Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Belize. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they take this tour. Although we do our best to make sure that what follows here is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document which will be sent to all tour registrants, and whose contents supersedes any information contained here.
ENTERING BELIZE: Your passport, as a general rule, should be valid for at least six months after the date the tour ends. US, Canadian and British citizens do not need a visa to visit Belize. Citizens of other countries may require a visa. You should contact the Belize Embassy for more details: Embassy of Belize, 2535 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008, tel: (202) 332 9636, fax: (202) 332 6888 (also deals with inquiries from Canada).
BELIZE MAP AND COUNTRY INFORMATION: You can view maps of Belize in the University of Texas series here. You can review the U.S. Department of State background notes on Belize here.
HEALTH: No specific inoculations are necessary, although up-to-date tetanus protection is a good idea. There is some risk of malaria in the rural areas of Belize. Please check with your doctor or local health department as to advisability of your taking a malaria prophylaxis (chloroquine — brand name Aralen — is the drug recommended for this region). You might also want to discuss with your doctor the need for vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A, as there is some risk of these diseases in Belize (as in most developing countries). Special medications may be unavailable so bring enough to cover your needs for the entire trip.
You can review the CDC latest advisories here.
We have found that with proper eating habits, intestinal problems can be largely avoided. In most of Belize, it is unwise to drink untreated water, although bottled soft drinks are reliable. At Chan Chich, the tap water is potable and there is always bottled water available
Biting insects can be locally numerous, but are rarely a problem in the dry season. Careful application of repellant provides good protection and the leader will advise you when it will be necessary.
CLIMATE: The average rainfall during the time of our visit is about five inches per month, so rain might be encountered, although it will probably not be heavy or prolonged. A light rain jacket or traveling umbrella is advised. The general nature of the climate is humid and tropical, with daytime high temperatures averaging 85°F and nightime lows averaging 68°F, though the occasional cold front can reach this far south, droppingovernight lows into the low 50s and creating showery conditions for a day. It’s a good idea to keep a warmer jacket handy.
PACE OF THE TOUR: As on most tours to the neotropics, early starts are important for seeing and hearing birds. This is countered by the option for an afternoon siesta and only 12 hours of daylight, so late nights are not a problem. Also, this tour will be divided into early morning, late morning and afternoon outings so that an early rise is optional. All meals are taken at our accommodation. This is not a strenuous tour and there are no major climbs, but much of our time at Chan Chich will be spent on foot. Some trails have numerous exposed roots and others may be muddy or pass over limestone rocks that are slippery when they’re wet, so proper footwear is needed.
ACCOMMODATION: Biltmore Plaza Hotel is a full service hotel situated in the quiet area of Bella Vista on the outskirts of Belize City. At Chan Chich Lodge we stay in thatched-roof cabañas that surround two central buildings that contain the reception desk, restaurant, bar, gift shop, and library. Each cabaña is fully screened and has a king or two queen-size beds, ceiling fan, private bath with hot and cold water, 24 hour electricity and a wrap-around veranda complete with hammocks. Internet access, including wireless service, is available at both the Biltmore and Chan Chich.
FOOD: The kitchen at Chan Chich produces some of the finest meals in Belize and you will not find friendlier service anywhere across the globe. Using fresh local produce (seasonally dependent), Chan Chich offers a balance of traditional Belizean meals and exceptional international cuisine
TRANSPORTATION: Travel will be by air from Bleize City and small bus for our away from Chan Chich outings.
SMOKING: We request that you not smoke in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, we ask that you do so well away and downwind from the group. If any site where the group is gathered has a stricter smoking policy than the WINGS policy, that stricter policy will prevail.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS General Information and Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours, and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Belize and Chan Chich will be sent to registrants on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Updated: July 2010