Beautiful Belize

Belize is a unique and special country because it is the only independent nation in Central America where English is the official language, blending vibrant Caribbean island culture with lush Mayan history, the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and strict eco-conservation rules that protect most of its natural landscape.

Unlike its Spanish-speaking neighbors, English is the official language for government and schools, though Belizean Creole, Spanish, and Mayan languages are spoken daily.

A rich blend of Creole, Maya, Mestizo, and Garifuna traditions shapes the country’s unique food, music, and daily life. You will not find major fast-food chains like McDonald’s or massive corporate storefronts, which preserves a local, authentic feel.

Temperature in February is ideal—warm sunny dry days with coastal average of 80-84 degrees + evening lows of 70-73 degrees.

This will be a voyage of discovery, cultural immersion, ancient Mayan ruins, spiritual ceremonies, learning about medicinal plants, snorkeling, island hopping, cool animal sightings, participation in traditional local customs and drumming, plus free time to chill at the pool or beach, get a spa treatment + do some retail therapy!

Ask Susan for a Registration Form 267-614-6012 or SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com

USA – SAN IGNACIO, BELIZE

Depart USA for Belize. Reception upon arrival and transfer to San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Kick off the Belize adventure with a Welcome Dinner.
Overnight at San Ignacio Resort Hotel

MAYA CULTURAL IMMERSION (B,L)

After breakfast, drive to the Maya village of San Antonio, where you’ll try your hand at ancient pottery-making techniques with the local Women’s Group.

Experience the region’s local culture while making corn tortillas on a traditional fire hearth, and learn about the process of grinding fresh corn into “masa,” the dough for the tortillas. While the women finish preparing lunch, explore the property to learn about the sustainable processes used to fire the ceramic kilns and sustain an organic garden.

Enjoy a delicious homemade lunch afterward, starting with warm atole, followed by roasted chicken, fresh salsa, and your recently prepared corn tortillas.
Overnight at San Ignacio Resort Hotel

SPIRITUAL CEREMONY AND MEDICINAL TRAIL (B)

Begin the day with a Copal Spiritual Healing Experience, an ancient Maya ritual centered on copal, a resin harvested from a tree found throughout Belize. Its name comes from the Nahuatl word “copalli,” meaning “incense,” and the ancient Maya burned it during rituals believed to cleanse people and places of negative energy. It’s a practice still used today to create a tranquil environment. As you take part in the ceremony, watch the swirling smoke said to ward off ill intentions and self-sabotage; many participants describe feeling lighter and renewed by the experience.

From there, set out on a guided walk through the hiking trails of a 17-acre private estate to explore the Maya tradition of medicinal plants and herbs, long relied on to treat everything from stomach aches and fever to allergies and insect bites. Your guide will point out native plants along the way and share their history and healing uses. The tour concludes with a tea tasting inside a traditional Maya hut, where you’ll learn about the plants hand-picked during your walk, craft your own blend, and develop your palate. Overnight at San Ignacio Resort Hotel

SAN IGNACIO – XUNANTUNICH – PLACENCIA (B,L)

Considered to be the heartland of a civilization that once was, Belize boasts a rich heritage of archaeological sites. Its Cayo District, one of the last unspoiled places in the country and once the epicenter of the Maya, is dotted with ancient cities and ruins. This morning, travel across one of the last hand-cranked chain ferries to Xunantunich (Maiden of the Rock), one of the region’s most legendary attractions, for a privately guided tour.

Perch atop “El Castillo,” which rises 130 ft. above the jungle canopy, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and villages. Stop on the way back at a traditional market in the village of San Jose Succotz, along the banks of the Mopan River, offering local crafts made from cloth, fabrics, slate, wood, and other natural materials. Lunch is provided off-site as part of this excursion.
This afternoon, transfer from San Ignacio to Placencia, where you’ll settle in to Umaya Resort for the remainder of the trip.

Overnight at Umaya Resort

ISLAND HOPPING: MANATEE WATCH, SNORKELING & FISHING (B,L)

Azure waters, golden shores, and swaying palm trees await you as you hop from caye to island. Plunge into the “underwater Disney” of marine life surrounding Ivan’s Caye, Laughing Bird Caye, and Moho Caye off Placencia’s coast, where you can snorkel with nurse sharks, rays, turtles, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive manatee.

Dotted with palm trees and sprinkled with soft white-sand beaches that beautifully contrast with turquoise waters, Moho Caye is arguably your quintessential postcard-perfect island. Go for a stroll along the beach, relax in a gently rocking hammock (nap optional), or snorkel some more before heading back. A beach BBQ lunch is included, so you can enjoy fresh local flavors with ocean views.

Overnight at Umaya Resort

PLACENCIA – FREE DAY (B)

Enjoy a free day at your own pace in Placencia. Relax by the beach, explore the village’s shops and restaurants, or book an optional activity on your own. Today is yours to spend as you like.

Overnight at Umaya Resort

GARIFUNA CULTURAL IMMERSION (B,L,D)

Belize, in addition to boasting a panoply of attractions, is defined by its people, the melting pot of cultures at its forefront. Today, celebrate the proud Garinagu with a local family as you immerse yourself in their age-old traditions, including their traditional attire, food, language, music, religious and spiritual beliefs, and way of life. Your insight into Garifuna culture culminates in an exciting interactive drumming lesson led by one of Belize’s best drummers.

This evening, gather for a Closing Dinner to celebrate the perfect ending to your journey, sharing laughter, memories, and toasts with your travel companions.

Overnight at Umaya Resort

PLACENCIA to USA (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.

There is something to remember as this trip comes to an end. “In Lak’ech Ala Kin” is a Mayan greeting rooted in inter-connectedness. It means “I am you and you are me.” It instills the philosophy that caring for ourselves positively impacts those around us. When our cups are full, we have so much more to give to our family, our community and to humanity. The Mayan people and traditions are extraordinary! I hope you can meet them in-person and feel the love!!

$4875 per person in a shared room
$600 single supplement

$750 non-refundable deposit
$2000 due on Oct 1, 2026
$2125 due on Nov 1, 2026

Send your check to Susan Duval, 200 Spruce St, Apt C5, Doylestown PA 18901.
OR by Zelle to SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com
OR by Venmo (full payment) to Susan-Duval-2
OR by credit card via Paypal – add 4%.  Please speak to Susan for exact amounts.

CONTACT SUSAN FOR A REGISTRATION FORM
Call 267-614-6012 cell or email SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com

• Hotel accommodations for 7 nights (3 nights San Ignacio, 4 nights Placencia)
• Private ground transportation
• Airport transfers
• English-speaking tour guides
• 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

• International flights
• Travel & Health Insurance
• Meals not mentioned in tour description
• Alcohol and soft drinks

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The purchase of trip cancellation / emergency medical travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended. No one likes to buy it, but if you need it, you’ll be REALLY happy you have it.

If you have pre-existing conditions, it’s best to select a policy that covers you for them. Call customer service for assistance within 10 days of paying the deposit.

Insure My Trip covers all ages, including people age 70 and up, and gives you various policies to choose from. Call 800-487-4722.

Other reputable companies are Travel Guard, WithFaye, and Allianz.