Discover hidden bays, Mayan ruins, underground cave systems and unexplored jungle ecosystems. An ideal oppportunity to see an abundance of wildlife in some unique locations, from the cloud forests and mangroves of Cuero y Salado to the steamy jungles of northern Belize.
Visit one of the ancient Maya's most lavaish cultural centres of Copán which is particularly well-known for its carved stelae (stone monuments) before experiencing the wonders of nature in the form of, the active, Pacaya Volcano. You'll also see the splendor of the beautiful Lake Atitlán from both the shoreline and the surface as you enjoy either a kayak or motorbike ride through its waters.
A truly mixed itinerary for nature and wildlife lovers alike, mixing relaxation with as much adventure as you want to add.
This is just a suggested Itinerary. Please speak to our experienced consultants who can tailor make this trip to your needs.
To secure your place on any Tailor Made trip we require a deposit of 30% of the total trip price, per person.
Book or Enquire• Trek through the cloud forests of Pico Bonito
• Snorkel in Shark Ray Alley, Belize
• Horseback ride to an ancient Mayan burial site
These are just suggested inclusions. Please speak to our experienced consultants who can tailor make this trip to your needs.
Meals
23 x breakfasts, 10 x lunches, 8 x dinners
Accommodation
Hotel x 13 nights, lodge x 10 nights
Transport
Private vehicle
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The Bay Islands are located off Honduras's Caribbean coast, along the southern end of the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Once a mecca for pirates, the now mellow isles (of which there are three - Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja, plus several small cayes) are surrounded by clear, turquoise waters that serve as home to a kaleidoscope of marine species, incredible coral formations, and the world's largest congregation of whale sharks. Not surprisingly, the area attracts scuba divers and snorkelers from around the globe. The islands themselves consist of white-sand beaches, coconut palms, and quiet fishing villages, and are rich in Garífuna culture. Just a short flight from the mainland city of La Ceiba, Roatán is the largest and most popular island.
Free day to relax and explore.
Free day to relax and explore.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to La Ceiba Airport and onward transfer to Pico Bonito. The National Park isn't just remote--it's largely unexplored. Located in northern Honduras, near the Caribbean city of La Ceiba, it's one of the country's largest parks and is named for the 2,435-m/7,989 ft mountain that dominates its sky. Rugged and isolated, Pico Bonito is home to cloud forests, dense jungles, dry lowland regions, several rivers, and exceptional wildlife; keep your eye out for monkeys, wild pigs, and the elusive jaguar. Although much of the park is inaccessible without a machete and some serious boots, Pico Bonito remains an exceptional destination for jungle treks, bird watching, and whitewater rafting. The area around it is also home to some great accommodations.
Today you will enjoy a full day tour to the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge. Named for two rivers that feed this estuarine mangrove forest wildlife refuge, the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is famous for its abundant wildlife and birding opportunities. Your trip into the refuge starts on a narrow gauge rail car that takes you to the river's edge. From here motorized skiffs and canoes are available for guided tours through the complex of estuaries and mangrove forests where one can expect to see howler and white-faced monkeys, iguanas, alligators, dozens of species of birds, and -with a little luck- manatees. After the boat tour, wander down to the white sand beach where the rivers meet the sea for a swim and a fresh fruit snack.
Free day to relax and explore.
After breakfast you will make a private transfer to Cópan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980, Copán was one of the ancient Maya's most lavish cultural centers. It's less grandiose than it is a detailed work of art and is particularly well-known for its beautifully carved stelae (stone monuments). For the best experience, tour Copán with an experienced guide (or better yet, an archaeologist) who can bring the ruins to life. The site is located just 60 km/37 mi east of the Guatemalan border and sits in a pristine river valley near the town of Copán Ruinas. Here, you'll find cobblestone streets, a picturesque plaza, and a smattering of good hotels and restaurants. Not far from town, you can also visit coffee and cardamom farms, as well as the Macaw Mountain Bird Reserve & Nature Park.
Today, you'll travel to the Copán archaeological site for a privately guided, three-hour tour. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, and one of the ancient Maya's most lavish cultural centers, Copán is well-known for its intricately carved stelae and incredible hieroglyphic stairway; you'll also visit the on-site sculpture museum and two excavated tunnels under the ruins that provide insight into the early stages of Copán civilization. Afterwards, you'll lunch in Copán Ruinas before heading to the Macaw Mountain Bird Park (located 15 minutes outside of town), a nine-acre (four-hectare) reserve that cares for rescued and endangered tropical birds like scarlet macaws and keel-billed toucans. A guide from the reserve will talk about Macaw Mountain's on-going projects and introduce you to a variety of bird species, some of which you'll be able to interact with. Bring your bathing suit, as the reserve has a riverside swimming hole. This is a one- to two-hour visit.
After breakfast you will make a private transfer to Antigua. Founded in the sixteenth century, Antigua is a cosmopolitan destination with a rich colonial past. Its cobblestone streets are lined with pretty, pastel-hued homes, luxe boutique hotels, and an exceptional selection of smart restaurants and shops. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this city of 35,000 people sits in valley between coffee farms, indigenous villages, and three imposing volcanoes. At the heart of town is the parque central, a European-style plaza busy with shoe-shiners, ice cream vendors, families, and tourists. During its architectural peak, Antigua was home to dozens of colonial monuments, churches, and monasteries, but an earthquake in 1773 damaged or reduced most to rubble. In the centuries thereafter, efforts were made to rebuild and restore, and the city today is filled with melancholy but gorgeous relics and ruins.
You will be met at your hotel reception by your private guide to begin your half day walking tour of Antigua. This tour explores this colonial city's cultural, architectural, and social history with a behind-the-scenes look at some of Antigua's ornately decorated churches, Spanish colonial-era ruins, and the tomb of the first Guatemalan saint. Entrance fees for the Cathedral of San Jose and the San Francisco el Grande and La Merced churches are included; however, with just a word to the guide, this flexible tour can also be tailored to individual interests (you will pay any additional entrance fees). At the end of the tour, the guide will accompany you back to your hotel or take you to a place of your choosing.
Includes: Entrances to the Antigua Cathedral, the Merced Monastery & the San Francisco Monastery, Private Guide, use of tuc tucs
A grumbling, smoke-belching spectacle, Pacaya Volcano (2,552 metres / 8,371 feet) beckons adventure-seekers with its breathtaking display of nature's raw power. Your morning transfer delivers you to Pacaya's foothills for a steep hike through a lush pine forest. A widening panorama unfolds on the way up, offering views of northern volcanoes, the Pacific lowlands and all the way to El Salvador. At the base of the peak itself, a barren moonscape of loose rock and pebbles greets you, adding tricky footing to the adventure. Steam rises from numerous vents, which sometimes yield a view of bright orange magma deep inside. This half day expedition wraps up with a brisk walk down to the park base for your return ride to Antigua.
Includes: Private bilingual guide, local guide, entrance fees, horse support one way & trail snacks
Experience two ecosystems in a long but fascinating day of exploring the largest known Maya site in Belize followed by a refreshing dip in pristine pools formed by waterfalls. The 2.5- to 3-hour drive starts out on paved road from San Ignacio in western Belize and continues off-road through the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, a sprawling national park featuring dramatic falls and pristine rivers and pools. Notice the change from pine forest to tropical rainforest as you enter the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, which surrounds the stunning Caracol ruins. Covering 78 square kilometres (30 square miles) of thick jungle, Caracol contains five plazas, a cosmic observatory and thousands of structures. Follow the footsteps of Maya rulers by climbing up the steps of the massive Caana pyramid and browsing the three temples sharing its lofty peak. Enjoy a panoramic view of rainforest canopy as you look out from 43 metres (140 feet) above the jungle floor. Because the ruins lie within the Chiquibul reserve, you may encounter exotic birds and wildlife as you meander through the ruins. On the way back to town, stop at the alluring Rio Frio Cave and take a refreshing dip in the Rio On Pools. Although the tour may take 10 hours, you'll enjoy lunch, snacks, cold beer and soft drinks, along with cold, moist washcloths to wipe your face and hands. The route threads along national borderlines, so don't be surprised with a military escort, a precautionary measure arranged for portions of the drive.
Today you will experience the splendor of majestic Lake Atitlán by kayaking along a portion of its sparkling surface and then trekking up an intriguing mountain rising from its shores. Your guide will meet you at your hotel for a short ride to the dock and a one- to two-hour (depending on your wishes) kayaking journey or short motorboat ride. As you ply across the water, you may encounter local fishermen who are usually happy to share a glimpse of their daily life. After landing at the mysterious Cerro de Oro (Hill of Gold), you can take a strenuous, 1.5-hour hike, taking you through the village with the same name, known for its creativity in turning plastic waste into recycled art. The trek culminates at the summit (1,636 metres / 5,368 feet), where you'll be rewarded with impressive views of the lake and its volcanic backdrop. (Remember, cloud cover or fog may affect your views.) You can also take an easier climb or remain at the shore for a scenic hike along the waterfront - simply choose the level of activity that you prefer.
Once back at the dock, hitch a ride in the back of a pickup and rumble off to Santiago for lunch and a visit with Guatemala's favourite indigenous saint, Maximón. Afterward, hop aboard a boat and cruise to San Juan, where you'll visit weaving co-ops, medicinal herb gardens and art naïf painters. Go on foot or squeeze into a tuc-tuc and ride like the locals. You will be back at your hotel just in time for a sunset drink or a relaxing dip in the pool.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Guatemala City Airport for your flight to Flores and onward transfer to Tikal National Park.
You will be met at your hotel by a private guide for a tour of Tikal National Park, where some 3,000 ancient structures rise from the rainforest floor. Not only you will enjoy a fascinating tour of this impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, but you will also experience the sights and sounds of tropical birds and animals, including howler and spider monkeys, that live in the jungle canopy. Once home to an estimated at 50,000 residents or more, Tikal flourished from 800 BC to 900 AD. You will follow in the footsteps of Maya royalty and commoners as your guide leads you to such sites as the majestic Great Plaza and its Temple of the Jaguar (44 meters / 144 feet), Temple of the Masks (38m/125ft), the Acropolis and much more. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant. You can also explore the museum at the visitor centre before returning to your hotel.
Today you will be met at the hotel and then transfer to lesser visited, Yaxhá National Park (1.5 hours). The tour begins with a short boat ride on Lake Yaxhá over to the small island site at Topoxte. The post-classic site is believed to be the last inhabited Mayan site in Guatemala and the densely shrouded temples and structures give the feel of traveling back in time. Next, explore the Mayan ceremonial site of Yaxhá. Set atop a hill overlooking two scenic lakes this is a particularly picturesque site. Temple 216 in the East Acropolis towers above the site and provides magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After the tour enjoy lunch before transferring to Melchor de (1 hour), the Guatemalan border with Belize.
Today you will head to the Mountain Equestrian Trails and saddle up for a leisurely horseback ride to the Barton Creek Cave, an ancient Mayan burial site and ceremonial centre. Equipped with canoes and high-powered lights, you'll gently paddle along the river into the cave system known as a Mayan underworld. Stalactites hang high overhead as you glide past impressive calcite crystal formations. Knowledgeable guides discuss the relevance of the cave to the ancient Mayan people and the archaeological significance of this 7.5-kilometre (4-mile) limestone formation.
Includes: Private transfers & guide, admission fees, canoe & equipment, horse riding, lunch, local guide at Barton Creek.
Experience two ecosystems in a long but fascinating day of exploring the largest known Maya site in Belize followed by a refreshing dip in pristine pools formed by waterfalls. The 2.5- to 3-hour drive starts out on paved road from San Ignacio in western Belize and continues off-road through the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, a sprawling national park featuring dramatic falls and pristine rivers and pools. Notice the change from pine forest to tropical rainforest as you enter the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, which surrounds the stunning Caracol ruins. Covering 78 square kilometres (30 square miles) of thick jungle, Caracol contains five plazas, a cosmic observatory and thousands of structures.
Follow the footsteps of Maya rulers by climbing up the steps of the massive Caana pyramid and browsing the three temples sharing its lofty peak. Enjoy a panoramic view of rainforest canopy as you look out from 43 metres (140 feet) above the jungle floor. Because the ruins lie within the Chiquibul reserve, you may encounter exotic birds and wildlife as you meander through the ruins. On the way back to town, stop at the alluring Rio Frio Cave and take a refreshing dip in the Rio On Pools. Although the tour may take 10 hours, you'll enjoy lunch, snacks, cold beer and soft drinks, along with cold, moist washcloths to wipe your face and hands. The route threads along national borderlines, so don't be surprised with a military escort, a precautionary measure arranged for portions of the drive.
After a morning at leisure you will transfer to the Orange Walk District. Located in northern Belize, the district of Orange Walk comprises steamy jungle rivers, wilderness and wildlife, and some
of the country's most important Maya ruins. Factor in a handful of first-rate jungle lodges and the fact that visitors are few and far between, and you've got a near-perfect scenario. By day, you can play the intrepid jungle explorer. At night, you can return to a thatch-roof villa and a bottle of red. Visitors to Orange Walk usually make a beeline for the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (a birder's mecca) and Maya ruins like Lamanai and La Milpa, the latter of which is located in Belize's largest nature reserve, the Río Bravo Conservation and Management Area. Orange Walk is also known for growing sugarcane; Orange Walk Town, the district's main hub, is nicknamed "Sugar City."
Free day to relax and explore.
After lunch you will transfer to the airport for your short flight to Ambergris Caye. The largest of Belize's islands, Ambergris Caye runs parallel to the magnificent Belize Barrier Reef. Once home to the ancient Maya (they created the island by digging a channel between it and Mexico), Ambergris is located 56 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Belize City and is accessible by boat or plane. It's a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing; trips to nearby Caye Caulker and the mainland are easy to plan, too. Formerly a fishing village, San Pedro is the island's only town; its sandy streets are lined with waterfront restaurants, hotels, tiki bars, and dive shops. Visitors to Ambergris should note that in order to protect the caye's natural environment, Belizean law prohibits the removal of coastal sea grass. Properties do their best to clean up grass that washes up on shore, but it's not uncommon to find a bit of sea green next to your cold bottle of Belikin.
In the morning you will explore the breathtaking marine life flourishing in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and dive its natural cut, 1-9 metres (3-30 feet) deep, through the reef. Hol Chan, which means "Little Channel" in Mayan, features an opulent coral garden, including stag horn corals and sea fans, where myriad sea creatures live and feed. Watch as harmless nurse sharks and graceful southern stingrays ply the shallow, crystalline waters in the aptly named Shark Ray Alley passage. Divers and snorkelers make this a must-do trip while in Belize.
Free day to relax and explore.
After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your departing international flight.
We want you to enjoy your trip to the fullest extent possible, so we ask you to take a moment to read through the following information and make sure you’re fully aware of the kind of trip you will be joining.
Imaginative Traveller trips and adventure travel in general can be quite demanding and there are risks and hazards that are inherent in such trips. Long driving days can sometimes be uncomfortable and tiring. Many of the places we visit are off the beaten track and so do not have the infrastructure that we are accustomed to in western society. Accommodation can vary greatly in standards and when wild camping on an Overland trip we rely entirely on our own provisions.
You will have the opportunity to take part in many exciting activities and excursions, some of which are included whilst others are optional (i.e. hiking the Inca Trail, trekking to see Mountain Gorillas) these require a certain level of fitness, so it’s important that you read through the trip notes thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough to enjoy this trip to its fullest. Some activities may have higher risks than you are used to and you must judge whether or not you wish to, or have the physical ability to take part. All travellers are also required to carry their own bag and lift it into storage areas, get on and off public transport or if on an Overland trip - be able to manage the 2-foot step on and off the Overland truck.
Weather conditions in certain areas can also make physical activity more challenging. This also applies to our trips that travel at altitude.
It is extremely rare for us to have to refuse anyone a space on our trips for medical reasons. If at the time of booking you have any concern at all about a medical condition that may prevent you from participating fully in the trip, please let your travel agent or Imaginative Traveller know as soon as possible. If upon disclosure, our operator is of the opinion that the trip is not suitable for you, then we reserve the right to cancel your booking or alternatively to limit your participation in certain activities.
Whilst we don’t want to put anyone off experiencing one of our trips, we ask that you read through the trip notes for the trip you have selected carefully and realistically self assess your ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your Dr and/or us if you have any doubts.
A positive attitude and an open mind are just as important as your ability to get involved and fully participate on your group trip.
In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community list is available for inspection at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/safety/air-ban/index_en.htm .In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of confirmation. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of confirmation, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible.
BOOKING CONDITIONS - Dragoman Overseas
Travel Ltd. Valid from 1st May 2019
(Updated on 10/06/19)
3.1 Payments for Small Group Tours operated by Imaginative Traveller and excluding Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic
Songlines Music Tours: deposit amount £600
Family Overland: deposit amount £400
Trips with Gorilla permit: deposit amount £600
Trips with Inca Trail permit: deposit amount £400
The balance of the tour cost must be paid no later than 56 days before the departure date of the first tour booked, otherwise we are entitled to treat the booking as cancelled by you in which case the cancellation charges shown in clause 4 will be payable.
3.2 Payments for Small Group Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic
3.3 Payments for Tailor Made Tours and Charter Trips
4.1 If you wish to cancel your tour
Small Group Tours excluding Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic
Days % charge
56 or more Loss of deposit
31 to 55 50%
30 or less 100%
Small Group Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic
Days % charge
181 or more Loss of deposit
180 or less 100%
Tailor Made Tours and Charter Trips
Days % charge
56 or more Loss of deposit
55 or less 100%
Depending on your reason for cancellation and your travel insurance terms these charges may be recoverable under your insurance policy.
4.2 Amendments and Transfers for Small Group Tours
On some trips it is not possible for us to accept late bookings as they are subject to availability.
4.3 Amendments and Transfers for Tailor Made Tours and Charter Trips
The information about trips given in this brochure is subject to change. Where practical, any changes will be reflected in the Trip Notes that are sent to you with your Final Documentation. It is your responsibility to review the up-to-date Trip Notes sent to you with Final Documentation. If you make a booking less than 56 days before departure (181 days for Polar trips to the Arctic or Antarctic) you must ensure you are fully aware of the contents of the Trip Notes. The information and conditions in the Trip Notes will be deemed to be part of the contract.
In no circumstances will we cancel your tour less than 4 weeks before the scheduled departure date except for reasons of consolidation, force majeure or failure on your part to pay the final balance. We strongly recommend that you make no travel arrangements to your point of departure, make any connecting travel that is non-refundable or non-changeable or incurs penalties or incur any costs in respect of visas or vaccinations until such time as your travel itinerary has been confirmed. If you make such arrangements which you are then unable to use due to a change in your itinerary we shall not be liable to you for the cost of those arrangements. If we are forced to cancel your holiday after departure we will, wherever possible, make suitable alternative arrangements. If we are unable to make such alternative arrangements, or you reject these for good reason then we will return you to your point of departure and refund you for any unused services, if appropriate.
Days Compensation
56 or more Nil
Between 28 and 55 £15
Between 15 and 27 £25
Less than 15 £35
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under ABTOT Combined and The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Dragoman Overseas Travel Ltd., ATOL number 4157, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following:
ABTOT Combined cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Dragoman Overseas Travel Ltd.
In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.
You can access the The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2018/9780111168479/contents
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
The price of our ATOL-protected flight inclusive Packages includes the amount of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices.
We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate or holiday itinerary, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate or itinerary (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder or supplier may provide you with the services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder or supplier will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder or supplier. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder or supplier, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ABTOT Combined scheme.
If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate or holiday itinerary, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder, alternative supplier or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, ABTOT Limited may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ABTOT Combined scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to ABTOT Limited any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable). You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ABTOT Combined scheme.
For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk or the ABTOT website at www.ABTOT.com.
The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018.
Therefore you will benefit from all EU rights applying to the packages. Dragoman Overseas Travel Ltd. ('Dragoman') will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole.
Additionally, as required by law, Dragoman has protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that it becomes insolvent.
Key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018
A copy of The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 may be found on: www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634
(i) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party;
(ii) the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your tour and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable;
(iii) force majeure;
(iv) any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which any supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised by us and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract;
vii) any information and advice on visas, travel documents, climate, spending money and other costs, clothing, equipment, etc. All such information and advice has been compiled with reasonable care and is given in good faith but without responsibility on our part;
viii) loss or damage of your personal belongings while in the sight of yourself or other group members, or while under the care of airlines or airports;
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