Just a two-hour flight from Miami, Belize offers a rich blend of Maya ruins and lush forests, still wild enough to host Jaguars and a diversity of tropical birds, butterflies, and mammals. This nation’s warm, hospitable people speak English and have a strong tradition of caring for their biological legacy.

We are pleased to offer time at three of Belize’s finest and best-known naturalists’ lodges: Bird’s Eye View Lodge, Lamanai Outpost Lodge and Chan Chich Rainforest Lodge, situated in reserves and protected forests. With a three-lodge trip our goal is to keep logistics simple, providing you with time to savor the lodges’ rich natural history, abundant birds, pleasant creature comforts, and tasty food.

Join us to explore Belize’s biological treasures and cultural roots. We emphasize birding, but also examine natural history and Maya heritage while having some simple, relaxing fun. We enjoy extended time at each lodge to ease travel and soak in the special attributes that give them such fine reputations. Colorful resident birds are joined by winter migrants, making birding each day extraordinary and fun!

Tour Highlights

• Treat yourself to a real vacation at three of the best eco-lodges in the Neotropics
• Experience Crooked Tree Sanctuary from Bird’s Eye View Lodge
• Enjoy three nights at the beautiful Lamanai Outpost Lodge, just a stroll away from impressive Maya ruins
• Bird the forest canopy from above, atop two stunning Maya temples
• Explore bird-rich lagoons by boat to find Snail Kite and colorful wading birds
• Traverse the trails of famous Chan Chich Lodge in search of trogons, parrots, toucans, and more
• Wake to the noisy chorus of tinamous, forest-falcons, and motmots, right outside your door
• Take night excursions in search of bats, night birds, and maybe even a Margay, Ocelot, or Jaguar!

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Sun., Mar. 2    Arrivals | Bird’s Eye View Lodge

Welcome to Belize! Your local guide meets you upon arrival today and transfers you to the beautiful Bird’s Eye View Lodge. 

Our lodge is located on the Crooked Tree Lagoon and boasts a list of over 300 bird species on their property. We can bird the lodge’s grounds today before kicking off the trip with dinner at the resort’s restaurant. Vermilion Flycatcher and quite a few Eastern warblers such as Yellow-throated Warbler can be seen, and the real prize is Agami Heron.
Accommodations at Bird’s Eye View Lodge (D)

Mon., Mar. 3   Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary | Bird’s Eye View Lodge

After an early breakfast and coffee, we enjoy a morning boat trip in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Barely an hour north of the airport, this refuge is one of the premier birding destinations for aquatic birds in Central America and is designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

A labyrinth of waterways and small islands, the refuge covers 16,400+ acres of creeks, swamps, and hummocks, including adjoining lowland pine savannas and tropical broadleaf forests. Watch for Morelet’s Crocodile and other reptiles, as well as Yucatan Squirrel and possible Neotropical River Otter.

Inland lagoons support an astonishing array of bird life. Peregrine Falcon, Black-collared Hawk, Great Black Hawk, and Snail Kite are raptor highlights, while across the lagoon, we look for long-toed Northern Jacana and Common Gallinule among the lily pads, with Black-bellied Whistling and Muscovy Ducks nearby. Overhead we may see Caspian and Gull-billed Terns, while the vegetation along the banks supports populations of Anhinga, Tricolored Heron, and Limpkin. Additional heron species may include Little Blue, Green, both night herons (Black- and Yellow-crowned), and possibly Agami. Crooked Tree is also known for its Boat-billed Heron rookeries, which can be noisy, with birds vocalizing and bill-clacking. We also watch for Amazon, Green, Belted, Ringed, and even American Pygmy Kingfishers (the latter as small as a sparrow) perched above the water.

One of the key species we look for on the water is the Sungrebe. We also carefully watch for Jabiru storks, the tallest flying bird in Central and South America. Yucatan endemics include Red-vented (or Yucatan) Woodpecker, Yucatan Flycatcher, Yellow-lored Parrot, the raucous Yucatan Jay, and possibly even Black Catbird.

Nearby Crooked Tree Village, established around 1750, is possibly the earliest inland European settlement in Belize. Surrounded by Crooked Tree Lagoon, it is known for its locally grown and processed cashews.

We enjoy an evening sunset tour by boat that includes rum punch.
Accommodations at Bird’s Eye View Lodge (B,L,D)

Tues., Mar. 4    Bird’s Eye View Lodge | Lamanai Outpost Lodge

We enjoy a morning bird walk on the lodge trails to look for Yucatan endemics. After lunch we depart on another boat trip, this time to transport us to Lamanai Outpost Lodge, our home for the next three nights. The transfer in to Lamanai is FUN. From the boat, we should see Mangrove Swallow, Limpkin, Northern Jacana, Swallow-tailed and Snail Kites, and, with luck, a Black-collared Hawk or a huge Jabiru. Be ready with a windbreaker, camera, and binoculars. We arrive in time for late-afternoon birding by the lodge, followed by dinner.
Accommodations at Lamanai Outpost Lodge (B,L,D)

Wed., Mar. 5    Lamanai Outpost Lodge

Whether you’re well-traveled in Central America or visiting for the first time, there is much to hold your attention at Lamanai. Birds and monkeys busy themselves around the cabins; nearly 200 species of butterflies flit through the area, colorful dragonflies and damselflies buzz by, lizards ranging in size from tiny geckoes to five-foot-long iguanas lounge around, and of course, numerous herbs, shrubs, and trees attract wild tropical wonder.

We’re mindful of some of the regional endemics, including Black Catbird, Rose-throated Tanager, Yucatan Jay, and Gray-throated Chat. One of the most interesting phenomena, and one we are likely to encounter at Lamanai and Chan Chich, is an army ant march. Birds of many families attend these marches, eating the insects, frogs, lizards, and other organisms flushed by the foraging ants. Standing quietly at the margin of an ant swarm, we get close looks at faithful ant followers, including Gray-headed Tanager, Red-throated Ant-Tanager, and a number of woodcreepers, including Tawny-winged and Northern Barred. Other possibilities are White-whiskered Puffbird, several flycatchers, migrant warblers, and perhaps a Great Tinamou. Even birds of prey like the dainty Barred Forest-Falcon follow ant swarms?all so absorbed in the sea of insect life that they ignore our fascinated observation.        
Accommodations at Lamanai Outpost Lodge (B,L,D)

Thurs., Mar. 6    Lamanai Outpost Lodge

Overlooking the edge of the large New River Lagoon, Lamanai offers a different mix of birds from Chan Chich, our third lodge. Some birds at the water’s edge are familiar: Neotropic Cormorant, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, and Purple Gallinule. Others, like White-collared Seedeater, Mangrove Vireo, Ruddy Crake, or the delightful American Pygmy Kingfisher remind you that you have left the United States. Open-air dining lets you be immersed in nature; local foods and tropical fruits abound!

During our stay we take several boat trips. Canoe excursions offer relaxing and intimate wildlife views, and can be arranged for both day and night paddles. Such trips frequently produce an endangered Morelet's Crocodile, iguanas, and basilisk lizards, up to five species of kingfishers, Boat-billed Heron, Gray-necked Wood-Rail, and occasionally a rarity like an Agami Heron. At night, with the aid of spotlights, we look for several species of bats, Yucatan Nightjar, Yucatan Poorwill, and Northern Potoo.

We also make sure to have time to see the impressive Lamanai Maya Ruins, and to explore the open savanna habitat, which affords us a good mix of species including Yucatan Woodpecker, Yellow-lored Parrot, the Petén race of Botteri’s Sparrow, and occasionally Aplomado Falcon.
Accommodations at Lamanai Lodge (B,L,D)

Fri., Mar. 7    Lamanai Outpost Lodge to Chan Chich Lodge

We enjoy a last morning of birding and breakfast at Lamanai Outpost Lodge before departing by van shuttle to Chan Chich Lodge. This is largely a travel day, on back roads through Mennonite farming country; we do stop for some birding along the way as the opportunity presents itself, and take a break at a small country store. We bring snacks, and plan on a late lunch upon arrival at the lodge.

Chan Chich (Maya for “little bird”) is one of the premier birding lodges in the world, located near the very remote coffee and livestock producing community of Gallon Jug. En route, we watch for Crested Caracara and other birds of prey, Scissor-tailed and Fork-tailed Flycatchers, and flooded fields that attract waterfowl, large wading birds, and migrating shorebirds.

Chan Chich Rainforest Lodge, set in a Maya Plaza dating from the Classic Maya Period of 250 – 800 AD, is located within the 250,000 acre Rio Bravo Wilderness Conservation Area in northwestern Belize. The comfortable lodge and its twelve cabañas are made of local materials and are attractively furnished. From your porch you are likely to see Ocellated Turkey parading through the plaza, hear howler monkeys calling above, and see a Crested Guan crashing through the trees.

The extensive trail network could reveal Great Tinamou, Red-capped Manakin, Royal Flycatcher, and Lovely Cotinga, along with a host of trogons, parrots, and toucans. Finding their tracks, the possibility of sighting secretive wild cats adds to the excitement. You can visit Maya burial chambers with painted friezes still intact, canoe on Laguna Verde, or swim in a nearby stream where you might be joined by a playful River Otter. Chan Chich also has a swimming pool and spa in this exquisite forest setting.

The rich forest here is home to over 350 species of birds, including Ocellated Turkey, Great Curassow, Crested Guan, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Maya Antthrush, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Royal Flycatcher, and the impossibly cute and often elusive Tody Motmot. It is always a pleasure to be here!

Mammals like Yucatan Black Howler Monkey, Central American Spider Monkey, Central American Agouti, and Gray Fox are commonly seen, and five felines, including Ocelot and Jaguar, have been found here, too. Beautiful hummingbirds like the Purple-crowned Fairy and Long-billed and Stripe-throated Hermits feed in clearings around the cabins, and both Red-capped and White-collared Manakins take berries at fruiting shrubs near the dining room.

As the morning air warms, birds of prey like Bat Falcon, White Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle, and Plumbeous Kite soar over the cabañas. By January, the bird population is even richer as local nesting birds are joined by numerous migrants: warblers, vireos, orioles, and flycatchers that spend the winter in these rich forests.

Once settled, we begin our exploration with a short afternoon hike to the Upper Plaza and the King’s Tomb Trail. Mounds that have formed over unexcavated ruins provide nest sites for Lesson's Motmot, which are frequently seen around the lodge clearing. Montezuma Oropendola, which nest in colonies around the lodge, are fun to watch as they tumble and gurgle in courtship display.
Accommodations at Chan Chich Lodge (B,L,D)

Sat., Mar. 8    Chan Chich Lodge & Nature Reserve

The nighttime serenade of Common Pauraque quickly blends into a dawn chorus of tinamous, motmots, and perhaps a Strong-billed Woodcreeper, ushering in our early morning walk. With luck we find an assortment of dazzling tropical tanagers, woodpeckers, euphonias, and honeycreepers.

After a delicious breakfast, we venture into the forest, past manakin leks and the territories of dueting Spot-breasted Wren. One trail takes us to a lower open and moist tintal forest where specialties include Rose-throated Tanager, Gray-throated Chat, and Yucatan Flycatcher. On a recent visit to the tintal, a Pheasant Cuckoo sang endlessly. Here we have a greater chance of encountering shy birds like Ruddy Quail-Dove, Great Curassow, and Scaly-throated Leaftosser that are unlikely to venture into the lodge clearing.

We break for lunch and perhaps a brief siesta or a swim, then head out in the late afternoon as the forest cools and life stirs. Today we likely explore the River Trail, which skirts wetter habitats. On past tours we’ve surprised a Tapir enjoying its bath, found both Green and Pygmy Kingfishers and watched delicate hummingbirds come in to drink and bathe.

By 5:30 PM, the afternoon is turning to dusk and we enjoy camaraderie and armchair birding at the lodge’s traditional happy hour and dinner. Mealy Parrot and Olive-throated Parakeet are noisy and are seen as they come to their evening roosts.
Accommodations at Chan Chich Lodge (B,L,D)

Sun., Mar. 9    Chan Chich Lodge & Nature Reserve

This morning we walk along the lush Sylvester Village road, which passes through a variety of forest types, good for birds and butterflies (when sunny). This is always a productive walk for elusive species.

In the afternoon we stroll out on the main road leading from the lodge to the suspension bridge over Chan Chich Creek. Here, huge Blue Morpho butterflies flit by, Cinnamon Becard whistle at the roadside, and fruiting trees attract Black-crowned Tityra, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Golden-hooded Tanager, and maybe a wintering Yellow-throated Vireo. Some spotting scope work at the bridge could produce several species of dragonflies and damselflies, including one of the red-eyed dancers or the colorful Caribbean Yellowface.

We return to the lodge for a relaxing final evening and a delicious dinner, with time to recount our trip highlights.
Accommodations at Chan Chich Lodge (B,L,D)

Mon., Mar. 10    Chan Chich Rain Forest Lodge | Departures

A final morning walk allows us to search for Black Catbird and other Yucatan bioregion specialties. Then, we leave Chan Chich and return to Belize City for flights home. (B)

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the journey is $4290 DBL / $5160 SGL per person, based on double occupancy, from Belize City. Cost includes: all accommodations; all meals as stated in the itinerary (B,L,D); group airport transfers; in-country charter flights, ground transportation within Belize between two lodges; professional guide services; park, preserve, and other activity fees; lodge tips; and miscellaneous program expenses. Price does not include: roundtrip airfare to and from Belize City, items of a personal nature like laundry, porterage, telephone charges, or alcoholic beverages, gratuities for maids or porters.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City

Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive March 2, 2025. We will have two transfers to Bird's Eye View Lodge from the airport, at 2 PM and 4 PM.

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart March 10, 2025, after 1:00 PM

Travel Tip: You may wish to arrive a day early and rest up from your travels. While there are a few things to do in Belize City, most attractions are located about an hour away and would require a taxi or hiring a guide. The Belize Zoo is home to only native wildlife that have been abandoned, orphaned, or injured. It’s a great way to see almost 50 species of native animals. Does exploring an ancient Mayan city seem appealing? Then head about 30 miles north of Belize City to Altun Ha, an important archaeological zone that covers about 5 square miles. If you’re looking for something right in town, you can explore the rich culture and history at the Museum of Belize.

Hotel Recommendations:  The Black Orchid Resort is about 20 minutes from the airport and they can arrange transfers. There is a restaurant on site and hotel staff can assist with booking outings. You can also relax on site and bird along the river. Another option in town is the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina. On the start date of the tour, please plan to transfer back to the airport for one of the two transfers.

Entry Requirements: US citizens do not require a visa for tourist visits of this length.

 

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• James P. Smith
  

  James brings some twenty five years of guiding experience to Naturalist Journeys. Originally from Sheffield in the United Kingdom, he discovered a love for guiding in Israel in 1995 where he helped establish the Kibbutz Lotan Center for Birdwatching in the Southern Arava Valley. Since then, he’s led hundreds of tours throughout the Northern Hemisphere for a number of UK-based tour companies. His trips to Israel and North America are especially close to his heart but he’s also led or co-led tours to Mexico (Veracruz), The Gambia, Kenya, Iceland, Scottish Highlands, Spanish Pyrenees, Central/Southern France, Greece (Lesvos), and India (Goa). An accomplished illustrator, James placed runner-up in the British Birds “Bird Illustrator of the Year” competition in 1992 and went on to have his work published in numerous birding magazines and journals. He also co-authored the two volume set A Guide to the Birding Hotspots of Israel (Published in 2000 by the Israel Ornithological Center and the S.P.N.I.). He returns to Israel every year to lead trips and remains an active member of the Israel Rarities and Distribution Committee. When not leading tours he can be found at home in Western Massachusetts with his wife Susannah and their young son Matan.

  Other trips with James P. Smith

  • Summer in Costa Rica
    July 17 - 24, 2024
  • Grand Oaxaca: Valley, Mountains & Coast
    October 20 - 31, 2024
  • Western Panama: Tranquilo Bay
    November 9 - 16, 2024, w/Mt. Totumas extension
  • Oaxaca Valley: Birds, Culture & Crafts
    December 1 - 9, 2024
  • Trinidad & Tobago: Incredible Birds & Wildlife
    January 16 - 25, 2025
  • Belize: Three Great Lodges
    FULL - See our January departure!
    February 19 - March 1, 2025
  • Guyana: Unspoiled Wilderness
    March 27 - April 8, 2025
  • Cape May: Spring Migration
    May 13 - 19, 2025

Essential Information +

Pace & Protocols +

Packing List +

Suggested Reading List +

Useful Links +

• Western Panama: Tranquilo Bay
  March 1 - 8, 2025, w/Mt. Totumas extension
• Best of Guatemala: Birding & Culture
  Three Great Lodges
  March 4 - 14, 2025, w/Tikal extension
• Costa Rica Birding & Nature
  March 5 - 12, 2025, w/Pacific Coast extension