World Challenge Canada - The Maya Route (Belize, Mexico, Guatemala)

The Maya Route (Belize, Mexico, Guatemala)

This expedition will take you through two or three of Central America’s countries. As you travel through the region you will witness an incredible diversity of geography, wildlife and culture - from the breezy highlands of Guatemala to the hot and steamy jungles of Belize and the dense cloud forests of Honduras, to the laid-back Caribbean coast. There are several routings possible, giving lots of flexibility to those exploring the land of the Maya

During your expedition you will have the opportunity to visit ancient cities once ruled by the likes of King Great Jaguar Paw and learn about the astonishing Mayan civilisation. Many of the people you encounter on your journey will be direct descendents of the Maya, whose culture is very much alive today, contrasting enormously with the Spanish colonial towns you will also discover enroute. The official language spoken in Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala is Spanish although it will be common to meet people who only know their local Mayan dialect. English is the official language in Belize but you will find that on the coast where the Caribbean culture is very much alive that many speak Creole.

This expedition offers altitude trekking (including the highest peak in Central America) as well as jungle trekking and is therefore ideal for those with a keen sense of adventure and an interest in history and culture.

The expedition program manager for the Maya route will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.

Acclimatisation
Lake Atitlán
Described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world, and set in the southern highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlán is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. With many possible day treks, including climbing one of the volcanoes and trekking part of the way round the lake, it is an ideal place for teams to acclimatise.

Cockscomb Basin
Teams flying in to the Caribbean coast and heading west will start of with a gentle introduction to the jungles of Belize in the beautiful Cockscomb Basin, the world’s only Jaguar Reserve.

Main Trekking phase
The main trekking phase can take place in either in tropical Belize or at altitude in the volcanic Highlands of Western Guatemala, though it is possible to undertake main treks in both of these areas.

Mountain Pine Ridge (Belize)
This beautiful and distinctive pine forest area is flourishing with wild orchids, parrots and other exotic flora and fauna. An exploration of the Mountain Pine Ridge can encompass treks to Hidden Valley Water Falls, the Rio Frio Caves and the Rio On - a cascading river with pools for swimming. Indian Creek (Belize). This challenging 4 to 5 day trek takes teams through jungles and towering karst rock formations as it follows the winding Indian Creek. You will be accompanied by a highly knowledgeable local guide who will point out lots of interesting flora and fauna along the way, and you will camp out in the jungle each night enroute.

Western Highlands and the Ixil Triangle (Guatemala)
At 4220m Volcan Tajumulco is the highest peak in Central America and a challenging main trek. Numerous other volcanoes can be climbed, or teams can journey through the Highlands on spectacular 3 to 5 day treks, staying with remote Mayan communities enroute – a unique opportunity for cultural interaction. There are many treks and teams can spend anything from 4 days to 2 weeks exploring the stunning Highland scenery.

Projects
Your project phase will be in Guatemala or Belize. In both countries teams can do community projects in remote Mayan villages, where you will live and work with local families. This provides an amazing insight into traditional life amongst the colourful and fascinating Maya. There are excellent coastal conservation projects in Guatemala and Belize where teams not only help out directly with sea turtle conservation but also with environmental education in schools.

Rest and Relaxation
Throughout the expedition trekking can be interspersed with days visiting Mayan ruins such as the astonishing city of Tikal in the north of Guatemala or Copan in Western Honduras, and colorful indigenous markets such as Chichicastenango. Regardless of routing, all expeditions can encompass a few days on the Caribbean coast of Belize and Mexico with the opportunity for snorkeling in the crystal clear sea, or simply relaxing on the lovely white beaches.

Central and North America Costa Rica Dive Honduras Mexico	The Maya Route (Belize, Mexico, Guatemala) This expedition will take you through two or three of Central America’s countries. As you travel through the region you will witness an incredible diversity of geography, wildlife and culture - from the breezy highlands of Guatemala to the hot and steamy jungles of Belize and the dense cloud forests of Honduras, to the laid-back Caribbean coast. There are several routings possible, giving lots of flexibility to those exploring the land of the Maya During your expedition you will have the opportunity to visit ancient cities once ruled by the likes of King Great Jaguar Paw and learn about the astonishing Mayan civilisation. Many of the people you encounter on your journey will be direct descendents of the Maya, whose culture is very much alive today, contrasting enormously with the Spanish colonial towns you will also discover enroute. The official language spoken in Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala is Spanish although it will be common to meet people who only know their local Mayan dialect. English is the official language in Belize but you will find that on the coast where the Caribbean culture is very much alive that many speak Creole. This expedition offers altitude trekking (including the highest peak in Central America) as well as jungle trekking and is therefore ideal for those with a keen sense of adventure and an interest in history and culture. The expedition program manager for the Maya route will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team. Acclimatisation Lake Atitlán Described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world, and set in the southern highlands of Guatemala, Lake Atitlán is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. With many possible day treks, including climbing one of the volcanoes and trekking part of the way round the lake, it is an ideal place for teams to acclimatise. Cockscomb Basin Teams flying in to the Caribbean coast and heading west will start of with a gentle introduction to the jungles of Belize in the beautiful Cockscomb Basin, the world’s only Jaguar Reserve. Main Trekking phase The main trekking phase can take place in either in tropical Belize or at altitude in the volcanic Highlands of Western Guatemala, though it is possible to undertake main treks in both of these areas. Mountain Pine Ridge (Belize) This beautiful and distinctive pine forest area is flourishing with wild orchids, parrots and other exotic flora and fauna. An exploration of the Mountain Pine Ridge can encompass treks to Hidden Valley Water Falls, the Rio Frio Caves and the Rio On - a cascading river with pools for swimming. Indian Creek (Belize). This challenging 4 to 5 day trek takes teams through jungles and towering karst rock formations as it follows the winding Indian Creek. You will be accompanied by a highly knowledgeable local guide who will point out lots of interesting flora and fauna along the way, and you will camp out in the jungle each night enroute. Western Highlands and the Ixil Triangle (Guatemala) At 4220m Volcan Tajumulco is the highest peak in Central America and a challenging main trek. Numerous other volcanoes can be climbed, or teams can journey through the Highlands on spectacular 3 to 5 day treks, staying with remote Mayan communities enroute – a unique opportunity for cultural interaction. There are many treks and teams can spend anything from 4 days to 2 weeks exploring the stunning Highland scenery. Projects Your project phase will be in Guatemala or Belize. In both countries teams can do community projects in remote Mayan villages, where you will live and work with local families. This provides an amazing insight into traditional life amongst the colourful and fascinating Maya. There are excellent coastal conservation projects in Guatemala and Belize where teams not only help out directly with sea turtle conservation but also with environmental education in schools. Rest and Relaxation Throughout the expedition trekking can be interspersed with days visiting Mayan ruins such as the astonishing city of Tikal in the north of Guatemala or Copan in Western Honduras, and colorful indigenous markets such as Chichicastenango. Regardless of routing, all expeditions can encompass a few days on the Caribbean coast of Belize and Mexico with the opportunity for snorkeling in the crystal clear sea, or simply relaxing on the lovely white beaches.	Testimonials “I have travelled the Maya Route, which has been the most fantastic experience of my life. Everyday I have woken up to another challenge, some days harder than others, but without doubt World Challenge has allowed me to experience some amazing things. It has certainly prepared me a little more for future challenges I may face in later life, and also greatly improved my leadership skills.” Anna Stringer 2005 Challenger “I feel I have benefited greatly from the trip. Not only have I broadened my horizons, but I have learnt to use my initiative and be more independent and confident. During the last week of the expedition I actually notice changes in myself (for the better!) which proves that Team Challenge is such a brilliant thing to do.” Philippa Burnell 2005 Challenger “The trip has been an unbelievable experience that has enabled me to grow hugely in confidence. I now feel more aware of the world around me and have a better understanding of the value of money. At times I had to push myself to the limit, but I was always rewarded with an immense feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. World Challenge is a must. It helps you decide what you want from life and changes you for the better. ” Holly Russell 2005 Challenger
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