtyard. The exact hotel will be confirmed nearer the time based on availability and group size. All hotels we use are chosen for their investment into the local economy, excellent reputation, location, beautiful decor and welcoming service.
This trip is perfect for moderately fit men and women who want to experience one of Guatemala’s most famous volcanoes, explore a UNESCO world heritage site and eat healthy plant-based meals. No previous volcano hiking experience is required, just a good sense of adventure and decent shoes.
Anyone is welcome but we typically cater for vegan travellers and busy working professionals with limited time — think healthy, fun adventures for grown-ups!
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, all meals are plant-based and 100% vegan. You’ll be eating tasty, healthy whole foods all week both traditional Belizian and international cuisine.
Email Emma at hello@veganadventureholidays and I’ll answer your questions and queries personally.
Yes, email Emma at hello@veganadventureholidays.com to discuss it in more detail.