Belize: Temples of Coral and Stone
November 5–11, 2023
Embark on a journey that connects you with both cultural history and a vibrant natural environment. See the Overview to the right for more information on what we’ll see, do, and learn.
Belize has so much to offer — let’s explore the diverse landscapes and unique history of this beautiful Central American country. Home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and the highest concentration of Mayan archaeological sites, Belize is rich in natural and cultural experiences.
From the dazzling Caribbean Sea shorelines to the dense Cayo Rainforest, you’ll enjoy getting up close to the people and places that make this an unforgettable journey. Imagine hiking around the 1,500-year-old ruins of Xunantunich, canoeing through underground caverns, snorkeling with marine life, and sampling Mayan-style hot chocolate at a cacao plantation. We’ll also get the opportunity to meet local tortilla makers, school children, and cattle ranchers to learn first-hand about their way of life.
Only a few short hours from anywhere in the United States, Belize is easy to reach and waiting to welcome you!
See more details below and click the REGISTER NOW button above to join us.
It’s a natural and cultural gold mine, home to the world’s second largest barrier reef, and the highest concentration of Mayan archaeological sites.
You can combine hiking, kayaking, and swimming all within an afternoon’s adventures.
It’s in a nearby time zone, allowing for less jet lag and recovery time both before and after the trip.
It’s a Caribbean paradise. Natural beauty surrounds you at all turns.
We’re partnering with Classic Journeys who share our belief in “creating authentic connections by immersing you into the history and culture of a people and place.” Travel + Leisure magazine has named Classic Journeys as the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times, and the editors of T+L say, “Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
St. Olaf Travel helps alumni, families, and friends of the College explore other cultures, histories, cuisines, and more. One of our goals is that in encountering other viewpoints, we will deepen our understanding of our own perspectives.
The tour starts and ends in Belize City. You can view — and download or print, if you wish — the most current itinerary here.
You’ll experience a variety of eco-cultures, including the city, rainforest, local ranches, and water explorations. And, you’re going with a top team in the region, Classic Journeys. Each of their guides is local and veteran—they know these sites intimately, focusing on the history and far-reaching cultural influence to add to your understanding and appreciation. Private and exclusive experiences abound throughout the program.
To fully participate in this program, you should be able to walk up to five miles per day over possibly uneven terrain (e.g. cobblestones or aged sidewalks), climb stairs that may not have handrails, keep pace with an active group of travelers, deal with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing a different culture, and be a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible).
Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private baths, air conditioning, and English-speaking staff.
You should plan on seeing your family physician or a travel doctor at least four to six weeks prior to departure, preferably earlier, to talk about routine vaccinations. For more information on travel health, visit cdc.gov or who.int.
We recommend you be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any recommended boosters for your age or health group, before departure. You should plan on seeing your family physician or a travel doctor at least four to six weeks prior to departure, preferably earlier, to talk about recommended vaccinations for this destination. For more information on travel health, visit cdc.gov or who.int.
The travel insurance included with your program fee covers illness overseas, including covid. You can read more, including the full FAQ and a Summary document, on our Travel Insurance page.
Inclusions and exclusions vary from program to program. Please read the following details closely.
The program fee is $5,988 per person. Based on double occupancy, it includes a St. Olaf host, Classic Journeys tour escort, local guides, roundtrip flight Belize City-Ambergris Caye, accommodations, breakfast daily and group meals as listed on the itinerary, admissions for group activities, ground transportation during the program, gratuities to group guides, drivers, group meal servers, and limited medical coverage while overseas. A supplement of $995 applies for single occupancy.
Airfare to and from Belize is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the program fee. Examples of excluded expenses are: International Airfare • Airport transfers • Any passport and visa fees • Any recommended immunizations or vaccinations • Baggage and trip cancellation insurance • Alcoholic beverages, including at group meals • Laundry • Dry cleaning • Phone charges • Room service or other items of a personal nature • Expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities • Lunch and dinner, unless specifically included on program itinerary.
This schedule is based on payments St. Olaf College must make to program vendors to guarantee group rates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our payment terms are more flexible than before. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance at the time of registration to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the program.
Deposit due: $500 upon registration
Refund if you cancel: Full refund ($500) until March 14, 2023. If the deposit is made after March 14, 2023 there is no refund.
Interim payment due: $3,000 by March 15, 2023
Refund if you cancel: $1,500 until June 30, 2023
Final payment due: July 1, 2023
Refund if you cancel: None, unless the program is full and your place can be resold
Cancellations must be in writing.
Review the Trip Information Sheet.
Read the Terms & Conditions and Release & Waiver.
Review the latest information on recommended immunizations at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Check your passport. It should have at least six months’ validity past the program return date. No visa is required for tourist visits of 30 days or less.
Take a look at the International Travel section of the U.S. State Department, including Before You Go, Country Information, While Abroad, and Emergencies.
Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, safety overview, and more.
This tour is an official GO. Get information on timing your flights and check out our tips on Booking Your Flights.
Registration for this tour has now closed.