Eco-Quest Expeditions

"Saving Wilderness Through Adventure"

Chiquibul Adventure!

Experience a once in a life time opportunity to explore an amazing river, and camp in Belize's biggest national park. . . .

Our highly trained outdoor guides have been exploring the Maya Mountains for over ten years, and now would like to show the world an incredible part of Belize that has been kept a long-time secret.

This three night, four day educational/adventure expedition will take you into Belize's premier Chiquibul National Park with an area of 264,000 acres of lush tropical forest. The Chiquibul adventure named after the chewing gum tree offers the traveler a rare opportunity to visit the ancient Maya city of Caracol, Las Cuevas Research Station, canoeing the Chiquibul River, and exploring the Giant Sand Passages of Kabal Cave, which is merely a section of the 35 mile long Chiquibul Cave System, recorded as the longest Cave in Central America. In the year 2000, National Geographic Scientist Thomas Miller completed a ten year research and mapping of this incredible system.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 – We depart San Ignacio Town and drive through the Mountain Pine Ridge forest to visit the Ancient Maya City of Caracol. The guides will happy take you back into history and share their knowledge about a mysterious civilization that flourished during the Classic Period (AD 300-900). After lunch at the site we continue our journey to Las Cuevas Research Station and Explorer's lodge in the Chiquibul Forest.

Day 2 - Today we depart Las Cuevas in 4x4 vehicles and get dropped off at Bordel Camp on the Chiquibul River. We then kayak and canoe downstream where we can spot tapirs, scarlet macaws and iguanas. The river passes thru an amazing river cave called the Natural Arch and then enters the Solitaire Gorge where the Slate-Colored Solitaire reigns. Late afternoon we arrive at our base camp and cook on open fire a hot jungle stew. After dinner enjoy listening to creatures of the night under a starry night.

Day 3 - The explorer's wake up to the sounds of the jungle and Howler Monkeys, pack some light gear and hike to one of the largest entrances of the spectacular Chiquibul Cave System. We will descend into a collapse sinkhole and explore a gigantic cavern containing some beautiful formations and ceremonial vessels used by the ancient Maya a thousand years ago. After exploring the cave, we then hike back to base camp where we can swim enjoy a well deserved dinner. Later the guides will tell you their favorite stories about El Duende or Alux, the mythical Mayan dwarf.

Day 4 - After an early breakfast we break camp and hike thru the jungle using an old logging track to meet the 4x4 vehicles for the return trip to Las Cuevas, where we can enjoy a hot shower and treat yourself with cold Belikin beer and celebrate our last night in the Chiquibul.

Day 5 - Depart Las Cuevas, return trip to San Ignacio with connections to the Cayes or International Airport.

View of Victoria Peak in distance Victoria Peak Challenge!

Victoria Peak is located approximately 30miles south of the capital city of Belmopan in the Stann Creek District. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a gateway to the Victoria Peak Natural Monument, where the 3,680ft Victoria Peak rises above the green basin home of the elusive Jaguar. Victoria Peak is Belize's second highest mountain. This once in a life time opportunity awaits those who are seeking tranquility and the breathtaking view of the jagged peaks of the Maya Mountains. In 1928 the first explorers blazed the first trail to the summit and told stories of a mystical mountain enshrouded in clouds.

¹Eco-Quest Expeditions guides are highly trained Belizean naturalists who are passionate about protecting our natural heritage and exploring the wilderness. We take pride in educating Belizeans and visitors who undertake our tours. We provide all logistical services for the Victoria Peak Trek, and can also customize excursions to Hopkins village, the Cayes or Placencia after completing your Challenge.

Proposed Itinerary

Day 1 - Departure from San Ignacio Town or International Airport, transfer to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife via the scenic Hummingbird Highway. Team conducts final preparation and sleep in rustic cabins.

Day 2 - After an early breakfast, the team begins a 12mile hike to base camp. The last five miles on this first day is rugged with lots of hills. We hike through an old growth tropical forest abundant with wildlife and set up camp near a waterfall. The guides prepare a high Carbo meal and then you can relax and listen to the soothing sounds of nature.

Day 3 - Today we hike (3.5miles) with light weight to the summit of Victoria Peak through the most rugged but pristine section of the trail. The trail passes through a cloud forest and then winds its way up a granite face where we ascend a 50 feet cliff with a safety rope attached to each climber. The summit of Victoria Peak is covered with elfin scrub, air plants, orchids, and many varieties of moss. It also offers birders a rare glimpse of birds such as the flamed tanager and shinning honey creeper which are unique to this altitude. The team spends some time taking photos and then descends back to base camp for recovery.

Day 4 - The team breaks camp and hikes back 12 miles to Cockscomb Basin Visitors Center where a cold drink and fresh fruits awaits you. We love to end our tour on the beach in Hopkins Village, where we celebrate and enjoy some home cooked meals prepared by the Garifuna people, an indigenous community with African ancestry who have managed to maintain their cultural heritage.

Day 5 - Depart Hopkins Village with connections to Placencia or Glovers Reef

Eco-Quest Expeditions is a tour operator owned by Friends for Conservation and Development. Eco-Quest specializes on experiential learning and organized recreation. It promotes the saving of Wilderness Areas through Adventure.

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