A trip for all alumnae, faculty, staff, students, and interested guests developed by retired UPitt Anthropology faculty member Isabelle Champlin

This trip is not supported by the University of Pittsburgh

This seven day travel course will explore the jungles, caves, reefs, and ancient ruins of Belize. This promises to be one of our most diverse courses, with something for everyone. In the first days of the trip participants will visit three archaeological sites and explore a cave with an ancient Maya shrine inside. The on the way to the coast, a visit to the famous Belize Zoo will introduce students to Central America's diverse wildlife. The final days will be spend snorkeling and diving out in the cayes, the islands lining the world's second largest natural barrier reef. Evening lectures about ancient Maya culture will add yet another dimension to this unique trip. Few other travel courses can provide such a diverse learning experience.

Caves, Cayes, and Ancient Culture in Belize
Price	$1200 (based on double occupancy lodging, add $300 for private room) $200 deposit due upon registration, balance due 30 days before the course
Date	March 3-10, 2012
REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE PAY COURSE BALANCE

	March 3, Saturday: Arrival and Orientation Afternoon: Fly into Belize City and transport to San Ignacio Evening: Orientation meeting in the hotel Overnight in San Ignacio
	March 4, Sunday: Ancient Maya Morning: Tour of Cahal Pech ruins Afternoon: Tour of Xunantunich ruins Evening: Lecture - The Ancient Metropolis of Caracol Overnight in San Ignacio
	March 5, Monday: Caracol Morning: Transport to and tour of Caracol Afternoon: Return to San Ignacio Evening: Lecture - Sacred Maya Caves Overnight in san Ignacio
	March 6, Tuesday: Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Morning: exploring ATM cave Afternoon: Free day to rest in San Ignacio Evening: Free time Overnight in San Ignacio
	March 7, Wednesday: Belize Zoo and the Cayes Morning: Visit to Belize Zoo Afternoon: Water taxis out to Caye Ambergris Evening: Free time in San Pedro Overnight in San Pedro
	March 8, Thursday: Snorkeling All Day: Snorkeling boat trip in Bacalar Chico National Park Evening: Free time in San Pedro Overnight in San Pedro
	March 9, Friday: Free Day All Day: Free day to shop, snorkel, and siesta Evening: Closing ceremonies and final dinner Overnight in San Pedro
March 10, Saturday: Departure Morning island hopper flights back to the Belize City airport and flights back to the USA

San Ignacio: Cahal Pech Village Resort
Resort services include private cabanas, AC, wireless internet, phones, on-site restuarant and a large pool

San Pedro: Blue Tang Inn
Hotel services include private baths, AC, pool, internet access, TV and an on-site restaurant
Alternate Hotel: The Mayan Princess

- Lodging
- Ground and water transportation
- Entrance fees
- MEC Instructor
- Course resource packet
- Breakfasts and lunches
- Final dinner


- Airfare to/from Belize
- One way flights from San Pedro back to the Belize City airport on March 10th
- Travel insurance
- Dinners
- Tips for Service Providers (drivers, maids, etc..)

Proceeds from MEC Travel courses and tours are the center's primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center's 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.