During this Maymester program, we will travel to Belize to study wildlife corridors and jaguar conservation efforts through visits to breathtaking natural sites and landscapes. Over the course of ten days, we will visit Belize City, New River Lagoon, the Lamanai Ruins, San Ignacio, Shipstern Nature Reserve, Ambergris Caye, and even cross the border to Tikal, Guatemala. Program activities include a jungle survival tour, snorkeling and cave tubing, zip lining through a jungle, meetings with conservation managers, observing jaguars and other animals at the Belize Zoo, and activities focused on Mayan culture.

Anticipated Itinerary and Activities:

May 12, 2025 (Monday) - Fly to Belize (arrive before 3:00 pm): Enjoy dinner in the Belize City region

May 13, 2025 (Tuesday) - Belize City region: Travel by boat to the New River Lagoon, Belize's largest body of fresh water which supports exotic birds, colorful fish and crocodiles. With an expert guide, tour the Lamanai Ruins; Its name means "submerged crocodile," a fact you won't forget as you discover crocdile artwork dating back to 1500 BC. Then, visit the Old Sugar Mill, which was actually imported from New Orleans and has become almost entirely intertwined with the jungle. Enjoy lunch in Lamanai. Enjoy dinner in the Belize City region.

May 14, 2025 (Wednesday) - Shipstern Nature Preserve: Travel by bus to the Reserve which covers an area of more than 27,000 acres and protects a wide array of habitats, ranging from saline wetlands and lagoons to Yucatan tropical moist and dry forests. Shipstern Nature Reserve is home to all five cat species of Belize, the endangered Baird’s Tapir and a myriad of other plant and animal species, some of them very rare. The lagoon is home to many shore and wetland birds, such as the Roseate Spoonbill, the Boat-billed Heron, the endangered Reddish Egret, the American Woodstork, the White Ibis, the rare Black Catbird and many more. Deep in the forests, the Rainbow Toucan, the Yellow-headed and Yucatan Parrots, and unique species such as the Yucatan Woodpecker, find refuge and breeding grounds. Shipstern is also of prime importance for over-wintering migratory species from North America. One of Shipstern’s main goals is to implement active and practical conservation in the field. 

During our private tour, we will meet with the conservation field team and learn about the wildlife they protect. Then, after lunch, we will have the opportunity to participate in one of the following activities (based on group consensus):

• Mangrove Hike: We could take your group through a guided hike along the mangroves, allowing everyone to see first-hand how the ecosystem changes along the way. It’s a great opportunity to discuss the ecological importance of mangroves and the challenges of conservation in these areas.

• Data Collection & Monitoring: If your group is interested in a more scientific approach, we could arrange for them to participate in some data collection activities, focusing on wildlife monitoring or forest inventory. We would explain the importance of this data and how it contributes to conservation efforts in the region. They’ll also get an inside look into our wildlife monitoring program and restoration activities.

• Practical Conservation Work: If your group is eager to get their hands dirty and experience what day-to-day conservation work looks like, we could organize activities that expose them to the realities and challenges of on-the-ground efforts. This would not only showcase our operations but also highlight the career opportunities that exist within the field of conservation.

May 15, 2025 (Thursday). Visit the Belize Zoo, a sustainably-minded zoo and research center, and home to over 150 native Belizean animals. We will experience a VIP Tour (2.5 hrs tour) in small groups in the morning. Within the tour, everyone will get the opportunity to feed our National Animal, the Tapir and the Scarlet Macaw. A lot of close up Animal Experience, for example with the Jaguar, Harpy Eagle. Crocodile, Spider Monkey & Howler Monkey and more. This includes learning about their species roles in Belize’s culture and their background stories. Lunch at the zoo. Remainder of day is exploring the many zoo and research activities.

May 16, 2025 (Friday). Travel via Peccary Hills and Caves Branch Outpost to San Ignacio. Participate in a jungle survival tour, with expert Maya survivalists at your side to teach you the techniques that kept their ancestors alive in the jungle. Soar through the air on a zip-line tour after your hike up to the jungle canopy. Enjoy cave tubing and enjoy the cool waters within one of Belize's many astounding cave systems. Enjoy lunch. Enjoy dinner in San Ignacio.

May 17, 2025 (Saturday). Take an excursion to the ancient Maya site of Tikal, Guatemala. With an expert local guide, tour Tikal, one of the largest Maya UNESCO World Heritage archaelogical sites and noteworthy in its evidence of the decline of the Maya state. Enjoy lunch. Enjoy dinner in San Ignacio.

May 18, 2025 (Sunday). Travel via Belize City to Ambergris Caye. Participate in a traditional cultural Maya activities and try your hand at cooking local delicacies and crafting pottery wares. Enjoy lunch en route. Travel by ferry to idyllic Amergris Caye, located just off the tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Enjoy dinner in Amergris Caye.

May 19, 2025 (Monday). Enjoy snorkeling at Hol Chan marine reserve, Central America's first marine reserve. Enjoy lunch in Ambergris Caye. Spend time exploring Amergris Caye on your own. Enjoy dinner in Amergris Caye.

May 20, 2025 (Tuesday). Spend the morning exploring Ambergris Caye on your own. Enjoy lunch in Amergris Caye. Snorkel in Coral Gardens. Enjoy dinner in Ambergris Caye.

May 21, 2025 (Wednesday). Return to Belize City and depart for home.