Most Inspirational Moment
Birdwatching (particularly at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary) was phenomenal. Not only was Jorge able to identify all the fauna and flora, he provided a wealth of information about each. He imparted a poignant reminder of how inextricably linked we are to nature, that nature has so much to teach us, and that we have a responsibility to care for all manner of life. The visits to the archaeological site at Lamanai and the stunning Mayan ruins at Tikal, and learning about the history of the Mayan civilization, was incredibly interesting and humbling. The experience of being in inner tubes in the pitch dark caves (Caves Branch River) and listening to all of the sounds, and then turning our headlamps back on to see the interior with its stalactites and stalagmites and all the various patterns, was pure magic! Another of my most memorable experiences came early on during a visit to a little museum at Crooked Tree. I said to the local guide who escorted us through the museum that "if only all of my teachers had been like you, I'd probably be pretty smart today"! Like our guide Jorge, and all the other guides throughout the tour, he was an engaging storyteller and very proud of his country, such that his passion was truly infectious. Really appreciated that our last few days were in Caye Caulker and that the last day was a "free" day. That being said, it was election day and no alcohol was being served which meant that some of the places were closed. The size and the camaraderie of the whole group added a whole extra element of enjoyment for me. Though I haven't mentioned other experiences and places, all were extremely worthy of note.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jorge was, without exception, the best tour leader I have ever experienced. Not only was he knowledgeable, about the history and culture of Belize, the history of the Mayan civilization, and all the fauna and flora, he never tired of sharing his vast array of knowledge. He was engaging, enthusiastic, fun and was forever watching out for the safety of the group. But for his excellent leadership, it's difficult to imagine I would have enjoyed this trip as much as I did. Definitely a 10/10. His amazing organizational skills and incredible rapport with all of the drivers and other local guides who were part of this tour (both in Belize and Guatemala) ensured that everything ran smoothly and in a timely fashion. In short, Jorge is worth his weight in gold and Exodus should be very proud to have him as a tour guide.
• Two other experiences I will mention both relate to the need for medical attention while in Belize and the way it was handled. A few days into the tour, I became quite unwell as a result of infected mosquito bites. Jorge called ahead to the medical facility. From beginning to end, I felt supported and safe in every way possible and will be forever grateful both for Jorge's involvement and the excellent care received by the clinic in San Ignacio. The second experience involved one of my friends who was also part of the tour. It became necessary for her to deboard the plane (going home) because she was not well enough to fly. I immediately contacted Exodus and they arranged for an appointment at a medical facility, organized all related transportation while we remained in Belize City over the next few days, and found us a hotel, all the while checking on the status of my friend. I can't say enough about Exodus and look forward to exploring other trips with them.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Really important (as stressed in trip notes) to drink lots of water. Sunscreen and bug repellant - a must! Accommodation ranged from good to excellent (as accurately reflected in the trip notes). The food overall was very tasty and varied and seafood was always fresh. There was always a good selection and I particularly enjoyed trying the Belizean dishes. As travelling was primarily by mini-bus, and many of the roads were dirt and gravel, it made for slow-going. However, as our group was small (7 plus guide), each of us were able to have our own window seat and there were ample opportunities provided for bathroom stops along the way.
